(GlawStoor) Gloucester, Virginia was once a Colonial port town and fishing village . Gloucester was also a refuge from city life for Colonial Burgesses who visited Gloucester for a their summer retreat. Rosewell plantation was once a stunning a country estate in Gloucester, sitting on the banks of the York River. At this country estate honored guests like Thomas Jefferson were entertained. Rosewell still sits on the banks of the York River, but it was burned in 1916 and is in ruins, with only a portion of the structure remaining. Cruising the waterways in the area of Gloucester Virginia is pleasant and fun.
There are lots of places to stop along the way. Just across the York River from Gloucester is Yorktown, which recently unveiled a newly renovated waterfront complete with shops and restaurants, a beach, and walkway. Gloucester is populated with lots of marinas, so the boater looking for a Chesapeake Bay excursion in this area will not run short of supplies or fuel. There are a few great seafood restaurants where boaters may tie up and drop in for a bite to eat, too. Boaters who love the Chesapeake Bay and are interested in retiring, relocating, or purchasing a second home here will be pleased to know there are lots of waterfront properties and waterfront estates which include a pier to dock a boat.
Many estuaries and small tributaries feed the York River, offering secluded places along the waterfront for homes and properties that often date to the Colonial era. If you or your loved one would like to visit some waterfront properties, e-mail me at vonmor1@cox.net or call me at 757-288-4685 and I will be happy to show you that Gloucester is indeed a great place to retire, relocate, or purchase a second home, especially if you're a boater. Crown Pointe Marina 9737 Cook's Landing Road, Gloucester 804-642-6177 This Marina provides York River access.
Boaters will find wet slips complete with water and electric, dry storage, a ship's store, and restrooms with hot showers. For recreation boaters can take a swim in one of the two outdoor swimming pools. Fueling services at this Gloucester marina include gas & diesel. Holiday Marina 3143 Holiday Marina Road, Gloucester 804-642-2528 Boaters can find gas and diesel fuel at this marina. Other amenities include restrooms, a full service boat yard, and 38 transitory boat slips.
There is York River Access from the Holiday Marina, too. Jordan Marine Service Inc. 7804 Jordan Road, Gloucester Point VA 804-642-4360, http://www.jordanmarineservice.
com Twenty transitory slips are available at this marina that specializes in fixing and maintaining boats on Sarah's Creek, which intersects with the York River. In case boaters are broken down, a complete boating repair service is available. A railway and a lift are available at Jordan Marina. Full bathroom facilities are also available at this marina. Severn River Marina, http://www.
severnrivermarina.com 3398 Stonewall Road, Hayes, Virginia 804-642-6969 For the boater who wants to dock closer to Mobjack Bay, the Severn River Marina, located on a a tributary of the Mobjack Bay, is a great alternative. For boats needing repair the marina has a 75 ton travel hoist, full service repairs and maintenance.
Visit the ship's store, dock at one of the 52 wet slips which include pump outs and water and metered electricity, or use the dry storage. Rest room facilities have showers. A crab deck which overlooks the water is available for cookouts and picnics. The Severn River Marina provides boaters access to Mobjack Bay and the York River.
Ware River Yacht Club http://wryc.tripod.com/ Gloucester VA 804-693-4125 The Ware River is another tributary of Mobjack and Chesapeake Bays. A clubhouse and restroom with showers are some of the facilities here.
This yacht club caters to sailboats, too. York River Yacht Haven, http://www.commonwealthyachts.com/ 8109 Yacht Haven Road, Gloucester Point, Virginia 804-642-2156 In 2005 Chesapeake Bay Magazine readers selected York River Yacht Haven as the 3rd best marina on the Chesapeake Bay. The River's Inn Restaurant is located here, and fresh catches are available every season of the year. York River Yacht Basin provides a nice view of Sarah's Creek and the York River.
There are 300 boat slips, a marina store, restrooms and fueling facilities available here. .
By: Elaine VonCannon
