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Summertime on The Shore: 8 Ideas for Your Next Visit

06/23/2023

Summer on Virginia’s Eastern Shore is a blast, with so many outdoor activities to choose from and often paired with a delightful breeze given the surrounding water. Read on for a few ideas for your next visit. No matter what you choose to do, stop by Chatham Vineyards at Church Creek and relax in our tasting room over your favorite glass of wine.

When you paddle to Chatham Vineyards at Church Creek, you experience it a whole different way. It’s relaxing, it’s fun and your complimentary wine tasting will be waiting when you arrive. Paddle Your Glass Off is an experience offered through Southeast Expeditions.
If you’re looking for a lowkey beach spot that is unlike the Oceanfront in Virginia Beach, check out Kiptopeke State Park in Cape Charles. It’s relatively secluded there where the sun sets right on the water. Crab, fish, swim, hike and paddleboard in this hidden gem. If a quiet beach is what you’re looking for, you might also enjoy Savage Neck Dunes State Natural Area Preserve that spans nearly 300 acres and includes a migratory songbird habitat.
Plan a charter boat tour at one of several spots on the Shore. Set sail with Capt. Meriweather Payne of Seaside Ecotours at Wachapreague. His history of Virginia’s Eastern Shore complements the beautiful views that will surround you. Or join Capt. Tom Bunino for a two-hour sail aboard the Cat Boat Gratitude. Contact Onancock Sailing Adventures for information. Customize your ecotour at Broadwater Bay with Capt. Rick Kellam. Options range from seaside clamming to surf and fly fishing to sunset wine and cheese cruises. Book a fishing charter through family-owned Tidewater Charters, which also offers sunset cruises and dolphin watching tours of the Bay.
Hike, bike, fish and hunt at the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, which is full of scenic walking paths and picnic areas. You will love the Butterfly Trail, and if you’re on bike, a 6-mile path connects to Kiptopeke State Park.
Bill and Mary Burnham, owners of Burnham Guides, have been friends with Chatham vintners Jon and Mills Wehner for more than 20 years. Visit their paddling shop at historic Onancock Wharf to rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUP) and bikes. If you’ve never been on a SUP, one hour of private lessons in the calm waters of Onancock Bay is just $40. Or schedule a day trip to the Barrier Islands or Chincoteague and paddle with the ponies. Go kayak fishing as part of a guided 3-hour tour (bird watching is a bonus!).

If you’re visiting on a Saturday, don’t miss the farmers markets in Onancock and Cape Charles. Find the Onancock Market at 22 Market St., from 9 a.m. until noon. Shop the Farmers Market at the Oyster Farm in Cape Charles’ Kings Creek Marina also during those hours. Fresh produce, artisans products and handmade crafts are for sale at each.
When you’re in Machipongo, Chincoteague is little more than an hour away. If you want to see ponies, late July is the ideal time to go, though horses are visible year-round at unspoiled Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, actually located on the Virginia portion of Assateague Island. Virginia’s only resort island is known for its oyster beds and clam shoals along with its pristine beaches. Both islands are splendid and ideal for weeklong stays.
Part of the mystique of Virginia’s Eastern Shore is its natural habitat without the hustle and bustle. While you can fill your day with activities, you can also savor the moment minus any schedule. You’re welcome to do that at Chatham Vineyards. Enjoy a picnic here along with your favorite glass of wine. When you unplug from the nearest cell tour, you plug into something far more special — natural, unspoiled surroundings that nurture the soul.

Post By: Amanda Shortt