Forage for Clams, Paddle for Wine

Just back from Virginia’s Eastern Shore and the story gets better and better. For travelers who love life, new adventures and the freshest of local seafood and wine, the Eastern Shore is the only place to visit.

Southeast Expeditions based out of Cape Charles is running some of the most exciting kayaking tours in the country. This trip started out with a kayak tour to a winery. Led by Mary Burnham, the tour started in Bayford and then the paddle takes you through pristine waters and natural habitat with osprey and heron flying over head and clam and oyster beds below. Soon you approach the dock of Chatham Vineyards, who hosts kayakers in their tasting room as part of the tour. The owners are a young dynamic couple named John and Mills Wehner who are making great things happen with their winery. Tasting along with cheese and a bottle to share on site or take back are part of the package. Don’t miss adorable wine dog Wilbur!

For the real adventurous types, Southeast Expeditions offers a two-night stay at an authentic waterman’s cabin. You spend the day kayaking through the sea side, visiting barrier islands and foraging for wild clams – which the courteous guides Dave Burden and Bill Burnham will then cook up for you that evening in your own private dinner at the cabin. This video will give you a feel for what the cabin is like: