Eastern Shore of Virginia

The eastern shore of Virginia is a narrow strip of land that is isolated by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Chesapeake Bay to the west. This strip of land is part of the Delmarva Peninsula. North of Virginia's portion is Maryland and Delaware.

The area is home to a mix of agriculture, aquaculture, commercial fishing, and retirement living. Among the jewels of Virginia's eastern shore are its wildlife refuges, state parks and towns such as Cape Charles, Exmore, Chincoteague, Onancock and Accomac.

During his1608 voyage to explore the Eastern Shore, Captain John Smith said that "... Heaven and earth never agreed better to frame a place for man's habitation."

Chincoteague Island is a family-oriented vacation resort along the coast. Recreation on the island includes swimming, sunbathing, fishing, clamming, bird watching, nature cruises, eco tours, biking, hiking, boating, kayaking, miniature golf, Chincoteague ponies, the pony swim, fireman's carnival, Chincoteague decoy and art show, arts and crafts shows, the oyster festival and more.

Wachapreague is a small town on the eastern shore of Virginia. The town lies on a winding creek that leads to a series of small bays, tidal flats and eventually to the Atlantic Ocean. Wachapreague is well known for its flounder fishing and deep sea fishing for tuna, marlin and other pelagic species.

Onancock is one of the most beautiful and oldest towns on the lower eastern shore. The town has restaraunts, shops, the harbor and other services within all within walking distance. Onancock is a popular overnight port for sailboaters. The creek into town offers quite dockage and is a nice location to stop off during Chesapeake Bay tours. Onancock Creek extends roughly 10 miles and merges in the Chesapeake Bay. Along the creek are sandy beaches, ideal for sunbathing and family outings. Further along the estuary are marshy stretches with grass beds, points and other scenic views. Anglers find a wide range of fishing spots within a short distance of Onancock.

Tangier Island is a small but beautiful island in the Chesapeake bay. Shallow water and marshy areas surround the island. The grassbeds are home to countless young blue crabs which come to grow and shed. This fishery for shedder crabs, known as "peeler crabs" are a main source of income for watermen. The commercial crabbers of Tangier Island catch crabs by traps, nets or scrapes and then hold them in tanks until they molt. The resulting soft shelled crab is a valuable seafood delicacy.

Cape Charles Virginia is a historic town near the tip of the Delmarva peninsula. The town was a bustling center of business in the 1800's and first half of the 20th century, with most of its business related to the railroad which terminated in the harbor where rail cars were transferred to barges for transport across the Chesapeake Bay. The rail hub still exists and remains in use.

photo credit: highcamera.com

This image is available as a full frame print from Highcamera Aerial Photography

photo credit: highcamera.com

This image is available as a full frame print from Highcamera Aerial Photography

This image is available as a full frame print from Highcamera Aerial Photography

photo credit: Highcamera.com

photo credit: highcamera.com

This image is available as a full frame print from Highcamera Aerial Photography

photo credit: highcamera.com

This image is available as a full frame print from Highcamera Aerial Photography

photo credit: highcamera.com

This image is available as a full frame print from Highcamera Aerial Photography

photo credit: highcamera.com

This image is available as a full frame print from Highcamera Aerial Photography

photo credit: highcamera.com

This image is available as a full frame print from Highcamera Aerial Photography

photo credit: highcamera.com

This image is available as a full frame print from Highcamera Aerial Photography

The Chesapeake Bay Watershed separates Delmarva from the Western parts of Maryland and Virginia. The estuary includes more than 400,000 acres of land and thousands of miles of open bay, rivers and streams. The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in North America, beginning in Pennsylvania, as a small part of the Susquehanna River. As the flow increases, it passes thru Maryland and becomes an open bay. The bay continues South into Virginia, emptying into the Atlantic near The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. The Chesapeake Bay is famous for its crabs, oysters, and fish including striped bass or "Rockfish", one of the most important sport and food fish of the USA east coast.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel connects the Eastern Shore of Virginia to Hampton Roads. The structure is sometimes referred to as the 8th wonder of the world.

This 13 mile bridge has 2 tunnels and spans the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay from Kiptopeake Virginia to Virginia Beach Virginia.

MARCH

SNEAK PEEK STUDIO TOUR 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009 7am-9pm
Saturday-Sunday, March 28-29 10am-6pm
This annual art event provides art lovers a "first pick" opportunity by viewing what Eastern Shore artists have been creating for the upcoming exhibition season. Visit local artists at several exciting studio stops, plus a special exhibit of works by all participating artists. Perfect for "day-trippers," this open studio tour is free to the public as are the wine tastings at two award-winning Eastern Shore Wineries. Meet the artists, enter to win a featured art work and enjoy early spring on Virginia's Eastern Shore.
Contact Donna Adams at 757-442-9537 or info@sneakpeekstudiotour.com www.sneakpeekstudiotour.com

SAIL IN THE ARTS - SPRING PLEIN-AIR PAINTING EVENT
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Art lovers enjoy watching images take shape on canvas in and around the bayside town of historic Cape Charles. Beach, bayside gazebo, vintage railroad cars, and Victorian architecture are some of the potential subjects. Later that evening have the opportunity to purchase some of the fresh creations right off the easels.
Contact the Stage Door Gallery at 757-331-3669, www.stagedoorgallery.com.

APRIL

2ND ANNUAL CAPE CHARLES BLESSING OF THE FLEET AND 5K RUN
Friday, April 3, 2009
Saturday, April 04, 2009

Friday: 5pm
Commercial fishing boats from all over the Chesapeake Bay will converge at the quaint Cape Charles Harbor for the blessing of a safe season and good harvest for local fishermen. Share the bounty of the Bay, the freshest seafood brought to the dock by local watermen. The celebration includes beer and award-winning Eastern Shore wine.
Saturday 5k Run - registration 8am - 9am - start 9am
Contact Harbormaster Smitty Dize:757- 331-2357, harbormaster@capecharles.org, www.capecharles.org

SECOND FRIDAYS IN ONANCOCK
Friday, April 3, 2009 5 to 8pm
Second Friday evening of each month April through December. Take an evening art stroll through this1680 harbor town on the second Friday evening of the month. Participating shops and galleries stay open late featuring local artists, demonstrations and specials, with dinning in international and eclectic eateries. Sponsored by the Onancock Business & Civic Association. For more information (757) 302-0388 www.onancock.org

THE 2nd ANNUAL DAFFODIL FESTIVAL
Saturday, April 4, 2009 9am-4pm
Sunday, April 5, 2009 10am-3pm
Chincoteague Island
Flower, Home & Garden Show and 8th Annual Spring Arts &Craft Show rolled into one amazing show.... Shopping Galore for Flowers, Plants, Fine Arts, Unique Products for Home and Garden
Contact 757-336-0614 or 757-894-2334 SamSerio@esva.net. www.DaffodilFestival2009.com

EASTER DECOY ART FESTIVAL AND AUCTION
Friday-Saturday, April 10-11, 2009
Chincoteague Island
See how the salty legacy lives on with the decoy carving talents of over 100 regional and national carvers competing and selling their artisan wares. Event also includes an exciting auction and awards for best in show.
Contact 757-336-6161 or info@chincoteaguechamber.com www.chincoteaguechamber.com

2ND SATURDAY ART STROLL
Saturday April 11, 2009 6-10pm
The Second Saturday Art Stroll occurs at participating shops, galleries, museums and artists' studios throughout Chincoteague Island. 2nd Saturday of each month thru December participating galleries and shops open extended hours with special events. Call (757) 336-5653
www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org.

HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK in VIRGINIA, EASTERN SHORE TOUR
Saturday, April 25, 2009
With the Eastern Shore in full bloom it's a rare chance to explore exquisite private estates, historic homes and gardens. Requests for color brochures or tickets, as well as questions regarding bus tours,
local information or other concerns, may be directed to Mary Hamilton Stuart at (757) 678-7889. Tour chairmen may be reached as follows: Kate Jacob at (757) 787-1514 or Katty Mears at (757) 678-5755.
www.esgardentour.com

LOW COUNTRY SHRIMP BOIL
Saturday, April 18, 2009
An annual small town shindig following the Garden Week Tour. Feast on the Eastern Shore's version of a delicious Low Country Shrimp Boil on the grounds of the Cape Charles History Museum. Explore the latest displays and enjoy a silent auction. Local Blue Grass Music.
Contact 757-331-1008. www.smallmuseum.org/capechas.htm

MAY

LINDA LAY & THE SPRINGFIELD EXIT
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Historic Palace Theatre, Cape Charles, VA
One of Virginia's outstanding trios performs traditional and new country, blues, swing, bluegrass and folk.
Contact Arts Enter 757-331-2787. www.artsentercapecharles.org

41st ANNUAL SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
The mother of all seafood feasts! Savor oysters, clams and fresh fish deliciously served Eastern Shore-style, a friendly all-you-can-eat treat at scenic Tom's Cove Campground, Chincoteague Island, VA
Contact Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce 757-787-2460 or info@esvachamber.org www.esvachamber.org

15th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL MIGRATORY BIRD CELEBRATION
Saturday, May 9, 2009
The perfect time of year to explore the wild isle with guided walks for birders of all ages along with family activities and workshops. All at the nation's second most popular refuge, a true coastal treasure-Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.
Contact 757-336-6122, www.fws.gov/northeast/chinco.

3rd ANNUAL BLACK DRUM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FISHING TOURNAMENT
Friday-Sunday, May 15-17, 2009
Anglers from New York to Alabama, and as far west as West Virginia and Ohio find fishing heaven at the luxurious Bay Creek Resort & Club in Cape Charles. Enjoy world-class black drum fishing Saturday and Sunday with cash prizes.
Contact Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce 757-787-2460 or info@esvachamber.org www.esvachamber.org

CBES 21st ANNUAL PIG ROAST
Saturday, May 23, 2009
It's a down-on-the-farm good time at a beautiful vintage bay side farm. Literally pig-out on smoked pork B-B-Q with all the fixings, enjoy hayrides, antique farm equipment displays and local music. Relish a place where family farms are still part of the American fiber. Cherry Grove Farm, Eastville.
Contact Citizens for a Better Eastern Shore 757-678-7157 or info@cbes.org, www.cbes.org

CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND BLESSING OF THE FLEET
Sunday, May 24, 2009
The Blessing of the Fleet is a revered Island tradition held at the Robert Reed Waterfront Park. Local ministers give blessings to protect the watermen from harm and ensure a good fishing season. The finale is a boat parade with private as well as commercial fishing boats joining in the celebration.
Contact Captain Mike Handforth 757-336-6861.

JUNE

13th ANNUAL BENEFIT by the BAY
Saturday, June 6, 2009
A unique and grand affair alfresco alongside the Chesapeake Bay. Champagne dinner, dancing under the stars with live music. One of the Eastern Shore's most elegant affairs.
Contact Arts Enter 757- 331-ARTS www.artsentercapecharles.org

WACHAPREAGUE VOL. FIRE DEPT. TOWN CARNIVAL
June 24-July 18, 2009
An authentic old fashioned Southern carnival with rides, the Miss Wachapreague contest, funnel cakes and the Shore's famous clam fritters. Live family friendly entertainment. Wednesdays-Saturdays.

JULY

84th ANNUAL CHINCOTEAGUE FIREMAN'S CARNIVAL
July 2-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 27-Aug. 1, 2009
Rides, fun, and food at this nostalgic carnival that is sure to make family memories. The Fireman's Carnival leads up to the world famous Pony Swim and Auction always held on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July. July 4th brings small town fireworks at its best.
Contact: Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce, 757-336-6161, chincochamber@verizon.net, www.chincoteaguechamber.com

CHINCOTEAGUE BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL
Friday-Sunday, July 24-26, 2009
Blue is bliss, with fresh blueberries in every yummy creation possible. Over 115 crafters & artisans welcome you to shop and enjoy the Eastern Shore's largest fine arts & craft event.
Contact Chincoteague Center, 757-336-0614, www.chincoteagueblueberryfestival.com

84TH ANNUAL PONY SWIM & AUCTION
Wednesday-Thursday, July 29-30, 2009
A beloved island and Eastern Shore tradition from the thrill of watching saltwater cowboys herd ponies across the waters to Chincoteague to the excitement of the pony auction. Watch the book and movie event of Misty of Chincoteague come alive.
Contact Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce, 757-336-6161, chincochamber@verizon.net, www. chincoteaguechamber.com

SEPTEMBER

CHINCOTEAGUE DECOY CARVER'S ASSOC. DECOY SHOW
Saturday, September 5, 2009 9am-5pm
Sunday, September 6, 2009 10am-4pm
Generations old Shore tradition is showcased as carvers display their work on Chincoteague Island.
Contact Cinda Walls 410-546-1635.

SAIL IN THE ARTS- FALL PLEIN-AIR PAINTING EVENT
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Art lovers enjoy watching images take shape on canvas in and around the bayside town of historic Cape Charles. Later that evening have the opportunity to purchase some of the fresh creations right off the easels at an evening exhibit in the Historic Palace Theatre.
Contact Stage Door Gallery 757-331-3669, www.stagedoorgallery.com.

THE 6TH ANNUAL PLEIN AIR PAINT OUT
Friday-Saturday, September 11-12, 2009
This two day event attracts nearly 50 professional artists who come to paint outdoors using the beautiful islands of Chincoteague and Assateague as their subjects. Visitors are able to watch the artists at work as they use their unique talent to capture scenes quickly before the movement of sun and clouds change the landscape. The art event culminates with a Saturday evening reception, exhibit and sale of the artists' work. 757-336-5636
Contact: Chincoteague Cultural Alliance 757-336-5636 or info@chincoteagueculturalalliance.org www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org

ONANCOCK HARBORFEST
Saturday-Sunday, September 12-13, 2009
Come to this 1680 wharf town for an annual family fun event. Food, contests, music, small boat races, critter parade, bake-off, and a rubber duck race are held.

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Wine Trail hosts three wineries along the Land Between Two Waters. The Eastern Shore's three wineries produce a good selection of varietals, including Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot.

Virginia's Eastern Shore American Viticultural Area (AVA) is located on the southern end of the Delmarva Peninsula, an area that is characterized by sandy soils and weather that is influenced by the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters.

American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) are designated wine grape-growing regions in the United States distinguishable by geographic features. AVA boundaries are defined by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), United States Department of the Treasury.