There's a lot more to oysters than just eating them.
Oysters from Virginia's Eastern Shore are plucked from the Atlantic Ocean on one side of the peninsula and the Chesapeake Bay on the other, then shipped to restaurants around the world. You can find them at Whole Foods and even order them at Grand Central Oyster Bar in Manhattan. But you can head to Virginia's Eastern Shore to eat your fill right from the source! You'll find them raw, smoked, roasted, fried, topped with crab, and in chowders, pastries, sandwiches and salads. But there's more. Oysters played a central role in the culture here over centuries. Since the first days of America, oysters brought generational wealth to savvy business people and provided a good living to many more. Oysters caused bloody and violent conflict and the infamous Oyster Wars. In the 1980s, Virginia's oyster industry collapsed, devastating local economies. Fast forward to today. The oyster and clam industry on Virginia's Eastern Shore is one of the largest and fastest growing on the East Coast. So come feast your way along two coastlines and savor four distinct flavors of oysters on Virginia's Eastern Shore. But go a little further.TIP: Tickets go fast, so get them sooner rather than later -- all of these oyster roasts sell out

TIP: Buy just-caught oysters and clams after your tour to take back and cook up.

TIP: On-the-water tours are affected by tide and weather dependent; book in advance and be flexible if weather impacts your plans.

TIP: Put on your own oyster roast - cook them in a single layer until they open, about 11 minutes, over a hot grill.

TIP: Winter hours may be reduced so call ahead.

TIP: Please adhere to the Seven Leave No Trace Principles when visiting these precious and delicate areas.

TIP: Antique stores here range from collections of interesting junk to high end.
Fine Art, Artisan Goods, Galleries: Dozens of art galleries and gift stores show off stunning local painters, jewelers, potters, sculptors, fiber artists and creative endeavors of all stripes. Ask for an Artisan Trail brochure wherever you see the trail sign and follow its detailed map to some of the Eastern Shore's most interesting studios, galleries and people working in very remote and beautiful places you'd never see otherwise.TIP: Check out the Virginia's Eastern Shore Artisan Trail website, but get a printed map in hand - wherever you see the Artisan Trail sign - once you arrive.

TIP: Saxis Island is a 30-minute drive off Rt. 13 and Tangier is over an hour by ferry out of Onancock (which itself is a mile off Rt. 13).
