Virginia’s Eastern Shore revolves around the outdoors and nature. Beaches, wildlife and the Chesapeake Bay all play important roles in the popularity of the two counties as a vacation destination. Farming, commercial fishing, aquaculture and other seafood-related trades are other important to the culture and business sector of the area.
The abundance of wildlife and the surrounding environment is also a key component of the area’s local art community. Artists find no shortage of inspiration while exploring the area. Among the most popular subjects of area artists are waterfowl, shorebirds, marine mammals, fish and seafood, seascapes and architecture. Artists practice skills such as photography, painting, carving, crafting and more. Many practicing artists have been life long residents, while others came to visit and chose to remain due the natural wealth and beauty of the area.
The Eastern Shore of Virginia has an exciting schedule of festivals throughout each year. Most festivals offer foods, drinks, music, crafts, artwork, gifts and collectibles. Festivals celebrate subjects such as local art, harvests of fruits, vegetables and crops, flora, seafood, music, history, holidays and other subjects. Nearly all festivals offer opportunities to shop for specialty items. The festival season begins in early spring, with a number of craft-related shows that are held indoors. As the warm season gets into full swing, events move outside. Events continue thru summer, fall and into the holiday season.
The Eastern Shore of Virginia is also home to several of Virginia’s best farmers’ markets. Farmers’ markets are excellent sources of fresh fruits, vegetables, produce, herbs, flowers, garden plants, breads, jellies, jams, arts and crafts and more. In addition to traditional produce, famers’ markets may also offer fresh eggs, cheeses, honey, meat, seafood, dairy products and other items. Depending on season and location, shoppers may find poultry, rabbits, goats, sheep, lamb, fish, oysters, crabs, clams, shrimp and more.
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.
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.
The area has a wide range of hunting opportunities. Deer hunting provides outdoor recreation for enthusiasts while acting as a vital tool in managing deer populations. The lower shore is known for waterfowl hunting, especially duck and goose hunting. Other opportunities include upland hunting for dove, quail, rabbit, squirrels and other small game.
Among the most popular Eastern Shore of Virginia destinations are the many beaches and waterfront areas. Along the Atlantic Coast are the barrier islands, including the famous Assateague Island. Beaches of the region can also be found near Kiptopeake, Cape Charles, Silver Beach, Onancock and other towns.