The Eastern Shore of Virginia is a 70-mile peninsula that extends down from Maryland, dividing the Chesapeake Bay from the Atlantic Ocean. This sliver of land can be divided into three sections: lower, middle and upper. The middle shore extends from Exmore in the south to Onancock in the north.
Explore Exmore’s downtown and you’ll find antique, thrift and consignment shops, a classic diner, a park, a hunting and fishing outfitter, a Mexican restaurant.
Head north to Painter where you can get a bird’s eye view of the Eastern Shore during a hang gliding flight with Virginia Hang Gliding, reopening in spring 2021.
Continue your journey in Wachapreague. Book a kayak trip with an outfitter, charter a fishing boat, hire a boat taxi for a ride to the barrier islands or book an eco-tour to learn about the area’s ecology and history.
After all that activity, you’re sure to have an appetite. The Island house has spectacular views of the salt marsh and barrier islands on the Eastern Shore’s Atlantic Coast. Enjoy lunch, dinner or just stop in for a cocktail. The views from the deck are breathtaking and the menu is packed with fresh seafood. If you have time, stop by one of the gift shops or the antique store in town.
Continue north to Onancock, a harbor town on the Chesapeake Bay side of the Eastern Shore. Onancock’s walkable downtown it dotted with art galleries, restaurants, B&Bs, a boutique hotel, antique shops, boutiques and two gourmet markets. Rent a kayak or paddle board from South East Expeditions and explore Onancock Creek or hire the Burnham Guides or Onancock Sailing Adventures for a guided tour of the water.
This little town is also home to two museums. Ker Place is a Federal period home that was converted into a museum to tell the story of some of the regions notable residents, including the original owner of the house. The Eastern Shore Waterman’s Museum and Research Center preserves the history of those who work the water on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Both museums are currently closed due to COIVD-19, although Ker Place's gardens are still open to the public.
Amenities
- LGBT Friendly
Region
Last Updated: 08/27/2020