We just left Urbanna, Virginia. It is a bittersweet moment. We spent over a month of our Chesapeake summer cruising season at this historic port town. Established in 1680, Urbanna is one of the oldest towns in America. We came to love this little township with its old fashioned flavor that is still reminiscent of what a small Virginia town was like in the 18th and 19th century. It maintains its irregular grid pattern of streets typical of the time period in which it was founded. It also dons a variety of buildings that show the diversity of architecture over the last 300 years.
During our stay there, we came to love the friendly people who live there, especially the sweet congregation at Urbanna Baptist Church which was founded in the 1890’s. Pastor Eddie Heath took us under his wings immediately and we’ve made a lifelong friend in him. He even asked Kory if he would be willing to help redesign their website. What an honor! Every day while at anchorage, we would hear hymns chiming from the church steeple and echoing throughout the town, and the Sunday morning bell ringing as a call to worship was a welcome treat. It’s a special church with special people, and we will miss this congregation!
While staying in the town of Urbanna, we were able to take part in their annual Founder’s Day Festival, and we even got to take my mom there to experience a little step back in time. It was special to have her with us. This year’s presentation featured re-enactors Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry who debated on the “Separation of Church and State.” We also were able to enjoy some 18th century folk music, balladeers, and fife and drum playing. We marched behind them down the streets to the church where the debate took place. It was quite a big production for such a small town..
The summers in Urbanna bring a lot of activity–farmer’s markets, an Independence Day boat parade, a beach party, gospel music, food, crafts and other entertainment. It is a treasured place with a small town feel where everyone waves, smiles, and lends a helping hand. Sadly, we weren’t able to stay for Urbanna famous Oyster Festival which attracts a massive crowd. That happens in November and we had to leave before then. Maybe another year!
The Urbanna website says about itself, “Turn off the main road or cruise up the Rappahannock River from the Chesapeake Bay to the charming and friendly historic Colonial port town of Urbanna. Home of Virginia’s Offical Oyster Festival, more boats than folks and laid back innkeepers, shopkeepers, chefs and townspeople. You will see where tons of tobacco were loaded into ships to sail back to Europe and the Famous Mitchell map is displayed at our visitor center located in the James Mills Scottish Factor Store.” It really is a gem of a town!
The anchorage was spacious and scenic. The creek bottom was muddy, like a thick charcoal clay, but the holding was great! There is a free dinghy dock at the Town Marina, and the Amy and Andy at Urbby Marina and Boatyard were very accommodating as well. We will miss this little town and hope to make it back someday. Here are some pictures of our summertime experiences in Urbanna!
We sure were torn about leaving Urbanna! This town is a little home away from home. But, it was time to leave and begin our trek south. We are so grateful for the great memories we made and the wonderful people we met. We are truly blessed!
