The Tides are Changing

Carter’s Creek Resort Upgrades to Support Local Ecology

The Tides Inn holds a special place in the memories of locals and visitors alike. Imagined and opened in 1947 by E.A Stephens and his wife Ann (fondly remembered as Big Steve and Miss Ann), the original vision for the waterfront resort was to create “the finest thing that could be developed and still keep the rural atmosphere.” Today, the resort stays true to its commitment to the rural lands and ecosystems on which it sits. This year, the Tides Inn is debuting upgrades and additions that deepen its relationship with the land and waters of the region.

Renderings by Waterstreet Studios

“It is important to us that we are responsible stewards of the land and Carter’s Creek,” says owner Tracy Tang Limpe. “The shoreline project is one of several investments we are making toward this goal.”

Limpe is referencing a $3.6 million project that is already underway. A wooden boardwalk is taking shape that will allow guests to walk from one side of the property to the other over water. This will become part of an 18,000 square-foot “living shoreline.”

“We have worked closely with Gluckman Tang and Bay Design Group to create an integrated estuarine shoreline ecosystem using infrastructure, such as the pedestrian wharf, to not only frame and contain the reconstructed land and plants, but also to provide a continuous and accessible observation platform for engagement by all visitors to the Tides Inn,” says Eugene Ryang, Principal at Waterstreet Studio.

Waterstreet Studio is the landscape architecture firm that will help bring the vision to life. The initial objective of the expansion project was to stabilize the land and protect the riverfront property from erosion. After exploring a variety of stabilization options, sisters and owners Tracy Tang Limpe and Dana Tang realized there was an opportunity to do much more.

In addition to the boardwalk, new shoreline additions include 150 linear feet of oyster reef, 42 new trees, 21,500 plants, and the preservation of approximately 30 old-growth trees. These will reinforce natural habitats for birds and aquatic life who call the local rivers and creeks home.

“The Tides Inn is actually a partner with Mother Nature in this project, as the living shoreline will improve water quality and increase the diversity of plant and wildlife species,” said Will Smiley, the resort’s resident ecologist. Smiley served 17 years as a teacher at nearby Christchurch School and holds a Master of Education in Sustainability. He’ll create interactive and educational waterfront experiences for guests and visitors.

Some of the new educational programs will include a class called “Beautiful Swimmers.” Participants will learn how to bait a crab pot and catch Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs. Other programming will have participants casting nets, exploring the lifestyle of the oyster, and more.

“My goal is for each and every guest to be enriched by our waterfront preservation and related programming and leave inspired to become environmental stewards in their own communities,” says Smiley.

Other local experts like Anne Self, Lower Rappahannock River Steward with Friends of the Rappahannock, will support and deepen these environmental efforts, too.

“This project builds on our Clean Carter’s Creek program, which works with local partners to restore oyster reefs, shorelines and upland landscapes,” Self says. “The Tides’ living shoreline will be a showpiece for conservation and clean water and will go a long way towards meeting regional water quality goals, for a healthy and scenic Rappahannock River and Chesapeake Bay.”

You can learn more about the shoreline restoration project at the Tides Inn at TidesInn.com/sustainability.