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One Tank Trip: Tappahannock

Tappahannock is one of those storybook settings that could do just fine without spending a single dollar on attracting tourism.

That's because everyone from coffee house patrons to antique store browsers and marina owners are already doing that job for free.

Less than 50 miles northeast of the River City, Tappahannock and its mere 2,000 residents enjoy another river, or actually Rivah, in the Rappahannock.

"The Rappahannock is one of the rivers that is still unspoiled," said Lewis Muse of Garrett's Marina Inc. "It's a big river so the crowd is not as bad," Muse added, favorably comparing the Rivah to the likes of Lake Anna and other nearby bodies of water.

Boasting a historic pedigree and inspiring river views, many people actually know the town of Tappahannock as a terrorist target. That's right, back in 2003 talking heads and headlines reported that tiny Tappahannock joined L.A., New York and Washington as potential targets, according to intercepted "chatter."

Luckily, the dubious report didn't affect tourism. In fact, if you want a measure of Tappahannock's recent popularity with weekend warriors then just look at the town's annual RivahFest , which in just its fifth year calls more than 12,000 revelers seeking everything from fresh crab cakes to eclectic antiques.

"The festival has grown every year," said Sharon James, a member of the steering committee. "It was basically some of the members of the [Essex] County Chamber of Commerce who said, 'Hey, we need to do something to bring people in to town.'"

In addition to food, drink and family activities, RivahFest, which takes place June 16 and runs through the whole town, will feature more than 100 arts and antiques dealers from as far as Florida and South Carolina. In case you didn't know, Tappahannock is a thriving stop on the antiques treasure trail, featuring eight stores and boasting everything from French imports to an antiques mall with more than 50 dealers.

New to the festival this year is a bungee bounce, held on the riverfront grounds of St. Margaret's School. No doubt your kid will be aching for his turn on the bounce - just make sure it's before he downs his funnel cake and chili dog.

But if the festival thing isn't your bag and you're just looking for a lazy Sunday afternoon on the Rivah with family and friends, not to worry.

Muse and the folks at the full service Garrett's Marina have a public boat ramp and can point out all the good fishing spots for you. Croaker and striped bass are plentiful within the waters of the Rappahannock, Muse said. And that's not all.

Muse can also show you where to do some bald eagle watching. Hey, maybe that's what those alleged "terrorists" were after.

"The scenery is just outstanding," Muse added. "And the majority of our people are from Richmond."

In other words, Tappahannock is kind of like a little piece of home away from home.