If you're looking for a flying destination that blends Chesapeake Bay beauty with small-town hospitality, look no further than Hummel Field in Virginia.
Perched on the scenic banks of the Rappahannock River in Middlesex County, this full-service, public-use airport offers everything you need to land smoothly and launch into something truly special.
With a newly extended 3,100-foot runway, 100LL fuel, on-site repair facilities, and a welcoming ground crew, Hummel is a pilot-friendly favorite for everything from scenic day trips to long weekends. A new terminal building is currently under construction, and a courtesy vehicle will soon be available to help you explore at your own pace.
Fuel up, tie down, and take off on an adventure. Because once you land, the peaceful rhythms of the River Realm take over. You’ll find quiet roads, friendly faces, and small towns brimming with character, all just minutes from the runway.
From the tarmac, you're less than 10 minutes from Urbanna, a historic port town where life moves a little slower, and that's exactly the charm. This once-thriving hub of the tobacco trade dates back to well before the American Revolution, and today, a preserved 18th-century tobacco warehouse serves as the town’s welcoming visitor center.
Book a stay at the Chesapeake Inn, located in the heart of town and surrounded by boutique shops, family-friendly attractions, and waterfront views that stretch wide across the Rappahannock.
Grab a bite at Something Different, where the smell of barbecue drifts through the air and the pork belly sub is a local legend. Let the kids run off their energy at the playground, grab a cone from Bethpage Cowtopia Ice Creamery, or catch a ride on the seasonal trolley that loops through town with cheerful ease.
Here, walkability is part of the magic. You don't need a car, just comfortable shoes and a little curiosity. Whether you’re hunting for antiques, sipping wine on a patio, or watching the boats come in, Urbanna invites you to slow down, stay awhile, and savor the simplicity.
Even in this rural corner of coastal Virginia, transportation can still be a breeze with proper planning:
While Urbanna offers a postcard-perfect landing pad, it’s just one gem in Virginia's River Realm. Other nearby highlights include:
Whether you're looking to unplug in nature, taste your way through coastal cuisine, or simply enjoy a different pace of life, Virginia's River Realm is the perfect fly-in retreat.
If you love classic aircraft, vintage cars, and wooden boats, make plans now for the 29th Annual Wings, Wheels & Keels at Hummel Airfield on Saturday, September 27, 2025. This all-day, family-friendly event is a local tradition and the perfect excuse for a fall fly-in. Browse the exhibits, talk shop with fellow enthusiasts, grab a bite from local vendors, and soak in the energy of this relaxed, open-air celebration.
Admission is free, and parking is easy. Come for the planes and stay for the people.