|
|
<-----Potomac River Guide Home Page |
This town, although small in population, contains the second largest beach front in the state of Virginia, second only to Virginia Beach. Once the most popular summer resort along the lower Potomac, this Victorian river town had a summer population of 10,000 in 1912_and a winter population of 700. Currently, the summer population swells to nearly 15,000, and is continuing to grow. The town flourished during the slot machine era in Southern Maryland. Since Maryland owned the Potomac River up to the low water mark on the Virginia shoreline, it was possible for crafty resort owners on the Virginia shore to build piers out into Maryland waters (separated by an inch or two of space in the boardwalk)_and claim that their establishment was in Charles County, Md. All of this worked to the advantage of Colonial Beach entrepreneurs until Charles County banned the slots in 1968. Colonial Beach thereby went into something of a decline, but has recently begun to flourish again. One of the old casinos, now a restaurant, has opened an off-track betting parlor and also sells Maryland and Virginia lottery tickets. The community features antique and craft shops, restaurants, hotels/motels, and marinas. A sandy beach offers swimming in the Potomac with lifeguards on duty Thursdays through Sundays during the summer. The Colonial Beach Yacht Center features wind-surfing lessons and boat rentals. The 1995 Calendar of Events features events ranging from the circus, festivals, and fireworks to the Rockfish Tournament. Colonial Beach is still a popular fishermen's port as well as the headquarters for the Potomac River Fisheries Commission, which regulates shellfishing in the lower river. Directions: Colonial Beach, Va., is located on Va. Route 205, approximately 10 miles east of the intersection of Va. 205 and U.S. 301. From Virginia, take I-95 or Route 1 south to Fredericksburg Route 3 to Route 205. From Maryland, take Route 5 to U.S. 301 South and cross the Potomac at the Nice Bridge to Va. Route 218 east to Route 205. Town of Colonial Beach, 18 N. Irving Ave., Colonial Beach, VA 22443. Telephone: 804-224-7181. For information on events, call 804-224-8145.