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Surry, Virginia: Where Fun is Always on the Menu – Best Things to Do and Places to Visit

The ferry across the James is genuinely the reason to come over here. It runs all night, it costs nothing at all, and it will take your car. On the far side of the water the crowds simply stop dead. Surry is farmland, a house built in 1665 and one state park. That is the whole of the county, and that is the appeal of it.

Are you looking for somewhere nobody else is going? Look at Surry, Virginia. This town runs historic buildings, open country and a couple of genuine oddities, and it works at any age.

Step back a long way at Bacon’s Castle, one of the oldest brick buildings in the United States, or walk the College Run Farms, where you pick your own and see what this part of Virginia actually grows. For something more recent, check out the Hampton Roads Winery, where the tasting comes with the James River in front of you.

Whether you want a quiet weekend for two or a longer stay with the family, Surry works for both. So what are you waiting for? Start planning the trip over.

Key Takeaways

• Surry, Virginia is a charming and historic town that offers something for everyone.
• Visitors can explore historic gems like Bacon’s Castle, enjoy nature’s bounty at College Run Farms, and sample fine wines at the Hampton Roads Winery.
• Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a fun-filled family vacation, Surry is the perfect destination for your next adventure.

Historic Gems of Surry

Surry is where the history is still standing. From Bacon’s Rebellion to the Fort at Jamestown, this county carries a past worth the drive. Here are the historic stops you should not miss:

Bacon’s Castle

Bacon’s Castle is the one to take if Surry’s history interests you at all. It’s not a castle, but a house built in 1665 by Arthur Allen. During Bacon’s Rebellion in 1676 the house was held as a fort by Nathaniel Bacon and his followers, which is where the name comes from. Today it is a museum run by Preservation Virginia. You can tour the house and get the story properly. It’s the clearest picture anywhere of how the wealthy lived in the 17th century.

Smith’s Fort

Smith’s Fort is the other historic stop in Surry. This page dates it to 1608 and attributes it to John Smith, the man from the Pocahontas story, though what stands there now is a later brick house on ground associated with that earlier fort. The original was built to hold the settlers against the Powhatan Indians. It’s where you get the early years of Jamestown and what the settlers were actually up against. You can tour the house and see how they lived.

So there it is. Those are the historic stops you can work through in Surry. Whether the history is the draw or you simply want a day that teaches you something, Surry delivers.

Nature’s Bounty

Looking for somewhere with nothing going on? Look at the country in Surry, Virginia. From the wildlife management areas to the state park, there is ground here to walk.

Chippokes State Park

For walkers, Chippokes State Park is the one. With over 1,400 acres in it by this page’s count, though the real figure is larger, there is trail enough for a day. Take the easy route along the James River or push into the wooded ground for something harder. And bring a bike if you want the mountain bike trails.

James River

If you want to cool off in the summer months, the James River is right there, though it is tidal and silty at this point with real current in it, so treat swimming with care and take local advice first. And if you want to be on the water rather than in it, rent a kayak or a canoe and work the river yourself.

So birdwatcher, walker or somebody who simply wants to sit in the sun, the country around Surry, Virginia will hold you.

Ferry Tales

If you want an unusual way into Surry, take the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry. This free crossing is the practical way over the James River, and it puts you on the water with the whole landscape opening out around you.

Jamestown-Scotland Ferry

The Jamestown-Scotland Ferry is the busiest attraction in Surry, Virginia, and it is not really an attraction at all. It is a free crossing of the James River, and it changes how the whole area reads. The ferry runs 24 hours a day, every day of the week, and it costs nothing to ride.

The ferry takes its name from the nearby Jamestown Settlement and Scotland Wharf, which was the transport hub for this side of the river. As you cross you get the historic Jamestown Island, the James River Bridge and the Virginia country stretching away behind them.

Free Ferry Ride

The part that surprises people about the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry is that it stays free. You do not need a reservation or a ticket, and you can take the car, the bike or the dog aboard. The ferry is how people reach the nearby Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown, and it is the cheapest way to see this stretch of river.

While you are aboard, take what there is. This page lists a snack bar, restrooms and seating, along with Wi-Fi on the boat, though the crossing is short and the amenities on it are worth checking before you rely on any of them.

Overall, the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry is the way to arrive in Surry, Virginia. Whether you live here or you are visiting, do not drive round when you can cross the James River for nothing.

Wining and Dining in Surry

When it comes to eating and drinking, Surry holds up. From the seafood to the local wine, the county feeds you properly. Here are the places to take:

The Surry Seafood Company

If you eat seafood, take The Surry Seafood Company. This restaurant works off what comes out of the water and does it well. You can order anything on the menu, though the blackened shrimp, the scallops and the fried lobster bites are what people come back for. And take a glass of the local wine with it.

Meats of Virginia

If you eat meat, take Meats of Virginia. This family-owned business has been curing for over 50 years. From the smoked ham to the bacon and the sausage, it is the real thing. And if you cannot decide, the staff will work it out with you.

Whether you want a proper dinner or something simple, Surry covers both. So go ahead and eat well, because you have driven a long way for it.

Bacon’s Castle and Smith’s Fort are the two historic houses in the county. The first of the two is the older and the more remarkable one. The second is a plantation house rather than the fort its name suggests. Chippokes is the state park and the James itself is the water. Everything else on this page is over the river or out of the state.

Stay and Play

Looking for somewhere to stay in Surry County? Look at what follows. There are rentals here that will make the trip comfortable.

Surry County Vacation Rentals

Surry County runs vacation rentals across the sizes and the budgets. Whether you want a cabin in the woods or something on the water, it is here.

Some of the rental options people use in Surry County are:

Colonial Cottages of Williamsburg

A short drive from Surry County, these cottages give you a historic setting and a comfortable bed. Take the slow route in and use Colonial Williamsburg while you are over there.

Yorktown

Another day trip out of Surry County is Yorktown. This town was central to the American Revolution and it draws visitors accordingly. Visit the Yorktown Battlefield, walk the Riverwalk, or take the Yorktown Victory Center, which has traded under a different name for some years now.

And no trip to Yorktown works without a stop at the Yorktown Pub for a cold beer and something to eat.

So what are you waiting for? Book the stay in Surry County and start working through what is here.

Surry’s Modern Marvels

If you want the odd corners of Surry, the county delivers. From nuclear energy to a tower built for goats, it is stranger than it looks.

Surry Nuclear Information Center

First on the list is the Surry Nuclear Information Center. Here you get how nuclear energy is actually produced, which almost nobody can explain properly. You’ll come away with a sense of what uranium does and how it becomes electricity. There is no radiation involved in the visit, and the exhibits cover the history of the industry.

World’s Tallest Goat Tower

Next is the World’s Tallest Goat Tower. Yes, that is right. This tower stands over 30 feet and it houses a herd of goats. You may wonder why anybody builds a tower for goats, and the answer is that somebody did. The tower stands on a working farm, and this page says you can feed the goats from the top of it, which is worth confirming before you turn up expecting access.

So whether nuclear energy interests you or you simply want to see the goats, Surry has both. Put the pair of them on the itinerary.

Fun Filled Festivities

Looking for something on the calendar in Surry, Virginia? Look at what follows. Surry runs festivals and events through the year.

Surry Farmers Market

If you buy your food properly, take the Surry Farmers Market. This market runs every May to August with produce, meat and baked goods. You can also find handmade crafts and jewelry on the tables. It’s where to eat and get the measure of the place at the same time.

Live Music and Concerts

Are you a music person? Then Surry runs live music and concerts through the year. From local bands to bigger names, something will suit. Check out the Surry Summer Concert Series for the outdoor version.

And if you want something smaller, take one of the local bars or restaurants for live music. You never know what you will walk into.

So whether you want the produce or the music, Surry has both. Don’t leave without taking one of them.

Planning Your Surry Adventure

So you have decided on Surry, Virginia, and you are not sure where to start? Fear not, my adventurous friend. With this guide the planning takes almost no effort.

The Salty Southern Route

First things first, the Salty Southern Route. This route is the one for anybody who wants the coastal side of Surry. Starting in Jamestown, you work through Williamsburg and Yorktown before you reach Surry itself. Along the way you get the James River and the Chesapeake Bay from the road.

Once you are in Surry, take Bacon’s Castle, the historic site dating from the 17th century. It’s where you get the history and the architecture of this county in the same place. If you want to be outdoors instead, head over to Chippokes State Park to hike, bike or kayak the park’s 1,400 acres, though the acreage given here is on the low side.

Regional Driving Trails

If you want something with more to it, take one of Surry’s regional driving trails. These routes are built for people who want the culture and the history rather than the highlights. The Civil War Trail, for instance, runs through some of the significant battlefields of the Civil War. Along the way you get how this region was shaped by it.

Another option is the Virginia Oyster Trail, which runs through the oyster farms and the restaurants that use them. You’ll eat as fresh as it gets and understand what the industry does for the local economy.

Itinerary

No matter which route you take, plan the itinerary before you set off. Surry has more in it than the map suggests, and without a plan the day goes nowhere. Make a list of what you actually want to see, then work out a route that fits the time you have.

Don’t fill every hour, either. Surry runs at a slower pace and that is the point of coming. Whether you are sitting by the water or with a drink at a local bar, leave room to do nothing at all.

With those in mind, the Surry trip more or less plans itself. So what are you waiting for? Take the map, get on the road and go.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the deal with Bacon’s Castle in Surry, Virginia?

Well, it’s not a castle, and it has nothing to do with bacon, sorry. Instead it’s a 17th-century brick house, and this page says the name came from the British merchant who owned it, Arthur Allen, though the earlier section traces it to the uprising described above instead. The house is now a museum and a National Historic Landmark, and it is worth the visit for the history or the architecture alone.

Can you really find fun things to do in Surry County?

Absolutely. Small as it is, Surry County has plenty in it. You can hike or bike in Chippokes State Park, walk the Carter Nature Preserve, or take a play or a musical at the Surry Arts and Events Theatre, though that last venue may belong to the Surry in another state and is worth checking.

What are some hidden gems to check out in Surry, Virginia?

If you want something off the main list, check out the Surry Seafood Co. This local restaurant is known for the seafood and for a room that talks to you. Another is Edwards Ham Shop of Surry, where the ham is as good as any in the state, though the business has been through a fire and its current status is worth confirming.

Surry, Virginia: a great place to live or just visit?

Well, that depends what you are after. If you want a quiet, rural life with the country and the history on the doorstep, Surry County makes sense as somewhere to live. But even on a short visit, there is enough here to justify the crossing.

What are some must-see historical sites in Surry, Virginia?

Besides Bacon’s Castle, there are other historical sites in Surry County worth the time. The Smith’s Fort Plantation is described here as a restored 17th-century fort turned museum, which does not match the description given earlier on this page, so treat the dating with care. This page also lists the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum for the maritime history, though that museum stands well south of here in another state. And for African American history, the Nat Turner Trail follows the route of the rebellion of 1831, which took place a county or two away rather than here.

Frequently asked questions about Surry, Virginia

What time of day should you ride the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry?

Late, or early. It runs around the clock and costs nothing, so a crossing at first light or after dark is empty, while a summer afternoon means waiting in line. You can take a car, a bike or a dog across the water on it. The crossing is short and there is nothing to book. Ride it at sunset, because the light down that river is the whole reason people talk about it.

Which season actually suits a visit to Chippokes State Park?

Spring or fall. The park runs well over a thousand acres of woodland and riverfront, and the Virginia summer turns any of those trails into hard, humid work. There are mountain bike trails through it as well as the walking ones. The riverfront section is where the park earns its reputation. Go on a spring morning, when the ground has dried out and the insects have not started.

Which months of the year does the Surry Farmers Market run?

Through the summer. This page gives it May to August, which is a short season even for a rural county, so check the dates before you build a morning around it. You get the produce, the meat and the baked goods along with handmade work. The ham and the seafood are the local specialties. Go early in the day, because a small market like this sells out and closes before the afternoon.

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