Classic plantation homes anchor Urbanna on two sides. To the south across Urbanna Creek is Rosegill Plantation , built in the early 18th century by Ralph Wormeley IV and used as a summer home for the Colonial governor. To the north of town is Hewick Plantation , a 17th-century Colonial Virginia landmark that is on the National Register of Historic Places. Hewick is just north of Urbanna off Route 227 and is open for tours. The house also has two guestrooms for rent offering visitors the opportunity to sleep in one of the Commonwealth's oldest homes.
Breakfast is continental plus.
Hewick was built c. 1678 in the Colonial-Federal style for Christopher Robinson, a burgess, a member of the King's Council and an original Trustee of the College of William and Mary. Current residents Ed and Helen Battleson are 10th-generation descendants of Hewick's builder. The admission fee also lets you see the site of the College of William and Mary's archaeological dig that's been going on since 1989. Shopping Downtown Urbanna, which is only a few blocks long, is perfect for strolling and checking out an eclectic mix of retail stores. Urbanna Antique Mall is open seven days a week with 30 dealers who spread their wares throughout 6,000 square feet.