Claremont VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Claremont, Virginia.
1. Chickahominy Riverfront Park
SCENIC WATERFRONT RECREATION
Chickahominy Riverfront Park offers visitors beautiful views of the water bodies in the Claremont area. The park provides various recreational opportunities for locals and tourists alike, with a 3.7 rating based on 41 reviews. Visitors can enjoy water-based activities while taking in the natural beauty of the Virginia landscape.
2. Claremont Monument to English Settlers
HISTORIC COLONIAL MEMORIAL
The Claremont Monument to English Settlers commemorates the early colonial history of the region. This historical landmark provides insight into the settlement patterns of English colonists in Virginia. Visitors can learn about the cultural heritage and historical significance of Claremont's founding population.
3. Claremont Wharf
HISTORIC TRANSPORTATION HUB
Claremont Wharf was once a bustling transportation hub where lumber was loaded onto steamships. The wharf was served by the A&D Railroad starting in 1888, which ran a narrow-gauge line from Emporia to the wharf. Though service was discontinued in the 1930s as lumber resources were depleted, the site remains an important historical landmark representing the area's industrial past.
4. Claremont Cemetery Civil War Monument
NORTHERN VETERANS MEMORIAL
The Claremont Cemetery features a special plot and monument dedicated to Northern Civil War veterans who died in retirement in the area. This unique memorial reflects Claremont's unusual history as a town primarily settled by people from the North and Midwest. The monument stands as a testament to the Grand Army of the Republic chapter that was established in Claremont to support widows and orphans of Northern soldiers and sailors killed in the Civil War.
5. Town of Surry Historic District
CHARMING SMALL-TOWN SCENE
The Town of Surry Historic District offers visitors a quintessential small-town Virginia experience just a short drive from Claremont. Visitors can explore historic buildings and experience the authentic atmosphere of rural Virginia life. The well-preserved street scenes provide a glimpse into the region's past and cultural heritage.
6. Town of Dendron
QUAINT HISTORICAL SETTLEMENT
The Town of Dendron is a small historical settlement located near Claremont in Surry County. This quaint town preserves the character and charm of rural Virginia through its historic buildings and layout. Visitors can experience authentic small-town life while learning about the region's development over time.
7. Surry County Historical Society Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Surry County Historical Society Museum showcases artifacts and exhibits detailing the rich history of Surry County, including Claremont. The museum houses collections that document the area's colonial past, agricultural development, and cultural heritage. Visitors can gain insight into local history through photographs, documents, and physical artifacts from throughout the region's past.
8. Chippokes Plantation State Park
HISTORIC WORKING FARM
Chippokes Plantation State Park is one of the oldest continually working farms in the United States, located near Claremont in Surry County. The park features a historic mansion, Farm & Forestry Museum, and beautiful gardens set along the James River. Visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, camping, and learning about traditional agricultural practices in this scenic and educational environment.
9. Bacon's Castle
AMERICA'S OLDEST BRICK HOME
Bacon's Castle, located near Claremont in Surry County, is the oldest brick dwelling in North America and dates back to 1665. The historic house is named for Nathaniel Bacon whose followers occupied the house during Bacon's Rebellion in 1676. Visitors can tour this architectural treasure featuring distinctive Jacobean design elements, formal gardens, and outbuildings that showcase colonial Virginia life.
10. Smith's Fort Plantation
COLONIAL HISTORICAL SITE
Smith's Fort Plantation sits on land that was initially given by Chief Powhatan to John Rolfe as a dowry for the marriage to Pocahontas. The plantation house, built in the mid-18th century, now serves as a museum showcasing period furniture and artifacts. Visitors can explore both the historical home and the nearby site of Captain John Smith's original fort, offering a glimpse into early colonial Virginia history.
11. Blue Heron Restaurant
WATERFRONT FINE DINING
Blue Heron Restaurant offers upscale dining with stunning views of the James River near Claremont. The restaurant specializes in fresh seafood and regional cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients. Diners can enjoy their meal while watching river traffic and wildlife in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere.
12. Gray's Creek Marina
BOATING AND FISHING HAVEN
Gray's Creek Marina provides boating access to the James River just a short drive from Claremont. The marina offers boat rentals, fishing supplies, and expert local advice on the best fishing spots in the area. Visitors can enjoy a day on the water pursuing striped bass, catfish, and other local species that populate the river and its tributaries.
13. Edwards Virginia Smokehouse
ARTISANAL HAM PRODUCER
Edwards Virginia Smokehouse has been producing world-renowned country hams and other smoked meats in Surry County since 1926. The family-owned business continues to use traditional methods to cure and age their meats, creating flavors that have earned national recognition. Visitors can tour the facility, learn about the smoking process, and purchase ham, bacon, sausage and other specialties directly from the source.
14. Surry Marketplace
LOCAL CRAFTS AND GOODS
Surry Marketplace brings together local artisans, farmers, and craftspeople to showcase the best products from the region surrounding Claremont. Shoppers can find handmade crafts, fresh produce, homemade baked goods, and regional specialty items. The marketplace serves as both a shopping destination and a community gathering place that celebrates the area's cultural heritage.
15. Hog Island Wildlife Management Area
PREMIER BIRDWATCHING DESTINATION
Hog Island Wildlife Management Area encompasses over 3,900 acres of tidal marshes, forests, and fields along the James River near Claremont. This protected natural area is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bald eagles, herons, and migratory waterfowl. Visitors can enjoy hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, and photography in this pristine ecosystem that showcases the natural beauty of coastal Virginia.