The Eastern Shore of Virginia is beginning to capture national attention, and for a great reason. A recent episode of HGTV’s Beachfront Bargain Hunt, which first aired last month, features a family looking for their dream home in Cape Charles, just one of the wonderful small towns along the 70-mile peninsula. This entire region, a true hidden gem that lies just hours from Bucks and Montgomery counties, offers a haven for sportsmen, those seeking access to nature, as well as those looking for their dream retreat or retirement home.

Not far from Cape Charles, one finds the delightful railroad town of Exmore, with a wonderful mix of antique shops, hotels and a shopping center. Just next door, Willis Wharf Marina is the place to launch boats for free or rent a slip for about $600 a year. Here the journey begins for sailors to enjoy the uninhabited barrier islands by kayak or boat.

For those without a boat, there are opportunities to explore the islands on an eco-boat tour, with groups such as the Broadwater Bay Eco Tours or SouthEast Exhibitions. The area is known for protected seaside tidal creeks, bays and marshes that provide habitat for migratory songbirds, raptors, shorebirds and finfish—plus provide the opportunity to harvest one’s own clams and oysters or collect the hundreds of shells along the secluded beaches. For those looking for a bit of culture and fine dining, the lovely Victorian town of Onancock offers many excellent restaurants, a live theater and beautiful marina.

With so much to offer, including a relaxed lifestyle, the Eastern Shore of Virginia is receiving acclaim as one of the best places in the country to live or retire. Nature’s playground is right in the backyard and, because of environmental protections, most homes are zoned as single-family dwellings on large tracks. As the crew from HGTV learned, the benefit for the homeowner is a spacious lot with marvelous views and, in many cases, waterfront access.

The Kirkwood Group offers beautiful waterfront properties, beachfront properties and water access properties along the Chesapeake Bay and the creeks and coves that feed into the bay and the seaside sounds. For example, Laughing Gull offers waterfront sites with a protected harbor and view of the barrier islands only a two minute kayak trip away. Waterside Village offers open or wooded sites just two miles to Willis Wharf Marina. To see their current listings, visit KirkwoodOnTheShore.com.

May 2017