Bay Creek Soundings - Summer 2023

DEVELOPMENT UPDATE:

Summer at Bay Creek: Alive with Activity

Real Estate Bayside Village Phase II

Nature Corner with Bay Creek Preserve Ranger, Stan Osmolenski

Chef’s Corner with Bay Creek Executive Chef, Christian Lofland

Meet Robbie Bedimus Bay Creek Horticulturist Small’s Smokehouse + BBQ

After an absolutely beautiful spring season, summer is greeting us once again. Here at Bay Creek and in our hometown of Cape Charles, summer has its own distinctions and character. It’s not entirely different from spring…Bay Creek is still covered in all kinds of colorful blooms. Spring’s daffodils and azaleas make way for beautyberry, showy hydrangeas and all sorts of bright, resilient wildflowers that dot the summer landscape. And the beach, which was lovely in spring, reveals its full summertime splendor. Cape Charles, perhaps with a few more bicycle riders exploring the waterfront, and a few more families shopping or enjoying an ice cream cone, radiates with welcoming charm.

Bay Creek is home to all the pleasures of summer for our residents and guests. And for the Development Team and builders, there’s a great deal of activity as neighborhoods continue to take shape and new homes continue to be built. Bobby Masters, General Manager of Bay Creek, shares a brief summer update on the important work and exciting developments that continue this summer.

“For those of us who have experienced summertime at Bay Creek, we understand why people often think of summer as that quintessential Eastern Shore season,” Bobby says. “The fishing’s great, the beaches are right here in the neighborhood and there are just a million things to enjoy,” he adds. “We’re very proud of the Nature Preserve and all that it has opened up for our residents and guests. Kayaking the creeks, nature walks…these are all great things to take part in. Bay Creek’s Base Camp area and the team, folks like Ranger Stan Osmolenski, are helping people have access to this special environment like never before,” he explains.

“I mention this because, when we talk about development and progress, quality homes and well-planned neighborhoods are key, but just as important is the natural environment that surrounds them. Muirfield, for example, is a gorgeous neighborhood in its own right. But when we look at it in the context of where it sits in the world, where it sits in relation to the Chesapeake Bay, and the kind of lifestyle these Bay Creek residents will enjoy, that’s something really special.”

Neighborhoods, Nature & Neighbors

Right now, Muirfield continues to be full of activity. Every week, new homes are taking shape and more neighbors are calling it home. “We have just released three new home packages for sale and, as you can imagine, they’re getting a lot of attention. There are a lot of ways to enjoy a Muirfield home,” says Bobby, “…from the legacy waterfront homesites that look right out on the Bay to the classic coastal homes nestled alongside a pond and woodlands.”

architecture and coastal style. Phase 2 is being designed to have the same aesthetic and charm that has made Bayside Village an icon,” he adds. “When you live here, you’ll have that convenience, factor, too. You’re right beside the Bay Beaches and the pools and fitness at the Bay Creek Life Center… that’s huge.”

“The other part of the Muirfield experience is the convenient beach access,” Bobby adds. In progress now, the path will cross the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course between the green and the tee box on Hole Four. Muirfield residents can walk along the path, cross a quaint little bridge, and find themselves on Bay Creek’s private Chesapeake Bay beach. “That convenience is a huge part of the Muirfield lifestyle,” Bobby says. “Wake up, just scoot down the path, and enjoy your coffee on the beach. It’s very Bay Creek, isn’t it?” he smiles.

A quick update on Bayside Village: Phase I is completely sold out, and the second phase of Bayside Village is now in full swing. “We’ve been pleased to be able to offer new opportunities for people to get into the Bayside Village lifestyle,” says Bobby. “It’s the best of both worlds in that the new phase offers that same neo-traditional

Right now, in Phase 2, homesites and natural areas are continuing to be delineated according to the master siteplan. “We have a lot of people inquiring about the Priority Reservation Program and we’re still on track to be able to offer homesites this fall.”

Seize the Day

As we make our way through summer, I encourage everyone to enjoy the resort experience here at Bay Creek. The Bay Creek Club has put together a world-class line up of activities, special touches and conveniences expressly for our members and guests. From movies under the stars at the Life Center to beach chair service, live music and more, there will be so much to enjoy.

We look forward to exceeding expectations in every way. On behalf of the entire Bay Creek family, we welcome each and every new owner, resident, Club Member and guest.

Muirfield Bluffs overlooking Nicklaus 5

Bayside Village Phase I (green) and Phase II (beige)

Club Happenings

Could there be any better place to spend summer than the Eastern Shore? It’s a classic summertime locale with sandy beaches, the glistening Bay, the charm of Cape Charles, smiling families and easy, breezy days. And at Bay Creek summer is even better, thanks to the many activities and benefits of the Bay Creek Club.

Bob Ewing, General Manager of Bay Creek Resort & Club has put together an incredible line up of summer pleasures for Members and their guests. Besides an incredible talent for organization and listening, Bob has a deep commitment to maintaining a true sense of community among Bay Creek members.

The coming summer season is a culmination of many months of planning, teamwork, and inspiration. Here’s what Bob and his team of professionals have in store for the months ahead.

Convenience is King

When you’re ‘busy’ relaxing, you shouldn’t have to worry about a thing. This summer, the Bay Creek Club is maximizing the convenience—from the beach to the greens and beyond. Bob gives us the scoop on some of the most notable added services for the summer.

At Your Service: “The start of Food Delivery service to the Bay Creek community is a fantastic addition,” explains Bob. Whether you’re entertaining summer guests and want to share a no-prep lunch on your own porch, or just enjoy good grub at home, the delivery service really delivers! The Coach House Tavern delivers noon to 6pm Tuesday through Sunday.

Golfers, rejoice! “We are once again offering the convenience of reserving a tee time through the Bay Creek app, exclusively available to members and their guests. We’re happy to announce that personal use carts are now able to be registered and used on the Golf Course, too—just another way to enhance member experience.

“We’re excited to offer this and have seen many folks already enjoying the convenience,” says Bob.

“When you and your guests want the fun, friendly, pub environment, the Coach House Tavern’s later summer hours make it easy. “Imagine going over to the tavern for dinner and the perfect glass of wine—what a great way to cap off a summer day.”

What would summer be without crystal blue swimming pools? “We want to make our pool amenities as accessible and effortless to use as possible. At the Life Center, both the lap pool and the splash pool are now open. Pools are different things to different people, and we want to have something for everyone.”

The lap pool is a great place for an aquatic workout. Steps away, the splash pool is great fun for kids and has ample space for floating and relaxing. “To make things even simpler, the everpopular Food Trailer returns and Poolside Chair Reservations are now available every day,” says Bob. “All you have to do is arrive and enjoy.”

The Best of the Beach awaits you! When you live at Bay Creek, it’s already easy to pack up your golf cart or bicycle and scoot over to our great beaches. This summer, Beach Chair Service is back and enjoying the beach is a breeze. “This is one of our most popular amenities,” Bob says.

“We hope all our members enjoy this great service this summer. Reserving is through the Bay Creek app so it’s a few clicks and then you’re all set for a great day at the beach.”

Special Events & Community Fun

The Bay Creek event schedule is bursting with events this summer—from golf tournaments, special seasonal events, recurring Club programs and more. Each has been planned with participants’ and Members’ enjoyment in mind.

Bob shares just a small sample of the exciting happenings taking place this summer:

Golf: Ladies League Play Days; Member Golf Clinic with Zach Pfingst PGA & Jack Diehl, PGA ; One Day Member Guest Tournament; Cheeseburger in Paradise 9-Hole Scramble; Glow Putt at the Coach House Putting Green

Recreation: Plein Air Painting in the Preserve; Outdoor movies under the stars on the Life Center Lawn; Friday Night Live Music at the Tree of Life

Life Center Fitness: A robust schedule of Tabata, Spin, Total Body Workout, Kids Fitness, Tai-Chi, Water Pilates and a full calendar of classes & events.

Connecting, Celebrating, Looking Ahead

“Every event, class, get together and member convenience is really about serving the Bay Creek Club community,” Bob says. “It’s why we’re here. It’s why we listen to our Members and value their input. We’re extremely excited about the summer season and hope Members and guests take this opportunity to connect with friends and neighbors, try something new, eat great food, laugh, put your toes in the sand…and just enjoy!”

“In a beautiful place like this, there’s always something to celebrate, something to look forward to, something to look back at and be grateful for. This is how we approach what we do here at the Club,” says Bob. “We want that for our members and guests, so we work to make each day the best it can be,” he smiles. “That’s what life at Bay Creek is all about.”

Bayside Village Phase II at Bay Creek

If you’ve researched master-planned communities along the Atlantic Seaboard, you know Bay Creek is an extraordinary place. There is no other homeplace we know that combines the elements of earth and water the way they are presented on the Eastern Shore. Bay Creek itself is a wonderfully beautiful place to live, but when you add in the awe-inspiring natural splendor of its surroundings, you have a way of life that simply cannot be duplicated on the East Coast.

With all 158 homesites in Phase I of Bayside Village now spoken for and nearly 90 homes completed or under construction, the time has come to release the highlyanticipated next phase of this one-of-a-kind enclave, with 58 newly developed properties soon to be available for purchase.

Bayside Village has been land-planned in the style of Traditional Neighborhood Development, or TND. The architecture is coastal-inspired and

the village hugs the shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay, offering every homeowner easy access to Bay Creek’s two miles of private sandy beaches. The Life Center is also located here, so fitness and wellness are just a short stroll down the street.

Select a home or homesite overlooking the 9th fairway of the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, complete with a beautiful pond in the foreground, choose a cozy interior setting, or put yourself in the center of the action across from the Bay Creek Life Center. No matter where you are in Bayside Village, you’re sure to enjoy the spectacular sunsets our incredible waterfront region serves up daily. You’ll feel a special sense of connection here—the beaches, the bay, pedestrian-friendly streets and lush, open parks – all right outside your front door!

Soon, we’ll be sending you information on how to acquire a Reservation Certificate for the launch of the Phase II properties before we begin to market them to the general public. A Reservation Certificate is not a commitment to purchase; it simply puts you in a priority position to buy a Bayside Village homesite, if you desire, in our Fall property release, anticipated to be scheduled in October, 2023.

We are planning to offer these new Bayside Village homesites for purchase in a Phase II release this Fall through a Priority Reservation Program, which will soon be available first to Bay Creek Property Owners and then to Bay Creek Insiders.

Special purchase incentives will be made available to those who purchase in the Phase II Grand Opening release, making the decision to acquire one of these new properties all the more compelling.

To learn more about this special opportunity, call us at 844.620.2900.

NATURE CORNER Ranger Stan WITH

BAY CREEK’S PRESERVE RANGER

In an environment as varied and beautiful as the Eastern Shore, there’s really no ‘off season.’ This breathtaking natural environment has something to discover and appreciate every month of the year.

But summer seems to hold a special significance here on Virginia’s Cape. Maybe it’s the cool Bay breezes that refresh beach goers and rustle across colorful meadows of wildflowers on the Nature Preserve. Or perhaps it’s the feeling of freedom that comes with bicycling among shady trees that line Bay Creek’s wide streets—or paddling along Plantation Creek with only the sound of birdsong.

Bay Creek’s Preserve Ranger, Stan Osmolenski, specializes in helping people experience all nature has to offer here in this special bayfront community.

We recently spoke with Ranger Stan to learn more about Bay Creek’s nature, summer season experiences and more.

“During my time working as a Park Ranger at Kiptopeke State Park, I was trained in general interpreting,” says Stan. “So I help people experience the nature around them and help them relate to it. For the people who live here and the guests that visit…children, adults, people coming from a city who may have never been out in nature, I help them get to know the nature of Bay Creek.”

Activities and Access

There are many avenues for discovering the abundant nature here. Stan’s guided kayak tours

are a favorite activity of residents and guests alike. “It’s an intimate group of five kayakers and we go out for about two hours and explore the marshes and creeks around the property. We work on paddle techniques that help us wind through the creeks, and we do a lot of bird watching. It’s a pleasure just to take in all there is to see in and around these waterways,” says Stan.

Right now, Ranger Stan is offering these explorations twice a week. “We focus a lot on making the water accessible here at Bay Creek, especially during summer. This tour is great for beginners and experienced kayakers alike.” Stan also teaches stand-up paddle boarding lessons for beginners and equips them with basic techniques to get out there and enjoy the water.

“Last fall we put in a kayak launch at the Base Camp area and we’re about to begin construction on a kayak rack. Members will be able to keep their kayaks right next to the launch. It’s going to be a great convenience,” Stan says.

With water and nature everywhere, residents and visitors of Bay Creek have many options for recreation—and for learning, too. Ranger Stan leads pond fishing excursions ideal for beginner fishermen and children alike. He also leads nature walks like the ever-popular Preserve Owl Prowl, a one-mile guided night trek in search of the elusive birds of prey.

Stan’s Nature Talk Campfire is a great way to cap off a day of fun, cozying up around a campfire for a talk on nature, history of the area, Q & A’s and sometimes, even a ghost story! “We have a big bonfire at Base Camp, and we talk about a topic— usually nature or history related, and we go from there. I enjoy being able tell people about what an asset the conservation area and Nature Preserve really are. It helps them know more about the place they live and visit. There’s a core group of residents that come almost every time, and there are always first-time visitors, too. Everyone is welcome.

Conservation, Maintenance & Education

Besides leading activities and explorations, part of Stan’s work as a Ranger is to maintain the Preserve and natural areas that host these great experiences—from Tree Plantings at Base Camp to restoration projects. He also works with the Stewardship Club, an incredibly dedicated group of Bay Creekers who clean trails, plant trees and take on projects like building and installing Bluebird Boxes on the property.

“Right now at Bay Creek, we’re focusing a lot on water’s edge plantings. We’ve done five plantings of native trees and shrubs to provide more habitat for native species,” Stan explains. “One of my favorite things is native plants and helping others learn about them.”

This one-of-a-kind natural environment is an ideal outdoor classroom for all ages. This spring, Stan led field trips for children from the Northampton Schools and will resume the program in the Fall. “Schools from Northampton County and from across the Bay come here to learn,” says Stan. “It’s an incredible opportunity for these students to be able to explore and learn about local Eastern Shore ecology.”

Savoring the Sights of Summer

Stan shares with us some of the things to look for as summer saunters along. “This is the best time to get on the water—it’s not too hot out there, and there are all kinds of natural wonders to observe,” Stan says.

“The Preserve is dotted with wildflowers, blooming trees, and shrubs. The ponds are alive with frogs and turtles, and the beaches and waterways are bursting with natural beauty, just waiting to be discovered. Now is the time that many native summer flowers really put on a show. Keep an eye out for current blooming plants such as yarrow, pickerel weed, purple vetch, and yucca.”

The beginnings of a native plant garden at Base Camp are starting to show signs of color and variety. These plantings will really put on a show throughout summer. “The coreopsis is beautiful now,” Stan adds. “Stop by Base Camp, say hello and see these showy yellow flowers.”

Bay Creek is home to of all these lovely summer pleasures. Ranger Stan is passionate about helping nature flourish and enabling residents and guests to enjoy it.

“I encourage everyone to get outdoors and enjoy this beautiful Eastern Shore summer here at Bay Creek!”

RANGER STAN Summer Tip

I like to let residents know that they can be very minimal with pesticides. I use spot treatments only in affected areas instead of a broad spray. With native plants and species so plentiful here, a conservative approach to pesticides helps keep our environment from being adversely affected.

“This is the best time to get on the water—it’s not too hot out there, and there are all kinds of natural wonders to observe.”

Left to right: Yarrow, Purple Vetch, Yucca

CHEF’S CORNER

BAY CREEK EXECUTIVE CHEF Christian

Lofland

Summer with its many delights is now upon us and Bay Creek Executive Chef, Christian Lofland, is already diving into the season, making a big splash at the Coach House Tavern and beyond.

Chef Christian enjoys creating dishes that showcase the flavors of every season—by using fresh seasonal vegetables, and by featuring seafood prominently on the menu—a celebration of summer and the bounty of the sea. The delectable summer selections now appearing on the new Coach House menu are receiving great acclaim.

“We’ve just rolled out the new menu and members are extremely happy with the lineup,” Christian says. “We’re featuring jumbo lump crab cakes, pan seared scallops, and a prime New York strip steak with braised carrots and a red wine demi,” says Christian. “We’re debuting new pasta dishes, too.”

Christian’s pasta selections feature the bright colors and fresh flavors of summer. Right now, the seasonal veg sauté features summer squash, green beans, shallots, and asparagus (one of Christian’s favorites). “Asparagus is a big summer crop—and it’s been very good this season, which tells me it will get even better as we get further into the summer,” says Christian. “And the zucchini and yellow squash, too…the produce we’re getting now is fantastic.”

At the Coach House, Christian sautés fresh summer veg and serves it with a light cream sauce over angel hair pasta. Guests can add a protein as well, making it both delicious and versatile. An Eastern Shore menu wouldn’t be complete without oysters, and Chef Christian is going big on them this season. “We’re offering ‘steamship’ oysters,” says Christian. “They’re huge—five to seven inches long—and they’re so delicious. These are local Virginia oysters and we’re serving them raw on the half shell. We make our own mignonette and cocktail sauce and serve them with lemon.”

This summer, you’ll also see options like wahoo and red snapper at the Coach House. “We’re starting to see more southern fish coming up into the Eastern Shore area. You can actually get cobia up here now with the warming of the waters” Christian explains. “Ten years ago, you couldn’t find it north of Georgia.” Christian’s sensitivity to sourcing and sustainability of the game, fish and produce he prepares echoes Bay Creek’s commitment to stewardship of the Eastern Shore. He sources locally whenever possible and enjoys showcasing the freshest and best of each season.

Chef Christian is known for taking everyday flavors and transforming them into fabulous dishes. His popular marinated tomato salad and his trio salad (chicken, tuna, and egg on fresh field greens) have become fast favorites.

Beyond his culinary work at the Coach House, Christian and his team have enjoyed providing unique experiences for events at Bay Creek. Their talents were recently on display at Bay Creek’s big Cheeseburger in Paradise Sunday Scramble where they prepared a spread of cheeseburgers of all kinds—with avocado, topped with fried onions—and all sorts of unexpected and awesome combinations. They also showcased their talents during a recent one-day MemberGuest Tournament.

Recently, they catered a lovely wedding at Bay Creek, whose 200+ guests said ‘I do’ to all manner of memorable cuisine, courtesy of Chef Christian and his capable team of professionals.

Since May, they have been enjoying the newly renovated kitchen space at the Coach House Tavern. This summer will see additional streamlining and planning as the kitchen and catering capabilities continue to flourish under Chef Christian’s direction.

Though he’s won many awards (ask about his Sherry Crab Soup!) and accolades from those who’ve tasted his creations, one of Chef Christian’s best talents is enabling people to enjoy good food in good company.

Visit Bay Creek’s welcoming Coach House Tavern and immerse yourself in the fresh and the fabulous—we look forward to seeing you there!

Christian’s famous Sherry Crab Soup has already been in high demand this summer. His secret? He uses top notch sherry that he sources from California. He makes the soup in the traditional way with a roux. The soup takes about a day and a half to fully prepare! A favorite of Bay Creek regulars and visitors, Christian’s Sherry Crab Soup took home the coveted Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice awards at the highly competitive Oyster Farm Soup Cook-Off last year.

He Who Plants A Tree

MEET ROBBIE BREDIMUS, BAY CREEK HORTICULTURALIST

“What does he plant who plants a tree?

He plants cool shade and tender rain, And seed and bud of days to be...”

From The Heart of the Tree, Henry Cuyler Bunner

Sowing A Seed

Back in 2001, when Robbie Bredimus replied to an ad for a Horticulturalist at a place called Bay Creek, he couldn’t have known that 22 years later, he would have had a hand in landscaping, designing, and maintaining nearly every acre of this iconic waterfront community on the Chesapeake Bay.

Robbie, an Eastern Shore resident since the age of five, was only recently out of college (studying horticulture at Virginia Tech while working at a nursery). But he had already amassed five intense years of training and expertise in his field. “Returning to the Eastern Shore after college was always part of my plan. I was working at a local nursery when my parents saw the ad and said, ‘hey, they’re looking for a horticulturalist at Bay Creek.’”

Robbie got the job. “When I first started, it was May of 2001, and it was me and three other guys…just mowing,” Robbie laughs. In its formative stages, the Bay Creek property was criss-crossed with dirt roads, and neighborhood streets and homes were only just starting to take shape.

As time went on, the Colony and Marina were added to the Bay Creek development and Robbie quickly had more and more responsibilities in his role as horticulturalist. The then-developer realized that Robbie had the drive and knowledge to handle all the community’s landscaping endeavors. “From there, I started planning—and planting— everything,” Robbie laughs. “I sort of lucked into it and I’ve loved it.”

Growing Season

As new neighborhoods emerged, Robbie was on the ground, doing the work that would shape the future. “We built the waterfall at Heron Pointe back in 2005. We did all the original plantings at Plantation Pointe. There was a lot to be done.”

Unlike the regimented, predictable work of his days at the nursery, Bay Creek was always an

adventure. “There was something new—and challenging to do every day. It was like, ‘tomorrow we’re going to sod five acres of land’…and I’d say OK, let’s do it!” Robbie recalls smiling.

These were the early days of Bay Creek. The neighborhoods were beginning to come to life. New streets and homesites were being planted with what would become the mature, lush landscaping that residents and visitors enjoy today. Robbie’s expertise and passion for horticulture guided all the landscape designs and plant selections.

“Some of these decisions came naturally,” says Robbie. The Hollies neighborhood, for example… it was named The Hollies because that entire piece of land is solid hollies—they thrive here,” he explains. At one point, on the property, there were six miles of wax myrtles, too…most of them are still here. They’re a native plant that’s wildlife friendly and it works well with the naturally occurring plants. So that was a natural choice for screening construction areas.”

“Each area had a different feel to it,” Robbie recalls of newly developing sections of Bay Creek.

“The Signature entrance across from The Fairways didn’t have irrigation at the time so I selected plants that were all drought tolerant.” Eventually taking on the role of Landscape Superintendent, Robbie continued as a steward of the land and the community. His plant selections from years ago are still paying off. “We put thousands of

Knockout roses in Bay Creek. They were beautiful, but one year, they were struck with witch’s broom virus. So we phased those out, recycled some of them into turf and replaced them with Encore azaleas. These azaleas are incredibly hardy and very long lived. Many that you see on the property now are ones I planted in 2002.”

Deep Roots

Robbie’s love of his Eastern Shore home inspires his work as a horticulturalist. His ability to select plants that stay largely pest and disease free, don’t require a lot of water and are easy to maintain is one of his greatest strengths. Now an independent contractor, he consults with the Bay Creek Home Owners Association board when they want to make changes in an area. Recently, he advised on plants to be installed around the waterline of a pond. “We needed native plants that were attractive—but that was only part of it,” he says. “We want these plants to be here for the long haul. They need to work for the residents and make a good habitat for the Eastern Shore animal species that call Bay Creek home, too.”

Recently, Robbie and his team have worked on Bay Creek’s newest neighborhood, Muirfield, installing 18 trees in 2022. This year they planted the entrance to Bayside Village and the new entrance to Muirfield with several hundred azaleas and swaths of eye-catching annuals.

In his time at Bay Creek, Robbie has had a hand in tens of thousands of plantings, thousands of miles of mowing, hundreds of acres of sod and countless other worthy horticultural endeavors from the neighborhoods to the beaches, the Nature Preserve and beyond. The successes he has produced at Bay Creek are a result of his experience and passion for the job. It’s also down to observing the land, working diligently, and choosing beauty and sustainability in equal measure.

Thank you, Robbie Bredimus, for helping create the flourishing landscape that makes Bay Creek such a special place to be.

“We want these plants to be here for the long haul. They need to work for the residents and make a good habitat for the Eastern Shore animal species that call Bay Creek home, too.”

Smalls

Smokehouse + Seafood

BRINGING AMAZING BARBECUE AND FABULOUS FLAVORS TO CAPE CHARLES

There’s something very big going on at Small’s.

Just a couple of miles down the road from Bay Creek, Small’s Smokehouse + Seafood invites you to experience good eating like you’ve never had before. Opening the doors of their spacious Cape Charles location in November 2022, Small’s has quickly become a go-to for folks craving smokin’ good barbecue.

There are two things you ought to know before you go: One, Small’s is fabulous (you’ll know when you walk in and smell the savory aroma) and two, it’s family owned.

The Small family has a long history in Eastern Virginia. Logan Small, 34, is the dynamo behind the food and atmosphere of the Cape Charles restaurant. His great grandfather, John Small, Sr., established Small Hardware store on Norfolk’s Hampton Boulevard in 1919. With the help of Logan’s grandfather John, Jr., and his father, John Small III, the family hardware business was a community fixture in Norfolk for nearly 70 years.

In 2013, John Small III and Logan, his youngest son, decided to open Small’s Smokehouse + Oyster Bar, just a few blocks from where the family hardware store originally stood. Why a smokehouse and oyster bar? “Logan loves barbecue and I love oysters so that’s what we served,” says John. The restaurant quickly became a favorite.

Maybe it was from generations of helping people find ‘just what they were looking for’ at Small’s Hardware. Or maybe it was Logan’s lifetime love of cooking that he first discovered as a Boy Scout. Whatever it was, the Smalls were natural restauranteurs. Their place was quickly recognized as the best around for good pork barbecue, smoked brisket, and oysters.

Today, their new location, Smalls Smokehouse + Seafood in Cape Charles, carries on the tradition. This family-owned barbecue and oyster house serves the kind of food that makes you feel right at home. At Small’s you’ll find fresh-caught seafood from the Eastern Shore and all kinds of tasty cuts of meat. Everything is made fresh and smoked inhouse—pork, chicken, brisket, ribs and more. “It takes about eight hours to smoke pork, and 16 to smoke brisket,” says John. “We cook all night so you can come in and enjoy it today.”

On their menu, you’ll see things in categories—

‘LAND’: pulled pork and chicken, St. Louis ribs,

sliced brisket…and ‘SEA’: smoked shrimp salad, smoked and raw oysters, salmon cake…just to list a few. We think they should add a third category, ‘HEAVEN’ for their hearty mac and cheeses, baked beans served in a cast iron pan, bowls of warm grits with chives and cubes of bacon, and their own Virginian-Pilot award-winning ‘Smalls Classic Oyster Stew’ with Chesapeake Bay oysters and Logan’s impeccable seasonings.

Their rotating menu means you can enjoy a variety of special dishes featured at different times. Just come in, walk up to the counter, order what delicious dish you want to savor, and enjoy. Guests can eat in the casual dining area, outside on the patio, or, take it to go and dig in at home—its so easy. And of course, there’s a full bar and friendly mixologist ready to conjure up the perfect beverage to complement every meal.

Small’s hip, friendly vibe and great staff make it the kind of authentic neighborhood place you’ll want to come back to again and again. Next time the urge for really good barbecue and seafood strikes you, cruise over to Smalls Smokehouse + Seafood and enjoy Logan and John’s great hospitality and unforgettable eats. Best of all, it’s right here in Cape Charles. “It’s a local thing,” says Logan. “We love barbecue.”

Smalls Smokehouse + Seafood

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.