VISIT Eastern Shore, Virginia

11/11/2024

Whether they're on the half shell, baked, steamed, or fried, there's nothing quite like the Virginia oyster.

Although you can enjoy oysters year round, we especially enjoy them in these months that end in "r", as the old saying goes! During Virginia Oyster Month, indulge in Bayside and Seaside oysters here on the Shore and savor the different flavors you can find here!

You can grab a bag of oysters from one of our local aqua-farmers or watermen (check out this blog post for information on where to find them - https://visitesva.com/eat/listings/fresh-from-the-water-seafood-trail-find-your-wanderlove/) or enjoy oysters at one of our fabulous local restaurants! You can find restaurants that serve seafood on our website, visitesva.com, under the "Eat" section.

Photos courtesy of
Locations:
1 - Salty Rooster Cape Charles , home of the Cape Charles Distillery
2, 5 - Bill's PRIME Seafood & Steaks
3 - Oyster Farm Seafood Eatery
4 - The Shanty


Virginia is for Lovers

11/07/2024

Mark your calendars for the 22nd Annual Artisans Guild Studio Tour!

Get ready for the 22nd Annual Artisans Guild Studio Tour! Join the Eastern Shore Artisans Guild Thanksgiving Weekend for a delightful holiday self-drive shopping and wine tasting tour. Explore local artisans’ studios and find unique gifts for your loved ones.

🗓️ November 29 & 30, 2024
🕙 10 AM - 5 PM

Don’t miss this perfect opportunity to support local artists and enjoy a festive weekend. Visit esvaartisansguild.org for more details or email them at [email protected]. See you there!

11/06/2024

Where to Wander: Wachapreague

Known as the little city by the sea and the flounder capital of the world, Wachapreague is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Watch the birds in the marsh, catch a ride on a fishing charter or an ecotour, or just enjoy the opportunity to take life at a slower pace. Start your day with a coffee from the Wachapreague General Store and end it with dinner at the Island House, overlooking the water.

Make your getaway to Virginia's Eastern Shore and relax in the little city by the sea - and, of course, you have to try the flounder while you're here!

Flounder dish photo courtesy of John Park


Virginia is for Lovers
Wachapreague

10/29/2024

Looking to visit the most beautiful places in Virginia? Don't take our word for it - check out this Southern Living feature that highlights Cape Charles and Chincoteague here on Virginia's Eastern Shore!

https://www.southernliving.com/most-beautiful-places-in-virginia-8734957

From sandy beaches to mountain summits to sparkling lakes, Virginia just seems to have it all. Here are the 20 most beautiful places to visit in Virginia.

10/28/2024

Waking up to this kind of view on Virginia's Eastern Shore ☀️

When you stay on the seaside (somewhere like ✨️), you'll have a front row seat to clear, stunning sunrises over the Atlantic Ocean. Want to see the sunset, too? The Chesapeake Bay coastline is just a few miles away on the other side of the Shore.

Your fall getaway is waiting for you! Make your escape to Virginia's natural coast for your best coastal autumn yet.

Photos:
Location:

10/25/2024

It's the season for bird watching on Virginia's Eastern Shore!

Situated ideally between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, The Eastern Shore of Virginia is a prime destination for bird watching enthusiasts. During the fall migration, thousands of birds, including ducks, geese, swans, hawks, and more, make their way through our region's coastal marshes and wetlands.

Whether you are a first time adventurer going out to look for birds or you're a seasoned professional, the Shore is a birder's paradise!

If you need a hand getting started, stop by the Hawk Watch at Kiptopeke State Park and work with experts to count the hawks as they migrate. They will teach you the tools of the trade and get you on your way to being a pro!

Once you're ready to go, check out resources like Birding Eastern Shore and The Nature Conservancy for up to date information on where to go, information about our natural areas, and the birds to look for on your adventure.

Tips for Bird Watching:

Timing is Key: While you can spot birds migrating from September to December, the peak of migration typically occurs in October and November.
Choose the Right Location: Popular spots include the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, and Kiptopeke State Park, but with thousands of acres of public land, you have lots of options to choose from!
Dress Appropriately: Wear warm clothing, waterproof boots, and bring binoculars.
Be Patient: Birds can be shy, so observe quietly and at a distance.
Care for our area: Of course, always pack out what you pack in and take care of our beautiful area that provides habitat for these migrating birds.

These are just the basics, so we want to know - what are your best tips for bird watching and what is the coolest bird you have spotted on Virginia's Eastern Shore?

Birding Eastern Shore - https://www.birdingeasternshore.org/
The Nature Conservancy - https://www.nature.org/en-us/



Virginia is for Lovers
The Nature Conservancy Virginia
Birding Eastern Shore

10/23/2024

Where wild horses roam 🐎

Go beyond the beach and visit Chincoteague Island this fall! Traverse the marsh and channels by kayak or boat and you'll come across the most famous residents of this area, the Chincoteague Ponies.

Whether they were brought by Spanish ship or put out to pasture by farmers avoiding taxes, the ponies have now become a part of the Island's identity. While you're exploring, also keep an eye out for a variety of birds, including eagles, ducks, herons, egrets, and more. Our Eastern Shore peninsula acts as a funnel for migrating birds, so sometimes, you'll get the chance to enjoy a rare sighting of a unique bird that has found its way to our shores.

End your day with a fantastic meal and stay in one of our beautiful local accommodations to get the rest you need for your next full day of adventuring.

What you will discover as you wander Virginia's Eastern Shore? Use our tools to start planning your trip today at visitesva.com.



Virginia is for Lovers
Coastal Virginia
Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce and Certified Visitor Center

10/21/2024

As the leaves change color and the air grows crisp, there's no better way to celebrate the season than with a glass of Chatham Vineyards wine. The award-winning wines are the perfect pairing for cozy nights by the fire.

Visit this fall and enjoy a signature wine flight, explore the beautiful grounds, and discover your new favorite fall wine.

📍Chatham Vineyards
9232 Chatham Rd
Machipongo, VA 23405

10/17/2024

Halloween is coming to the Eastern Shore! 🎃👻

Get ready for a spooktacular time in Cape Charles, Onancock, and Chincoteague this Halloween. From parades and pumpkin carving to haunted theatres and zombie water parks, there's something for everyone!

Events start this weekend and are happening through Halloween! Check local event listings for specific dates, times, more events, and more information.



Virginia is for Lovers

10/13/2024

Have you been wanting to visit the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge but haven't made the trip yet? Today is the day!

Several times a year, the wildlife refuge has free entrance days, which are great opportunities to explore the area!

Wander the trails, watch the birds, meet the Chincoteague ponies, and spend time on the beach!

The last dates for free admission in 2024 are today (October 13th) and November 11th.

What's your favorite trail on the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge?


Virginia is for Lovers

10/11/2024

The Shore is known for incredible experiences and this one was truly amazing!

While the northern lights are super rare here of course, there are so many opportunities to watch fascinating astronomical events.

As an area with lots of open sky and lower light pollution, the Eastern Shore of Virginia is a great spot for viewing the night sky. We have awesome displays of meteor showers, super moons, stars, and more!

What's the coolest thing you've seen in the night sky on Virginia's Eastern Shore?


Virginia is for Lovers
Coastal Virginia

10/09/2024

The ESVA Agricultural Fair is a celebration of our heritage and farming community here on the Eastern Shore!

Make sure to mark your calendars for next year's event. Who knows, maybe you will be the next skillet throwing or wader racing champion!


Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce

The Eastern Shore of Virginia (ESVA) Agricultural Fair concluded this past weekend with overwhelming success, drawing over 1,500 attendees and marking one of the most memorable events in the fair’s history. This year’s fair also saw record-breaking participation in various competitions, includin...

10/09/2024

Have you tried pairing our Virginia oysters with our Virginia wine?

On your next adventure to Virginia's Eastern Shore, add some local flair to your plate with our very own oysters and top it off with a glass of wine from Chatham Vineyards!

Read more about enjoying wine and oysters together here: https://chathamvineyards.com/a-pairing-for-the-ages/

What is your favorite ESVA oyster and wine pairing?

Chatham is more than just wine—it's a way of life and we can't think of a better way to spend a crisp fall day!

10/07/2024

When you need to get away from it all, make your escape to Virginia's Eastern Shore!

When time begins to feel like it's flying past, traveling across a bridge, through a few tunnels and over a bay offers the gift of separation from obligation.

10/02/2024

Celebrate Virginia Wine Month with a visit to the charming Chatham Vineyards!

Discover their award-winning wines, from crisp Chardonnay to rich Cabernet Franc. Explore the historic grounds and enjoy a memorable tasting experience.



Photos courtesy of John Park.

09/26/2024

Nothing says autumn like a cozy getaway to a beautiful, historic bed and breakfast!

As the temperatures cool, relax at the Bay Haven Inn of Cape Charles, nestled in the heart of Cape Charles, Virginia. Experience the perfect blend of comfort and luxury as you unwind in a living room by the fireplace or cozy up with a book on the porch.

Indulge your fall cravings with a pumpkin spice latte or a warm baked good from one of the nearby coffee shops or bakeries. Explore the quiet small town, with its award-winning restaurants and boutiques, all within easy walking or biking distance. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the Chesapeake Bay from the beach or one of the local waterfront restaurants.

Wanting to spend more time outside? Bay Haven Inn is a short drive from Kiptopeke State Park, the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, and many other natural areas and preserves that are perfect for hiking, biking, and birding!

Ready for a fall getaway that feels like it's right out of a movie? You're going to love your stay at the Bay Haven Inn of Cape Charles! Book it here - https://bayhaveninnbnb.com/

Photos courtesy of Bay Haven Inn of Cape Charles

09/24/2024

Have you stopped by to see our display at the Virginia Welcome Center at New Church? Check it out and enter for some great ESVA products before the end of September!

Our new Welcome Center mat here at Virginia Welcome Center at New Church 💛

09/19/2024

It's pumpkin spice season, and we are here for it!

No matter where you are on Virginia's Eastern Shore, a great local coffee shop isn't far away. Indulge in all the flavors of the season!

What is your favorite seasonal drink?

Photo locations:
Foggy Place Cafe in Onancock
Wachapreague General Store in Wachapreague