The Land Between Two Waters
The Eastern Shore of Virginia is a peninsula extending 70 miles from the Maryland state line south to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. To the east are the "seaside" marshes, shallow bays and the Barrier Islands bordering the Atlantic Ocean. On the west, or "bayside" as it's called, are a variety of creeks, large and small, flowing into the Chesapeake Bay. The peninsula is divided into two counties: Accomack County to the north and Northampton County to the south.
This land between two waters is sprinkled with quaint towns of picturesque streets lined with historic homes, museums, art galleries and shops. The countryside features miles of farmland as well as residential developments. The Shore’s natural beauty, enhanced by a beautiful state park and two national wildlife refuges, offers a refreshing change of pace. Camping, bird and wildlife watching, recreational boating, biking and hiking, fishing, hunting and beach activities are but a few ways to experience our natural surroundings.
Numerous bed and breakfasts, a variety of interesting restaurants, antique and local gift shops, country auctions, seasonal festivals and old-fashioned carnivals beckon visitors to leave city life behind, settle in, and call the Eastern Shore "home."
Commercial oystering and clamming, crabbing, and fishing, as well as recreational saltwater fishing, provide a viable economy. In addition, large vegetable farming operations have given the Shore the nickname "the East Coast's salad bowl."
