About the Shore

The name “The Eastern Shore” refers to the peninsula of land extending south from Pennsylvania hosting Delaware, part of Maryland, and part of Virginia. It encloses the Chesapeake Bay on its western shores and is exposed to the Atlantic Ocean to the East, often called the "Delmarva Peninsula."

Natural Setting

Water is all around, and untouched grasslands, forests, farms, and crop fields cover the land with a sprinkling of small towns and old estates up the Bay-side coastline. With so little industrial development, the centuries-old habitats of these Shore natives thrive. Birds, deer, frogs, foxes, and other creatures are very common to find. The nature truly is wild, yet in a serene and beautiful setting.

Birds, Especially
The whole region is an integral stop for the more than 1 million bird species that migrate through the area each year. It is for this reason Bay Creek's lights face the ground, so the birds above are not affected. Each year, a Birding & Wildlife Festival is held which brings thousands of bird watchers to the area during the height of migration. Herons, hawks, buzzards, falcons, and most popularly, American Bald Eagles, can all be found soaring through the sky.

Are Hurricanes an Issue?
Hurricane season is mild on the Eastern Shore because most storms make landfall in North Carolina or southern Virginia where they weaken considerably before drifting over the Eastern Shore. Most commonly, heavy rains and stronger winds than usual are the only effects seen. Damage is usually nonexistent to minimal. Water levels tend to rise as storms create surges, but at Bay Creek our vacuum sewage system keeps excess water down, meanwhile protecting the Bay from contamination.

On the Dinner Table
The Eastern Shore of Virginia is well-known for it’s fresh seafood and produce. Oysters, blue crabs, clams, and seasonal fishes are most popular. Organic, local produce is readily available and part of the regular lifestyle on the Shore. Juicy ripe fruits and vegetables are on sale in our markets, grocery stores, even roadside stands - there's just so much available! Everything tastes better, and is healthier, when it's made with excellent fresh local ingredients.

The Community
They love their nature, and we're sure you will too. Friendly, personable residents mingle at the various hangouts in the many small towns up the Shore. There are a good number of historic families that still reside on their family's lands and farms too. Tradition, care for the environment, a love of the water and all it encompasses, local art and artists, and the delectable seafood the region brings are prideful features of the community.

What to Do on the Water

Try Kayaking! Kayaking is popular because you can explore the shallow grassy areas where most boats can't go, the water's calm, and the scenery can't be beat. It's a low-impact activity that rewards with great photos and some up-close encounters with the natural landscape.

Bay Creek's Private Beach
The beaches at Bay Creek are gentle and pristine, with less than 1 foot high waves and a very slight grade. It's very relaxing to wade through our coved beaches and find sea glass (really!), tiny Bay critters, and feel the soft rippled bottom on your bare feet! And after you see one sunset from our beach, you'll understand.

Boating from Bay Creek Marina
Not surprisingly, water sports, fishing, and boating are common on the Shore. Bay Creek Marina sees all types, makes, and sizes of watercraft. Bay Creek is not far from the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay so fishermen enjoy our convenient location for both Bay and Atlantic fishing. Fishing charters operate from our marina year round, and special charters also come around in the summer.

Exploring the Barrier Islands
The many small shifting barrier islands and shoals on the Atlantic coast of the Eastern Shore are as untouched and wild as if no community ever lived there. Tour operators will proudly narrate the history of the once-inhabited islands and their brave citizens who rescued many from the ships run aground on the treacherous shifting sea floor. The Barrier Island Center Museum does a wonderful job of relaying this community's history and that of the Shore itself. A "must-see" for any newcomer!

History

Most towns today on the Shore sprang from the railroad boom years, Cape Charles especially since it was the final stop on the line before the Chesapeake Bay barge ride across. The main transportation of crops, livestock, and imports was the railroad, and the hubs of commerce like Cape Charles became thriving ports which are now quaint towns with a charm each their own.

Every town you visit will have historic buildings likely being used by an eatery, shop or office to inhabit. A majority of the homes that look Victorian are truly relics from that era cared for through the years preserving the special features of the structure.

There's more to the history than just the architecture though, dating back as far as early Italian explorers and and soon after, Capt. John Smith. Grand estates of the wealthy, railroad tycoon developments, and Virginia statesmen's legacies are sprinkled around as well.

Bygone communities of life-saving watermen and the still-active civilization of isolated Tangier Island give clues as to the livelihoods, struggles and lifestyles the Bay provided. Families depended on either their land or their boats for a living, and many continue to.

Read a full history and a complete listing of everything "Eastern Shore of Virginia" at the Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism website which we recommend to everyone. It has a Shore-wide event calendar, town guides, maps, photos and more to offer anyone interested in our region.