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Back to Nature
Uncommon beauty abounds year round
on Virginia’s Eastern
Shore’s 70 mile long pastoral peninsula providing endless
opportunities to recreate and relax. Be it biking, hiking,
kayaking, boating or sharing Shore traditions with hunting and
fishing guides. In summer, life’s a beach or boat whether on the broad waters of the Chesapeake Bay or along the Atlantic surf. Autumn is when marshes turn to golden seas
and tranquil
water trails are a kayaker's dream, as waves
of songbirds head south along this globally significant
migratory flyway. Or "Go Fish"! With 30 public boat ramps the Eastern Shore is an angler’s paradise. Also fishing piers can be found at Kiptopeke State Park, Cape Charles and Chincoteague. With more than 128,000 acres of woodland, 143,000
acres of tidal marsh and 263 square miles of water, the
Eastern Shore is idyllically ideal for getting back to
nature. Chesapeake Bay Bridge-tunnel: An automatic
calm sets in when taking this southern
gateway to the Eastern Shore from Virginia Beach, traversing
17.6 miles of spectacular ocean and bay views, ships
and sailboats, pelicans above and dolphins below. Stellar
bird watching from the manmade islands is allowed by
permit. (757) 331-2960 www.cbbt.com The
Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge:
Located just minutes north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-tunnel
on the seaside southern tip the 752-acres of maritime forests,
thickets, grasslands, fresh and saltwater ponds provide crucial
habitat and stopover for wildlife. Visitors can witness the annual
drama of the huge fall migration of songbirds, raptors and even
monarch butterflies who funnel through here on their way south.
Walking trails, a breathtaking view of the seaside barrier island
chain from atop a WWII bunker and a compact visitors center filled
with compelling exhibits make this a year round must see. (757)
331-2760 www.fws.gov/northeast/easternshore/. Kiptopeke
State Park: Three miles north it provides
recreational access to the Chesapeake Bay including half a mile
of beach where calm, shallow waters are perfect for small children.
Boat launch, fishing pier, picnic and camping facilities combine
with walking/biking trails allowing exploration of scenic maritime
forests and dunes. Chosen Top 100 Family Campgrounds 2005,
and Top 15 Birding Location 2005 - Family Campground Magazine. Virginia Coast Reserve: Brownsville Farm headquarters of The Nature Conservancy’s 40,000 acre Virginia Coast Reserve is located on Seaside Road outside of Nassawadox. It hosts a 3-mile nature trail through woodlands, aside farm fields, across wetlands and salt marshes. (757) 442-3049 Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge: Located
on the northern end of the Eastern Shore on Assateague
Island its the “one-stop shopping” of outdoor recreation
from wild pony watching, ocean swimming, beach walking on 10 miles
of pristine beach, kayaking, biking, bird watching, fishing, hunting
even a chance to hike the light –and get a bird’s eye
view from atop the 145 ft tall 1867 Assateague Lighthouse. No pets.
(757) 336-6122 www.fws.gov/northeast/chinco/introduction.htm. |
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Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism ~ P.O. Box 72 ~ Tasley
Virginia ~ 23441
E-mail: info@esvatourism.org ~ BUSINESS
INFORMATION ONLY: 757.787.8268
Photography
and Artwork credits. ~
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