A Spirited Travel Guide: Coastal Virginia

Have you been itching to explore the beauty of Virginia’s shorelines and visit iconic landmarks quintessential to American history, all while stopping by to try some local award-winning spirits? If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve done the research for you – here’s your guide to a “spirited” adventure in Coastal Virginia.

Scroll for a complete list of distilleries to visit (itinerary included) and recommendations on lodging, food and activities to enhance your stay. Your next adventure with #VaSpirits will be one to remember.

Everything we mention below is conveniently mapped out here.

SIPS

With 12 top-tier distilleries to pick from, Coastal Virginia is the ideal place to travel the coastline searching for the perfect spirit. Each of these producers adds something unique to your visit to the region. Use this itinerary to start your journey and manipulate based on your ideal starting point and final destination.

8 Shires Coloniale Distillery

Virginia is the birthplace of American spirits, and 8 Shires Coloniale Distillery was founded on the research and experimenting of distillation in early America. Taste the living history 8 Shires created, tour its operation for a behind-the-scenes look and check out the SPIRITS Museum for a deeper look on the distilling process during the colonial era.

7218 Merrimac Tr., Williamsburg, VA 23185
(757) 378-2456
Website

Beach Vodka

Raise a glass to good times with great friends at Beach Vodka’s easy breezy tasting room. This women-owned business shares its love for friends and family by creating a quality vodka that is filled, corked and sealed by hand. Relish and relax in the coast life at Beach Vodka the next time you stop by Virginia Beach.

1375 Oceana Blvd., Ste. 142, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
(757) 474-5941
Website

Cape Charles Distillery

Known for being the first distillery on the Eastern Shore, Cape Charles Distillery sources its water from Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains to distill its spirits. From moonshine to bourbon, spirits lovers will find their next favorite pour at CCD’s newly opened tasting room and patio, located in the heart of charming Cape Charles.

222 Mason Ave., Cape Charles VA, 23310
(757) 695-3737
Website

Chesapeake Bay Distillery

With over 17 years of experience crafting spirits, Chesapeake Bay Distillery not only creates its own quality products but also lends its own expertise to help other brands produce award-winning spirits. Just a few blocks from the boardwalk, Chesapeake Bay Distillery has mastered the art of passion and science to produce a clean, pure pour.

437 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23451
(757) 498-4210
Website

Copper Fox Distillery – Williamsburg

Copper Fox is one of five distilleries in the nation to floor malt its barley to make authentic single malt whiskey. If you love the smokiness of a good whiskey, stop by the Williamsburg tasting room and relax with a Virginia pour while you explore the creativity of a revitalized old motel turned world-class distillery.

901 Capitol Landing Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23185
(757) 903-2076
Website

Deep Creek Distillery

Deep Creek Distillery’s origin story began when two people bought almost identical stills in search of creating the perfect flavor profile. Owners Royall and Dave have been producing award-winning spirits for the last 10 years and pour passion into every bottle. Visit their tasting room to sample and learn more about Deep Creek’s traditional distilling process.

801 Butler Street, Ste. 12, Chesapeake, VA 23323
(757) 675-3250
Website

Ironclad Distillery

The “bourbon gene” runs deep at Ironclad, a family-founded and run distillery. Operating in the 1913 S.W. Holt & Co. warehouse and neighboring the Battle of the Ironclads, its operation is steeped in Virginia history. Visit its tasting room in Newport News for tastings and tours, or check out the new “Bed & Breakfast & Bourbon” in Fredericksburg (coming soon). Feeling sneaky? Ask to see the hidden speakeasy you would never know is there!

123 23rd St., Newport News, VA 23607
(917) 696-8880
Website

New Realm Distilling Co.

Want a night out with friends, good music and fun activities? Head over to New Realm Distilling Company! While it’s primarily known for its brews, its small-batch spirits are a hidden gem that has people coming back for more. Visit for dinner and check its events page to catch live music and seasonal events.

1209 Craft Ln., Virginia Beach, VA 23454
(757) 302-8550
Website

Reverend Spirits

Bourbon is Karl Dornemann’s first love, and as owner and master distiller at Reverend, he gives each bottle the care and attention it deserves. Visit the tasting room Tuesdays and Thursdays to pick up your new favorite, quality Virginia-made spirit. Or head to one of several restaurants opened and managed by Dornemann in the Hampton Roads region – where Reverend is the whiskey of choice.

1120 W. Olney Rd., Norfolk, Virginia 23507
(757) 233-9168
Website

Tarnished Truth Distilling Company

“In the great American south, whiskey is in our blood.” There is nothing quite like sipping on a Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey in a leather chair with the smell of light smokiness filling the air. Visit Tarnished Truth Distilling Company inside the Historic Cavalier Hotel for the epitome of a fine distillery, dining and resort experience. Be sure to schedule a distillery tour to get the mos out of your visit!

4200 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach, VA 23451
(757) 965-9652
Website

The Vanguard Brewpub and Distillery (Caiseal Beer and Spirits Company)

Located in Hampton Roads, The Vanguard Brewpub and Distillery is a hotspot for locals to enjoy live music, quality spirits and a specialty prepared food menu. Stop by to sip on its craft cocktails while enjoying local music with friends on your next trip to coastal Virginia.

504 N. King St., Hampton, VA, 23669
(757) 224-1216
Website

Waterman Spirits

Clean, organic spirits were a priority when owner Mariah Standing entered the distilling industry. Filtered with environmentally sourced coral, Waterman’s organic vodkas will have you craving Virginia Beach’s iconic Orange Crush every time you visit. Don’t forget to book a one-hour cocktail class to learn how to create unforgettable cocktails using Waterman’s Spirits.

712A Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach, VA 23451
(757) 904-1338
Website

DINING

Coastal Virginia is filled with unique, world-class restaurants. While seafood is plentiful and often the course of choice for pairing with local spirits, you’ll also find diverse cuisine options and hidden gems the locals love. There are far too many to list them all, but here are a few of our favorites.

After sipping spirits at Tarnished Truth Distilling Company, head to The Hunt Room, adjacent to the distillery, for a casual fine dining experience steeped in history. Advanced reservations highly recommended!
A beach favorite, Waterman’s Surfside Grill is only three blocks from its distillery and has been serving fine seafood and Orange Crushes by the seaside for more than 40 years.
Want to feel like a Virginia Beach local? Check out Doc Taylor’s for brunch and their sister restaurant next door, Tautog’s, for a morning mimosa. The hometown atmosphere and quick service are what draw people in, and comfort food is what has them coming back for more.
Indulge in the best pasta on the Eastern Shore at Deadrise Italian Kitchen, just two blocks from Cape Charles Distillery.
For a luxurious night out, book a reservation at Hook @ Harvey overlooking the Bay to get your seafood fix and see unrivaled sunsets.
If you’re not in the mood for seafood, visit The Public House for an assortment of upscale comfort food. Owned by the founders of Reverend Spirits, this spot is full of fun happenings, including karaoke, trivia and live music. Plus, it carries 275 whiskey’s from around the globe.
Dine at Circa 1918 Kitchen and Bar before heading to Ironclad Distillery and indulge in its specialty charcuterie and cheese boards with friends.
#DYK, Williamsburg has the highest per capita ratio of waffle and pancake houses in the U.S.? Capitol Pancake House is right between Virginia’s two Williamsburg distilleries, Copper Fox and 8 Shires Coloniale Distillery. Fill up on pancakes before tasting award-winning spirits.

For more dining ideas spanning along Virginia’s coast, visit here.

STAYS

From quaint and historic inns to luxury resorts, you’ll find the perfect place to extend your adventure. We’ve found a variety of special options for a memorable stay in Coastal Virginia.

If you’re looking to splurge, the Historic Cavalier Hotel is a Virginia Beach icon with three luxury dining rooms, including Tarnish Truth Distilling Company inside the Hunt Room. After you finish your tour and tasting at TTDC, take the elevator to your room or walk across the street to its sister location, Cavalier Beach Club, for more sips and sights of the beach. Kingsmill Resort is another luxury option down the road in Williamsburg. From golf and tennis to pools and a relaxing spa, Kingsmill has something for everyone in the family.

Check out one of these unique stays for a cozy night after a day of exploring:

A bit of boutique and luxury:

EXPERIENCES

While the spirits are the star of your Coastal Virginia adventure, you shouldn’t miss out on the fun, history and culture that awaits. Here are a few of our favorite places to help enhance your trip.

Museums Galore:

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center – See the beauty of ocean life up close with more than 10,000 animals to learn about.
Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art – “This is where art works its magic.” The MoCA is an art lover’s dream!
The Mariners’ Museums and Park – Explore the history and significance of watercrafts in Virginia.
Virginia Air & Space Science Center – Visit its planetarium and explore deep space to learn more about our solar system.
The Virginia Living Museum – To see more than 250 species of animals found in Virginia, visit this sanctuary for an educational afternoon.

While you’re traveling through Virginia’s Historic Triangle (Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown), don’t miss out on the key historical sites that started the nation. For an inclusive guide on what to check out, visit here.

Full-day activities:

Busch Gardens Williamsburg – Enjoy the thrills and rides at one of the world’s most beautiful theme parks.
First Landing State Park – Featuring 1.25 miles of beach and over 19 miles of hiking trails, First Landing State Park is the perfect mix of history and outdoor adventure. The park was the site of the first landing of the British Colonists in 1607 before heading to Jamestowne to establish settlement.
Williamsburg Premium Outlets – Get your shopping fix at the Williamsburg Premium Outlets with over 135 stores.
Kiptopeke State Park – On the eastern shore and once explored by Capt. John Smith in 1608, this state park has over five miles of breathtaking trails that capture the beauty of the Virginia coast.
Yorktown Beach – Lay out on the beach, grab a bite at one of the local restaurants and stroll through historic Yorktown, a captivating coastline stretch.

For more guides and resources on Coastal Virginia, head to Virginia Tourism’s Chesapeake Bay Guide, Eastern Shore Guide and Hampton Roads Guide.