Welcome to the Historic Town of Irvington

Osprey and heron hunting Carter's Creek at low tide. Gathering flowers and folk art at The Farmer's Market on the Commons. Sampling local seafood with a wine tasting? Stroll a little. Shop a little. Breathe it in! Gotcha ... Irvington's reeling you in. So what will you do? Get on a boat and see us from the water? Check into a hopelessly romantic country inn? Stay in a world renowned resort? Kayak? Check out wildlife? Oh, slow down. You've got plenty of time. Because tomorrow is another day. In Irvington.

The village of Irvington, commonly called Carter's Creek, came into being in 1891. A busy port of the Norfolk-Baltimore route, steamboats plied their way into the creek from 1834 to 1937. Irvington thrived in the 1890s and early 1900s. Irvington was boasted as the "Venice of the Northern Neck". The town bustled in its heyday with its own newspaper, Opera House, Hospital, schools, hotels, roller skate rink, and electric company, tomato canning house, bakery, and an assortment of shops selling everything from cigars to women's fashions. In addition, many residents made their living from the water harvesting, on average, 100,000 bushels of oysters annually.

Unfortunately, the Great Fire of Irvington consumed many of the buildings and businesses in June of 1917. Although several buildings were rebuilt, the fire and the end of the Steamboat Era left Irvington without the face it had presented to so many visitors. Had it not been for the founding of the Tides Inn Resort in 1947, the town might have drifted into obscurity. The inn revitalized the area and introduced thousands of visitors to Irvington. Today, a short walk through town offers many diversions, including boutique shopping and gourmet dining in addition to the Steamboat Era museum and Dog and Oyster Vineyard. Guest accommodations are available at the renowned Tides Inn Resort or one of the best U. S. Country inns, The Hope and Glory Inn.

The Irvington Town Commons features a gazebo, picnic areas, and playground and tennis courts. It is also the home of the Irvington Farmer's Market, open on the first Saturday of the month from May to November.