The Eastern Shore of Virginia

An Eastern Shore homeVirginia's Eastern Shore is a narrow peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It has hundreds of miles of shoreline, farmland, forests, and very small historic towns.

Towns of the Eastern Shore of Virginia

The largest town on the Eastern Shore of Virginia has 4,500 residents. Chincoteague is that town, and its on an Atlantic Ocean barrier island and is the gateway to Assateague National Seashore. Chincoteague is also the home of the famous annual Pony Penning. The other island town on Virginia's Eastern Shore is Tangier, which is in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay.

You can take a passenger ferry from Onancock to Tangier Island. Onancock and Cape Charles are two waterfront towns on the bayside that attract numerous visitors. They both have bed and breakfast inns, theaters, restaurants and interesting shops. Cape Charles also features golf courses designed by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.

History and architecture buffs should visit the historic county seats of Accomac and Eastville. Parksley is a planned community built at the turn of the century when the railroad came to the Eastern Shore. See the railroad museum. The flounder capital of the world is Wachapreague, a tiny seaside fishing village on the Eastern Shore, VA.

 

Eastern Shore Hotels and Bed and Breakfasts

Where aren't too many hotels to choose from on Virginia's Eastern Shore, but there are some - and there are lots of bed and breakfasts. Most of the chain hotles are located in Exmore, which is about half way down the Shore, near the border between Accomack and Northampton Counties. In Exmore, you'll find the Hampton Inn & Suites, and the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites. They're all located on the highway. And, of course, there are plenty of hotels on Chincoteague Island.

The towns of Onancock and Cape Charles have some nice boutique hotels, including the Charlotte Hotel in Onancock and Hotel Cape Charles and Blue in Cape Charles. Or, choose from one of the many Eastern Shore Bed & Breakfasts.

 

Changes to Virginia's Eastern Shore

The Eastern Shore of Virginia has been "discovered" by retirees looking for reasonably priced waterfront land and mini-farms. Refugees from Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington moved in.

The newcomers to Virginia's Eastern Shore have restored hundreds of historic houses and opened many businesses. Some of our downtowns have added quality specialty shops and restaurants, although commercial real estate speculators are hindering that process in Cape Charles and Onancock.

The Eastern Shore's real estate bubble has burst, and sales of homes and property have slowed dramatically. Prices are coming down and you might be able to find a bargain. Despite some changes, the Eastern Shore of Virginia is still a rural place with beautiful creeks and quaint towns. There are plenty of Eastern Shore Realtors who would be happy to help you find a home.

To see the Shore at its best, you need to get out on the water. Here's a guide to kayaking on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. You can rent kayaks or take a guided trip with SouthEast Expeditions in Cape Charles or now at the wharf in Onancock.