Beyond the Beach and Mountains:

Just a few hours from Raleigh, our region offers an easy change of pace with riverfront scenery, local food and drink, nationally significant history, outdoor recreation and live entertainment all within a compact area. Spend the weekend moving at your own speed—grab a craft beer, explore historic sites, paddle the river, enjoy dinner by the water and end the evening with a show at one of the area’s most distinctive venues.

Make the drive north and settle into the weekend with dinner, craft beer and live local music at Good Ship Brewing & Eatery. Enjoy pub fare indoors or outside, then check into one of several familiar hotel brands in the area, including options that welcome four-legged travelers.

It is an easy way to ease into the weekend without feeling like you need to rush from one attraction to the next.

Start the morning with coffee and a pastry downtown before heading out to explore some of the region’s most important historic sites.

Visit Grant’s Cabin and the City Point area to learn more about the final months of the Civil War through exhibits, ranger programs and historic interpretation. Then continue to Weston Manor, where the setting and stories provide another window into centuries of local history.

With multiple historic attractions located just a short drive apart, it is easy to experience a surprising amount of American history in a single morning.

After a morning of sightseeing, slow the pace along the Hopewell Riverwalk, part of the larger Appomattox River Trail system. Walk the waterfront or rent a kayak from a convenient self-service rental kiosk and head out for an easy flat-water paddle.

The river offers more than beautiful scenery. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, ospreys and other wildlife while paddling along a waterway that has played an important role in Virginia’s history and commerce.

The James River is also home to Atlantic sturgeon, an ancient species that returns to the river to spawn. During the late summer and fall spawning season, lucky visitors may even catch sight of one breaching the surface.

When you are ready to cool off, stop by City Point Ice Cream & Burgers for locally sourced ice cream and a casual afternoon treat.

Reserve a table at The Boathouse at City Point or Salty Siren and finish the day with waterfront dining overlooking the meeting of the James and Appomattox rivers. Enjoy seafood, crab cakes, a local beer or a drink at the bar while the sun sets across the water.

After dinner, head to the historic Beacon Theatre. Arrive a little early to take in its Art Deco architecture before settling in for an evening of live entertainment in a venue known for its intimate atmosphere and outstanding acoustics.