Washington Golf Monthly....

GOOD LIVING, GOOD GOLF

THE TIDES INN

Virginia's Northern Neck Golf Mecca

The Tides Inn is one of Virginia's (and the region's) special destinations and the perfect place to head for a very special golf vacation. This Northern Neck mecca provides an elegant waterfront golf retreat unlike any other in the region. It's an ultimate golf getaway for Washington-area residents.

Captain John Smith may have said it best: "Within is a country that may have the prerogative over the most pleasant places known, for large and pleasant navigable rivers, heaven and earth never agreed better to frame a place for man's habitation."

Within this country that Smith loved is The Tides Inn. Ann Lee ("Miss Ann") and E.A. Stephens opened this hospitable resort on July 15, 1947 with 46 rooms, a dining room, a bottle club, and a dream. Now people from around the world dream of their next stay at The Tides Inn.

Located in the quiet community of Irvington and situated on the shores of Carter's Creek, The Tides Inn offers an unsurpassed getaway of golf, relaxation, fine dining, varied amenities, and many other activities. The possibilities include: 45 holes of highly-rated golf; tastefully appointed accommodations; unforgettable yacht cruises aboard the legendary "Miss Ann" and other boating possibilities; tennis on fast-dry competition or all-weather courts; dancing and honeymoon parties in the inviting Chesapeake Club; acclaimed meals graciously served in impeccable dining rooms; luncheons and cocktails at the brand new poolside restaurant, Commodore's, aboard the yachts, or at Cap'n B's at the Golden Eagle golf club; elegant shopping; playrooms, bikes, a beachside saltwater pool; unique evening entertainment; and an informal elegance and a level of service that draws repeat visitors like few small resorts in the world.

The golf experience at The Tides Inn is one of the finest in the region. Rounds are kept at a minimum, so the pace of play is similar to the relaxed pace of a stay at the resort. Washington area residents will marvel at ten minute tee times.

The Golden Eagle offers a course in the classic sense, with six water holes, 98 bunkers, and almost 7,000 yards from the back tees. Designed by George Cobb, consultant to Augusta National, the Bermuda fairways are tight and individual, with none parallel. The Golden Eagle contour is hilly and lined with mountain laurel, hollies, and dogwood trees. The greens are bent grass, undulating, and fast. The par 4 number 5 is surely one of the prettiest holes in the area.

The Golden Eagle has hosted two Virginia State Golf Association Championships in the past eight years and will hold the Middle Atlantic Women's Championship this year. The course continues to host repeat golfing guests from around Washington (and the world).

The Tartan Course sits on a hilly piece of property on the far side of Church Cove, adjacent to The Tides Lodge Resort & Country Club. Originally designed by Sir Guy Campbell, author and resident architect of the Royal and Ancient Club, the course was completed by George Cobb when Sir Guy died during its construction. The fairways run through the peaceful woods and pretty backwaters of Carter's Creek, making for a quiet round.

In addition to these two courses, Tides Inn guests can also enjoy the par-3. It's ideal for beginners and sick short games. Driving ranges, practice putting greens, and complete pro shops are available at Golden Eagle and Tartan. Complimentary transportation is available to both courses.

Off the links, the relaxing atmosphere of luxury sets the scene for a unique stay. You can do as little (or as much) as you want during a visit. Between rounds, your choices might include an oyster roast, a luncheon cruise, a welcome party hosted by the Stephens family, parlor games, a movie, and much more. Tides Inn guests can also enjoy the dining and other facilities available at The Tides Lodge, located just across the water.

In the evening, The Tides Inn Dining Room experience provides the highlight for many guests. The headwaiter assigns your table for the duration of your visit, leading to consistency between guests and servers. The friendly wait staff enhances the excellent meals prepared by the award-winning kitchen, which features regional and traditional continental cuisine. Each night features a nice selection of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, and desserts. The Modified American Plan (breakfast and dinner) makes the dining experience even easier and more enjoyable.

Any Tides Inn stay starts (and ends) with impeccable service from everyone at resort. From the yacht captain to the gardener to the owner, guests are made to feel welcome. The staff becomes the primary reason that entire families and generations of loyal guests return for more than twenty consecutive seasons. It's a great place to start a golf vacation tradition of your own.

SIDEBAR

Among the many pleasures included in The Tides Inn rates are full traditional Virginia breakfasts and five-course dinners; tastefully decorated rooms; and unlike many other golf resorts, all of these activities with every rate plan: yacht cruises; par 3 golf; tennis; beachside saltwater pool (heated in spring and fall); reserved table and wait staff in the Dining Room; nearby fitness and health facility; evening music and dancing; nightly parlor games or movie; Wednesday party oyster roasts; bicycles; boating; lawn games and game room; nightly turndown service; in-room coffee makers; morning newspapers; and use of facilities at Tides Lodge Resort & Country Club.

Prime Season at The Tides Inn runs until October 28, with per person, double occupancy rates ranging from $122-$163 per night for Sunday to Thursday and $135-$175 per night for Friday and Saturday. Bedroom and parlor suites range from $175 to $355 per person. Rooms for single occupancy range from $145 to $295. Prime season also includes the popular Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years holidays.

Children may occupy rooms with parents at no additional charge. Meal plans depend on the age of the child. For the convenience of guests, a $13.75 per person service charge is automatically added to MAP plans, which covers bellmen, room maids, waitresses, other dining room personnel, and room service.

Greens fees range from $30 to $42, with a cart costing $28 for two golfers. Golf packages offer a great deal, with an additional $37-$44 added to a guests bill. This included unlimited greens fees and electric carts (including days of arrival and departure); range balls and gift set; daily club storage and cleaning; guaranteed advance tee times; one round with cart at the Lodge's Tartan Course for every three night stay, if desired; and a package rebate if the course is closed by weather. There is a two-night minimum stay.

From the Washington area, take I-95 or US 301 south to US 17 south, which you follow to Tappahannock. A the second stoplight in Tappahannock, you will turn left on US 360 east. Cross the Rappahannock River (welcome to the Northern Neck!) and continue into Warsaw. After passing through town, you will bear right before a stoplight, leaving US 360, onto US 3 east toward Kilmarnock. In Kilmarnock, turn right at the third stoplight, which is Irvington Road. In Irvington, turn right on Route 634, which is King Carter Drive. The Tides Inn and a great golf vacation are just ahead. See the accompanying map and directions for more details on the best ways to reach The Tides Inn.

Contact The Tides Inn at Irvington, VA 22480; 804-438-5000 or 800-TIDES INN.