Essex Inn

We stayed at the Essex in while on a historical tour road trip in Virginia. It's the perfect spot for touring some of the historical sites in the Northern Neck region of VA, and for touring the Chesapeake Bay wine trail. We stayed in the main house in the Green Room. Their website described this room as having a partial view of the river from one of the windows (you could not see the river at all over the rooftops of the neighboring homes). However, the room was nice and spacious. Bob and Janice, the innkeepers, were very gracious and accommodating when we unexpectedly needed to do some work while on our vacation and print some documents. The innkeepers serve a sweet snack in the afternoons and spring water, beer, wine, pretzels, and mixed nuts are available for the enjoyment of guests. The breakfast both days was delightful!

All was perfection from room to breakfast to wonderful Bob and Janice. The garden is magical with that amazing old tree. I would think one could find a lucky fairy or two dwelling there.

First time in a B and B and now we are hooked! Inn Keepers Bob and Janice were friendly and gracious-the food delicious-the accommodations lovely.

Thank you so much for a beautiful respite.I loved the welcome of open doors on our first warm spring day-and the welcome of the extremely gracious innkeepers surpassed everything. I think this inn should put Tappahannock on the map.

This was my husband’s and my fourth visit to The Essex Inn in Tappahannock, VA – that fact alone should speak volumes about how we feel about this bed and breakfast. This time, we were joined by relatives, who stayed in the Quarters. It is hard to say what we like most about the inn – the hosts, the breakfasts, the physical property and furnishings, or the locale. We always look forward to our visits, and we return home relaxed and refreshed, but feeling like we still have so much to see and do in the Tidewater area – from exploring colonial, Revolutionary War, and Civil War era sites within easy drives of the inn, to hiking or kayaking in one of the nearby nature areas. Melodie and Reeves are perfect hosts – welcoming, available to assist with any needs or to offer suggestions about what to see and where to dine, knowledgeable about the local history, and well connected to the Tappahannock community. Melodie is also a terrific cook, and breakfasts are a real treat. The coffee served at breakfast — a blend developed by Melodie — deserves special mention. As far as my husband and I are concerned, the breakfasts alone are worth a visit to the Inn. Although there are several very sweet cats on the property, my brother, who is very allergic to cats, had no problem with his allergies during meals or visits in the main house. For my husband and me, the cats are a definite plus because we miss our cats terribly when we travel. The inn, which was built around 1850, is beautifully restored and maintained and is situated on a quiet street in Tappahannock, one of the oldest towns in the United States. The dining room is elegant, and two other common rooms — a music room and a living room, each with a gas fireplace — offer comfortable and cozy retreats at the end of a day of exploring, as well as on days when it just seems best to stay inside. Within a few blocks of the Inn are a number of historic buildings (including a courthouse with wills and land records dating back to the 1600’s), a small and delightful county museum, and churches with gravestones also dating back to the 1600’s. The bedrooms in the main house are beautifully furnished and immaculately clean. We have stayed in the two largest rooms, the Green and Blue Rooms, which face onto the street, and have large, sun-filled windows. We love the robes provided by the Inn, and the fluffy towels in the bathroom. On chilly evenings, I like to turn on the gas fireplace (each bedroom has one), and just sit quietly watching the flames before retiring for the night. The suites in the Quarters are also lovely, and we will probably stay in the Quarters – but have breakfast in the house — when we come for longer visits.

My stay at The Essex Inn was unequivocally the most wonderful experience I've ever had at a bed and breakfast. The lovely bedroom with gas/electric logs was meticulously decorated and I rested comfortably in the high four poster bed. The gourmet meals were intricate presentations of finest recipes. Hosts, Melodie and Reeves, were gracious, personable, and thoughtful. Don't miss an opportunity to stay at this lovely inn.

Recently, 2PreppyGirls.com sponsored a 5K run for St. Margaret's Girls School in Tappahannock, VA. I was fortunate enough to have found The Essex Inn months ago and have been looking forward to being able to stay there - I was NOT disappointed!! I was in awe of this magnificently preserved and updated 150 year old house. It had wonderful 20 foot ceilings and beautiful hardwood floors but was not drafty; instead, it was warm and inviting with beautiful rugs, rich furniture and roaring fires going in both front rooms as well as my own beautifully appointed bedroom. The owner, Melodie, was friendly but not overtly so in case you just wanted to be alone. She was a marvelous hostess and chef as well! The china and crystal was all paired beautifully with polished silver - ahhh, it was all so lovely! I must tell you that breakfast was really special - Melodie's very own recipe for Crab & Grits with Poached Egg and Old Bay. WOW!! Or maybe it was the sliced melon with fresh Pomogranite (a first for me!)and cream...Oh it was all just sooo wonderful! I encourage you to check out the website and take a look at the pictures, they truly represent what you will experience. I loved my quiet, elegant weekend at the "Rivah" and look forward to going back again and again! Thank you Melodie! And I wish you continued success! Sincerely, Margaret Asbell Owner, www.2PreppyGirls.com