Letter From the Developer From The Club
On the Cusp of a Perfect Autumn On the Ground & In the Works Events & Happenings
Real Estate at Bay Creek New Homes
Nature Corner
with Bay Creek Preserve Ranger, Stan Osmolenski
Chef’s Corner with Bay Creek Executive Chef, Christian Lofland
Bay Creek Photoshoot
Edible Picasso
A Culinary Masterpiece in Cape Charles
When I first came to Bay Creek, I was taken by the beauty of the place. Who isn’t? But I was also impressed by the people who have established homes and lives here: a unique combination of trailblazers, families, and dreamers. It’s a special place and I feel fortunate to be part of this exciting time at Bay Creek.
In every issue of Soundings, I share the latest community updates to offer a glimpse of what’s happening in this special place on the Bay. As the President of Bay Creek Development, one of the questions often asked is, ‘What’s being built here?’
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New neighborhoods are underway, homesites are being created, and dream homes are under construction throughout the property. But that’s only part of my answer. Everyone who owns here is part of the unique DNA of Bay Creek. And most of all, ‘what’s being built here’ is Community.
We’re a family’s favorite getaway.
A nature-lover’s weekend escape.
A couple’s new dream home.
The ultimate playground for kids and grandkids.
It’s especially inspiring to know Bay Creek means so much to so many people. It’s also great to share the latest about what’s happening with the actual ‘sticks and bricks’ construction in Bay Creek. Here are a few projects the development team has in the works:
• In the newest section of Bayside Village, a variety of homes are going up on multiple homesites. We’re welcoming new neighbors every week and it’s a pleasure to see this phase of Bay Creek’s iconic neighborhood thriving.
• Phase Two of Muirfield is coming to life with newly paved roads throughout. In Muirfield Phase One, our first few families have moved in, and several additional homes are getting very close to completion.
• Construction on the new pickleball courts is moving along nicely. There will be six courts in all. The project requires significant work relocating utilities, along with optimizing for water, sewer, and electricity. With this work approaching completion, we’re getting ever closer to the grand opening of these highly anticipated pickleball courts here at Bay Creek!
• The significant kitchen expansion at the Coach House Tavern is now fully complete. The addition provides more flexibility and space to the capable and talented culinary team led by Chef Christian Lofland. We’ve
already recieved accolades from members and guests who have come to dine, celebrate, and relax with us at the Coach House.
• Planning continues for Bay Creek’s next phases to ensure our ability to meet consumer demand. Our current real estate offerings continue to garner a great deal of attention and we’re enjoying welcoming new neighbors every week.
I’ll leave you with this: it’s my job and my passion to lead the development across many fronts here at Bay Creek. As we bid farewell to summer, I invite you to visit and witness what might be one of the best developments you’ll see all year—the incredible fall season here on the Eastern Shore. It’s one of my favorite seasons to be at Bay Creek: the water’s warm and the fall colors promise to be spectacular.
Whether you’re headed to Bay Creek for the beach, golf, nature, fishing, or spending some quality time with family and friends, here’s wishing you the best from Virginia’s Cape on the beautiful Eastern Shore.
See you out there!
Bobby Masters President, Bay Creek Development
In a golfer’s paradise like Bay Creek, it’s not unusual to overhear someone re-telling a spectacular victory they had on the course or, in some cases, recount—passionately—‘missing it by a hair.’
As General Manager of Bay Creek Resort & Club, it’s Bob Ewing’s business to make sure the greens are ‘running good.’ ‘Running good,’ if you pardon our grammar, could really apply to every other aspect of the Club, too: the Life Center, the Coach House Tavern, events, hospitality, overall member experience, and then some.
Bob has had a near lifetime of experience making sure golf—and a thousand other moving parts— of luxury club life go off without a hitch. That includes building friendships and meaningful connections.
“One of the most important aspects of a place like Bay Creek is its sense of community. And while friendships can bloom from a shared interest or a chance meeting, a good Club offers a wealth of opportunities for members and guests to get to know and enjoy one another,” says Bob.
“Our team loves planning and putting on Club events. Bay Creek has many avenues for getting together…golf and member tournaments, unique Life Center events, and even dinners and special offerings at the Coach House Tavern. Part of our role here is to make it easy for people to meet one another and have fun,” he says. “My team
and I specialize in working behind the scenes to get things right—because it should be completely worry-free for our members.”
As summer slowly makes way for a golden Eastern Shore fall, Club opportunities abound. But as Bob points out, several weeks remain to bask in warm breezes and do summer-minded things. “At Bay Creek, fall doesn’t mean folding up the pool chair!” says Bob. “The Life Center pool stays open into early October, and outdoor activities are still going strong, thanks to our mild Eastern Shore weather. We want to help folks enjoy every last bit of summer fun—even after fall officially arrives. One of the things that makes Bay Creek exceptional is that it’s not just a summer getaway. Good living happens all year here.”
The Life Center is a powerhouse for enjoyment in every season, maintaining a full schedule of classes and recreation all year. Just take a look at the calendar. The Life Center is open seven days a week. Classes run weekdays throughout the year— with spin, Tai Chi, Pilates, and more, but you can also enjoy the Life Center ‘unscripted,’ too. The fitness studio is enormous. And where else could you max out your cardio routine while looking at the gorgeous Bay through vast picture windows?
Great golf is always available at Bay Creek; autumn is no exception. In the first week of November, we will host the beloved season-ending event, The King and the Bear tournament. From Ladies League Clinics, Member Mixers, and the wickedly fun ‘Big Hole Scramble’ to the storied Legends Member Guest Tournament, golf at Bay Creek this fall will offer variety, fun, and friendly competition on our legendary links.
As much as Bay Creek Club life means golf, nature, and recreation, it also means hospitality.
Bob and the multi-talented team of Club pros do hospitality and events like no one else.
“We recently held a wedding reception for 185 people where the Club provided à la carte dining. Chef Christian created an incredible menu, especially for the event. And Bay Creek’s newly renovated kitchen and facilities were just the perfect environment for success.”
“When it comes to special events, one of the best achievements we can have as a Club is that the guests don’t have to think about what we’re doing. Our team is trained to anticipate guests’ needs and fulfill them before they even think to ask. Chef Christian and his team deliver this kind of high-end service—beautifully.”
Bay Creek is one of those places where life happens beautifully, too. Bob puts it this way: “Bay Creek’s home course is a renowned golf experience that people travel far and wide to enjoy. We have beaches that offer private shores and endless views. There’s a Life Center right in your backyard that rivals any resort pool or fitness venue. And we have nature and outdoor pursuits that are an absolute world of adventure. It doesn’t get any better than this! At the Club, it’s our privilege to make it all come together for the pleasure of our members and guests.”
“On behalf of everyone at the Club, I welcome you to join us this season and experience Bay Creek in all its autumn glory.”
~ Bob Ewing, General Manager Bay Creek Resort & Club
As a Troon Privé partner, the Club at Bay Creek enjoys world-renowned expertise in golf and club operations, food and beverage, course agronomy, and activities programming. We’re always looking ahead here at the Club. We aim to anticipate needs and overdeliver on the ideal’ Club Experience.’ Part of that is big picture Club operations. Another part is ‘minding the flowers,’ that is, paying attention to the little things just as seriously as we do everything else.
Here’s a glimpse of what enhancements have been happening and what’s in the works:
Enjoy it now:
• The newly renovated kitchen at the Coach House offers more possibilities for delicious events, dining, and celebrations.
• The Palmer/Nicklaus’ Logo Hill’ has a new shine: beautiful new plantings / its iconic Palmer and Nicklaus logo signs polished / and newly illuminated at night using eco-friendly solar lighting.
• The iconic Verdin clock that stands watch outside the Coach House has had an expert restoration. It now looks—and keeps time—beautifully.
• Bay Creek was honored by the Mid-Atlantic section of the PGA with their “Merchandiser of the Year” designation. We are now a finalist for the National Award, which will be announced soon.
Coming soon:
• We are excited to establish a “Wall of Fame” to showcase all our champions over the years—our members are what it’s all about!
• We are enhancing connectivity between the Coach House and the Golf Shop and reimagining bag storage for optimum flow and guest convenience
Bay Creek will be bursting with Club events, large and small, this fall. From little pleasures like ‘Yappy Hour’ (Relax on the Coach House Tavern patio with your pup…treats for the dogs and tasty app and drinks for you) to Plein Air Painting sessions among Bay Creek’s beauty, to live music performances around the Tree of Life, and of course a full schedule of golf events and much more.
Bay Creek Resort & Club is honored to have recently hosted ‘PGA HOPE’ and proud to serve as an official participating course, supporting our veterans and active-duty soldiers. PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being.
An inaugural tournament was held in late August, with 49 players participating. The money raised was donated to Folds of Honor. A heartfelt thank you to all who supported this significant effort.
Fall is one of our favorite times of the year at Bay Creek Realty. This Fall is particularly exciting for a number of reasons. First, we’re coming off a Spring and Summer season where we welcomed 76 new property purchasers to our ever-growing family, putting us on track to exceed 100 sales for the 5th consecutive year! Proving the adage that real estate is ‘local’ and not ‘national’, Cape Charles continues to attract families looking for the perfect blend of seclusion without isolation, and Bay Creek offers a private club lifestyle unmatched anywhere on the coast of Virginia. It’s an unbeatable combination!
Second, this year we reached a big milestone for the community, with over 500 homes now completed, 58 under construction, and several dozen more in architectural review. 58 homes under construction with all the ‘noise’ happening here at home and abroad shows families building at Bay Creek today refuse to be deterred by the ‘news of the moment’. They are boldly living their lives and seizing the lifestyle they want and deserve.
We invite you to visit Bay Creek this Fall to see all the exciting happenings with Real Estate. There are more new homes to choose from than ever before, along with a special selection of resale homes. We’ve also just released 58 new homesites in Muirfield, surrounded by golf, water and our private bay beaches. These homesites are as beautiful as anything you’ll find in Bay Creek, and already 7 have been spoken for in just the first month.
With a new owner joining us about every three days, there’s no time like the present to make your family’s coastal dream a reality.
Call us at 757.331.8742 or e-mail Info@BayCreekLife.com to get started.
Schedule A Discovery Visit This Fall
While many families choose to create their new coastal Virginia home from a ‘clean sheet,’ others crave to begin their Bay Creek story a bit sooner. Our Showcase Builders are pleased to accommodate and offer homes of every size, style, and location imaginable. Presented here is a collection of new and resale homes available for purchase, some of which are under construction and at a stage where your personalized custom touches can still be incorporated.
Move-In Ready in Muirfield! Welcome to the Abercrombie, a beautiful coastal-inspired home crafted by Showcase Builder Bay Legacy Homes. This home is ideal for a multi-generational family retreat, maximizing space with an open and inviting living/kitchen/dining area on the main level and two outdoor porches. Live the Bay Creek lifestyle today with plenty of room for family and friends.
Step into relaxed coastal elegance with the Magnolia, a beautiful new residence crafted by Showcase Builder Keith Cash, which is under construction and close to completion. Located in Muirfield, Bay Creek's newest and most picturesque neighborhood, the Magnolia sits amidst a landscape adorned by the beauty of the Nicklaus Signature golf course and serene water vistas
Introducing the Chesapeake Cottages, an exclusive collection of homes by Virginia Builders. Designed to provide a cozy, intimate living experience without compromising functionality, style, or comfort, this is a perfect second-home beachside retreat or full-time residence for families looking to right-size and simplify.
Nestled within the beachside enclave of Bayside Village, the Bay Cottage is a testament to Showcase Builder Keith Cash's unparalleled commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Designed to emphasize classic architectural details, this home features open living spaces that flow seamlessly from room to room, exuding an inviting warmth from the moment you enter.
78 Creekside
This home was completed in 2022 and is offered fully furnished. Great location in Bayside Village across the street from the Chesapeake Bay. Custom cabinets, storage galore, fireplace, plantation shutters. Window treatments convey. Walk to the beach, the Life Center swimming pools, and the fitness/cardio studio. Bring your toothbrush and start living your coastal dream lifestyle!
3.5
3,107
SqFt 812 Turnberry Arch - 28B | 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 1,925 +/- SqFt
The Azalea Park is a true gem, offering classic charm and modern conveniences in a picturesque setting. Nestled in a tranquil cul-de-sac bordering Bay Creek's Nature Preserve, it boasts unobstructed, year-round views of natural beauty. The home's exterior is distinguished by crisp lines and coastal materials, highlighted by a welcoming full-width front porch.
Welcome to The Vinings, a brand-new townhome nearing completion. As you enter through the covered front porch, you pass through a foyer that opens into the main living area. The kitchen with a large center island, dining area, and living room all blend together to create a wonderful sense of openness. Enjoy a carefree 'lock and leave' lifestyle in the heart of Bay Creek.
The popular Bayside model home at Bay Creek, crafted by Showcase Builder PH&N, is now available for purchase with a twelve-month minimum leaseback provision. Ideal for entertaining and loaded with upgrades, this fully furnished home embodies easy, coastal style. Step onto the gracious wrap around front porch and take in the fresh air and bay breezes.
Now under construction, the Portsmouth from Preserve Homes & Neighborhoods is a welcoming, spacious home near the Life Center and Bay Creek's private beaches. Step inside this cottage-style home and discover easy Eastern Shore living at its best. Features include engineered hardwood flooring, 10' ceilings on the main level, and KitchenAid appliances.
Now under construction, this home crafted by J.M. Froehler embodies the charm and elegance of classic coastal architecture, with Hardie Plank siding and a full-standing seam metal roof. 2-car attached garage and premium features throughout, including quartz counters, shaker-style cabinets, custom trim, Anderson windows, LVP flooring, Delta fixtures, and elegant tile showers.
Now under construction is the Hampton from Preserve Homes and Neighborhoods. Located in Bayside Village, just a short walk to the Life Center and Bay Creek's private beaches. Upon arrival, you are greeted by gracious double front porches spanning the entire width of the home. Features include engineered hardwood flooring, 10' ceilings on the main level, and KitchenAid appliances.
Welcome to the Tangier Cottage, crafted by Showcase Builder David Terry and nestled within the desirable Bayside Village enclave. This charming residence has an impressive wraparound front porch and boasts classic coastal architecture. It is ideally situated just moments away from the Life Center and Bay Creek's exclusive two-mile stretch of private beach.
Showcase Builder Beacon Custom Homes presents Tupelo Park, the epitome of coastal craftsman elegance and comfort. Close to completion, this exquisite, 3,065-square-foot property features two large front porches to capture the Chesapeake Bay breezes and stunning sunset skies. It is located in the Muirfield enclave on a highly coveted homesite overlooking a pond and fountain.
As summer winds down, Bay Creek's Preserve Ranger, Stan Osmolenski, tells us about the last golden days of summer and the incredible things happening this fall.
There's always a right time to enjoy the nature of Bay Creek, but the arrival of fall may offer some of the most magnificent moments. Some fantastic natural phenomena take place on the Eastern Shore this time of year, and you don't have to be an expert to appreciate the spectacle that has already begun here at Bay Creek. Every year around this time, we are host to millions of feathered guests as they make their great migration south.
As September ushers in cooler breezes, Bay Creek becomes a significant hotspot for bird migration. Positioned at the tip of the Delmarva peninsula, our location serves as a critical rest stop for millions of avian travelers headed south. It's a rare show for bird enthusiasts and casual observers alike. And Bay Creek is your front-row seat.
Need to know how to go about observing this ancient avian passage? Ranger Stan says you can wing it! That's because all of Bay Creek offers prime viewing of this annual spectacle. Just look up!
"Because we're at the very tip of the peninsula at Bay Creek, many migrating birds stop to rest here. They're looking for food and water before they cross the Chesapeake Bay. Our natural conservation area attracts them and provides a safe resting place before they continue south."
"The Eastern Shore of Virginia will see millions of birds pass through during this migration period, with bay coastlines being the preferred place to stop over."
But only some feathered friends leave Bay Creek for points further south.
"Some birds that come here stay all winter: Raptors like American kestrel, red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks, sharp-shinned and Cooper's hawks, peregrine falcons—these are fascinating to watch."
"We have rare habitat here in Bay Creek, and often migrating waterfowl will overwinter here. Sometimes, you'll see them on the barrier islands, but they prefer our freshwater ponds. Our Duck Pond, for example, is a quiet, secluded area that waterfowl love."
If you are very quiet, you can go to Bay Creek's Duck Pond and see some or all of these:
Approach the Duck Pond on foot with as little noise as possible. Even a golf cart is too loud, and it can disturb ducks, which may be scared away and not return.
"You can often observe unusual songbirds as they fly over Bay Creek, along with a host of shorebirds."
Bay Creek Bird Watchers may see these species and many more in our fantastic flyway:
Song Birds:
• Wood Thrush
• Black-throated
• American Redstart Green Warbler
• Scarlet Tanager
Shorebirds:
• Osprey
• Brown Pelicans
• Kingfisher
Raptors:
• American Kestrel
• Red-Tailed Hawk
• Red-Shouldered Hawk
• Sharp-Shinned Hawk
• Orchard Oriole
• Red Knots
• Ruddy Turnstones
• Western Willets
• Coopers Hawk
• Peregrine Falcon
• Owls are raptors, too!
If owls interest you, you'll love our regular Owl Prowl event. Birdwatching takes a decidedly nocturnal turn as we head into the forest after sundown to look for sights, sounds, and tell-tale indicators of owl activity. Our area is home to barn owls, great horned owls, and many others, such as the northern saw-whet owl, whose catlike face and bright yellow eyes are a sight to behold. ¬Occasionally, we'll even see snowy owls who have migrated this far south!
"We're fortunate to have a group of residents dedicated to Bay Creek's natural environment.
The Stewardship Club's 'Bluebird Group' did a fantastic job keeping precise records of quantities of eggs in each of our 16 bluebird houses. This small but mighty group goes out weekly to observe the boxes, the eggs, and fledglings and clean and prepare boxes
for new bird families. It's a big job, and they're very good at what they do.
We also have a group taking the lead on creating a native demonstration meadow garden. They have been transplanting plants, putting a lot of good pollinators in the ground, and ensuring it has what it needs to thrive. Their hard work has rewarded us all with beautiful flowers that enhance our environment and provide critical habitat for pollinators. The Stewardship Club is open to any Bay Creekers interested in participating in these worthy natural endeavors. Everyone is welcome!"
"There are things we can all do at home to encourage healthy, sustainable native landscapes. Plant host species that provide nectar and pollen for insects and wildlife. For example, the monarch butterfly will only lay its eggs on the milkweed plant. The monarchs feed on the milkweed, which makes them poisonous and unpalatable for predators—it's a protection method. Here on the Eastern Shore, we have several varieties: swamp, common, and butterfly milkweeds. Monarch butterflies are now on the endangered species list. But the good news is, even a small patch of milkweed— just a couple of plants—can make a big difference.
Fall is arguably the best time to explore the waters of Bay Creek, according to Ranger Stan: "The cooler air combined with still-warm water creates perfect conditions for kayaking. You can enjoy the trees and their reflection in the water when the leaves change color. It's quite an experience. Birdwatching from a kayak is exciting, too—especially with the great
southward migration in full swing. We organize paddles for all levels, from beginner to pro, and welcome everyone.
Our kayaking excursions offer a unique way to get out on the water and immerse yourself in Bay Creek's natural splendor."
Whether you're passionate about kayaking, birdwatching, native gardening, or just being out in nature, Ranger Stan and the entire Bay Creek team invite you to visit Bay Creek and take full advantage of this world-class location as it dons its fall finery. Enjoy birdwatching, paddling further afield, celebrating the change of season, and deepening your connection with our amazing natural world here on the Eastern Shore.
Fall is bursting with events that celebrate the season and forge connections among neighbors and friends.
November 1st. This family-friendly event with wagon rides, a pirate treasure hunt for kids, live music, refreshments, and adult beverages has become an annual favorite. Ranger Stan is a master storyteller of spooky stories around the fire!
An open call to all Bay Creek artists, last year's exhibit was a masterful presentation of variety and talent. We look forward to another inspiring exhibit and opening reception celebration this year.
Take a bicycle tour through the Bay Creek Nature Preserve to four scenic locations and sample a unique craft beer at each pitstop. Finish strong back at the Coach House Tavern and celebrate with a full beer chosen from the flight. Cheers to a flavorful fall!
The Fall is incredibly fabulous for our monthly plein air sessions. All materials are provided, including scenic natural vistas!
This event is popular every season but becomes especially exciting in the fall. Trek through the Bay Creek forests after dark on the lookout for these ravishing raptors.
This summer was a whirlwind of activity with children's summer day camps led by Ranger Stan. From crafting forts in the woods with harvested materials to kayaking excursions in the protected waters of Plantation Creek, our campers made some epic summer memories. One of this year's highlights was making bamboo fishing rods—and several kids caught fish with them—a bass and a bluegill!
"It's a great time for the kids, and parents are thankful their children can have these unique natural experiences. The forts the kids build out in the Preserve stay up until the end of winter. They
had three days to work on these forts. We set up a little 'bushcraft' station and cooked hotdogs in a campfire beside the forts. We've already had many kids lead their parents out into the woods to see their forts—they're very proud of all their hard work. This is a great community of kids, and though our camps are for ages seven to fourteen, older kids can join in as honorary 'camp councelors .'So, they can still come and have fun and enjoy some new responsibilities, too."
"These adventures out in nature are incredibly enriching," says Stan. "These are summer memories they'll enjoy for a lifetime."
When it comes to being an Executive Chef in a premier resort community, each guest experience is the result of a great deal of thought and expertise: how flavors will work together, where to source quality ingredients, clients' tastes and preferences, seasonal moods, and how to add those dashes of daring that transform the plate to perfection.
Now approaching two years since we welcomed the talented Chef Christian as Bay Creek Executive Chef, our community enjoys his delightful fare everywhere—during special events at Bay Creek, shared with friends at a cozy Coach House Tavern table, and even delivered poolside during those delightful summer days. No wonder we've become accustomed to having delicious food around here. Thanks to Chef Christian and his team, culinary experiences at Bay Creek have never been better. It's just… *chef's kiss!*
As we head into another amazing Eastern Shore autumn, Chef Christian offers a reimagined menu for another sensational season of flavors and taste. "This is the perfect time of year to bring in heartier flavors. Mid-October is when we shift the menu to match the season's mood. We'll be gearing up with squash and a lot of winter vegetables," Christian explains. "We've recently added several new experiences to the menu, too—a Scottish Salmon and the very popular pork belly bites served with an apple and jalapeño slaw."
Christian and his team have also incorporated some new desserts that are getting a lot of attention. Chef Linda has created an incredibly rich and creamy homemade fig cheesecake. The dessert menu evolves throughout the year, too, so it's always a good idea to stop in occasionally and see if there are any sweet surprises. By handmaking signature desserts inhouse, the Coach House offers a new delectable dimension—as the finishing touch of a meal or just an anytime pleasure.
With the significant kitchen expansion now complete, Chef Christian has more bandwidth for innovation in both daily operations and special events. "Everything is running smoothly," smiles Christian. "We are currently working to offer The Chef's Table concept this winter with a special menu that we're really looking forward to."
What things are exciting, Chef Christian, as we make our way into autumn? Local seafood!
"We're now sourcing our clams and oysters from Ruby Salts Oyster Company on the Eastern Shore.
The owner, Chris Buck, is a super good guy, and his product is incredible. Do I love getting things locally? Yes, that's always the ideal. But even more important, with Ruby Salts, 'local' also happens to be 'the best.' There's no better combination than that."
“We look forward to serving our members and
offering
guests and
exceptional cuisine this
season—from
phenomenal local oysters to great ales, soups, and
maybe
a few surprises—fall will be a delicious season.
~ Chef Christian Lofland
Bound for Bay Creek this fall? Plan to stop in the Coach House Tavern for a warm welcome, lovely views, and delightful bites.
Chris Buck has been an Eastern Shore oysterman for years. In the summer of 2018, we had the pleasure of featuring him in Soundings. (We’ve enjoyed his oysters since 2010!) Now we’re pleased to feature his Cherrystone Creek Ruby Salts oysters and Sewansecott Clams at the Coach House Tavern.
Originally published August, 2018
Sounds like the title of an intriguing novel, doesn’t it? Well, just a few moments with Chris Buck, owner and farmer at Ruby Salts Oyster Company, and you’ll know he’s a great story unto himself. The family man who’s right at home waist-deep in the waters of Cherrystone Creek tending to his oysters is just as comfortable teaching noted Cookbook author and Southern Living contributing editor, Rebecca Lang, how to harvest oysters, as he did not too long ago here at Bay Creek.
When it comes to Eastern Shore oysters, Chris Buck is the expert. But this Richmond-born mussel-man would be the first to tell you he didn’t set out to be an oyster farmer here on the shore. (He’d also tell you that mussels and oysters are not at all the same!) Chris grew up visiting his grandparents who lived on the Eastern Shore where he enjoyed nature and being outdoors, hunting and fishing. But later during his college years at Hampden Sydney, he found himself spending even more time in the area and
discovered that the people who lived here were one of the best things about this special region.
“I always like the area but when I came here and really started meeting folks, it got to be about the people,” Chris remembers. No surprise he made fast friends— his easy-going attitude could bring just about anyone out of their shell. So when a friend suggested to him that oyster farming was ‘becoming a thing,’ he thought he’d check it out.
And though he’d never tried it before, he quickly learned the ropes of raising oysters. Before long, he had perfected his craft and in 2010, Ruby Salts Oyster Company was born. It's a true family business—Chris's wife, Jennifer, is instrumental in the success and daily operations of the company. They both love what they do, personally and for the greater community. It’s an enormous benefit having top-quality, locally grown oysters available here in Cape Charles. And because shellfish farming is a clean, sustainable industry, the benefits go far beyond just good eats—Ruby Salts oysters filter the Bay’s waters preserving and, in fact, creating habitats for shrimp, crabs and fish. “Our oyster reefs are artificial but they do the same important work as
the real thing,” says Chris. “I’ve seen areas that were just muddy flats turn into grassy habitats, teeming with life.”
Ruby Salts Oyster Company raises its oysters in Cherrystone Creek on the lower Eastern Shore, where the Chesapeake meets the Atlantic. Chris says this mixture of seawater gives his oysters an amazing flavor. It’s also the care he takes in raising them. It’s even been said that he ‘whispers sweet nothings’ while he’s out among his oysters in the creek. If happy oysters are tasty oysters, they must like what they’re hearing.
What’s Chris’ favorite part of what he does?
“Seeing folks enjoy them—hearing them say ‘mmm’ when they taste them,” he says. That fits right into the Ruby Salts Oyster Company goal. Their mission, in their own words is “to produce the best tasting oysters to ever come out of Virginia waters, delivered direct, with freshness second to none.”
Having enjoyed Ruby Salts Oysters, we say mission accomplished!
Ruby Salts oysters are enjoyed in eateries throughout Virginia.
Want to know more about what we believe are Virginia’s best oysters? Visit RubySalts.com
Early this summer, we set out to capture the sights and sounds of everything unique about Bay Creek.
We began by engaging master cinematographers at Crescent Moon Pictures, who have a long and distinguished reputation for showcasing the environment and a place's emotion.
Mark Mooney, the visionary behind Crescent Moon, and his team of pros brought the whole studio to Bay Creek and spent seven days immersed in the community's vibe.
The team came ready with photo & video cameras, tripods, drones, microphones, lighting, an expert eye, and tons of energy.
The week was exciting; luckily, the weather favored us, as the sweeping aerial videos reveal. Conditions couldn't have been better—the water and skies were incredibly blue. We had equal parts sun and dramatic clouds each day. No biggie, just your typical perfect Eastern Shore day!
We took our cameras through Cape Charles and captured the colors, characters, and local flavor. Then it was a full day in and around the Bay Creek Nature Preserve—sunrise, bicycling through the trees, talking with Bay Creekers as they set out on a kayak excursion, gathering around the campfire at twilight…and a great interview with Ranger Stan Osmolenski who really knows how to bring it all to life.
Some of our favorite moments were being there as residents shared their Bay Creek' origin stories.' Each story is as different as the people telling it. The Crescent Moon folks were great with making everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Friends were made, fun was had, and many great Bay Creek stories were captured on film.
Thanks to homeowners and Bay Creek staff members who participated for doing a fantastic job just being you!
As the sun sank below the horizon, we captured a perfect glimpse of the calm at the end of the day—the breeze off the Bay, the sound of the water gently lapping, and that last golden walk on the beach. Huge kudos to the Crescent Moon team and our many Bay Creek families, friends, and staff who helped make this endeavor an epic success.
Watch the final video
The Bay Creek Experience here
Clockwise from Top Left: The McLarity’s telling their story and hoping the boom mic doesn’t pick up the sound of some very excited crickets; Back Up! It takes a very wide shot to capture this much ‘gorgeous!; He’s a Natural! Ranger Stan can spin a great yarn and Crescent Moon was there to catch every word; The guys get down on their level at the splash pool and manage to stay dry *almost* the entire time.
EDIBLE PICASSO
What makes good art? The critic may consider intention, motivation, or skill. But true art also has a magical quality—that special something that draws you to it again and again. It's no wonder that Edible Picasso, on Cape Charles' own Strawberry Street, has attracted a large and loyal following with its masterful take on fresh cuisine. You could call it a work of art and downright delicious.
Step inside Edible Picasso and take in the sights and smells of something extraordinary. It's so much more than amazing flavors—it's fresh food that's good for you.
"We're not fast food, we're just faster food," says Lenore DeBellis, owner and creative force behind Edible Picasso's exciting menu. "We pride ourselves on the freshness of our food. We focus on healthy, delicious, and fresh."
This philosophy is apparent in every dish they serve, from their vibrant poké bowls to their tantalizing charcuterie boards. The entire menu at Edible Picasso is a testament to their quality and culinary innovation.
Edible Picasso is the brainchild of a creative couple who seem to have been made for this moment—Rocco with decades of renowned culinary work in his own delis, cafés, and restaurants, catering for the stars in New York, and Lenore with her passion for food, service, creativity, and extensive experience in the corporate world.
When Lenore and Rocco DeBellis traded life in New York for the fresh Eastern Shore breezes of Cape Charles ten years ago, they brought more than just their belongings—they brought creativity and a vision.
"I started creating take-out charcuterie boxes as a side business while I worked my corporate job remotely from Cape Charles," says Lenore. "The wooden boxes looked like a frame, and all the different kinds of charcuterie arranged inside looked like a painting. So, I called them 'Edible Picassos," she recalls. The artful charcuterie boxes were an instant hit, but there was much more to come.
When her corporate job situation changed, Lenore had a blank canvas. "It allowed me to try something I was passionate about full-time," says Lenore. She left the desk for good, and she and Rocco opened Edible Picasso in January 2023.
Edible Picasso isn't just a place to grab a meal; it's a community hub where locals and visitors gather to enjoy wholesome, delicious food. "We wanted to offer available, convenient food that's fresh and good for you," Lenore says.
"When we lived in New York, there were several places we liked where you could build your own salad. We also love sushi. I'm not a sushi chef, but we make a damn good poké bowl," laughs Lenore. "We wanted to bring these things to the Eastern Shore."
The DeBellises' emphasis on farm-to-table freshness shines through in their partnerships with several local farmers, supplying them with organic greens, herbs, and gorgeous flowers. Drawing from their culinary experiences in New York and their love for simple yet divine fare, Lenore crafted a menu with enormous variety. And though their menu is inspired by many different cultures, it also embodies the essence of Cape Charles: unique, fun, and full of character.
Signature dishes include their acclaimed poké bowls, which feature ahi tuna, a variety of fresh vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice. Then there are the pastries, chocolate-dipped cannolis, make-your-own-salad, and amazing paninis. New items join old favorites all the time.
Just before this writing, they debuted a new Souvlaki, a Greek pita sandwich with grilled
shrimp or chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and Tzatziki (a tasty yogurt, garlic, and cucumber sauce). This is the unexpected and delicious variety customers have come to enjoy from Edible Picasso.
Lenore genuinely enjoys being the artist behind all the 'awesome'—especially for those custom orders that aren't always on the menu. She recently crafted a birthday cake for a client who didn't like the cake. An artist is nothing if not creative, so Lenore, who knew her client was a cheese lover, created a grand three-tiered 'cake' of fine cheeses garnished with figs, berries, and fresh, local flowers from Coastal Flower Company.
Edible Picasso also makes an incredible charcuterie board. Their boards are 3 feet of deliciousness and are a feast for the eyes as much as for the palate. Options like the Tuscan Italian and Mykonos Veggie boards offer a delightful assortment of antipasti and Mediterranean dips. The gorgeous flowers and garnish make these boards as lovely as they are delicious.
Many of the dishes Lenore creates are garnished with fresh herbs and flowers. Their partnerships with local growers like Coastal Flower Company in Eastville add to their homegrown, artful flair. In fact, Coastal Flower Company's subscribers can now pick up their orders at Edible Picasso. "We all work together here," says Lenore. "We also are fortunate to work with Revival Farm in Cape Charles. They are an organic family farm that does all our greens for their entire season." Partnerships like this are typical in Cape Charles, where business owners and residents are all part of the same community.
You couldn't pick a better time to give Edible Picasso a try. Why? In a word: soup! As fall approaches, Lenore's husband and biz co-owner, Rocco, steps in and makes their homemade soups. 'Black bean and bacon' is a favorite… there's also a refreshing 'lemongrass chicken and rice' and plenty of Italian flavors. You'll want to try the 'white bean, sausage, and kale' and their incredible 'vegetable minestrone.' If you've tasted Rocco's soup, you're already gearing up for those tasty bowls of comfort that make fall fabulous.
This year, they'll also have soups that are gluten— and dairy-free. Did we mention… it's not just great food that's on the menu here, but genuine care for their community, too? "We're mindful of our customers' needs," says Lenore. We offer many gluten-free options, like Asian noodle bowls, which we make with rice noodles."
"Except our paninis, everything can be vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free here. Many of our clientele come to us because they have special dietary needs. So, we try to mix it up and offer a great variety for them."
In addition to their entrees, salads, and savory fare, the café also makes a fantastic mimosa and all kinds of cocktails, adding a touch of sophistication to the laid-back dining experience. And for those with a sweet tooth, their cakes and desserts are as much a treat for the eyes as they are for the taste buds.
Edible Picasso also takes call-in orders for pick-up. If you're headed to Cape Charles' Central Park for a concert or want to elevate your beach picnic, pick up a 'share box' and make things extra special. It's a perfect fit for an easy-going town like Cape Charles, where there's no shortage of opportunities to break bread—or paninis—with family and friends.
Edible Picasso is more than just a restaurant; it's a celebration of food as an art form. From the eye-pleasing presentation of each dish to the carefully curated ingredients, every bit of this place reflects the DeBellises' passion for good food done right. As Lenore and Rocco continue to delight Cape Charles with their culinary creativity, Edible Picasso is a proper stroke of brilliance.
Planning a visit to Bay Creek? Lenore and Rocco invite you to stop by and say hello and discover some exciting new flavors. You'll always enjoy a warm welcome and a great experience. Bon appétit!
Set upon 1,720 lush acres along the Chesapeake Bay, Bay Creek is a masterplanned community that brings families together to live their best life through a connection with its coastal landscape, nature, phenomenal club amenities managed by Troon Privé and active lifestyle programming. From exploring sparkling bay waters to hosting friends for dinner on the porch of your welcoming new coastal home, Bay Creek is the easy-going, elegant lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of.
We invite you to explore this natural wonderland in a place where residents connect, forge friendships and pursue their interests and passions. There is truly nothing like it on the coast of Virginia.
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