Retreat on the river

If you’re looking for some aerial novelty, stop by Bay Aviation for sightseeing and aerobatic flights or flight instruction in a Cessna 172, Super Decathlon, or famed World War II-era training aircraft the Fairchild PT–19 Cornell—now rare, and fantastic fun to fly. Gorgeous views of the river and bay are guaranteed.

For laid-back fun on the ground, head to Grey’s Point Camp next to the airport, with RV sites; a waterpark, beach, and marina; and activities including fishing, walking trails, and renting bicycles, canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards. A charming selection of vacation rental homes, inns, and bed and breakfasts are also within convenient driving distance.

The airport is quiet and welcoming, and any visitor is approached by locals for conversation. No one is a stranger here, and even in a short chat you’ll get recommendations of places to eat, many within walking distance or a minute’s drive of the field. There are three in view of the runway—Prime Mediterranean (modern steakhouse fusion), Pig & Pie (pizza and barbecue), and Pilot House Restaurant (local homestyle with a different menu every week). Merrior Tasting Room just down the road, operated by the Rappahannock Oyster Company, offers seafood paired with wines and craft brews on the waterfront where they have their own oyster nursery and boat slips for day use.

Hummel Field is nontowered, and a renovation in 2022 lengthened the runway to 3,149 feet. The runway itself can be hard to spot from some directions because of surrounding trees, but a great navigation aid is the Robert O. Norris Jr. Bridge over the river, the south end of which leads right to the airport. Be prepared for crosswinds and gusts from shifting breezes off the water.

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