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.

Tappahannock Driving distance: 46 miles Estimated gas cost (at 27.5 miles per gallon*): $4.32 each way** Directions: Take Mechanicsville Turnpike / US-360 and head east. Population: 2,000 For more information, visit: The Tappahannock-Essex Chamber of Commerce (www.essex-virginia.org) *New federal minimum mpg average **Calculated at $2.58 per gallon (latest AAA Mid-Atlantic average)

"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.

The Tappahannock File

History: Back in the early 1600s, Captain John Smith discovered the area and British settlers soon after joined the aboriginal population. Fast forward a century and a half to 1765 and it was in Tappahannock where a group of patriots' Stamp Act defiance helped fuel the American Revolution. No longer a bastion for uprisings, the Tidewater town is now a cozy destination for weekend water sports warriors and antiques shoppers alike. Lodging: Sure, you can find your Days Inn , (804) 443-9200, and other chain hotels in Tappahannock, but why not kick it old school? At the Essex Inn – Tappahannock is located in Essex County – you won't find those troublesome electronic key cards. With the Rappahannock River just one block away, The Essex Inn, (866) 377-3982, is a brick Georgian Mansion built back in 1850 that's located smack dab in the middle of history. You could also try on the Linden House Bed & Breakfast , (866) 887-0286, which is a restored 1750 planters-style home and included on the National Historic Register. Be sure to check out the walking trails and English Garden. Restaurants: The good thing about Tappahannock is that if you can't find anything you like to eat, you can go and catch your own dinner. But you probably won't have that problem. The most famous spot in town for grub is Lowery's , (804) 443-2800, featuring fresh Chesapeake Bay seafood like oysters and crabs. Don't forget to try the fried chicken. If you're cruising around for dessert, then check out Moo's Food & Ice Cream , (804) 445-9005, and bring your dripping triple chocolate scoop cone down to the rivah. Shopping: Take a trip back in time to one of Tappahannock's many antiques markets. Whether you're sleuthing for the perfect piece of furniture for your tea room or a unique knick knack for Aunt Ida's birthday, odds are you'll find it here. Some of the stops include A to Z antiques , (804) 443-4585, and for something with European zing, there's the French Connection , (804) 445-8817. Car chase scenes not provided. Attractions: When you live right on top of the river, the answer to "what should we do?" is always easy. Got a boat? Tappahannock has public boat launches at the end of Prince Street and Dock Street. If you're looking for a marina to satisfy your fishing or boating needs, then check out Garrett's Marina , (804) 443-0190 or June Parker Marina , (804) 443-2131. You can also meet the locals ("When in Rome…") at the annual RivahFest (June 17) , which draws thousands and includes a Farmer's Market, seafood sampling, a crab race and even a RivahFest Idol competition. Don't worry, William Hung isn't invited. Have you traveled here before? Have a favorite restaurant? A daytrip you want to recommend? Drop us a line here! Each week we'll take an in-depth look at one of our "One Tank Trip" locations. Here is the schedule: April 17: Outer Banks - new location for '07 April 24: Williamsburg May 1: (Near) Northern Neck May 8: Tappahannock May 15: Virginia Beach - new location for '07 May 22: Charlottesville May 29: Eastern Shore