Want a no-rush escape that is an easy drive from DC or Richmond? Picture a small, friendly town where your morning starts with coffee and local art, and afternoons end with river views from towering Potomac cliffs. If you are craving a simple rhythm with just enough to see and do, Montross in Westmoreland County makes a calm, practical base for a long weekend. Below, you will find a relaxed three-day plan, plus seasonal tips and second-home insights to help you make the most of your time. Let’s dive in.
Why Montross for a slow weekend
Montross is the county seat of Westmoreland County in Virginia’s Northern Neck, a low-density stretch of coastline known for heritage sites, quiet roads, and river access. Its small-town core puts you within a short drive of Westmoreland State Park and Stratford Hall, two of the area’s biggest draws for views and history. The pace is calm, the drives are short, and the amenities are just enough for a smooth, no-fuss stay. For county context and services, start with the official Westmoreland County site.
Day 1: Town center and cliffs
Morning: Coffee and a stroll
Ease in with a latte at The Art of Coffee, a local café and gallery on Kings Highway that often serves as a casual morning meet-up spot. You can browse rotating artwork and get a feel for the walkable downtown around Courthouse Square. Check current hours on the Town of Montross page before you go.
Late morning: Local history in one hour
Head to the Westmoreland County Museum in the Wakefield Building for a quick, focused look at local history. The museum’s exhibits and the Presidents’ Garden pair nicely with a browse through the Westmoreland Mercantile and the nostalgic Montross Soda Shoppe next door. Confirm museum and Mercantile hours on the museum’s site.
Afternoon: Westmoreland State Park
Drive a few minutes to Westmoreland State Park for easy trails and big Potomac views. Walk to the Horsehead Cliffs overlook for photos, then try the fossil beach area where visitors often search the shoreline for shark teeth. Rentals and programs, including kayaks and guided paddles, run seasonally, and cell service can be limited in places. Review trail notes and seasonal details on the park’s page.
Evening: Taproom time in town
Wrap the day with a casual dinner and flight at Northern Neck Brewing Company, a modern taproom-style brewpub known for community events and live music nights. It is an easy walk from the town center and fits the mellow Montross vibe. Check what’s on tap and any events on the brewery’s site.
Day 2: Stratford Hall and the Potomac
Morning: Stratford Hall Great House and grounds
Spend the morning at Stratford Hall, a major historic preserve overlooking the Potomac. Tour the Great House by audio or guided tour, then wander the gardens and nature trails. The grounds are open daily, while the Great House has a more limited schedule, so it is smart to confirm current tour days and ticketing on the Stratford Hall site. If you love it, note that Stratford Hall also offers on-site guest houses and cabins.
Afternoon: Shoreline options nearby
If you want more water views, drive to the George Washington Birthplace National Monument at Popes Creek for a shoreline walk, small exhibits, and calm scenery. You can also continue to Colonial Beach for a simple boardwalk stroll and sunset. For hours and visitor basics at the national monument, use the NPS guide.
Evening: Choose your pace
Head back to Montross for a quiet dinner or stay near the water if you prefer a boardwalk evening. Montross nights are low-key and friendly, usually anchored by a taproom or a local restaurant. If you want a waterside scene, plan to spend the night in Colonial Beach, then return to Montross in the morning.
Day 3: Arts, antiques, and easy browsing
Morning: The Arts Center of Montross
Start with a gallery visit at The Arts Center of Montross, which hosts rotating shows, classes, and seasonal First Friday openings. It is an easy way to meet local makers and find a small piece to bring home. For exhibit updates and event dates, check the Arts Center’s calendar.
Late morning: Antiques and mercantiles
Spend an hour or two browsing small antique shops and mercantiles along or near Kings Highway. Stores often keep limited or seasonal hours, so check day-of schedules. Pick up local preserves, small gifts, and a few postcards to close out your weekend.
Lunch and departure
Grab a casual lunch in town and stretch your legs with one last pass through Courthouse Square. If you missed the Westmoreland Mercantile earlier, this is a good time to circle back for take-home treats. Then point your car toward home with a calm head and a full camera roll.
Practical planning tips
Easy access from DC and Richmond
Montross sits within a roughly 1.5 to 2 hour drive of Washington, DC, and about 1.5 hours from Richmond depending on traffic. Regional visitor guidance for nearby attractions uses the same timing, which makes Montross a realistic weekend base for the DMV. For planning cues and events, browse Stratford Hall’s visitor info.
Lodging for a no-fuss stay
You will find small B&Bs and inns in Montross, on-site guest houses and cabins at Stratford Hall, and cabins or campgrounds at Westmoreland State Park. These options keep everything close and simple, especially if you want short drives and lots of nature. If you are aiming for a waterfront night, consider Colonial Beach and return to Montross the next day.
Seasonality matters
The Northern Neck is liveliest from late spring through early fall. Programs such as kayak rentals at Westmoreland State Park, outdoor music, and First Friday arts events tend to be seasonal. Always confirm hours and ticketing for small museums, cafés, and breweries before you go. Park operations and programs are listed on the Westmoreland State Park page.
Everyday services
Montross has the essentials you need for a weekend or a second-home stay, including grocery options, takeout restaurants, a pharmacy, banks, and county offices. Larger-format shopping sits in nearby towns if you prefer a bigger store run. For county-level contacts and departments, use the Westmoreland County website.
Considering a second home here
If you are testing the idea of a second home in Westmoreland County, start with the basics of local hosting rules. The county maintains a transient-occupancy tax framework for short-term lodging. Hosts must register with the Commissioner of the Revenue, collect the local lodging tax, and file monthly remittance forms. Local zoning or neighborhood covenants can affect whether short-term rentals are allowed, so contact county planning for property-specific guidance. Begin with the Commissioner of the Revenue page for forms and current instructions.
Potomac viewpoints to prioritize
- Westmoreland State Park: Short hikes lead to photo-friendly overlooks and a fossil beach area. Expect limited cell service and seasonal boat rentals.
- Stratford Hall grounds: Trails and a river-cliff overlook pair well with a Great House tour. Check days and tickets for the interior tour before you go.
- Birders’ bonus: Caledon State Park in nearby King George is a regional eagle-watching spot. Plan extra time if you want to add it to your route.
Quick weekend checklist
- Confirm hours for The Art of Coffee, breweries, and galleries.
- Check Stratford Hall tour days and purchase tickets in advance if needed.
- Review Westmoreland State Park trail conditions, programs, and rentals.
- Pack water shoes for fossil beaches and a light jacket for breezy overlooks.
- Download maps in case of limited cell service in the park.
Ready to explore property options?
If this calm, river-forward lifestyle fits what you want in a weekend place, talk with a local advisor who understands waterfront details, construction quality, and Northern Neck market rhythms. Reach out to Beth Groner to discuss second-home options, shoreline considerations, and smart next steps.
FAQs
How far is Montross from Washington, DC for a weekend visit?
- Montross and nearby attractions are commonly described as a roughly 1.5 to 2 hour drive from DC, which makes a Friday-to-Sunday trip very doable.
What can I do in Montross if it rains?
- Visit the Westmoreland County Museum, sample a taproom flight indoors, explore small galleries and antique shops, or tour Stratford Hall’s interior exhibits and visitor center.
Is Montross nightlife busy or quiet?
- Evenings are low-key and friendly, usually centered on a taproom or local restaurant; for a livelier waterfront night, consider nearby Colonial Beach.
Are there seasonal schedules I should know about?
- Yes. Park programs, kayak rentals, brewery events, and arts openings tend to run in warmer months, so confirm hours and event calendars before your trip.
Can I try a short-term rental if I buy a second home?
- Yes, subject to county rules. You must register with the Commissioner of the Revenue, collect local lodging tax, file monthly forms, and confirm zoning or covenants.
