The Tides Inn in Irvington, Virginia is undoubtedly one of the most beloved Chesapeake Bay resorts on the Virginia coastline. Families and couples, boaters and golfers have been visiting the Tides Inn since it opened its doors in the summer of 1947. Originally a 25-acre farm overlooking Carter’s Creek, the site was purchased, and the new owners decided to build an inn that was “the finest thing that could be developed and still keep the rural atmosphere.” Today, the Tides Inn has welcomed individuals and groups for nearly three-quarters of a century, providing a gracious environment and generous hospitality.
This month, Christi Ruddy, CMP, and Dee Dee White of Covington Meetings & Events were invited to an overnight site inspection of the resort. They joined other meeting planners from the surrounding region to take an in-depth tour of the property. The resort is freshly renovated, so the Covington ladies were anxious to see the results through their lens of practiced meeting professionals with an eye for what works for meetings, weddings, and family reunions.
“Having spent my summers growing up on Carters Creek at the Rappahannock River Yacht Club, I’ve been going to The Tides Inn for decades and it looks the best I’ve ever seen.”
– Dee Dee White
Public Spaces
The Tides Inn refurbishment features new furnishings and décor in the public spaces, all new fitness equipment, 3,000 square feet of refreshed meeting space, and the addition of a free-standing spa across the creek, accessible by Duffy boats. (The new spa will be open in 2022.) Guests can also rent the eight-passenger electric Duffy boats for a fun day on the bay.
Guests who have visited the Tides Inn in the past will certainly remember the iconic Miss Ann yacht, named in honor of the original resort owner “Big Steve’s” wife. Unfortunately, Miss Ann was removed from service, but guests still enjoy guided tours around Carter’s Creek and sunset river cruises on the Duffy boats. For guests who sail their own craft to the resort, a full-service marina accommodates 24 vessels up to 150-feet in length.
Guestrooms
The Tides Inn’s renovations didn’t end with the public spaces. 66 redesigned guestrooms and four new luxury suites offer stylish coastal comfort with views of Carter’s Creek or lush gardens. Most have private patios to enjoy the tranquil scenery. The new luxury suites have a living room with a separate bedroom, spa-like bathrooms, rich woods, and splendid water views.
“It felt like business was back to normal at The Tides Inn. Housekeeping comes twice a day and all the pre-pandemic things you expect in rooms were there, like local magazines, accent pillows, and full room service.”
– Dee Dee White
Meeting Space
The Tides Inn has more than 5,000 square feet of refreshed indoor and outdoor meeting venues. These spaces accommodate events from an intimate party of six to a team-building event for a hundred or more. The resort offers a multitude of coastal, fitness, and just plain fun activities to incorporate into your meeting or event plan.
- Bikes
- Golf
- Fitness &Wellbeing
- Kids Club
- Parlor & Garden Games
- Culinary Experiences
- Historic Sites
- Wine Trail
- Mixology Classes
- Maker Space
- Oyster Academy
- Fishing &Crabbing
- Sailing School
- Water Activities
- Cruises & Boat Rentals
“If your event participants are traveling from afar, the Tides Inn is easy to reach with three Virginia airports nearby – Richmond, Newport News, and Norfolk – and is within a three-hour drive from Washington, D.C. and Baltimore.”
– Christi Ruddy, CMP
Dining
The Tides Inn takes Chesapeake Bay coastal fare to a new level with ocean-inspired restaurants and unique al fresco settings. The WOW factor of hosting an oyster roast on the beach or a seated dinner on the lovely Overlook would certainly be memorable to your event guests.
The Chesapeake Restaurant & Terrace has new Terrace seating, new seasonal menus, and new culinary guest experiences. It serves fresh, locally sourced meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The brand-new Fish Hawk Oyster Bar is a casual restaurant with indoor creek-view dining or poolside seating. It serves seafood classics, including an excellent oyster raw bar, burgers, and cocktails, plus offers grab-and-go items.
The Eagle Room speaks to the inn’s history, decorated with a hand-carved wooden eagle representing ‘peace’ and vintage Bourbon lockers. The Golden Eagle Grill serves light American fare at the Golden Eagle Golf Club.
“The week after our stay, I booked the Tides Inn for a client’s 60-person sales meeting. It’s also ideal for weddings, family reunions, etc. Enchantment Resorts has done a fabulous job of updating this treasured Chesapeake landmark while keeping its charm and history in the forefront.”
– Dee Dee White
If you want to impress your event participants, we can wholeheartedly recommend the relaxed yet refined coastal atmosphere of the Tides Inn. The newly refreshed spaces are a perfect backdrop to the gracious hospitality, peaceful views, and culinary prowess you will experience.
Contact Covington Meetings & Events to discuss using the Tides Inn for your next group event.
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