The Eastern Shore of Virginia is a favorite destination for vacationers, beach lovers, birdwatchers, art enthusiasts and other travelers. Like other areas of Virginia and the Delmarva Peninsula, the Eastern Shore has seen tremendous growth and development, much of which has strained the natural environment. Still Virginia’s eastern shore revolves around the outdoors and nature.

Beaches, wildlife and the Chesapeake Bay all play important roles in the popularity of the two counties as a vacation destination. Farming, commercial fishing, aquaculture and other seafood-related trades are other important to the culture and business sector of the area.

The abundance of wildlife and the surrounding environment is also a key component of the area’s local art community. Artists find no shortage of inspiration while exploring the area. Among the most popular subjects of area artists are waterfowl, shorebirds, marine mammals, fish and seafood, seascapes and architecture. Artists practice skills such as photography, painting, carving, crafting and more. Many practicing artists have been life long residents, while others came to visit and chose to remain due the natural wealth and beauty of the area.

The Eastern Shore of Virginia is also home to several of Virginia’s best farmers’ markets. Farmers’ markets are excellent sources of fresh fruits, vegetables, produce, herbs, flowers, garden plants, breads, jellies, jams, arts and crafts and more. In addition to traditional produce, famers’ markets may also offer fresh eggs, cheeses, honey, meat, seafood, dairy products and other items. Depending on season and location, shoppers may find poultry, rabbits, goats, sheep, lamb, fish, oysters, crabs, clams, shrimp and more.

The region produces several Virginia wines. The Eastern Shore American Viticultural Area (AVA) is located on the southern end of the peninsula, an area that is characterized by sandy soils and weather that is influenced by the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters.

The Eastern Shore is famous for its Virginia seafood, especially oysters, clams, blue crabs and saltwater fish. Wild blue crabs are harvested by watermen from the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters. Blue crabs are served steamed, as soft crabs, or in dishes such as crab cakes. The region is also known for shellfish. The seaside areas of Virginia produce some of the highest quality oysters on the USA east coast. Clams are also important to the seafood industry of the Eastern Shore. Local clam aquaculture operations produce clams which are prized for steaming or eaten raw.

Saltwater fishing is extremely popular with something for nearly everyone. Anglers board Virginia charter boats in the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coast or fish from the surf, jetties, piers, inlets, bridges. The many variations of saltwater fishing allow anglers of any age, skill level or physical condition a chance to enjoy the sport.

Chesapeake Bay fishing varies widely with anglers choosing to fish with bait, artificial lures, fly fishing gear or other techniques. Along the coast is surf fishing, jetty fishing and inshore fishing. Atlantic Ocean fishing offers anglers a chance to try wreck fishing, offshore fishing and other activities.

The Eastern Shore offers ponds, rivers and creeks where freshwater species of fish thrive. The waterways are known for excellent freshwater fishing, especially for largemouth bass, pickerel and other cover-seeking species.

The area has a wide range of hunting opportunities. Deer hunting provides outdoor recreation for enthusiasts while acting as a vital tool in managing deer populations. The lower shore is known for waterfowl hunting, especially duck and goose hunting. Other opportunities include upland hunting for dove, quail, rabbit, squirrels and other small game.

Among the most popular Eastern Shore of Virginia destinations are the many beaches and waterfront areas. Along the Atlantic Coast are the barrier islands, including the famous Assateague Island. Beaches of the region can also be found near Kiptopeake, Cape Charles, Silver Beach, Onancock and other towns.

The author is an outdoor enthusiast and writes for several Virginia websites including Chincoteague Island, Virginia Beach Va and Hampton Roads Va.
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Sri Lanka is a tropical island, bountiful in splendor.  Like a land flowing with milk and honey with surreptitious depth that is yet to be explored, this island in the sun beckons every willing explorer, an opportunity of a life time. Blessed with beauty beyond description that is expressed in every cascading waterfall or meandering river, the majesty of this isle never ceases.

Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has a thriving marine diversity of some of the most unique species in the world. The power to be enthralled by the marine life of this ocean which few have seen and yet fewer have experienced is only one of the many types of scenery that nature can paint. This tear drop shaped isle is perfectly juxtaposed to the equator, encircled by warm currents that lure in the abounding aquatic life.

Amoung the scintillating array of vividly colourful corals and mystifying tropical fish are the glorious whales and dolphins that roam in haphazard tranquility in total oblivion to the world above. Sri Lanka located in the way of their migration path; the pearl of great price in the necklace of dazzling marine mammals, the world’s largest mammal; the blue whale, the humpback whale, bryde’s whale and the sperm whale have been an attraction not too uncommon.

Sri Lanka travel and tourism is gathering momentum with this tropic fast becoming a major spot for Dolphin and Whale watching. On a wildlife holiday, in quest of the mystery of the seas a pack of chirpy Dolphins frolicking without a care in the world is the ocean’s art of welcome. Numerous varieties such as bottle nose and spinners cavort around the island particularly in locations from the east coast of Trincomalee, to the southern Dondra Point and the western coast of Alankuda beach in Kalpitiya, Mirissa which are typically some of the cetacean hotspots that reward ones thirst for magnificence, in a manner that is Truly Sri Lanka in every way. Visit the Truly Sri Lanka website to find out more about dolphin and whale watching in the isle of Sri Lanka.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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