Cape Charles, VA – Once a quiet, unassuming secret on Virginia's Eastern Shore, Cape Charles is now shedding its hidden gem status, beckoning visitors with its irresistible blend of fresh seafood, pristine natural beauty, and a welcoming community spirit. This historically vibrant fishing town offers a delightful array of culinary experiences, from leisurely breakfasts to family-style dinners and freshly caught seafood, all complemented by a growing craft beer scene. Beyond its gastronomic delights, Cape Charles boasts crystal-clear waters and lush forest trails, providing a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Nestled at the southern tip of the Chesapeake Bay, Cape Charles exudes a charming, almost Mayberry-esque ambiance. Picture children strolling along the pier with fishing rods and sodas, elderly gentlemen sharing tales outside the hardware store, and the entire town seemingly settling into a peaceful slumber as dusk descends. Yet, beneath this tranquil exterior lies a town rich in history, boasting a lighthouse dating back to 1828, a thriving fishing industry, and an abundance of fresh seafood. From its walkable shopping district to its unspoiled natural surroundings, Cape Charles offers a diverse range of activities for every visitor.
Historically, Cape Charles thrived as an economic hub on the Eastern Shore, but faced a period of decline with the dwindling of the railroad industry and the opening of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. However, five decades later, this charming beach town has successfully reinvented itself, embracing new beach lovers without sacrificing its small-town identity. The late spring or early fall seasons offer an ideal time to visit, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in Cape Charles's beauty and myriad activities without the bustling crowds. The public beaches are particularly serene during these shoulder seasons, promising a more relaxed experience. Let's delve into the most exciting facets of Cape Charles and explore the activities awaiting you.
A Culinary Journey: Exploring Cape Charles's Delectable Delights
Cape Charles offers a delectable array of dining experiences, emphasizing local ingredients and fresh, often-caught seafood.
Start Your Day at Mason Avenue Bakery: This family-run bakery is the perfect spot to kick off your day with warm pastries and picnic-ready sandwiches. The bakers here craft artisanal breads and handmade pastries using local ingredients and traditional methods. Grab a freshly baked baguette sandwich for a beach excursion or sweeten your day with their delightful cookies and brownies.
Website: masonavenuebakery.com
Address: 236 Mason Avenue, Cape Charles, VA 23310
Authentic Italian at Ambrogia Caffe and Enoteca: Experience genuine Italian cuisine at Ambrogia Caffe and Enoteca, where homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and exquisite desserts are the stars. This restaurant champions local ingredients and a leisurely, family-style dining experience. Begin your meal with small plates or a charcuterie board featuring Italian cheeses, vegetables, and cured meats.
Website: ambrogiacc.com
Address: 321 Mason Avenue, Cape Charles, VA 23310
Fresh-Caught Seafood at The Shanty: Savor local oysters and witness breathtaking sunsets from the deck of The Shanty restaurant. This waterfront establishment is dedicated to sustainable seafood and community involvement, boasting a loyal local following and stunning scenic views. Their clam bakes, mussels, and lobster rolls are sure to satisfy any seafood craving, while the menu also offers tacos, burgers, and salads.
Website: shantyseafood.com
Address: 33 Marina Road, Cape Charles, VA 23310
Indulge at Brown Dog Ice Cream: Miriam Wagner, owner of Brown Dog Ice Cream, never initially planned to open an ice cream shop. Her journey led her to discover the tranquil beach town of Cape Charles during a visit to Virginia Beach, captivating her so deeply that she signed a house contract within 15 days. "It's the story of a lot of people who live here," Miriam notes. "They come here, they fall in love, and they buy something."
In 2012, she opened Brown Dog Ice Cream, a much-needed addition to the beach town. The delectable ice cream flavors rotate daily, dictated by the freshest seasonal local produce. "The old adage of 'a rising tide floats all boats' is really true here," Miriam explains. "We get our beans from a local roaster to make our coffee ice cream. All the farmers bring me the freshest produce. If I need more peaches, I can go pick them myself."
While the menu, which includes coffee and doughnut-inspired creations, changes daily, the welcoming atmosphere that permeates both the shop and Cape Charles itself remains constant. "You can feel a sense of community here, even if you’re a visitor," Miriam says. "People will come for a week, and by day two, we’re talking to them and know who they are. And at the end of the week, they come in and say, 'It’s our last day, and we’re really sad, but we’ll see you next year.'"
Website: browndogicecream.com
Address: 203 Mason Avenue, Cape Charles, VA 23310
Savoring the Sips: Cape Charles Brewing Company
Enjoy Craft Beer at Cape Charles Brewing Company: "We really wanted to create a true destination where we can have great craft beer, great food, and music," says Mark Marshall, who co-owns Cape Charles Brewing Company with his brother Chris Marshall.
For Chris, the proof of their success was parked right outside. One day, he pulled into the brewery's parking lot and found license plates from all over the United States – Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and beyond. "It has a really clean geographical element," Mark observes. "It’s a little piece of heaven that everyone is discovering and finding their way to."
Website: capecharlesbrewing.com
Address: 2198 Stone Road, Cape Charles, VA 23310
Rest and Rejuvenate: Accommodation Options in Cape Charles
Stay at Hotel Cape Charles: Located just east of the hardware store, Hotel Cape Charles is a sophisticated boutique hotel offering guests complimentary beach cruisers, making it effortless to spend sunny days by the shore. Guests have access to free bikes, beach chairs, and towels. Additionally, for visitors seeking more spacious accommodations, Vrbo and Airbnb offer a wealth of excellent options.
Website: hotelcapecharles.com
Address: 235 Mason Avenue, Cape Charles, VA 23310
Experience Cape Charles Tiny Livin: These tiny homes may be small in size, but they are grand in comfort. The restored 1930s dwellings, once part of the Esso Park Auto Court, have been transformed into a colorful tiny house hotel, with each unit offering a cozy home-away-from-home experience for Cape Charles visitors. Each room is equipped with a queen-sized bed, a kitchenette, and a private bathroom. The front porch provides a perfect vantage point for enjoying the sunrise.
Website: capecharlestinylivin.com
Address: 22102 South Bayside Road, Cape Charles, VA 23310
Activities and Exploration: What to Do in Cape Charles
Embrace Outdoor Adventures: Families will adore Cape Charles Beach due to the calm, shallow waters of the Chesapeake Bay that lap against its expansive public shores. For those seeking aquatic adventures, Southeast Expeditions offers stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and guided tours, including their Chatham Vineyards tour which culminates in a delightful wine tasting.
Website: southeastexpeditions.com
Address: 7 Strawberry Street, Cape Charles, VA 23310
Visit the Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve: The Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve encompasses 29 acres of forested natural communities. Explore two elevated boardwalks winding through freshwater wetlands and rare maritime dune forests, with trails culminating in breathtaking views from cliffs overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. This preserve is a critical habitat for the federally endangered northeastern beach tiger beetle. It is also an exceptional location for birdwatching year-round, with over 240 species of birds, including migratory and waterfowl, having been observed here.
Website: dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-area-preserves/capecharles
Address: 301 Patrick Henry Avenue, Cape Charles, VA 23310
Shop for Unique Gifts: Stroll along Mason Avenue and discover a variety of unique souvenirs. Stop by Moonrise Jewelry to browse accessories crafted from fish leather, an eco-friendly leather made from Icelandic fishing byproducts. Alternatively, visit Gull Hummock Gourmet Market to sample local wines and gourmet snacks.
Moonrise Jewelry Website: moonrisejewelry.com
Moonrise Jewelry Address: 325 Mason Avenue, Cape Charles, VA 23310
Gull Hummock Gourmet Market Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057602201149
Gull Hummock Gourmet Market Address: 115 Mason Avenue, Cape Charles, VA 23310
Explore the Bookstores: Sisters Carol and Beth Ann Sabo are anything but accustomed to retirement. Even after retiring from their full-time careers, they each had second jobs (Beth Ann trains dogs, and Carol owns Machipongo Trading Company up the road) and sought something to fill their time. They filled it with coffee, bagels, and used books.
In November 2018, they opened Peach Street Books in a light-filled 1930s building that was formerly a Pure Oil gas station and later a garage. "We knew what the building would look like from the plans, but we didn’t know what it would feel like. It felt warm and cheerful. It has a historic aspect to it but it’s still contemporary, which is very much like Cape Charles itself," Beth Ann says. For the sisters, the bookstore is a means of connecting with everyone who wanders to this Eastern Shore. "When you walk into town and see other people who love books and reading or writing, you get a good feeling about the community," she reflects.
Machipongo Trading Company Website: machipongotradingcompany.com
Machipongo Trading Company Address: 13037 Lankford Highway, Machipongo, VA 23405
Peach Street Books Website: peachstreetbooks.com
Peach Street Books Address: 401 Mason Avenue, Cape Charles, VA 23310
Cape Charles is more than just a vacation destination; it's a special place that offers visitors genuine connection and heartwarming experiences. Consider including Cape Charles in your next vacation plans to personally uncover its hidden charm.
[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]
