Sailing Mystic Hearts

After staying one night on Tangier Island, we left early the next morning for Onancock, a small town on the Virginia Eastern Shore. Just over 16 nautical miles to the southeast, we made great time motoring there due to a lack of sufficient wind for sailing. Once at the end of Onancock Creek, we had the tiny anchorage all to ourselves and with a view of the town wharf. Large, historic homes lined the creek on the way in and were an impressive welcome into the quaint town we were so excited to explore.

We spent nearly a week in Onancock, enjoying several of the restaurants in town, kayaking around Onancock Creek, and walking as much as we could. We paid for access to the marina facilities for one day, which included free laundry (only one washer and dryer on site) so we did multiple loads. We also had access to the bath house, which was a nice treat.

Restaurants We Tried

Mallards at the Wharf – Dinner here was good! The restaurant is situated (as indicated in its name) on a wharf on the Onancock waterfront. Paul enjoyed steak with mashed potatoes and asparagus and I tried the mahi with rice and asparagus.

Foggy Place Coffee – We ordered lattes here to accompany the doughnuts from Corner Bakery.

Corner Bakery – We LOVE doughnuts and have high standards when it comes to this pastry perfection. Corner Bakery has a large assortment of yeast doughnuts and everything we tried was delicious. Our stop here was definitely a highlight while in Onancock.

Janet’s General Store and Cafe (now closed) – This place was the main breakfast spot in town. It’s a shame it closed, but we heard the owner retired and no one was taking over the business.

Excursions

We visited Ker Place, currently the home of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society. Described as the most elaborate Federal mansion on the Virginia Eastern Shore, the home was built beginning in 1799 (finished in 1803) and was once a plantation house. Admission is free (donations recommended) and we took a self-guided tour.