This is the most small-town climate that you could probably find.
Ray Cagle
So, why do people return to little towns when big cities offer so much more? It’s just that — we don’t want MORE. We love the little-town feel, the sleepiness of a place offering tranquility, scenery, and interesting people. And those are the things that brought us back to Onancock, Virginia, a town known as Port Scarbrough in 1680, and still today a place for steamboats, goods, and people seeking the best of the Eastern Shore.
When we visited before, we were on business but happened to stumble upon a seaside celebration complete with outdoor music, games for children, and seafood platters to eat by Onancock Creek. We returned to see what’s changed and found that, thankfully, . . . not much has.
Quaint homes line the streets — comfortable, coastal styles similar to those in St. Michaels and Oxford, Maryland.
Artists, like Jack Richardson open their doors to galleries filled with seaside art and impressionistic floral compositions. And then they talk up their passion while making a sale — so those of us who love the places we see can take home art as artists see it.
Boat owners ply the waters of Onancock Creek in spiffy craft like this one I fell in love with. Ariel, it’s called. And I had serious lust for this navy-hulled boat, imagining myself taking a day off in a handsome watercraft, seeing Eastern Shore properties from the waterside.
We knew where we wanted to stay — at the Charlotte Hotel. The same owners, Charlotte and Gary Cochran, who bought the place in the 60’s still offer creative rooms artistically painted by Charlotte and a restaurant recommended unabashedly by Gary (as well as a host of top-notch magazine reviewers).
Art and function meet perfectly in the hotel’s cozy dining room, where imaginatively prepared local game, fish, and produce are served on tabletops adorned with folk art.
The Washingtonian
We dined on Seafood Risotto in this sweet-spot intimate dining room prepared brilliantly by Chef Sam Yokum whose contact with local watermen and farmers provides the best of Eastern Shore cuisine at the Charlotte.
But there’s nothing wrong with a stop at the local harbor
where you can rent bikes for pedaling through town . . .
or stop for an evening repast at Mallards at the Wharf.
After all, a toast to sundown in Onancock, Virginia, is the perfect way to end a day on the Eastern Shore.
We hope you’ve enjoyed Road Trip 2020 as much as we have loved sharing it with you. We’ll add one more post to the series next week and then bid farewell to our trip from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and the Eastern Shore. Even though we couldn’t go abroad in 2020, we’ve found joy in touring the States. Hope you have as well.
Travel local,
Rusha & Bert
You can find other posts in the series Road Trip 2020 here. Thanks for following!
CompassAndCamera
It sure is the year of the road trip! And what fun to see people exploring the US and visiting new places. Thanks for sharing Onancock!
Oh, the Places We See
I’m ready for another road trip!!! Well, any time really.
WanderingCanadians
I can easily see why you would return here. Looks charming and peaceful. And I totally agree about why people return to small towns versus exploring big cities.
Oh, the Places We See
We felt safe on this trip. Time will tell if we’re right. But traveling in small towns and along scenic side roads is our chance to get out and about while trying to stay safe.
Ihearthula
Just beautiful. Thank you 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for traveling with us!!!
Sue
Looks a lovely little town!
Oh, the Places We See
It’s a nice one!! Even for a tourist.
gallivance.net
Wonderful photos, Rusha! You really captured the heart and spirit of Onancock. Although it’s been years since we visited, I must admit that it still looks pretty much the same. And as you point out – that’s the total charm of the place. Thanks so much for taking us along on this journey. We got to enjoy it vicariously through you. 🙂 ~Terri
Oh, the Places We See
The whole area, as you may remember, is charming just the way it is. I’d like to return in 20 years and find it the same. Thanks for your comment.
travelgarb
I agree. Small places can be little gems, and the lack of hustle and bustle adds to their charm. I like that they provide bikes to rent.
Oh, the Places We See
There’s a slower pace in Onancock, a charming one. And although not much has changed, I really hope it remains calm and small for a long time. Happy Thanksgiving to you.
travelgarb
Thank you. And to you!
Anonymous
Your sharing of the photos and a snippet of the experience provided a great 10 minute vacation! Neat destination!
Oh, the Places We See
It really is a pretty special little town. We love to see festivals return, but until then, the slow life is a pretty good way to spend the days. Thanks for commenting!!
Toonsarah
Another little gem of a town – we missed this one when touring VA many years ago 🙁
Oh, the Places We See
You’re right. It is a little gem. And the two days we were there not much was going on except a big sale at a ladies’ dress shop. But we loved the quiet and small-town beauty of it all.
beth
looks like a lovely little town and I’ve enjoyed this series
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. Onancock is lovely but not showy. I guess that’s why we enjoyed our time there. Happy Thanksgiving and stay safe.