Insight Guides.....

THE EASTERN SHORE

The Eastern Shore is a totally different type of Virginia. The people, places, and food make this land between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean a special place.

From the Indians (many towns, like Chincoteague, have Indian names) to centuries-old fishing villages (many towns, like Oyster, have names from the sea), the Eastern Shore is steeped in the past of its people and the water that surrounds it.

Coming from Virginia's Tidewater area, a typical drive starts with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and heads north. The Bridge-Tunnel is one of the engineering wonders of the world, running 17 1/2 miles across the Chesapeake Bay. Many drivers from the Washington, D.C. area start from the north and head south. Once on Virginia's Eastern Shore, it's best to use busy US 13 for excursions down narrow lanes and into another world.

Cape Charles: This pretty town provides a great introduction to Eastern Shore life. The railroad and a thriving harbor contributed to an economic boom in Cape Charles that lasted until the 1950s. But the town went into decline when the railroad and much of the shipping stopped.

Cape Charles is now experiencing a rebirth, as many people renovate the beautiful buildings left over from the boom. Further afield, little fishing towns like Oyster and Cherrystone are great for a look at Eastern Shore life as it has been for decades.

Historic Eastville features many beautiful homes, government buildings, and churches. It's all within an easy stroll or drive of the pretty Courthouse Green.

Quiet Pungoteague ("Place of Fine Sand") features many beautiful old homes, St. George's Episcopal Church (the oldest church building on the Eastern Shore--1738), and the site of the first drama performed in the New World, the smash 1665 hit "Ye Beare and Ye Cubb."

The busier Wachapreague ("Little City by the Sea") waterfront is popular with fishermen and tourists from near and far. Onancock ("Foggy Place") is great for an hour or so of exploration. Pretty Market Street leads to the quiet Wharf, where you'll find the Hopkins & Brothers Store, a Virginia Historic Landmark opened in 1842.

The Wharf is also the embarkation point for boat trips to Tangier Island, one of the state's most unusual tourist destinations. The island was first sighted by Captain John Smith in 1608 and has been seen by many visiting tourists since. It has remained relatively unchanged for decades (some say centuries).

Chincoteague and Assateague: The town of Chincoteague features an island community based on the water and tourism. Quaint Main Street and many side streets are great for dining, shopping, spending the night, as well as world-famous annual events.

Though anytime is a great time to visit, one of the biggest draws to Chincoteague is the Chincoteague Volunteer Firemen's Carnival. This fun festival is held the first two weekends in July, as well as throughout the last two weeks of the month.

In a throwback to bygone times, the Carnival Grounds feature nightly rides, attractions, games, food, music, and much more. But the annual Pony Swim and Pony Auction late in the month is what draws thousands of visitors from around the world.

The wild ponies of Assateague Island were made famous in Marguerite Henry's Misty of Chincoteague. On Wednesday of the last week in July, many of the ponies are herded across the channel to Chincoteague by local firemen. The next day, they are driven down Main Street for the annual auction, which raises money for the volunteer fire department.

The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge sits on the southern end of Assateague Island. This pristine seashore environment is much like it has been for centuries. Assateague Island also encompasses Maryland's equally beautiful Assateague State Park. It's a haven for beach lovers, hikers, bikers, birdwatchers, wild pony watching, and many excellent nature programs.