Virginia USA

The Commonwealth of Virginia is an American state on the Atlantic Coast of the USA. Virginia is known as the "Old Dominion" and sometimes as "Mother of Presidents", because it is the birthplace of eight U.S. presidents.

Population

The capital of the commonwealth is Richmond. The most populated city is Virginia Beach and Fairfax County is the most populated county. The total population of Virginia is nearly eight million.

History

The founding of the Virginia Colony in 1607 by the Virginia Company of London was the first permanent New World English colony. Virginia was one of the Thirteen Colonies in the American Revolution and joined the Confederacy in the American Civil War, during which the state of West Virginia separated.

Economy

Virginia's economy relies on agriculture, federal agencies, military bases, media and technology. Computer chips are said to be the state's leading export, with the industry supported by a strong system public schools and universities.

Geography

Virginia geography varies widely from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay.

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 Delware. The eastern shore is known for its wildlife refuges, state parks and towns such as Cape Charles, Exmore, Chincoteague, Onancock and Accomac.

The Northern Neck is the northernmost of peninsula (traditionally called "necks") on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. The Northern Neck is separated by the Potomac River on the north and the Rappahannock River on the south. Captain John Smith referred to the Northern Neck area as "a place heaven and earth never agreed better to frame man's habitation."

The Chesapeake Bay Watershed includes more than 400,000 acres of land and thousands of miles of open bay, rivers and streams, making the Chesapeake Bay the largest estuary in North America. The name "Chesapeake" is a Susquehanock word meaning "great shellfish bay."

The Chesapeake Bay is famous for its crabs, oysters, and fish. Known for its importance as a major breeding ground for striped bass or "Rockfish", one of the most important sport and food fish of the USA east coast.

photo credit: highcamera.com
This image is available as a full frame print from Highcamera Aerial Photography

These are a few gift ideas for Virginia enthusiasts. Each calendar features regional photography.

Click on the words "View Calendar Pages" to see each month's image.

Chesapeake Bay Calendar



Chincoteague Ponies calendar


Chincoteague Island calendar

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 this1680 wharf town for an annual family fun event. Food, contests, music, small boat races, critter parade, bake-off, and a rubber duck race

Virginia is among the premier bird watching spots in the mid-Atlantic region of the USA. Virginia has a wide variety of environments and is visited by many species of birds.

Song birds

Virginia is home to large numbers of song birds. Along the coast, marshes, wildflowers, fields and areas of brush provide ideal nesting and feeding habitat. Other songbirds inhabit the tall pine forests there. Warblers, nut hatches, sparrows, red wing blackbirds and others nest near the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coast in the summer, while cardinals, jays, woodpeckers and finches reside there during the winter months.

Shore Birds

Herons, egrets, ibises, oyster crackers, march hens and other shorebirds are frequently spotted along the marshes in places like Chincoteague, Assateague and the other barrier islands. On the beaches, dozens of species of sandpipers, plovers, gulls and terns feed, nest and raise chicks.

Birds of Prey

A number of birds of prey visit Virginia. Ospreys arrive in the spring to raise young and feed on the abundant fish stocks. As seasons change, some ospreys migrate south while other birds of prey arrive. American eagles, red tailed hawks and other large hunters are present in the fall thru spring. Other hawks such as sparrow hawks may be found year round.

Waterfowl

Ducks, geese, brant and swans all make stops in Virginia. In the refuge, geese and swans take up residence year round. Other full time residents include black ducks, wood ducks and mallards which raise their young on the marshes of Chincoteague Island, Wallops Island and much of the Chesapeake. As autumn arrives, ducks and geese migrate into the refuges and surrounding areas of Virginia. Shoveler ducks, pintails, mallards, widgeons, teal, rudy ducks, canvasbacks, redheads, ring necked ducks, bluebills, and others fly in. Mergansers, buffleheads, goldeneyes and other diving ducks show up in the bay waters as cold weather sets in. Off the coast, rafts of sea ducks and small groups of oldsquaw ducks forage along the shoals over the winter.

The following are some of the seafood delicacies that you might find during your fishing adventure to Virginia.

Clam Chowder - a rich soup using clams, vegetables and either a tomato based or dairy based broth.

Flounder - these fish are the heart of Virginia's inshore fishery. They range from 3-10 lbs and are flat, brown fish which lay on the bottom waiting to ambush prey. The flesh is white, mild and very highly prized by seafood lovers.

Sea Bass - this fish has white meat and a delicate flavor. Catfish are easily farm raised.

Calamari - squid, prepared a variety of ways. Calamari is popular in several cuisines.

Clams - The most popular are hard clams which are eaten raw, steamed or in dishes such as chowders.

Lobsters - large crustaceans, highly prized as a seafood delicacy. Northern or American lobsters are caught off the coast of Virginia and are sometimes sold locally.

Mahi-mahi - dolphinfish; a brightly colored pelagic fish found in the open ocean of the Virginia coast. Mahi mahi is a white fish with a distinctive flavor. The meat is high in Omega 3 oil. Mahi mahi is often grilled or broiled.

Mussels - small shellfish, popular in restaurants.

Oysters - shellfish, often served raw or steamed in the shell. Virginia oysters are widely recognized as being among the best oysters on the USA east coast.

Shrimp - a term for several species of small crustaceans. Wild American shrimp include white shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus), brown shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus), pink shrimp (Penaeus duorarum), royal red shrimp (Pleoticus robustus or Hymenopenaeus robustus) and rock shrimp (Sicyonia brevirostris). Shrimp are caught in nearby North Carolina and immediately trucked to Virginia.

Fishermen and seafood lovers can also visit www.fresh-seafood.net for a wide range of articles, news, recipes and suppliers of top quality fresh seafood that is available locally or shipped to your door.

Virginia Beach is the perfect holiday destination on the East coast of USA. The city is known for its beachfront vacation atmosphere and is a popular holiday resort. The area is located 110 miles east of Richmond and draws tourists from both the North and South. Located in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia is a resort city with miles of beaches, hotels and restaurants along the ocean front.

Summer and spring are popular seasons to visit, a time when thousands of sun lovers flock to the beach front and enjoy their time off. Summers are hot and humid with warm evenings while winters are colder and wetter. Snow is rare in Virginia Beach and the other coastal towns.

Reaching the city is easy, Norfolk International Airport, located near Chesapeake Bay, is the major airport of the area and plenty of flights are available. Transportation in the city is excellent with a well maintained system of roads. Bus, taxi and and rail options are available. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT), the longest bridge-tunnel complex in the world, connects city to the eastern shore of Virginia.

The major tourist attraction is the three mile long boardwalk, lined with numerous hotels and restaurants which overlook the 20 miles of sandy beaches along the coastline. The boardwalk has a wide range of restaurants, bars, gift shops, specialty shops, a fishing pier and other businesses. The bustling boardwalk and beach filled with happy tourists, sounds of the waves mixed with the aroma of your favorite food grilling nearby is an experience in itself. Leisure activities include saltwater fishing, golf, live music, shopping, flea markets, festivals and more.

Eco-tourism is flourishing at Virginia Beach. During summer there are kayaking rentals, beachfront boat cruises, para sailing, sailing and other activities. In the winter, nature enthusiasts can see an array of wildlife as the ocean is often visited by migrating ducks, geese, humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles and other species traveling on their migratory paths.

Other interesting sightseeing attractions at the Virginia Beach include the Virginia Marine Science Museum, the most popular museum in the state. The attraction challenges visitors to explore the mysteries of the ocean, wetlands, Chesapeake Bay and other regions. The facility is noted as one of the top marine science museums in the country. It features a huge open-ocean aquarium, live sharks, hands-on exhibits and a giant sea turtle aquarium. The area is also home to several other museums the most notable being the Old Coast Guard Station Museum and the Contemporary Art Center.

Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads region holds immense historical significance. Local tourist attractions include Old Cape Henry Lighthouse dating from 1791 and Adam Thoroughgood House, built around 1680. It was here over four hundred years ago that English colonists set foot in Virginia. In April 1607, the vessels Sarah Constant, Godspeed and Discovery stopped at the Chesapeake Bay. They named the spot as Cape Henry. Other historic buildings include churches and spiritual houses.

The array of activities, the climate and the the warmth of the city make Virginia Beach an excellent vacation stop for families of all ages.

Virginia creeks offer a different experience for fishermen, nature lovers and explorers. Some of the most breathtaking and dramatic landscapes in the area include places such as Onancock Creek.

The lower areas of these rivers can contain more saltwater and may hold trout, red drum, black drum, croakers, Norfolk spot, bluefish, striped bass, flounder, perch, eels, channel catfish and other fish. Fishing the lower reaches of the larger Eastern shore rivers can be very productive during certain periods of the year. Late winter and early spring give cool weather anglers opportunities to locate and fish dense schools of yellow and white perch that have congregated prior to spawning. Again the fall, fish such as rockfish and croaker school up to feed before leaving the rivers.

The Virginia Fly Fishing Festival is held outside each spring on the banks of the South River in Waynesboro, Virginia. The Fishing Festival draws anglers from across the Mid-Atlantic with nonstop free lectures and tips on where, when, and how to fly fish in the Old Dominion and across the globe as well as wine-tasting and live music. The festival is a one-stop shop for gear, expert advice, and even instruction. The festival is the largest fly angling event in the Old Dominion!