What to Do

You can spend several days in and around Onancock without exhausting the cultural and entertainment offerings.

The town wharf is a hub of marine activities including kayaking and boat tours--or ride back in time aboard the Tangier Island Ferry to an isolated Chesapeake Bay island where natives speak a restoration-era dialect.

Head east on Market Street and you'll find a few blocks crammed with historic 19th century homes and churches. Pick up a walking tour brochure and map or download a printable pdf (located at the bottom of this page) to make the most of it. Restaurants, shops and art galleries along the way will tempt you with regional tastes and treasures.

Be sure to visit Ker Place, a Federal period house museum and home to the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society. Take a tour, wander through the fragrant herb garden or pick up local literature in the gift shop.

From there, head a block south on College Avenue to the Historic Onancock School (https://www.historiconancockschool.org/), a 13-acre oasis in town for recreation, exercise and walking the Nature Trail along the Onancock Creek.  Be sure to visit the many artisans in their working studios inside the old school building (many by appointment).  Here you will also discover the Eastern Shore Watermen's Museum & Research Center and learn more about the history and culture of those who wrest their living from our encircling waters.

Onancock offers a surprisingly sophisticated selection of evening entertainment. Enjoy first-run films at the Roseland Theater which also hosts monthly international films. The North Street Playhouse stages live plays and other productions throughout the year. Several eateries offer live music--from soft jazz to Celtic ballads.

Traveling with a canine companion? You'll be happy to discover that Onancock is pet-friendly.