Onancock is a quaint town on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. By car it’s about a three-hour drive from Annapolis, an hour and a half from Ocean City, MD, and roughly an hour from Cape Charles, VA. Captain John Smith, during his explorations of the Chesapeake in the early 1600s, called it “the gem of the Eastern Shore.” Today, Onancock is known for its charming small-town vibes, renowned art scene, and its natural beauty.
A group of cruisers from the Marine Trawler Owners Association Chesapeake Bay Cruisers (MTOA CBC) recently visited the town and shared their experience with us.
Our Onancock Cruise was enjoyed by the crews of nine vessels who met up in town from June 3-5. Seven of the boats had reservations at Onancock Wharf; two anchored out in a sheltered spot nearby.
Onancock Wharf is a well-maintained small-town marina. The restrooms are clean with complimentary bathmats (just drop them off in the sink in the laundry room). The washing machine and dryer are free to slip holders! They have a fuel dock with gas and diesel and a pump-out. Just off the end of the dock is a pleasant little park where AnnaB was able to get some exercise. She is the puppy on O’Tug and is learning to be a boater.
My husband and I hosted this cruise; we are on State of Bliss, a Mainship 390 out of Solomons. We invited the MTOA members to meet us in Onancock. We had members out of Baltimore, Pasadena, Matthew’s, Urbanna, Solomons, and New Port Richey, FL. There were two tugs, one Kadey-Krogen, a Sabre, a Grand Banks, a Bayliner, and a Camano Troll, as well as our Mainship in our fleet.
We met right outside of the office near the Liar’s Bench for docktails at 5 p.m. There is a picnic table, and Tom had his folding table to add room for all the shared appetizers. As always with this group, everything was good! Pat brought paper plates. There were name tags to help us get to know each other.
Later we left to look for dinner. Mallards at the Wharf has outdoor seating as well as indoor. All reported good meals there, as well as at the Blarney Stone Pub.
On our second day we were scattered around town. Foggy Place Cafe was reported to be good and filling for breakfast.
One couple rented one of the two golf carts available from the marina. Another couple took advantage of the marina car to make a reprovisioning run.
We visited Ker Place, home of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society, with the crew from Wandering Souls. They opened at 11 a.m., and we were free to wander on our own. An app is available to follow when there isn’t a docent available.
There were few shops open at the time, but one not-to-be-missed location is the Corner Bakery. We had heard of it since Crisfield and were not disappointed!
Our second day in town was also Wine Wednesday at the Historic Onancock School. It is the first Wednesday of each month and is a showcase for local artists. From 5 to 7 p.m. you can sip and visit with the artists. The school itself is something to see and brings back memories of our school days for some of us. Former Governor Ralph Northam graduated in 1977 from Onancock School, as noted in a display.
The Waterman’s Heritage Museum is located in the basement of the school; however, it is only open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
The folks anchored nearby were able to tie up at the dinghy dock and arranged to use the showers at the marina (the anchor fee is $20 per vessel per day to access the showers or laundry between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily).
If you have never visited Onancock, the channel and approach to Onancock Creek are well marked. There is only one place to anchor near the marina along the creek due to barge traffic.
Some of our cruisers arrived from Solomons, and we came from Crisfield. Four boats remained at the marina Thursday and enjoyed dinner as a group at Bizzotto’s Gallery Caffe.
We left Thursday morning to explore the Pocomoke River and Pocomoke City. We had heard about the Cypress trees and eagles to be seen while on the river, so that’s where I am as I write this report. The rest of the boats will be heading for Solomons today. Thanks to them for the pictures!
By Trish David, State of Bliss
Onancock Water Access
Onancock Wharf and Marina is located right in the heart of town. To reach Onancock by water, set the final leg of your GPS trip for FL G #1 at the mouth of Onancock Creek at 37° 43.47N and 75° 51.06W and follow the channel to marker # 29. Straight ahead you will see the welcoming Onancock Wharf. The marina monitors Channel 16; upon arrival they will request you switch to Channel 9 for docking instructions and information.
The Onancock public boat ramp is sufficiently wide and steep for use during all tides. Parking for trailers in town is free for all trailers displaying the Accomack County Boat Ramp decal. All other vehicles require a $7 daily parking fee.
Adjacent to the marina, Onancock has a free Dinghy Dock and Kayak/Paddleboard/Canoe Launch Dock.
Just around the corner from town, about a 10-minute car ride away, is Deep Creek Boatyard in Onancock.
If you’re in town for a few days, consider taking the Tangier-Onancock Ferry, which makes daily runs from town to the offshore island of Tangier, VA, between the first weekend in May and the first weekend in October. The ride duration is approximately an hour, and admission is on a first-come, first-served basis unless you make a reservation at tangierferry.com.
For more information, check out onancock.com and virginia.org.