Destination - Cape Charles, VA

Now that we have had our boat for a few years, we've started to develop a list of regular destinations. One of our favorites is Cape Charles, VA. It is just a short sail away across the lower Bay and over to the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

In the late 1800's, Cape Charles was the terminus for a railway that went all the way down the eastern seaboard down the length of the Delmarva peninsula. At Cape Charles, rail cars and passengers would be loaded onto ferries and taken across the Bay to Norfolk. The construction of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel eliminated the need for the ferries, but the town is still there. They have a nice museum that covers the history better than I can, and it is a great place to spend a couple hours.

Cape Charles also has a fantastic beach right on the Bay. The water is shallow for a hundred yards off the beach, so you can let the kids play without having to worry too much. The beach is so nice that we sometimes drive there instead of going to the oceanfront here in Virginia Beach.

 Beautiful sunsets over the Bay

 My kids burying somebody else's kid

Looking North toward Cherrystone Inlet

Most residents get around by golf cart, but the town is very walkable. Mason Street is the main commercial drag and features several small shops and galleries along with a hardware store, bait and tackle shop, kayak outfitter, hotel, and 3 or 4 restaurants. Kelly's Gingernut Pub on Mason is located in an old bank building and is a family favorite. We enjoyed good pizza from The Hook U Up Cafe on Mason during our last visit and had out of this world grilled portobello mushroom sandwiches at Cape Charles Coffee House. Brown Dog Ice Cream Co. just recently opened their doors and we greatly appreciated it in the 100 deg F heat on 4th of July. Rayfields Pharmacy has an old fashioned soda fountain and makes banana splits to die for. 

Kev taking a break during a hot day on Mason Street

 Colvin takes on a Rayfield's banana split

Victory! - yes we know about diabetes

We have always stayed at Bay Creek marina when we go to Cape Charles. It is a very nice place if you can get past the pastel colors and Disney design elements. It is definitely not old school Cape Charles, but it puts you within easy walking distance. One of the best features is the bath house. I can stand in the shower stall with both arms outstretched and not touch the walls. It is light years ahead of what you find at most marinas. They also have a washer and dryer you can use for free, which is nice. 

 Had it to ourselves during the week, but filled up on the weekend

Looking from the office towards A dock

 There are other options. The Town of Cape Charles has recently renovated the town docks, and they look really nice. The town docks have the advantage of being closer to the channel going out to the Bay and being closer to town. We will likely give them a try next time we go. 

 Nice new docks

 Seem to be popular

Nice new bath house too

For the hard core cruisers that only anchor out, you can do that too. There is an anchorage in King's Creek behind the Bay Creek marina that we've seen several boats use. We've also seen people anchor off the beach, but that sometimes ends badly.

I'm sure he meant to do that

If you are planning a trip to the southern Chesapeake Bay, Cape Charles should be on your list.