As a Waterway Guide Preferred Destination, Onancock passes our test of offering boaters and visitors who drive to the town a pleasant tempo combined with traces of nautical heritage. History, art and restaurants round out Onancock, a traditional Eastern Shore town nestled between Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
Chartered in 1680, Onancock has a more than 300-year history as a deep-water port with a safe harbor for pleasure boats cruising the Chesapeake and put-in convenience for kayakers and day sailors.
The town is a long day’s journey by sailboat at an average of 6 knots from most bayfront points of Virginia’s western shores. Be advised that weather is always a factor on Chesapeake Bay if you plan to visit by boat. The six-mile trip up Onancock Creek by boat is a delightful unwind from the open water of the Chesapeake and provides ample time to reflect on the history of where you are headed. A charming marina with floating docks awaits. You may reserve online at Onancock.com/Wharf.
Use Explorer at waterwayguide.com to plan your trip and research details associated with your cruise there. You will find marinas, navigation alerts, weather forecasts and anchorage listings as part of the online resources.
Eight blocks of the town are jammed with shops and galleries, historic buildings, churches, and varied dining options. You will want to forage for a favorite café or bistro that fits your fancy while you stroll about. Some of our favorite restaurants can be found on the town’s website.
Even the former high school has been converted into artisan studios.
All this is less than a day's trip from Baltimore, Washington D.C., Richmond and Philadelphia by auto. Beyond the town, there are miles and miles of rural farms, beaches and wetlands to explore.
In a bygone era, the Baltimore, Chesapeake and Atlantic Railway company’s steamship made a stop at the wharf to discharge and pick up passengers, cargo and mail when steamers connected hundreds of waterfront communities of the Bay. The distinct whistles of each vessel were known to all and signaled the arrival of friends, visitors and news from afar.
Today, Onancock Main Street and its partners help ensure the continued vibrancy and preservation of historic downtown. For a fun late fall outing you may want to visit the annual Onancock Christmas celebration that includes a wine tasting event, tours of selected homes, a holiday concert and a parade.
Onancock has been a favorite stop for the Waterway Guide team for many years. The trip and destination have always been worth it. And, if you’re wondering, it’s pronounced oh-NAN-kok.
See you there…
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