The East Coast resort on Virginia's Northern Neck, was known for its regional cooking and amenities such as golf and boating; the Tides Inn slogan "Quiet Quality" appeared in advertisements in The New Yorker.

[3] The high land, water views, and clearing of the fields near the farm would influence their idea of opening up a hotel in the area.

[6] In 1956, Stephens purchased and restored the decommissioned USS Aquamarine to be the star attraction at the resort, renaming it Miss Ann after his wife.

Hepburn writes that one of the best early recipes at the resort was the breakfast dish Hangtown fry, made of local oysters and scrambled eggs.

The resort has a total of 70 guest rooms (including suites), a full-service spa, along with a 60-slip marina and a par-72 championship golf course, the Golden Eagle.