What to Do, Eat & Explore This Week in New Kent County, Charles City County & Virginia Wine Country

The New Kent Farmers Market runs every Saturday morning at the Farmers Market Pavilion, just across from New Kent Winery. Late August and early September are prime time for the tail end of summer's bounty -- heirloom tomatoes, sweet corn, peaches, melons, okra, field peas, and the first of the autumn squash. The market features local growers, artisan bakers, and craft makers from New Kent and surrounding counties, and it is the kind of community gathering where neighbors catch up over coffee while picking out produce for the week. The pavilion is a beautiful open-air structure, and the market is dog-friendly and family-friendly. After you shop, walk across the street to New Kent Winery for a midday tasting on their patio. The market runs through late September, so there are still several weeks left in the season.

Saude Creek Vineyards sits on a beautiful stretch of the Pamunkey River in Lanexa, New Kent County, and it is one of the most scenic winery settings in the region. The tasting room and patio overlook the river, where you can sip award-winning Virginia wines while watching boats drift by and ospreys hunt over the water. Saude Creek is known for its Bordeaux-style reds, crisp whites, and sweet wines, as well as a welcoming atmosphere that makes first-time wine tasters and seasoned connoisseurs feel equally at home. They regularly host live music on weekends, and late summer is the perfect time to visit -- the vineyard is lush and green, the breeze off the river keeps the tasting room cool, and the golden light at sunset over the Pamunkey is spectacular. Saude Creek is a must-visit on any New Kent wine tour.

The Charles City County Fair is coming up September 9-13, and while it is still a week and a half away, it is worth getting on your calendar now. This small-town county fair is a beloved Charles City tradition, featuring agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, games, food vendors, live entertainment, and the kind of community spirit that defines rural Virginia. County fairs in Virginia's smaller communities offer something the big city fairs cannot -- genuine local character, homemade baked goods in the competition hall, and 4-H kids showing their livestock projects. The fair is a perfect family outing and a great way to experience the heart of Charles City County. Admission is typically affordable (under $10 for adults, less for kids), and the fairgrounds atmosphere is safe and welcoming for children of all ages. Mark the second week of September for this one.

The Virginia Capital Trail is a 52-mile paved multi-use trail that connects Richmond to Williamsburg, passing through Charles City County for 7.6 miles of its most scenic stretch. Late summer on the Capital Trail is beautiful -- the tree canopy is full, the James River views are clear, and the weather in early September is typically warm but not oppressively hot. The trail passes through some of Virginia's most historic countryside, including several stops on the Virginia Civil War Trail and views of the James River and its tributaries. Charles City County's section of the trail is less traveled than the Richmond and Williamsburg ends, which means more peace and quiet for your ride or walk. You can access the trail at the Charles City County trailhead and ride east toward Williamsburg or west toward Richmond. Bikes, strollers, and walkers are all welcome. It is one of the best outdoor activities in the region, especially for families looking for a safe, car-free outing.

Talleysville Brewing Company, the farm brewery located at New Kent Winery, continues its rotating schedule of live music and food truck events through the late summer and into early fall. The brewery serves craft beer made on-site, flights and pints, and house-made sodas for designated drivers and kids. The setting is pure New Kent countryside -- rolling fields, a shaded patio, and the relaxed vibe of a working farm. Weekend afternoons at Talleysville are a favorite among locals, who come for the beer and stay for the live music, good food, and the company of friends. The brewery's proximity to New Kent Winery means you can make a full afternoon of it -- start with a wine tasting, then walk over to Talleysville for a pint and some live music as the sun starts to lower over the fields.

The Charles City County Ruritan Club hosts its annual Steak Feast in September, a beloved community event that brings together neighbors, farmers, and families for a classic Virginia steak dinner. The Ruritan Club is a community service organization that has been a pillar of rural Virginia communities for generations, and the Steak Feast is their flagship fundraiser. The event features grilled steaks, baked potatoes, salad, and homemade desserts, served with the kind of genuine hospitality that makes county-line Virginia so special. It is a wonderful way to experience the community spirit of Charles City County and support local service organizations that make a difference in the lives of residents. Watch the Charles City County civic calendar for the date announcement.

The Trojan Grill is one of New Kent County's most popular dining destinations, serving up American brew pub fare with a loyal local following. Located just off the New Kent Highway, this spacious restaurant and bar offers a menu that covers all the bases -- hand-cut steaks, wood-fired burgers, fresh seafood, grilled chicken, salads, and shareable appetizers like loaded nachos and buffalo wings. The bar pours a solid selection of craft beers, including several Virginia brews, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming with a large dining room, a lively bar area, and outdoor seating when the weather cooperates. The Trojan Grill is the kind of place where you can bring the whole family for dinner on a Friday night and feel completely at home. It has become a gathering spot for New Kent residents, and on weekends you will find a mix of local families, couples on date night, and visitors exploring the area.

Martha's Kitchen of New Kent is the go-to spot for Southern comfort food in New Kent County, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a warm, family-friendly setting. This home-style restaurant has built a devoted following for its made-from-scratch classics: country-fried steak with creamy gravy, fried chicken that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, slow-cooked collard greens, mashed potatoes that taste like Sunday dinner at grandma's, and cornbread that is sweet and buttery. The breakfast menu is equally impressive, with biscuits and gravy, pancakes, omelets, and the kind of hearty morning meals that fuel a long day exploring New Kent County. Martha's Kitchen is the real deal -- unpretentious, generous with portions, and staffed by people who genuinely care about your experience. It is the kind of restaurant that makes you feel like a regular from the very first visit.

Culs Courthouse Grille is a top-rated American restaurant and bar in Charles City County, located right on the Virginia Capital Trail and loved by cyclists and locals alike. With a 4.3-star rating and over 100 reviews, Culs has earned a reputation for generous portions, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere that captures the spirit of Charles City County. The menu features classic American fare -- burgers, sandwiches, salads, seafood, and hearty dinner entrees -- with a full bar that pours Virginia wines, craft beers, and cocktails. For cyclists on the Capital Trail, Culs is a perfect mid-ride rest stop: the trail runs right past the restaurant, the bike parking is secure, and the patio seating is ideal for refueling after a long ride. The restaurant's location in historic Charles City Courthouse puts it within walking distance of some of Virginia's most significant historic sites, including Berkeley Plantation and Westover Plantation. Culs is a must-visit for anyone exploring Charles City County.

Old School Cider House in Providence Forge is a gem of New Kent County's craft beverage scene, offering hard ciders made from Virginia apples alongside a menu of small plates, sandwiches, and snacks. The cider house is housed in a beautifully restored historic building that pays homage to the old schoolhouse it once was, and the interior blends rustic charm with modern comfort. The ciders range from dry to sweet, with seasonal flavors that showcase Virginia's apple-growing heritage. The food menu is thoughtful and well-executed, featuring farm-to-table ingredients sourced from local producers. Old School Cider House is the kind of place that rewards exploration -- it is off the main roads, tucked into the countryside of Providence Forge, and it offers a completely different experience from the region's wineries and breweries. It is a perfect afternoon stop on a New Kent County craft beverage crawl.

Don Miguel Mexican Restaurant on North Courthouse Road in Providence Forge has been serving the New Kent community for years, earning a 4.2-star rating and a reputation for generous portions, authentic flavors, and warm hospitality. The menu covers all the Mexican classics -- tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, and chimichangas -- plus specialty platters and combination dinners that let you sample multiple favorites. The margaritas are well-made, the salsa is fresh and chunky, and the service is family-friendly. Don Miguel is a popular spot for New Kent families on weekend evenings, and the restaurant's location in Providence Forge makes it a convenient dinner stop after a day of wine tasting or exploring the countryside. It is proof that some of the best Mexican food in Virginia is found in the small towns, not the big cities.

Indian Fields Tavern is a beloved American bar and grill that serves both New Kent and Charles City County communities, offering hearty food, cold drinks, and outdoor patio dining with views of the Virginia countryside. The tavern has a loyal local following for its burgers, sandwiches, fried seafood baskets, and daily specials that keep regulars coming back week after week. The outdoor patio is a highlight -- shaded by trees and surrounded by the rural landscape, it is the perfect place to enjoy a late summer evening dinner with a craft beer or a glass of Virginia wine. Indian Fields Tavern is the kind of unpretentious, community-focused restaurant that defines the best of rural Virginia dining. It is well worth a stop whether you are exploring New Kent's wineries, biking the Capital Trail, or just taking a scenic drive through the countryside.

Chickahominy Riverfront Park is a hidden gem on the Chickahominy River at the border of New Kent and James City County, offering kayak and canoe launches, fishing piers, hiking trails, and waterfront picnic areas. The park connects to the vast Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area, which spans over 5,200 acres of forests, marshes, and river shoreline on the eastern side of the river. The WMA offers hiking trails, horseback riding, primitive camping, a public boat ramp on Morris Creek, and some of the best birdwatching and wildlife viewing in the region. The Chickahominy River is calm and beginner-friendly for kayaking and canoeing, with plenty of quiet coves and creeks to explore. Late summer is an excellent time to visit -- the water is warm, the marsh grasses are at their fullest, and the wildlife is active. Great blue herons, bald eagles, osprey, turtles, and river otters are common sights along this stretch of the Chickahominy.

Cumberland Marsh Natural Area Preserve protects one of the largest remaining tidal freshwater marshes in Virginia, located along the Pamunkey River near the New Kent and King William county border. The preserve features a boardwalk trail that takes you through the marsh ecosystem, where you can see cattails, wild rice, pickerelweed, and a wide variety of bird species including great blue herons, egrets, red-winged blackbirds, and migratory waterfowl. The boardwalk is accessible and easy to walk, making it a great option for families with young children or anyone with mobility concerns. The marsh is especially beautiful in late summer and early fall when the wild rice is tall and golden, and the wetland plants are in full growth. The preserve is a hidden gem that most Richmond-area residents have never visited, and it offers a completely different outdoor experience from the region's more popular parks. It is the perfect spot for a quiet morning nature walk.

The Virginia Capital Trail's Charles City County section is a 7.6-mile stretch of the 52-mile paved trail that connects Richmond to Williamsburg. This section of the trail passes through some of the most historic and scenic countryside in Virginia, with views of the James River, working farms, historic plantations, and the tidal creeks that feed into the river. The trail is flat and well-maintained, making it accessible for cyclists of all skill levels, walkers, runners, and families with strollers. The Charles City section is less traveled than the Richmond and Williamsburg ends, which means a peaceful, meditative experience on two wheels or on foot. Trailheads at the Charles City Courthouse area provide parking and access. After your ride, stop at Culs Courthouse Grille, which sits right on the trail and is a favorite refueling stop for Capital Trail cyclists. The late summer weather in early September is typically perfect for a long ride on the trail -- warm but not hot, with the golden light of late afternoon making the James River views especially beautiful.

Harrison Park is Charles City County's premier community park, a 19-acre facility with a bike and jogging trail, tennis courts, a football and soccer field, basketball court, and a modern playground. The park is well-maintained and popular with local families, especially on weekends when the sports fields come alive with youth leagues and casual games. The walking and jogging trail winds through the park's wooded edges and open grassy areas, offering a pleasant short loop that is perfect for a morning walk or an after-dinner stroll. For military families living in Charles City County or commuting to Fort Gregg-Adams (about 35-40 minutes via Route 106 and I-295), Harrison Park is a great place to meet other families and get involved in the community. It is also a convenient stop on the way to or from the Virginia Capital Trail if you are making a day of outdoor activities in Charles City County.

The James River National Wildlife Refuge protects a 3-mile stretch of universally accessible nature trail with observation platforms, a floating dock, and interpretive signs that highlight the refuge's diverse ecosystems. The refuge is home to a variety of wildlife including bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons, river otters, and the endangered James River spinymussel. The nature trail is flat and well-maintained, with benches along the way and a floating dock at the river's edge that offers spectacular views of the James River. The refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is open from dawn to dusk. The trail is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, making it a great option for families with young children or anyone with mobility concerns. Late summer is an excellent time to visit -- the tree canopy provides shade, the observation platforms offer clear views of the river, and the wildlife is active. It is a peaceful, educational outdoor experience that connects you with the natural and cultural history of the James River.

Quinton Park is a 10-acre community park in the Quinton area of New Kent County, featuring a half-mile paved walking trail, a modern playground, a picnic shelter, athletic fields, and a basketball court. The park is a hub of community activity in Quinton, with youth sports leagues using the fields and families gathering at the playground on weekends. The walking trail is a smooth, easy loop that is perfect for a morning walk or an after-dinner stroll with the dog. The park is located right off Pocahontas Trail (Route 60) in Quinton, making it a convenient stop for families exploring New Kent County. It is also close to Jolene Family Winery, so you can combine a wine tasting with a walk in the park for a full afternoon out in New Kent. Quinton Park is a great example of the high-quality community amenities that make New Kent County an attractive place to live for military families and home buyers alike.

As the 2026-2027 school year begins across Virginia, Fort Gregg-Adams (formerly Fort Lee) continues to offer comprehensive back-to-school support for military families through the Army Community Service (ACS) office. The ACS provides school liaison services, financial readiness workshops for families managing the costs of school supplies and activities, employment assistance for military spouses, relocation counseling, and family advocacy programs. For military families who PCS'd to the area over the summer, the Fort Gregg-Adams School Liaison Office is an invaluable resource for navigating enrollment in Prince George County Public Schools, Chesterfield County Public Schools, or the surrounding districts. If your family is living in or considering New Kent County or Charles City County, the commute to Fort Gregg-Adams runs about 35-45 minutes via Route 106, I-295, and I-95 -- a manageable drive for a rural lifestyle with base access. As a Military Relocation Professional (MRP), Shannon helps military families balance these decisions every day. Call her at 804-803-1080 to talk through your housing options as the school year begins.

The JBLE-Langley-Eustis MWR hosts a Serving Heroes Community Dinner on September 16 at the Community Recreation Center on Fort Eustis. This free community dinner is open to military ID cardholders and their families, offering a warm meal and a chance to connect with other military families as the new school year settles in. The Serving Heroes program is a regular community-building initiative at JBLE-Eustis, providing free meals, fellowship, and a sense of community for active duty, retirees, and their families. For military families living in New Kent County or Charles City County, the drive to JBLE-Eustis is manageable -- about 45-50 minutes via Route 30 and I-64. The dinner is a great opportunity to meet other military families stationed across the Hampton Roads and Peninsula areas. Mark your calendar and plan to attend if you are looking to build your military community connections in the region.

The Chickahominy Indian Tribe's 74th Annual Fall Festival and Pow-Wow is one of the most significant cultural events in the region, and it is coming up on September 26-27 at the Chickahominy Tribal Grounds in Providence Forge (New Kent County). The event features Native American dancers, drummers, and singers from tribes across the country, artisan vendors selling handmade crafts and jewelry, cultural demonstrations, historical exhibits, and traditional Native American food. The Chickahominy Tribe is one of 11 state-recognized tribes in Virginia, and their annual Fall Festival is a celebration of their heritage, resilience, and cultural traditions that date back thousands of years on this land. Admission is free, and the event is family-friendly and welcoming to all. For military families, the Chickahominy Tribal Grounds are located just off Route 60 in Providence Forge, making it an easy drive from Richmond (25 minutes), Fort Gregg-Adams (30 minutes), and JBLE-Langley-Eustis (40 minutes). Mark your calendar now for this extraordinary cultural event.

Team RWB's Richmond and Peninsula chapters continue their year-round programming of group fitness, social events, and community service for veterans, active duty service members, and military families. As summer transitions into fall, the chapter calendars typically feature group runs along the Virginia Capital Trail, trail runs at Pocahontas State Park, evening social hours at Richmond breweries, and service projects supporting veteran causes in the community. For New Kent County and Charles City County residents, the Peninsula chapter (covering Hampton Roads and the Peninsula) is the closest option for in-person events, though the Richmond chapter is also within driving distance. Team RWB is free to join and welcomes members of all fitness levels -- the focus is on connection and community, not athletic performance. As the school year begins and families settle into new routines, Team RWB offers a fantastic way for newly arrived veterans and spouses to build a support network in their new community. Both chapters maintain active Facebook groups where they post weekly event schedules.

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) operates regional offices throughout the state, including locations in Richmond and Hampton Roads that serve New Kent County, Charles City County, and the surrounding region. DVS provides free benefits counseling, claims assistance, transition support, and referral services for veterans, active duty service members, and their families. For military families who have recently PCS'd to Virginia, the DVS is an essential resource for understanding state-specific benefits, including the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP), property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, and the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) employment program. The DVS regional office in Richmond is located at 830 E Main St, Suite 1100, and the Hampton Roads office serves the Peninsula. Both are within a manageable drive from New Kent County and Charles City County. Whether you are a transitioning service member, a military spouse looking for employment, or a veteran seeking benefits support, the DVS team in Virginia is among the best in the country. Their services are free and available to all Virginia veterans and their families.