The Tides Inn

"The tranquil beauty of Virginia’s river life unfolds like a folk melody at this waterfront inn located on a private peninsula. This is the kind of place generations of folks from the D.C. and Richmond areas have been going to for years, so expect to run into families whose parents were married here. While it operated as a farm until 1946, the 106-room Tides Inn has changed hands a few times to its present owners, the Enchantment Group, but without compromising its classic Chesapeake-style identity. Being situated at the confluence of the Virginia wine and oyster trails makes for plenty of outings: there’s even an “Oyster Academy” that teaches guests to harvest, prepare, and pair oysters with wines. The resort’s signature lime-green cruise bikes are an ideal way to explore the town."