Virginia’s Eastern Shore is one of the last remaining sanctuaries for those hoping to escape the frenzy of city life. Just a few hours from Washington D.C., and a few minutes from Norfolk or Virginia Beach, homes on the Eastern Shore enjoy a rare blend of culture, nature and outdoor recreation. With so much to do—or so little, if you prefer—there’s something here for every member of the family.

Bay Creek Resort & Club is the premier marina and golf community on the Shore, comprising more than 1,700 acres in the historic town of Cape Charles. Combining the comfort of a master-planned community with the natural beauty and open space of the Shore, Bay Creek offers a wide range of golf course homes, townhomes, estates and waterfront Chesapeake Bay real estate.

To help share some of our favorite things about life at Bay Creek, here are our “Top 10 Reasons to Live on the Eastern Shore.”

#1 – Accessibility
Life on the Eastern Shore may feel like it’s worlds away from the stress of the city, but there’s nothing stressful about getting here or getting back. Located near the southwestern tip of the Delmarva Peninsula, Bay Creek is just 45 minutes from Norfolk and Virginia Beach, thanks to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. And if you’re coming from cities to the north, like D.C., Annapolis or Dover, it’s an easy, scenic drive down Highway 13.

#2 – Peace & Quiet
Despite its accessibility, this location offers a rare chance for peaceful, quiet relaxation. Walking the streets of Cape Charles, you can experience the friendly atmosphere of small-town America, with charming storefronts, welcoming cafés, craft and antique shops and broad sidewalks and boardwalks, perfect for an afternoon stroll. Or in a short walk away from town, you can enjoy the serene beauty of the Eastern Shore’s natural waterways, pristine wetlands and old-growth coastal forests.

#3 The Water
Speaking of waterways and wetlands, the Eastern Shore offers a unique setting that is literally surrounded by water. Known by Native Americans as “the land between two waters,” the Shore features private beaches on the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as countless natural estuaries and creeks. And from Bay Creek’s world-class marina you can enjoy them all, with deepwater access to the Chesapeake, the Atlantic and the Intracoastal Waterway.

#4 Sunset
Located on the eastern side of the Chesapeake Bay, your home on the shore will enjoy one of the few locations on the east coast where you can watch the sunset over the water. Other great places to catch the sunset are the public pier and beach in Cape Charles, the Kiptopeke State Park or from the deck at Bay Creek’s spectacular Aqua Restaurant on the Chesapeake Bay.

#5 Nature & Wildlife
The Eastern Shore is one of the country’s most important concentration points for migratory birds, providing an unbelievable opportunity to see variety of songbirds, waterfowl, eagles, osprey and even endangered Monarch butterflies! In addition to some of the best bird watching on the east coast, estuaries and preserves like Kiptopeke State Park, the Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge provide a haven for deer, foxes, endangered sea turtles and even wild ponies!

#6 History
From Capt. John Smith’s first visit here in 1608, this land has been home to generations of farmers, hunters, fishermen, craftspeople and more—and it shows. The Shore is home to several historic towns and landmarks dating back to this country’s earliest settlers. Cape Charles features hundreds of incredible Victorian homes and turn-of-the-century structures, including seven square blocks on the national historic register. And don’t miss the Bay Creek Railway—the nation’s only interurban dining car! Enjoy casual “fun runs” and dinner trips along the Eastern Shore aboard an elegant, fully restored dining car from 1913!

#7 Shopping
In such a historic area, there’s no question that the antiques on the Eastern Shore are spectacular. In addition to antique treasures and rare finds, towns like Cape Charles, Onancock and Chincoteague offer great shops for handmade crafts and specialty foods. Despite their size, these small towns are home to a number of incredible artists and craftsmen, offering a wide variety of original artwork, custom jewelry and fine clothing.

#8 Dining
After long day of shopping, there’s nothing like hitting one of the area’s many restaurants for a relaxing dinner or quiet drink. Restaurants on the Shore boast some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever eat! Area favorites include Hida Crockett’s Chesapeake House on Tangier Island, Sting-Rays in Cape Charles and the luxurious Aqua Restaurant at Bay Creek.

#9 Golf
Surrounded by natural waterways, preserved nature and scenic private beaches, this is one of the most spectacular settings you’ll ever find for a world-class golf course. If that wasn’t enough, imagine having two of them side-by-side! Bay Creek Resort & Club is home to two award-winning golf courses from legendary golfers Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. The Arnold Palmer Signature Course and the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course combine the extraordinary views and natural features of the Eastern Shore, including several holes that border the Chesapeake Bay.

#10 Outdoor Recreation
The Shore’s rare blend of secluded beaches, protected esturaries and old-growth forests offer a wide variety of ways to enjoy the splendor of the great outdoors, including surfing, hiking, mountain biking and wildlife photography. To experience the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay, kayaking through miles of untouched coastlines and natural waterways is hard to beat. For a real adventure, set out for a kayak or canoe trip along on the Seaside Water Trail, a 100-mile-long water trail that offers a series of day-use routes all along the Atlantic side of the Eastern Shore.