The Eastern Shore of Virginia

Virginia's Eastern Shore is a narrow peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It has hundreds of miles of shoreline, farmland, forests, and very small historic towns.

Towns of the Eastern Shore of Virginia

The largest town on the Eastern Shore of Virginia has 4,500 residents. Chincoteague is that town, and its on an Atlantic Ocean barrier island and is the gateway to Assateague National Seashore. Chincoteague is also the home of the famous annual Pony Penning. The other island town on Virginia's Eastern Shore is Tangier, which is in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay.

You can take a passenger ferry from Onancock to Tangier Island. Onancock and Cape Charles are two waterfront towns on the bayside that attract numerous visitors. They both have bed and breakfast inns, theaters, restaurants and interesting shops. Cape Charles also features golf courses designed by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.

History and architecture buffs should visit the historic county seats of Accomac and Eastville. Parksley is a planned community built at the turn of the century when the railroad came to the Eastern Shore. See the railroad museum. The flounder capital of the world is Wachapreague, a tiny seaside fishing village on the Eastern Shore, VA.

Changes to Virginia's Eastern Shore

About ten years ago, the Eastern Shore of Virginia was "discovered" by retirees looking for reasonably priced waterfront land and mini-farms. Refugees from Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington moved in.

The newcomers to Virginia's Eastern Shore have restored hundreds of historic houses and opened many businesses. Some of our downtowns have added quality specialty shops and restaurants, although commercial real estate speculators are hindering that process in Cape Charles and Onancock.

The Eastern Shore's real estate bubble has burst, and sales of homes and property have slowed dramatically. Prices are coming down and you might be able to find a bargain. Despite some changes, the Eastern Shore of Virginia is still a rural place with beautiful creeks and quaint towns.

I built a new house in Onancock on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. You can learn more about the project and follow my progress at my home building diary.

To see the Shore at its best, you need to get out on the water. Here's a guide to kayaking on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.