Eastern Shore Getaways: Slow-paced charm. Discover the mystique of small towns in Maryland and Virginia and find places to relax and unwind. Here you'll find fantastic seafood, adventurous shopping and plenty of ways to connect with the region's pristine beauty on land and water.
Summer travel can seem like a hassle for people who don't like crowds. If you're looking for some peace and quiet on your next family vacation, Cape His Charles may be just the thing for you. This town of about 1,200 people on Virginia's southern East Coast also offers great value. Cape Charles Town's public beach is the only one on the state's east coast with no admission or parking fees. Accommodation, meals, and activities are not too expensive.
Parents can feel safe here. Chesapeake Bay has shallow waters and fewer waves, making beaches safer for children. Watch a spectacular sunset over the water. For those looking for a little adventure, Poseidon Watersports offers kayak and jet ski rentals. Visitors can further explore the area's natural beauty by biking, birding, hiking, fishing, and taking boat tours. Fish for free at the 300-foot-tall Cape Charles Fishing Pier. You don't need a license and there are lights, so you can fish at night. Spot animals and flowers on an easy hike along the Virginia East Coast National Wildlife Refuge Butterfly Trail.
Cape Charles is a quiet town with a great mix of lively and laid-back atmosphere. Its streets are laid out in an alphabetical and numerical grid, making it easy to navigate. Events take place most weekends, and Central Park has free live music. Horse-drawn carriage tours of the quaint downtown area and Victorian buildings are popular. Cape Charles Mini Golf is a family favorite, with beautiful views and a great menu, including gluten-free options.
The walkable downtown is filled with independent shops and art galleries to explore. Grab a coffee and peruse new and used books at Peach Street Books, housed in a former gas station. Taste fudge and old-fashioned sweets at Cape Charles Candy Company. Take home some local art at Lemontree Gallery and Studio. Shop for gifts that make a difference at Voiajer, a fair trade store that supports nonprofits in Haiti and Thailand.
Before you leave, take a photo in front of LOVEworks' LOVE sign on the beach, which is decorated with natural materials like seagrass and shells to reflect the community.
where to eat
For such a small town, the dining scene is diverse. From casual pubs to fine dining, we have everything you need. He might also start his day with fresh pastries and coffee at Mason Avenue Bakery. For lunch, enjoy dishes like Virginia blue crab dip, clams in garlic and butter soup, raw oysters, and a fry basket at The Shanty, a lively seafood restaurant with a waterfront patio, perhaps. Or head to Cape Charles Brewing Company for award-winning homemade clam chowder, live music, and craft beers like Smith Island Oyster Stout (salted when the oysters are boiled).
Brown Dog Ice Cream offers donuts, churros, decadent drinks and handcrafted ice cream for dessert and snacks. Enjoy a Guinness at Kelly's Gingernut Pub, an Irish pub housed in a 1900s bank building (kids are welcome!). For more upscale cuisine, Ambrogia Caffé & Enoteca offers local produce and seafood with an Italian twist. Italian-born owner Cristina Carollo was inspired by her mother's cooking. At Cape Charles Yacht Center's Hook at Harvey (guests must be at least 12 years old), you'll be treated to beautiful views and satisfying meals like oysters, Rockefeller pot pie, lamb, and scallops. To do.
Accommodation
Travel as people did in the 1930s to '50s with a stay at Cape Charles Tiny Livin' (rates range from $160 to $280 per night). This tiny-house village is made up of eight compact buildings built around 1939 that once comprised the Auto Court, a pre-motel lodging facility. Organizers Eric and Sylvia Watkins, husband-and-wife advocates of the “tiny living” lifestyle and longtime RV full-timers, have renovated the buildings into something modern, space-saving and sustainable. The tranquil spot, where you can sit on your private porch and listen to the birds sing, is located in the Cape Charles countryside, about a three-minute drive to downtown.
For travelers who want to stay in the heart of the city, Hotel Cape Charles is a stylish hotel. Amenities include bicycles for guests, and there is also access to golf at Bay His Creek, a 27-hole private His Club designed by Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.
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Feature image, stock.adobe.com
This article originally appeared in our May issue. For more articles like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
