Cape Charles, located close to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, on Virginia's Eastern Shore, was founded in 1884 as a planned community by railroad and ferry interests. Cape Charles was, for many years, the terminal for passenger and car ferry service across the Bay to Norfolk and Hampton. The last ferry left Cape Charles in 1953. Cape Charles still serves as a terminal for railway barges that carry rail cars from the Eastern Shore Railroad across the mouth of the Bay to Norfolk. After leaving Cape Charles, the ferry boat terminal operated for some time out of nearby Kiptopeke. Ferry service from the Eastern Shore was terminated in 1964 with the opening of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.
Cape Charles has one of the largest concentrations of late-Victorian and turn-of-the-century buildings on the East Coast, with most of it's structures built between 1885 and 1920. The town has been designated as an Historic District on the Virginia Landmarks Register and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit the Cape Charles Museum and Welcome Center for more information on history of the town and the ferry and railroad service. The museum is located on Randolph Avenue in a former power plant and features photographs and items from the town's past.
For the visitor, Cape Charles features several restaurants, shops, and bed & breakfasts. The Cape Charles-Northampton Chamber of Commerce sponsors a series of "Applaud the Sun" Harbor Parties from 6:30pm to 10:30pm on the first Saturday of each month, June through September. These events are held at the Town Harbor and include a band, beer, dancing, food, and sunset.
The town of Cape Charles fronts on the open waters of the Chesapeake Bay and has a sandy beachfront park. The beach is a great place to view Chesapeake Bay sunsets. Also, allow time for a visit to nearby Kiptopeke State Park for birding and nature study. In September and October, you can visit the park's bird banding station. The park is also a prime hawk observation point during the fall migratory season.
Cape Charles features a small town harbor, used by residents and visitors. The Cape Charles Harbor has 51 boat slips, a harbor master’s office, and two public boat launching ramps.
A recent addition to Cape Charles is an Arnold Palmer designed golf course at the Bay Creek golf and residential community. This beautiful golf course offers a challenge for both the average and the expert golfer.
Cape Charles Hotels and Lodging:
Cape Charles Hotel Historic Inn. Welcome to Cape Charles Hotel Historic Inn & Shoppes, a 17 room Victorian downtown hotel with terrace, bar, meeting rooms, music, art, just 3 blocks from the beach and harbor … a perfect place for groups. 235 Mason Avenue, Cape Charles, VA. Phone: 757-331-4000 or 877 TO THE SUN. Visit the Cape Charles Hotel Historic Inn website.
Best Western Sunset Beach Resort. The Best Western Sunset Beach Resort, outside of Cape Charles and ¼ mile north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel on Route 13, is one of the Eastern Shores premiere hotel complexes. Situated on 44 acres of land with a private beach, several picnic areas, gazebos, playgrounds and an outdoor pool. Two restaurants on site. Traveler Reviews and Rate Comparison
The Kellogg House Bed & Breakfast. Luxurious Accommodations located in the historic district of Cape Charles, VA. The Kellogg House offers an alternative for the B&B traveler other than the Victorian Country experience. 644 Monroe Avenue, Cape Charles, VA. Phone: 757 331-2767. Visit the Kellogg House website.
Nottingham Ridge Bed & Breakfast. A piece of heaven just minutes from the main road. High on a wooded ridge overlooking the Chesapeake Bay, with private beach. Birdwatchers paradise, safe flat roads for bikers/runners. 28184 Nottingham Ridge Lane, Cape Charles, VA 23310. www.nottinghamridge.com Phone: 757-331-1010.
April 26. Shrimp Boil. Sponsored by the Cape Charles Historical Society. Features food, silent auction, and live music. Transportation from Bay Creek Marina available. Call for ticket information 757-331-1008.
