Glamping on the Eastern Shore

My sweet John finished step 3 of 4 of his medical boards this past Friday. The test is pretty grueling and so after all was said and done- he needed some much needed relaxation. Therefore, we rented a car and hit the road to the eastern shore of Virginia for a glamping (glamorized camping) adventure! Our site was actually an emergency storm shelter turned private room with futon bed and seating area that sat underneath a weeping willow aside a field. It still didn't have air conditioning nor running water, but it was insulated and on the property of a beautiful bed and breakfast. The bed and breakfast was also a working farm and was across the road from a fully operating vineyard and winery. Oh, and did I mention that it was a hop, skip and jump from the seashore? It was love at first sight.

When we arrived on Friday, we ("we" as in John, HENRY and myself)settled in by playing board and card games by lantern light before calling it an evening. The next morning, we woke up bright and early to get a bite to eat and home brewed coffee at Machipongo Trading Company before heading to the dog friendly beach at Kiptopeke State Park. 

After walking along the seashore and letting Henry take a dip, we headed inland to Cape Charles. The town looks to be straight out of a novel with its tree lined streets, historic homes and dune lined seashore. We had a delicious bowl of crab bisque along with a crab cake sandwich(you can never have too much crab)at Kelly's Gingernut Pub before walking in and out of the funky boutiques of downtown. Before leaving, we stopped in for a cup of famous home made ice cream at Brown Dog Ice Cream. The Brown Dog chocolate ice cream is a must try!

We then found ourselves at a local secret, Savage Neck Natural Area Preserve. The 298-acre preserve contains outstanding Chesapeake Bay beach, dune, and maritime forest communities, and migratory songbird habitat. It was so strange walking from pine tree filled pathways, by willowed ponds, through dunes and ending up on the beach all in a mile's walk. It was simply stunning. 

That evening, we made our way back to Cape Charles for dinner time oysters on the half shell and crab cakes at The Shanty. The restaurant overlooks the water and marina area, therefore providing quite the romantic set up. Afterwards, we made it home just in time to catch the sunset over the farmland and vineyards before making s'mores over the campfire. What a perfect day. 

The next morning we packed up our things and went across the street to enjoy a wine tasting at Chatham Vineyards before heading north on the shore to Chincoteague Island. The island is famous for the wild horses that roam the seashore. So, we were excited to hike around the area and try to catch a glimpse. While we didn't see any (so sad), we did get to see some beautiful landscapes along our hike through the national wildlife refuge. Before leaving town, we had a picnic on the banks of Sea Star Cafe followed by ice cream at Island Creamery (rated #1 ice cream parlor in the nation by Trip Advisor and rightfully so). 

This weekend was much needed and much loved. While I enjoy being in the center of the hustle and bustle of the city, it is nice to have a getaway to a new place every now and then; especially when done with the ones whom you love the most.