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.

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Planners from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are developing a new 15-year management plan, known as a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) for Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).

The plan is expected to address issues that will affect wildlife and habitat management, administration and public uses of the refuge.

According to USFWS, accomplish the refuge’s wildlife conservation mission, while promoting sustainable, compatible enjoyment of the refuge by over one million people who visit annually.

The August 2012 CCP newsletter is now available and can be found on the refuge website at: http://www.fws.gov/northeast/planning/Chincoteague/ccphome.html

The draft CCP is expected to be published for public review and comment at the end of 2012.

For more information, contact the refuge at 757.336.6122.

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 Farmer's Market

The Chincoteague Island Farmer's Market will be open Saturdays through September from 8:00-12:00 noon in downtown Chincoteague Island behind Don's Seafood Restaurant.

Opening Day for the 2011 season will be Saturday, April 23.

The Farmer's Market will also open on Wednesdays as soon as summer produce and other foods become available.

Interested participants may contact Cathy at 757-336-2610 for additional information.

Chincoteague Inlet Dredging

Dredging of the Chincoteague Inlet federal navigation channel is complete for this year. The Dredge Currituck worked for 21 days to remove potentially hazardous shoals from the inlet bottom.

Norfolk District survey vessels will use SONAR to get a detailed look at the navigation channel to ensure the
sandbars forming on the bottom have been removed.

"We have a pretty good idea that the Currituck got the problem areas removed, but we use the survey vessels as a confirmation; as well as we can determine exactly how much sand was removed and how deep the channel is after dredging," said Gregg Williams, Norfolk District dredging project manager.

The Chincoteague Inlet is a critical channel for commercial fishing vessels. The island has the largest commercial port on the Eastern Shore, handling more than 3,000 vessels a year.

source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Public Affairs Office

Chincoteague Island Drawbridge Demolition

This video from VDOT provides time lapse footage of the old Chincoteague Island Drawbridge demolition:

Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce Offers Visitors Guide

The completely new 2011 Chincoteague Island Visitor’s Guide is now available from the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce. The new 46-page full-color publication is an essential source of Chincoteague Island Virginia information for those planning to visit .

The Visitor's guide is distributed as a response piece to inquiries generated by advertising and trade shows, through the ten Virginia Welcome Centers, AAA offices and numerous tourism offices throughout the United States and Canada.

The 8” wide x 9” high page size allows a broader canvas to showcase the scenic beauty and allure of town and islands in picture and words.  The full center spread map, keyed with points of interest, is of great value for the first-time visitor.

The brochure is organized with sections for the main categories of interest to tourists including accommodations, eateries, activities, services, etc. A table listing amenities for hotels, motels, B & B’s and campgrounds is another added feature to help guide the visitor. 

The 2011 Chincoteague Island Visitor’s Guide is free and can be ordered by calling 757-336-6161, FAX: 757-336-1242, or e-mail: chincochamber2@verizon.net

2011 Chincoteague Island Seafood Festival

The 2011 Chincoteague Island Seafood Festival will be held on on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at Tom’s Cove Park.

Tickets for the festival will go on sale February 1 at $40 each. Seafood enthusiasts will have the opportunity to purchase tickets at $35 each if purchased on or before February 28.

The festival will provide a venue to sample oysters, clams, fish, and other Virginia seafood. The annual event also offers opportunities for Shore businesses to promote their products and services and an arena for political leaders to meet and greet their constituents.

For updated information, visit: www.chincoteaguechamber.com or call 757-336-6161.

Free Weight 101

Beginning December 7, 2010  the Chincoteague Island Family YMCA will be offering Free weight 101 with Rick Hubb on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am- 10am. The price is $30 per month (class commitment required in 1 month increments). This course will offer the fundamentals of good old fashioned weight lifting using dumbells. Rick will provide education in proper form and techniques for individual success to Ages 17 and up. For more information or to sign up call 757 336-6266 or visit 6395 Maddox Blvd.

Chincoteague Island Bluegrass Festival

On April 17, 2010 the Island Bluegrass Alliance will host a one day event at the Chincoteague Center.

The doors will open at 10 am to allow vendors and craftsmen to get a table to set up shop. Also the featured band members will be having  workshops for guitar, banjo, mandolin and bass for anyone interested. Jamming groups will be encouraged to play at will around the center hall or outside weather permitting.

At 7:30 the "Roadside Cafe" from northern Virginia will perform on stage with a 2 hour show. There will be an opening band at 7pm.

The concession will be serving chili dogs, pork barbecue, snacks and drinks all day and night. Price at the door is $5.00 and covers everything, even the workshops and vender's tables.Children 12 and under are free. There will be no advance reservations but vender's tables can be reserved by contacting  The Center, but you must show up by 10 am or your table will be given to someone else.

Call the Center at 757 336-0614 or Bill Chrisman at 336-3030 for more information, or visit the IBA's website: http://www.islandbluegrass.com

Chincoteague Island Coast Guard to Host Open House for Mariners

The Coast Guard base on Chincoteague Island is scheduled to host an event for mariners to come and meet locally based federal and state law enforcement officers March 10 at 6:30 p.m.

The event will provide an opportunity for mariners to meet some of their local enforcement officers, ask questions and learn about new and existing regulations.

Regardless of whether mariners operate a commercial, charter, or recreational vessel; subject matter experts will be on hand to answer questions about recreational and commercial fishing, or questions about laws pertaining to safety gear.

Boaters without specific questions are invited to come and listen to the discussion or pick up information on Boating Safety, Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety, Fishing Regulations, or to come and schedule a Courtesy Marine Examination.

The following are participating agencies and agency departments:

* U.S. Coast Guard Station Chincoteague

* U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

* U.S. Park Service (NWR)

* Virginia Marine Resources Commission

* National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

* U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Safety Instructors and Courtesy Marine Examiners

* U.S. Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads Commercial Fishing Safety Examiners

The session will be held at Tarr Hall, in the Galley Facility, located on the base.

source: USCG press release

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