Updated May 2022
“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.”
― Margaret Atwood, Bluebeard’s Egg
When you check in at our Inn during the spring, you will often find us with our hands in the dirt (or at the very least, smelling of dirt). Springtime gardens signify the color and beauty that was buried beneath winter’s dirt and snow. Especially the springtime gardens near Cape Charles, VA. Cape Charles is graced with many local flower gardens, much like our own flowering feast for the senses. So during your stay with us this sprouting season, you’ll simply love taking a stroll through these favorite springtime gardens.
Celebrate Spring at Historic Eyre Hall
One wonderful way to enjoy our area’s blossoming gardens is to visit the historic Eyre Hall Plantation. Always the cornerstone of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Garden Tour, these gardens date back to the 1800s, making them some of the oldest in the United States. “Ancient boxwood and gnarled crape myrtles tower over the traditional swept paths, all enclosed by a wall of brick brought as ballast from England.” As you can imagine, these gardens can also serve as a peaceful picnic location. We recommend grabbing lunch from a favorite spot of ours, Machipongo Trading Company, then enjoying it in the solitude of Eyre Hall’s greenery. This historical garden is only a 12-minute drive from Bay Haven Inn and there’s no entry fee.
Kiptopeke State Park Habitat Gardens
Kiptopeke State Park is the eastern shore’s only state park in Cape Charles, VA. This beautiful preserve gives the community 562 acres of wildlife and natural beauty and is only 13 minutes from our Inn. They offer an extensive native plant population coupled with flat and manageable terrain so all visitors, including those with disabilities, can access the park with ease. Kiptopeke State Park also has a native butterfly garden with an abundance of plants such as butterfly milkweed, new york aster, and yarrow. There are public restrooms available in several locations as well as prime locations for a picnic with your family and friends.
New Roots Youth Garden
Cape Charles Rotary Club and New Roots Youth Garden committee along with many other individuals and organizations have worked hard to establish the New Roots Youth Garden. This program offers children and youth benefits through gardening in many ways. Young ones are taught to embrace chemical-free gardening practices, water conservation, and natural pest and weed control. These gardens are managed and maintained by the kids and are full of diverse amounts of fruits, veggies, herbs, flowers, and insects. Visitors are more than welcome to stroll through the gardens and observe the beautiful reapings of the hardworking youth of Cape Charles.
From Blossoms to Bookings
As a Master Gardener, Tammy would also love to show you the gardens right here at the Inn. We encourage you to end the day with a cool beverage of your choice on our porch. Your hardest decision will be whether you want to sway on the swing, relax in the rockers, or stretch out on the sofa. Whatever you choose, the porch is a great spot to relax, unwind, and reflect on your springtime garden adventures.
After you’ve enjoyed a comfortable night in one of our guestrooms, you’ll wake to the enticing aromas of an authentic Eastern Shore-styled breakfast. Even then you’ll be able to take in the beauty of our colorful and edible flowers artfully arranged on your plate. You don’t want to miss springtime on the shore…have you booked your room yet?
