Historic Eastern Shore Virginia Tour

Join us on a bus trip to tour historic homes and gardens of the Eastern Shore Virginia, illustrating the history of the settling of the area and detailing how time has brought about changes to the landscape and the culture.

We'll visit Ker Place, in Onancock, VA, which was built in 1799 and stands as one of the finest Federal style mansions on the Shore. Now home to the Eastern Shore of VA Historical Society, the house serves as a museum and research space. Exhibits showcase Native American artifacts, early European settlement and exploration by colonists.

We're extremely privileged to have a guided tour inside Eyre Hall in Cheriton VA. Our host is none other than the current Eyre descendant, H. Furlong Baldwin, who will discuss family and local history as he guides us through his home and gardens. The Eyre family has lived on this land continuously since 1668, and the original structure of the house was started in 1760. Around 1800 a parterre garden was planted, and today it's considered the oldest formal and continuously maintained garden in the state and one of the oldest in the nation.

After lunch on the water in Cape Charles we'll see how the other half lived when we visit Pear Valley, a typical yeoman's dwelling. Finally, we'll cap it off with a stop at the Barrier Island Center, established at the site of a former almshouse and which highlights the inland flight from coastal islands, like Hogg Island, as they've become more inhospitable to residency over time.

The tour will depart from the University House at Salisbury University at 8:00 am, so please arrive and be ready to board before then. We will return to the University around 5:30 pm. Our chariot will be a Holloway charter bus, so our comfort is assured. Parking is available at the University House and does not require a permit.

We will enjoy lunch at The Oyster Farm at Kings Creek, which will include a cup of Eastern Shore Clam Chowder or a vegetarian choice, and your choice of Curried Chicken Salad, Farro Salad with Goat Cheese, or Hearts of Romaine Salad with Panko Flounder. Cost of lunch is an additional $18, not including tax and tip.