Chesapeake Bay & Eastern Shore, Norfolk Attractions
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The eastern shore of Chesapeake Bay is linked with the Norfolk area by a gigantic feat of engineering, the 17.6 mi. long Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel.Some of the important communities along Chesapeake Bay include Assateague, Annapolis, Baltimore, Chincoteague, Cape Charles, Onancock, and Princess Anne.
Reedville, Virginia
Reedville is a town built on fishing. Each summer the town hosts a huge bluefish tournament with over $25,000 in prize money. The town is located between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers in an area known as the Northern Neck of Virginia. Access to Chesapeake Bay is easy and the town is noted for its history of wealthy inhabitants. In fact, there is a "millionaires' row" of mansions for those interested in taking in sights away from the water.
Smith Island Cruise
Visitors looking to get out on the waters of Chesapeake Bay will want to look into a cruise to Smith Island. The departure point for these cruises is Reedville. Once on Smith Island, visitors can have a fine lunch, explore the multitude of shops, or for the more active, hike, bike or just stroll around. The island cruise takes about 1.5 hours each way.
Reedville Fishermen's Museum
The Reedville Fishermen's Museum features permanent indoor and outdoor displays of items related to the fishing industry. The outdoor area displays larger items not suitable for inside, boats and large maritime artifacts. The Reedville Fishermen's Museum also offers changing exhibits so there is always something new.
Tappahannock, Virginia
The small town of Tappahannock has just over 2,000 inhabitants. The unusual name is derived from the Algonquian language and has several meanings including "river of quick", "rising water", or "where the tide ebbs and flows". A pleasant day can be had taking a walking tour of this historic town. In a three-block radius visitors will find buildings dating from the mid 17th Century right up to the late 18th Century.
Tangier, Virginia
The island of Tangier has a very small population. The 600 or so inhabitants who call this small island home are noted for their very unique dialect of American English. Researchers have theorized that the dialect spoken on Tangier sounds the same as what the early settlers to America would have sounded like. The island is only accessible by boat and is quite some distance from the mainland.
Lancaster, Virginia
Lancaster is home to several historical buildings of interest, these include the Lancaster County Courthouse (built 1860); the Mary Ball Washington Museum and Library; Lancaster House, built 1798, that houses Washington family memorabilia and the 1819 Old Jail house.
Mary Ball Washington Museum
The Mary Ball Washington Museum and Library is the place to go to learn about the history of Lancaster and the surrounding areas. The museum contains a large collection of artifacts as well as number of historic buildings and the Library is open to the public for an additional fee. The complex is named Mary Ball Washington, after George Washington's mother who was born in Lancaster.
Onancock, Virginia
Onancock is a small town located on the Eastern Shores of Virginia. It is a quaint waterfront spot and has long been a favorite of boaters and birders. Onancock has a fine selection of antique shops, restaurants, and entertainment options and it would be an easy spot to stop and spend a few days if not a lifetime.
Tangier Island Cruises
Tangier Island Cruises leave from the seaside town of Onancock. The two-hour round trip boat ride traverses part of Chesapeake Bay and provides wonderful views of the seashore and other offshore islands. Tangier Island is a small place measuring 4.8 km / 3 mi long by 1.6 km / 1mi wide. Visitors will find a relaxed pace on the small island and a few shops and restaurants consist of the amenities.
Ker Place
Ker Place in Onancock is a Federal-style mansion that has been lovingly restored to its former glory. The Ker mansion contains period furnishings changing exhibits, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Stratford Hall Plantation - Birthplace of Gen. Robert Lee, Stratford, Virginia
The Stratford Hall Plantation was built by Thomas Lee in the 1730s. He and his wife raised their family at Stratford Hall Plantation, including Robert E Lee who was born here in 1807. Today the plantation is owned by the Robert E Lee Memorial Association. Tours of the site are available to the public.
Gwynn Island - Gwynn's Island Museum
The Gwynn's Island Museum displays collections of 18th and 19th Century clothing, furniture, weapons, and every day items. The town has had an active interest in the museum since it began the collection, which has increased substantially.
Irvington, Virginia
Irvington has been associated with the Tides Inn, a golf and water sports resort that opened in 1947. Cruises of Rappahannock and the coves of Carter's creek are available.
Historic Christ Church
The first church constructed here, most likely a wood-framed structure, was built under the direction of John Carter and finished in 1670. In 1730, John's son, Robert "King" Carter, the most powerful planter in Virginia, proposed to build a new brick church which he financed. The Christ Church is a well-preserved example of Georgian architecture with three-feet thick brick walls, vaulted ceilings, and large compass-headed windows. It is the only church from colonial Virginia to retain its original, high-backed, box pews, and it is one of only two with its original, triple-decker pulpit. The ornate tomb of Robert Carter is located on the grounds.
Eastern Shore Railway Museum, Parksley, Virginia
The Eastern Shore Railway Museum in Parksley features a variety of railcars, railroad memorabilia, as well as outdoor picnic areas and a pavillion. The museum is housed in a 1906 railroad station in the Parksley business district.
Chesapeake Bay & Eastern Shore Pictures
