Eastern Shore of Virginia (ESVA)

The Eastern Shore of Virginia (ESVA) is a narrow strip of land that is isolated by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Chesapeake Bay to the west.

Part of the Delmarva Peninsula, the Eastern Shore of Virginia is home to a mix of agriculture, aquaculture, commercial fishing, and retirement living.

Among the jewels of Virginia's eastern shore are its wildlife refuges, state parks and towns such as Chincoteague, Onancock, Accomac, Nassawadox, Exmore and Cape Charles.

During his 1608 voyage to explore the Eastern Shore, Captain John Smith said that "... Heaven and earth never agreed better to frame a place for man's habitation."

The Eastern Shore of Virginia is also known as ESVA or Delmarva.

Eastern Shore of Virginia Towns

Chincoteague Island is a family-oriented vacation resort along the coast. Recreation on the island includes swimming, sunbathing, fishing, clamming, bird watching, nature cruises, eco tours, biking, hiking, boating, kayaking, miniature golf, Chincoteague ponies, the pony swim, fireman's carnival, Chincoteague decoy and art show, arts and crafts shows, the oyster festival and more.

Wachapreague is a small town on the eastern shore of Virginia. The town lies on a winding creek that leads to a series of small bays, tidal flats and eventually to the Atlantic Ocean. Wachapreague is well known for its flounder fishing and deep sea fishing for tuna, marlin and other pelagic species.

Onancock is one of the most beautiful and oldest towns on the lower eastern shore. The town has restaraunts, shops, the harbor and other services within all within walking distance. Onancock is a popular overnight port for sailboaters. The creek into town offers quite dockage and is a nice location to stop off during Chesapeake Bay tours.

Onancock Creek extends roughly 10 miles and merges in the Chesapeake Bay. Along the creek are sandy beaches, ideal for sunbathing and family outings. Further along the estuary are marshy stretches with grass beds, points and other scenic views. Anglers find a wide range of fishing spots within a short distance of Onancock.

Tangier Island is a small but beautiful island in the Chesapeake bay. Shallow water and marshy areas surround the island. The grass beds are home to countless young blue crabs which come to grow and shed. This fishery for shedder crabs, known as "peeler crabs" are a main source of income for watermen.

The commercial crabbers of Tangier Island catch crabs by traps, nets or scrapes and then hold them in tanks until they molt. The resulting soft shelled crab is a valuable seafood delicacy.

Cape Charles Virginia is a historic town near the tip of the Delmarva peninsula. The town was a bustling center of business in the 1800's and first half of the 20th century, with most of its business related to the railroad which terminated in the harbor where rail cars were transferred to barges for transport across the Chesapeake Bay. The rail hub still exists and remains in use.

Eastern Shore of Virginia Wine, Wineries, Viticultural Area

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Wine Trail hosts three wineries along the Land Between Two Waters. The Eastern Shore's three wineries produce a good selection of varietals, including Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot.

Virginia's Eastern Shore American Viticultural Area (AVA) is located on the southern end of the Delmarva Peninsula, an area that is characterized by sandy soils and weather that is influenced by the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters.

Saltwater and Freshwater Fishing

Saltwater fishing is extremely popular with something for nearly everyone. Anglers fishing in the Chesapeake Bay or along the Atlantic Coast fish from the surf, jetties, piers, inlets, bridges or by boat. The many variations of saltwater fishing allow anglers of any age, skill level or physical condition a chance to enjoy the sport.

Chesapeake Bay fishing varies widely with anglers choosing to fish with bait, artificial lures, fly fishing gear or other techniques. Along the coast is surf fishing, jetty fishing and inshore fishing. Atlantic Ocean fishing offers anglers a chance to try wreck fishing, offshore fishing and other activities.

The Eastern Shore offers ponds, rivers and creeks where freshwater species of fish thrive. The waterways are known for excellent freshwater fishing, especially for largemouth bass, pickerel and other cover-seeking species.

Eastern Shore of Virginia Seafood

The Eastern Shore is famous for its seafood, especially oysters, clams, blue crabs and saltwater fish. Wild blue crabs are harvested by watermen from the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters. Blue crabs are served steamed, as soft crabs, or in dishes such as crab cakes.

The region is also known for shellfish. The seaside areas of Virginia produce some of the highest quality oysters on the USA east coast. Clams are also important to the seafood industry of the Eastern Shore. Local clam aquaculture operations produce clams which are prized for steaming or eaten raw.

Chincoteague Island Fireman's Pony Swim, Penning, Auction, and Carnival

The Chincoteague Island Fireman's carnival, pony swim, penning, and auction are held annually on Chincoteague Island Virginia.  The carnival runs on weekends during July, and nightly during pony swim week.

The pony swim, penning, and auction is held on the last Wednesday and Thursday of July. The herd of ponies are rounded up by "saltwater cowboys" and swim the channel between Assateague and Chincoteague Islands.

The animals are penned, inspected, fed and most of the foals auctioned off to qualified buyers. The event provides a humane opportunity to provide medical attention, grooming and population control.

Where to See Chincoteague Ponies

The world famous Chincoteague Island can be viewed several times throughout the season.

They may appear at any time on Chincoteague Island National Wildlife Refuge.

They can be seen in the days leading up to the penning during the walk down the beach.

Although crowded, many visitors choose to view the annual pony swim.

They can be viewed at the carnival grounds before and during the auction.

They can be viewed on the swim back to Assateague Island.

Coast Guard Station Open House in Chincoteague Va

The crew of Coast Guard Station Chincoteague is scheduled to hold an open house for the media and the general public, Tuesday, July 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Crews will give lectures and information regarding water safety, survival and safety gear requirements for vessels.

There will also be interactive displays regarding maritime electrical safety and communications as well as aids to navigation.

During the open house, the crew will conduct rescue demonstrations, which may include a helicopter hoist with an MH-60 Jayhawk.

The Coast Guard station is located at 3823 Main Street, Chincoteague, VA., 23336

Chincoteague Island YMCA Cooking Class

The Chincoteague Family YMCA is offering a cooking class on April 26, and May 10 instructed by Peter Upricherd. Learn to bake bread on April 26 6pm with this hands on course. Students should bring a large bowl.

On May 10 6pm learn to bake cinnamon rolls hands on. Students should bring a 9x13 baking dish. For more information visit the YMCA or call 757-336-6364.

Easter Decoy & Art Festival on Chincoteague Island

The Easter Decoy & Art Festival will be held on April 2nd & 3rd at Chincoteague High School. The event will feature local carvers, artwork and lunch featuring Jonithan’s “Up the Bay” clam chowder, pulled pork/ chicken salad sandwiches,and more. The show will include the Chincoteague Island Family YMCA, kicking off their collectible art brick fundraiser.

In 2009 the Chincoteague Family YMCA was donated some of the original bricks from the Historical Chincoteague Elementary School formally located on Church St. From 1922-1958 this building was the first Chincoteague High School, later to become Chincoteague Elementary School 1958-1998.

To commemorate this rich Chincoteague history the YMCA is offering two unique collectible brick designs. The first is a laser etched design on a plaque permanently mounted to an original brick for a treasured collectible in your collection. The laser etching contains an original picture of the building and dates of it’s’ use.

The second collectible design being offered is hand painting by Gary Lee Taylor. There will be multiple designs available reflecting Chincoteague culture and they will all be signed pieces on original school bricks.

Laser etched bricks will be sold for $28 while hand-painted bricks by Gary Lee Taylor will be sold for $38. Supplies are limited. All profit proceeds from food sales and art bricks will benefit the local Chincoteague Island Family YMCA.

The bricks will also be on display at the local branch beyond the festival weekend located at 6446 Maddox Blvd. Bricks can be special ordered with a deposit or for more information call (757) 336-6266.

Chincoteague and Assateague Islands to be Featured on the Today Show

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission has announced that the Today Show is scheduled to present a travel segment on family friendly vacations that will spotlight Chincoteague and Assateague Islands.

Currently scheduled to air Monday, March 8, 2010. The anticipated coverage of Chincoteague is estimated to be seen by nearly 5 million people and has an advertising value of approximately $ 225,194 according to Virginia Tourism Corporation’s 2009 data. 

The Eastern Shore Tourism Commission recently teamed up with the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s Public Relations Director Richard Lewis, to provide the show video, still shots and information on the islands.

“We so often pitch ESVA stories and I would surely not have the necessary knowledge without the efforts of the Eastern Shore Tourism Director, “said Lewis. “In fact my most recent pitch to a freelancer writing for Southern Living included story ideas in Cape Charles, Onancock and Assateague Island.”

 source: Eastern Shore Tourism Commission press release

2010 Seafood Festival on Chincoteague Island

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce will host the 42nd Annual Seafood Festival on May 5, 2010 from 12-4 p.m.

The Seafood Festival will be held at Tom's Cove Campground on Chincoteague Island, Va. Food will include steamed clams, clams and oysters on the half shell, single-fried oysters, oyster fritters, clam fritters, clam chowder, clam strips, grilled chicken tenders, French-fried sweet potatoes, boardwalk fries, hush puppies, spoon bread, bottled water, soda and more.

The ticket price is $40 and tickets can be purchased at www.esvachamber.org or by calling (757) 787-2460.

Chincoteague Island YMCA Tai Chi and Self Defense Classes

Grand Master Elton Trower, a world renowned martial arts master, will be instructing both a Tai Chi and Self Defense Class offered by the Chincoteague Island Family YMCA.

Each course is six weeks in length held on Thursdays starting March 25. Tai Chi will be offered at two different time slots: 3:30-4:30pm or 6:30-7:30pm.

Tai Chi boasts benefits of reduced stress, increased flexibility, improved muscle strength, improved stamina, energy, and more! Cost of course will be non-member $85 and YMCA member $75. Self Defense class will be 5-6pm and welcomes people of all ages.

Cost of course will be non-member $75 and YMCA member $65. Both classes are being held at the Chincoteague Senior Center located on Church St. To register and find out more information call 757 336-6266. Or stop by the local YMCA at 6446 Maddox Blvd.

Winter Waterfowl in Virginia

In spite of the cold temperatures, this is an excellent time to visit a Virginia wildlife refuge and try your hand at wildlife photography or just enjoy watching waterfowl up close.

 

This is a male shoveler duck seen at Assateague Island Virginia. Shovelers feed by dabbling for plant food, often by swinging its bill from side to side and using the bill to strain food from the water.

For more information on viewing waterfowl at Assateague and Chincoteague Islands, visit www.chincoteague-island.net