If you recently caught a glimpse of our Instagram photo from last July, you might have suspected our beach trip wasn’t just any ordinary family getaway. And you’d be absolutely right! We were incredibly thrilled to embark on a truly unique adventure, collaborating with Virginia is for Lovers, the esteemed organization dedicated to promoting tourism across our beloved home state. They approached us with an exciting proposition: to be featured in their new series showcasing authentic Virginians discovering fresh, engaging experiences within the commonwealth. As staunch advocates for all things Virginia, we eagerly seized the opportunity to share our passion for the state and explore some of its hidden gems we’d never visited before.
Discovering Virginia’s Eastern Shore: A Hidden Gem for Family Adventures
Our journey took us to the enchanting Virginia’s Eastern Shore, a region brimming with unparalleled beauty and charm, promising unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the diverse landscapes of our home state. For those unfamiliar with the distinctive geography of this captivating region, the Eastern Shore is a slender stretch of land forming a peninsula. It sits gracefully on the opposite side of the majestic Chesapeake Bay from the rest of mainland Virginia, connected only via the state of Maryland and the impressive 23-mile long Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. While we’d traversed this scenic route numerous times during longer road trips, we regrettably had never paused to truly immerse ourselves in its local charm and natural wonders. This trip changed everything.
From the moment we arrived, we were utterly captivated. We fell head over heels in love with the Eastern Shore, particularly the delightful town of Cape Charles. This charming coastal town immediately resonated with us, especially its absolutely perfect beach, an idyllic haven for children Clara’s age. Located on the serene Chesapeake Bay, the beach boasts incredibly calm waters with barely any waves, creating a safe and expansive natural playground where our daughter could run and play freely in tons of shallow water. That striking Instagram photo, in fact, was taken on a sandbar, perfectly illustrating the rippling, shallow waters in the foreground.
Sherry couldn’t believe we had previously traveled such vast distances for calm, kid-friendly beaches – to places as far-flung as Hawaii and Florida – when such a treasure was hiding just 2.5 hours away from our home. The realization truly underscored the incredible, yet often overlooked, beauty available right here in Virginia. (A quick note: Sherry insisted I mention her wonderfully windblown hair in that shot, but I truly believe it simply adds to the authentic, carefree spirit of the moment!).
Behind the Scenes: A Day with the Virginia is for Lovers Crew
Of course, being a professional photo and video shoot, our day involved a little more than just applying sunscreen. Even I had to get into the spirit, as evidenced by my casual clutching of Clara’s half-eaten apple – a true behind-the-scenes moment of parental multitasking!
Clara, ever the enthusiast, had a fantastic time raiding the craft services table on her tiptoes, a testament to her charming #kidtricks that kept everyone smiling throughout the day.
The entire crew was an absolute delight to work with. We were particularly fortunate that the main photographer they hired was, coincidentally, our brother-in-law Todd. Having a familiar family face behind one of the lenses made the experience even more comfortable and enjoyable, something Clara especially appreciated. Kevin, the videographer, quickly became Clara’s best friend, keeping her entertained with endless jokes and stories during our drive between the beach and lunch. (And yes, we’ve already informed him that he bears a striking resemblance to actor Ed Helms!) She was practically cracking up two minutes into the ride, a rapid transformation from the initial ‘stink eye’ we playfully captured earlier in the day.
Lunch brought us to Shanty, a truly charming waterside restaurant that offered both delicious food and picturesque views. We indulged in fresh, local seafood and perfectly grilled corn, savoring the authentic flavors of the Eastern Shore. They even managed to photograph me holding a live blue crab – a moment of brave triumph, as it only tried to claw off my fingers once! While I’m not sure if that particular shot made it into the final cut, it certainly added a memorable anecdote to our day.
Of course, the absolute biggest hit with everyone, especially after a morning of sun and adventure, was the ice cream. I believe it was a refreshing key lime flavor, and it was nothing short of awesome – the perfect sweet ending to our delightful meal.
Beyond the Beach: Unique Eastern Shore Experiences
My parents graciously joined us on this trip, ensuring Clara could head home with them after lunch for some well-deserved rest from her already busy day. This allowed Sherry and me to continue our exploration, diving into some of the wonderful thrift and antique shops that pepper the area. There were plenty to choose from, each offering a unique glimpse into the region’s past and character. As someone who has always appreciated the rustic charm of old wooden boxes, I was immediately drawn to a selection of intriguing finds. However, we collectively decided that boxes labeled “dynamite” and “embalming fluid” didn’t quite scream “cozy home decor,” even though they would undoubtedly make for fantastic conversation starters!
After our “junk-tiquing” excursion, we embarked on an activity we had never even heard of before: a guided kayak-to-winery tour. The concept was simple yet brilliant: a guide leads you in kayaks across tranquil waters to a picturesque local winery, where you enjoy a delightful tasting, and then paddle back. As a passionate kayaking fan and Sherry being an avid wine enthusiast, it was a truly perfect blend of adventure and relaxation – a win-win all around! Gliding across the calm bay waters, surrounded by unspoiled nature, and anticipating the exquisite local vintages, offered an unforgettable perspective of the Eastern Shore’s diverse offerings.
After a long and wonderfully sweaty day – it was July, after all! – we made the drive home to get some much-needed rest before Day 2 of the shoot, which was scheduled to take place at our own house. Time for more make-up, eh, Burger?
Bringing Virginia Home: A Home Shoot and Cherished Souvenirs
By this point, Clara and Logan, the incredibly talented make-up artist, had become fast friends. Logan, with her characteristic kindness, even gave Clara a turn in the make-up chair, complete with some fun, pretend make-up application, making Clara feel like a true star.
Having a full production crew over at our house was quite an amusing experience, especially since their primary intention was to photograph some of the unique items we’d brought back as souvenirs, intending to showcase them in the supposedly beautiful setting of our home. We had, of course, warned them that we had just moved, and our house was far from its “pretty” stage! Fortunately, we had recently finished painting the foyer, so it looked relatively presentable – as long as they didn’t swing the camera around to catch the still-blue stair balusters!
Given that the shoot schedule didn’t allow any time to truly “transform” our antique finds with paint or upholstery, we opted to simply grab a selection of pretty items we believed would look aesthetically pleasing together on a table or console. These were “not-your-average souvenirs of the day,” if you will – a curated collection that perfectly encapsulated our Eastern Shore adventure. So, instead of typical shot glasses or key chains, we proudly brought home a couple of cool old glass bottles (the milk bottle being my personal favorite), an authentic vintage oyster can, and even some charming old skeleton keys. To commemorate our culinary and tasting experiences, we also purchased the very mug our delightful Shanty ice cream came in and carefully kept the corks from our memorable wine tasting. Each item tells a story, a tangible reminder of the unique discoveries made on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
Here’s Sherry, expertly channeling her inner oyster spokesperson during a brief break from shooting a clip about the treasures we brought home – a truly delightful and authentic moment capturing her enthusiasm for local Virginia culture.
The day wrapped up with a quick interview conducted on our front porch – another area of the house that, thankfully, was presentable enough at this point to serve as a fitting backdrop. The interview was primarily for audio purposes, which meant no one minded in the slightest that Burger, our beloved dog, slept soundly like a wet noodle in my arms throughout the entire session. It was a relaxed and heartfelt conclusion to an incredible two-day journey.
Plan Your Unforgettable Trip to Virginia’s Eastern Shore
Reflecting on our whirlwind tour, we are more excited than ever to return to some of the incredible spots we discovered – especially the serene beach at Cape Charles. Our next visit will be dedicated purely to spending more time exploring its hidden corners, relaxing on its calm shores, and simply soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Perhaps this time, we’ll just bring our own camera and capture even more personal memories. We wholeheartedly encourage anyone looking for a unique family-friendly destination, a blend of adventure and relaxation, or simply a taste of authentic Virginia charm, to discover the magic of the Eastern Shore. It’s a truly special place, offering everything from pristine beaches and delicious local cuisine to charming antique shops and innovative tours like the kayak-to-winery experience. Start planning your unforgettable Virginia adventure today!