Use these sections to find recommended local resources to support your visit to the Eastern Shore, including alternative lodging, catering and take-out, medical care, and boating for non-research trips (or those beyond our capacity).
In addition to the resources we have provided, Northampton County provides many recommendations on their website, including nature access points that may help round out your visit to the Eastern Shore.
Alternative and additional lodging
Whether your group exceeds the capacity of our dorms or your research schedule necessitates a visit during our busy season, we recommend the following options for additional housing near the Coastal Research Center.
Lodging near Cape Charles, VA (all are between 10 and 15 minutes from the ABCRC)
Hotel Cape Charles
Mason Avenue
Cape Charles, VA 23310
757-695-3854
Kiptopeke Inn Cape Charles
29106 Lankford Highway
Cape Charles, VA 23310
757-331-1000
Shore Stay Suites
26406 Lankford Highway
Cape Charles, VA 23320
757-331-4090
Watson’s Rental – Trailer in Oyster near lab. Email Ellen Watson ebwatson1@yahoo.com
Two bedrooms, room have has a full size bed and a set of bunk beds. Room two has two twin beds.
650.00 Per week
Sunset Beach Hotel
32254 Lankford Highway
Cape Charles, VA 23310
757-331-1776
Lodging near to Brownsville in Exmore (about 20 minutes from the ABCRC)
Hampton Inn Suites
4129 Lankford Highway
Exmore, VA 23350
757-442-7722
Holiday Inn Express
3446 Lankford Highway
Exmore, VA 23350
757-442-5522
Campgrounds
Cherrystone campground: https://www.cherrystone.com/virginia-campgrounds
Kiptopeke State Park: https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/kiptopeke-state-park/VA/140162/overview
Sunset Beach Campground:
https://www.jackspotcc.com
Vessels run by the CRC are designated Research Vessels, which means they can only be used for research excursions. If you are seeking access to the seaside for other purposes, a local ecotour guide may be a better fit. (Click the link for a list of certified ecotour companies on the Eastern Shore.)
Fully furnished kitchens are available to dorm users in each suite. We also provide a grill and picnic tables on the porches that are suitable for hosting group meals.
Groceries:
Food Lion (3 miles west) — a full grocery store with all the basics; Rt 13 in Cheriton
Quail Cove (10 miles north) — bulk dry goods, organic foods, and local produce; behind the Machipongo Trading Company on Rt 13.
Gull Hammock (5 miles west) — a small gourmet market with local and specialty items in downtown Cape Charles
Cape Charles Farmers’ Market (4 miles west)– Tuesday afternoons in the summer at the Cape Charles Museum
Catering & Take-out:
Note that many restaurants/caterers do not deliver due to our rural setting. Please plan accordingly.
Coach House Tavern, 757-331-8630, Cape Charles. Carry-out and dine in, maybe delivery.
Froggy’s Pizza , 757-331-1140, Rt 13 in Cheriton. Carry-out, no delivery.
Oyster Farm at Kings Creek, 757-331-8660, Cape Charles. Meeting space & food service. They also allow for small meetings in their wine room. Reservations required.
Amy B Catering, Amy@amybcatering.com. Full service caterer or delivery only.
Royal Farms, 757-331-1843, Rt 13 near Kiptopeke. Fried chicken – pickup only.
Machipongo Trading Company, 757-678-0005, Rt 13 in Machipongo. Custom trays, carry-out.
Kitchen Sync Catering , Loise Oliver, 757-695-2194
Restaurants:
The Shanty — seafood on the dock with occasional music and a bar; long waits in the summer; downtown Cape Charles (across the tracks by the marina)
Tim’s Place — home cooking; Peach St, downtown Cape Charles
Cape Charles Brewing Company — pub fare and locally brewed beer; entering Cape Charles (before the water tower)
Kelly’s Gingernut Pub — pub fare and bar; Mason Ave, downtown Cape Charles
Cape Charles Coffeehouse — go-to for soup, sandwiches, salads; Mason Ave, downtown Cape Charles
Gourmet Alley — soup, sandwiches, salads; Mason Ave, downtown Cape Charles
Many of the catering and take-out options listed above also offer a restaurant setting.
You can find additional resources near the station via a Google search.
Eastville Community Health Center, (757) 331-1086, https://www.esrh.org/
Rayfield’s Pharmacy (Cape Charles), (757) 331-1212
Walgreen’s Pharmacy (Exmore)
Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital, (757) 302-2100, https://www.riversideonline.com/shore/, (40 minutes North on Rt 13)