CRUISING

some of the best sailing, paddling, fishing and cruising waters on the Chesapeake. The town huddles along the shoreline, with marinas that provide bicycles to make getting around without a car easier. The Cross Rip Campground offers waterfront cabins with character as well as campsites for tents and RVs. For a bite to eat, visit J&W Seafood and Gourmet Market for the freshest seafood around.

Yorktown

artwork. Yorktown Pub, Water Street Grille, and Carrot Tree Kitchens are all go-tos for fresh and local drinks, baked goods, seafood and pizza.

Hampton

Portsmouth

In addition to its history, Yorktown is packed with activities, from lively farmers markets to a Riverwalk with a summer concert series. In a small walkable area, Yorktown is teeming with restaurants and shops, museums and a great beach. Riverwalk Landing Piers is the town’s marina, but Wormley Creek Marina and York River Yacht Haven also offer hospitable options to boaters. For lodging, Yorktown Beach Hotel offers not only a fantastic location, but also a pool. The stately Hornsby House has been accommodating guests for three generations and has mastered their formal breakfast. Riverwalk landing offers not only slips for smaller boats, but options to launch your own paddle-able boat, or rent from Patriot Tours and Provisions. Williamsburg Charter Sails has threehour sails for up to six people, or you can simply relax on one of the many public beaches. Among the numerous historical sites and touring options, visit shops for one-of-a-kind crafts, unique jewelry, rare books, or

Leading right to the city’s doorstep, Hampton offers one of the friendliest yacht clubs around, an air-and-space museum and a historic town center. Bluewater Yachting Center has all the amenities needed plus more, in addition to the Hampton Yacht Club and Customs House Marina. The Landing at Hampton Marina is conveniently located for overnight docking, while the Magnolia House Inn offers B&B accommodations with an onsite wedding chapel. For launching personal kayaks or SUPs, look to Mill Point Park or River Street Park Canoe and Kayak launch. The sleek new tour boat, the Hampton Queen offers two-hour narrated cruises. Jet ski rentals are available at Great White Water Sports, Buckroe Beach and Park has a swimming beach, and Paradise Ocean Club offers resort-style accommodations. For other activities, the Virginia Air & Space Museum is a must, or visit the numerous other museums for a taste of history. There are plenty of fun bars and pubs, but Marker 20 offers live bands on the piers. The Deadrise at Old Point Comfort Marina and Surf Rider are both Virginia seafood staples while Goody’s Deli and Pub, Venture Kitchen and Bar, Brown Chicken Brown Cow, and The Grey Goose are all great options for great eats.

Among the historic buildings, churches and homes, Portsmouth has a vibrant nightlife with first-rate entertainment venues, highly regarded restaurants, and weekends highlighting crafts, music and antiques. For those arriving by boat, Portsmouth is bookended by two marinas, Tidewater Yacht Marina and Ocean Marine. Everything in between is within an easy stroll, providing lovely B&Bs as well as the elegant Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Hotel. When looking for activities, take a walk through Olde Towne to breath in the history, or shop at Skipjack Nautical Wares and Gallery or the Little Shoppes on High. You can board the Lightship Portsmouth Museum for a glimpse of local maritime history, The Atlantic Union Bank & Trust Pavilion hosts top-name performers, and the Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center offers a multitude of art offerings. Try the Yoolks on Us for real Southern grits, or for a taste of international fare, don't miss Cafe Europa, Still Worldly Eclectic Tapas, and The Bier Garden.

Isabel Littman is a recent graduate of Key School in Annapolis and a former CBM intern. She will be attending the George Washington University this fall, majoring in journalism.

• Experience the Art of the Eastern Shore’s Sporting and Hunting Traditions

• Taste Regional Delicacies, Wines and Beers

• Enjoy Outdoor activities including Dock Dogs®, Retriever Demonstrations and Birds of Prey

• Take Part in Family Activities such as Hands-On Arts & Crafts and the Kid’s Fishing Derby

• Get Your Holiday Shopping Done Early at the Festival or at Easton’s Local Shops