Eastern Shore

The Eastern Shore, historically known for agricultural and seafood production, is diversifying its economy by growing the manufacturing and service sectors, enhancing tourism infrastructure, and supporting the advancement of aerospace and small businesses.

 

 

 

Cape Charles

Key Companies in the Eastern Shore

Comprising Northampton and Accomack Counties, the Shore is one of Virginia’s fastest-growing regions for tourism, bringing millions in local tax revenue to the area. The region is also home to Wallops Flight Facility, NASA's principal site for management and implementation of suborbital research programs. With a civilian labor force of over 22,000, the region offers prospective new and expanding employers a dependable workforce able to produce the products and services necessary for growth and prosperity.

Virginia Coast Reserve, Northampton County
Virginia Coast Reserve, Northampton County

Regional Highlights

Located at the southern tip of the Delmarva Peninsula, with the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean contributing to a unique and relaxed lifestyle, the Eastern Shore is renowned for its expansive beaches, surrounding barrier islands, and great concentrations of shorebirds, seabirds, and migrating waterfowl. Comprising Northampton and Accomack Counties, the Shore is one of Virginia’s fastest-growing regions for tourism, bringing millions in local tax revenue to the area. The region is also home to Wallops Flight Facility, NASA’s principal site for management and implementation of suborbital research programs. With a civilian labor force of over 22,000, the region offers prospective new and expanding employers a dependable workforce able to produce the products and services necessary for growth and prosperity.

Connectivity

The Eastern Shore region is bounded on the north by the Maryland state line, on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, and on the south and west by the Chesapeake Bay.

Rocket Lab, Accomack County
Rocket Lab, Accomack County

  • A four-lane primary highway traversing the peninsula provides access to major interstates, including I-64, I-264, I-464, I-564, and I-664 within 25 miles or less.
  • The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel places the community within easy reach of The Port of Virginia in Hampton Roads.
  • North-south freight rail service is provided by Eastern Shore Railroad.
  • Accomack County Airport, Kellam Field, and Tangier Island Airport provide general aviation service.
  • Norfolk International Airport, a major airport serving convenient daily access to hundreds of cities worldwide, is just over 40 miles from the Eastern Shore.

New Ravenna has called Virginia, and specifically, the town of Exmore, ‘home’ for all 27 years the company has been in business.Thanks to the hundreds of artists, machinists, administrative professionals, and leaders who the company has employed in its history, as well as VEDP’s VJIP and VALET Programs, the world identifies New Ravenna as the most premier manufacturer in luxury tile.

Richard Walters CEO of New Ravenna

Talent Development in Eastern Shore

Eastern Shore Community College (ESCC) is a member of the Virginia Community College System and serves the region as a two-year institution of higher learning. ESCC participates in the Virginia Career Readiness Certificate initiative, which provides a workplace skills certification that businesses can directly connect to productivity, quality, and profitability. In addition, several workforce development facilities ensure a pipeline of talent to meet prospective or expanding businesses’ needs.

New Ravenna, North Hampton
New Ravenna, North Hampton

New Ravenna Propels Global Brand from Rural Location

Founded in 1992 by Eastern Shore-native Sara Baldwin, New Ravenna has grown to become the largest private-sector employer in Northampton County. The company’s new CEO began expanding the company’s marketing reach in 2016, causing demand for its luxury products to skyrocket and propelling New Ravenna towards its next stage of development. Virginia’s unique assets would allow the company to achieve its full growth potential while also preserving its deep ties to the Eastern Shore community and workforce.

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Living in Eastern Shore

The Eastern Shore is renowned for its expansive beaches, surrounding barrier islands, and great concentrations of shorebirds, seabirds, and migrating waterfowl.

A number of shopping centers are in the region, as well as small stores that specialize in products indigenous to the Shore, including crafts, decoys, original art, and locally produced wine and seafood.

Miles of unspoiled ocean beaches on the barrier islands that line the coast and the region’s numerous outdoor activities continue to attract visitors and residents alike. Recreational opportunities abound, like hiking, biking, camping, boating, swimming, crabbing, fishing, or simply observing wildlife in its natural setting while enjoying the 9,000-acre Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

Seasonal festivals and special events, such as the Annual Chincoteague Seafood Festival, Harvest Fest, and the Eastern Shore Birding Festival, attract thousands from surrounding areas to celebrate the Eastern Shore’s amenities and lifestyle, enhancing the region’s abundant recreation opportunities.

Banana Stand, Chincoteague
Chatham Vineyards, Northampton County
Tangier Island Oyster Co., Tangier