Bay Creek Soundings - 2nd Quarter 2022

The Official Newsletter of Bay Creek, Cape Charles, Virginia

In This Issue:

Second Quarter 2022 | Issue 16

Development Update: June 2022

Development Update Amenities & Events, Real Estate, Bay Creek Club

Real Estate Offerings The Commons, Muirfield, Preserve Homes & Neighborhoods, Beacon Homes, Bayside Village, Plantation Pointe, Meet Bay Creek’s New Executive Chef Nature Corner with Bay Creek Naturalist, Joe Fehrer Cape Charles is Happening!

Quick and Easy at Cravings on Mason Avenue

Bay Creek Soundings is published regularly by Bay Creek.

Drop us a line at info@BayCreekLife.com or call toll free 844.620.2900 Or you can always see us at BayCreekLife.com

Bay Creek is alive with the sights and sounds of spring. Now, with summer only a few weeks away, the Bay Creek team continues to enhance and expand all the things that make this Eastern Shore home a haven like no other.

Bay Creek’s dedication to optimum resident and guest experience continues to flourish with a host of new improvements and developments.. “Bay Creek has a commitment to provide the very best experience for everyone who sets foot in the community. And that has led us toward some exceptional new milestones,” says Bobby Masters, President, Bay Creek Development. “Two of the most meaningful projects are the dining and golf enhancements that are now underway.”

Continued on next page...

Soundings A new cart barn, nearly complete, has been built and will offer larger facilities and a more convenient location. It also provides more connection between the Pro Shop and the bag process. That means a much more efficient experience for golfersso they can start and flnish a round of great golf with ease.”

The master plan for the cart barn also positively affects the Pro Shop and the Coach House,” explains Bobby. The site of the previous cart barn will be reimagined and will become the new Pro Shop. The current Pro Shop will transition into additional dining space for the Coach House. It’s a multi-step and well-orchestrated plan that’s going to really be amazing when complete.”

Food and beverage services are an integral part of hospitality, from the daily operations of the Coach House to new culinary experiences and events. Bay Creek is excited to announce aJ son Van Marter’s transition from his role as Executive Chef to the new Director of Culinary Operations. His expertise will add an enormous advantage to Bay Creek’s unique food and beverage programming. Bay Creek is also pleased to welcome the immensely talented Christian Lofland as Executive Chef.

Meet Chef Lofland on page 18.

“All of this—attracting and retaining the best professionals, new positions, new facilities— is undergirded by the stellar work of Troon here at Bay Creek,” Bobby adds. “The Troon partnership and having Bob Ewing as Club General Manager has opened so many avenues for achieving the world-class experience we want for every single guest and owner.”

Chef Christian Lofland Executive Chef

Bob Ewing Club General Manager

Chef Jason Van Marter Director of Culinary Operations

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Amazing Amenities, Exceptional Events Besides service and hospitality, Bay Creek’s amenities themselves are meticulously maintained and noticeably enhanced. At the Life Center, Bay Creek recently invested in the swimming pools being completely resurfaced. “In addition to that, the Palmer Course has just been outfitted with new irrigation pumps that will ensure efficient and effective operation, and a great-looking, greatplaying course. Setting aside resources that allow us to keep Bay Creek in perfect condition, with an eye on making things even better and better…that’s incredibly important,” Bobby notes.

“People come to Bay Creek because of the beauty, the water, and, really, those both fall under ‘lifestyle.’ What kind of memories do people make here? How do they spend their days? If you look at the activities that Bay Creek hosts, you’ll see how it all comes together,” Bobby says.

As summer approaches, Bay Creek’s incredible beaches will be front and center. This year Bay Creek is bringing back the very popular food trailer at the Life Center pool area, making a day at the pool—or the beach—even more convenient. “We’ll also be offering chair and umbrella service at multiple coves on the beach, and kayak launching stations,” adds Bobby.

“There’s just so much to enjoy…we’re doing these fantastic wine pairing events out among the Nature Preserve. Then, on Friday nights, there’s live music, food and drinks at the Tree of Life… there’s an absolutely full calendar of fitness, wellness, and recreation events at the Life Center,” he adds. “All of that is possible because of the dedicated and passionate professionals who understand and care about the Bay Creek mission.”

Soundings

Real Estate A lot is happening along the lush streets and inviting neighborhoods of Bay Creek. “We are in the process of creating a beautifully designed entry monument for Bayside Village. New trees have been added along the streets, sidewalks are going in, and two handsome entry columns are being erected at the entrance to Muirfield,” Bobby says. “It’s nice to demark the entrances in this way. These enclaves really do have their own unique personalities, and this is a great way to show that.”

Besides the significant enhancements and improvements to amenities and hospitality, Bay Creek is putting forth a very desirable collection of new custom homesites.

Muirfield has premier homesites available, offering golf, lake, pond, and Chesapeake Bay views. There are four stunning new homesites available in the estate enclave of Plantation Pointe. Each homesite, just under ½ acre, is a fitting location for a multigeneration family home. Bay Creek has also released a unique new offering in Bayside Village: a variety of large wooded estate homesites in The Forest at Bayside Village. Starting at just over ½ acre, these homesites offer the special charm of Bayside Village with ample space for an ideal family retreat.

The Forest at Bayside Village

New Trees

Each new homesite throughout the community is convenient to the myriad of amenities inside Bay Creek. “Having easy access to the lifestyle—whether it’s the beach, the Life Center, walking the Nature Preserve, or getting together with friends at the Coach House—is one of the things that make Bay Creek special,” Bobby says. “They’re an integral part of the Bay Creek experience, and just down the street from anywhere in the community. That’s why we’re constantly working to make amenities and services even better than ‘the best they can be.’

We want families to have the best moments of their lives here. That’s why we do what we do.”

Plantation Pointe

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Bay Creek Club Update Bay Creek is well into the first year of its successful partnership with Troon and the community and Club have never been more vibrant! This month, Bob Ewing, Club General Manager, updates us on the latest happenings and what’s coming next.

“The golf course is truly coming alive now, as we rapidly approach summer. Member events will become more frequent, for both golf and the Coach House Tavern. We will soon be finishing up the cart barn renovation and we’re beginning to assemble a new golf shop for Zach Pfingst, Bay Creek Head Golf Pro, and the crew,” Bob explains. Also in May, Bay Creek hosted two member golf events: the Iron Golf Clinic led by Zach for both This spring, the Club and community have been golf and sports members followed by the Spring full of activity. Golf is, of course, a big part of the Member/Member.

Bay Creek lifestyle for many and in April, Bay Creek enjoyed hosting a ‘Play ‘Em All’ event and a Recently, a new, comprehensive irrigation system Par 3 member event that saw many people getting was installed on the Palmer Course, underscoring together in the beautiful Eastern Shore spring Bay Creek’s commitment to an optimum golfing weather and having a great time on the course. experience for guests and residents.

“Both of these events were well attended and were a perfect kickoff to what’s going to be a great golf Things are busy at the Life Center, too. “The season at Bay Creek,” says Bob. newly resurfaced swimming pools at the Life Center opened at the end of May and we are In May, the Ladies League of Bay Creek ushered preparing the access points to Bay Creek’s private in the season with their opening Welcome beaches for the summer,” Bob explains. “We’re Breakfast, kicking off what will be a fantastic looking forward to having a food trailer for the summer and fall of golf. The league plays every pool area, too, which will offer members and Thursday April to October and is made up of a guests a larger variety of options while relaxing at diverse group of handicaps and skill levels. You the Life Center.” don’t have to be a great golfer to join and all are welcome.

Soundings

Life is good at Bay Creek...and the Club makes it even better!

The Club at Bay Creek works to plan and produce all kinds of gatherings that embody the easy Eastern Shore lifestyle. Below are just a few of the memory-making social events that residents and guests have enjoyed this spring: Friday Night Live at the Tree of Life Just past the Nicklaus back nine bridge, the ‘Tree of Life’ is the scenic site of many a great get together. In May, Bay Creek re-started the tradition of Friday evening music, food and drink. Each Friday offers something a little different. In May, attendees enjoyed ‘Sushi & Sake’ and ‘Bubbly & Bivalves.’ Yes—it’s as much fun as it sounds!

Wine Pairings in the Preserve This event is a nice way to mix and mingle with friends as you enjoy a stroll through the Nature Preserve, stopping here and there along the way for a glass of wine and an accompanying food pairing.

A few other recent events include Bicycle Beer Flight at the Coach House and a classic Memorial Day Barbeque by the Pool at the Life Center. Bob and his dedicated team enjoy creating events like these for Bay Creek guests and residents throughout the year.

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A Full Calendar at the Life Center There’s always something going on at the Life Center, and the coming months are jam-packed with activity. “Besides recreation around the pool area, there’s a full schedule of classes and events to get involved in—Water Aerobics, Spin, Yoga, Tabata, and TRX, just for starters,” says Bob.

Bringing it All Together From wellness, fitness, and pool activities at the Life Center to the culinary delights of the Coach House Tavern to great golf and special events, Bob Ewing and the Club’s knowledgeable team continue to infuse excellence and excitement into every aspect of Bay Creek life. As is the Troon Privé philosophy, golf and club operations, food and beverage, course agronomy, and membership marketing and programming all work together to create an ideal experience tailored to the needs of Bay Creek members and guests.

“It’s my privilege to work with a passionate group of professionals to deliver Bay Creek’s unique lifestyle and vision to all who visit, vacation and live at Bay Creek,” says Bob. “We are looking forward to enabling guests and owners to enjoy the very best this community has to offer this summer and beyond.”

Soundings

REAL ESTATE OFFERINGS Building on record levels of momentum in 2020 and 2021, the first four months of this year have been even more gratifying, with 64 new families joining us as proud owners at Bay Creek.

These families, from Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Texas and California explored many different communities and were ultimately captivated by the lifestyle, the amenities, the location and the Eastern Shore setting that only Bay Creek offers. In fact, ideal-LIVING magazine has named Bay Creek the Best Coastal Community in Virginia and one of the Top 100 Communities in the U.S., and our new buyers have all recently discovered why!

Year after year, the team at Bay Creek Realty is #1 in Bay Creek property sales, and this year is no different – through April 2022, our team has been involved in an impressive 73% of all community transactions.

That’s because we focus exclusively on Bay Creek, and only Bay Creek! From new planned Club amenities to new home and homesite offerings, we’re the inside experts, and we are honored to work with your family to help you find your perfect spot at Bay Creek.

Second Quarter 2022 | Issue 16

THE COMMONS

All 11 Residences Purchased in the Grand Opening The initial release of The Commons at The Fairways, a new enclave of attached single-family homes in the heart of Bay Creek, was a huge success. All 11 Phase One residences were purchased on February 19th, and the team at Preserve Homes & Neighborhoods is actively preparing to begin construction on the first three buildings.

These beautiful residences come with a long list of desirable features including 9’ ceilings, engineered hardwood floors, stone countertops, stainless steel appliances, screened rear porch, living room fireplace and a lifestyle maintenance plan which includes the care and maintenance of your lawn and all exterior surfaces. Learn more at baycreeklife.com/ the-commons-overview.

Two distinct models are available in The Commons. The Vinings is a 1,925 square foot plan with 3 BR/2.5 BA on two levels, featuring the Owner’s Suite on the main level. As you enter this home through the covered front porch, you pass through a foyer which opens into the main living area, where the kitchen with large center island, dining area and living room all blend together to create a wonderful sense of openness. On the upper level you’ll find a loft along with two additional

bedrooms and a full bathroom, as well as an optional 382 square foot bonus area that can be converted into a second Owner’s Suite or a media/game room for the kids and grandkids.

The Vickery is a larger floor plan, coming in at

2,228 square feet. The main level floor plan is similar to the Vinings, and features a larger main living area with the added benefit of a separate home office or study. On the upper level you’ll find two bedrooms and a full bathroom as well as an optional 470 square foot bonus area that can be finished as a second Owner’s Suite or large game room/media room.

Reservations are currently being accepted for the Phase Two release, scheduled for this summer.

Soundings

MUIRFIELD PICKS UP MOMENTUM With Phase One Paving & Utility Work Nearly Complete

Our newest single-family home enclave, Muirfield, is nearing completion of all Phase One road paving and infrastructure work, and the first custom homes are in Design Review and will soon be under construction.

Work has also begun on the neighborhood entry monuments, and soon a beautiful landscaping plan will come to life.

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Nestled along the shore of the Chesapeake Bay and a beautiful stretch of private beach, the new village of Muirfield is home to some of the most spectacular coastal views in the entire Southeast.

Within this exciting new enclave is a collection of stunning homesites, offering pastoral settings along a scenic pond, dramatic golf course and lake views, and the Muirfield Bluffs – a rare and limited number of wooded homesites along the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, representing our final release of single-family homesites along the Chesapeake Bay. As summer sun heats up and beach season begins, homesite sales in Muirfield are also heating up.

Currently 12 homesites have been purchased, representing about 20% of the Phase One property release, and the most desirable locations are still available including golf, lake, pond, and Chesapeake Bay views. Pricing for properties in Muirfield start in the mid $100s.

Just a short walk to the beach and Life Center, Muirfield is a must-see enclave that could be the perfect place to create your dream home.

Explore more at baycreeklife.com/muirfield.

Soundings

Preserve Homes & Neighborhoods Begins Construction On 3 New Homes Nearly 20 homes were purchased in Bay Creek in the first four months of 2022, and Bay Creek’s Builder Guild is ramping up to increase construction on an impressive variety of new homes. From sophisticated attached single-family residences to coastal cottages just steps from Bay Creek’s private beach, the team at Preserve Homes & Neighborhoods has an impressive portfolio of home plans to choose from.

VIEW THE ENTIRE COLLECTION HERE

This month, PH&N has started three new homes now available for purchase in Bayside Village, including the popular Bayside, Berkeley and Hampton plans. These homes are an easy walk to the Life Center and the beach, and offer floor plans and features that fit perfectly with Bay Creek’s relaxed, easy-going lifestyle. Purchase now and you can work with PH&N’s onsite Design Studio to choose your flooring, counters, tile, paint colors, and more. Your new coastal home is easier and closer than you think!

Bayside Elevation A

3 BR | 3.5 BA 2,377 SQ FT $789,900 LEARN MORE

Ideal for entertaining, this three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home embodies easy, coastal style. Step onto the gracious wrap around front porch, grab a rocking chair and take in the fresh air and bay breezes. The spacious great room can be accessed in two locations from the front porch. Once inside, The Bayside’s gourmet kitchen will impress with a large island and luxurious finishes. Enjoy casual meals in the breakfast area and sunlight through ample windows.

The main level owner’s suite with its spacious bath and walk-in closet is an ideal retreat after a day on the Shore. Upstairs, two bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, and a shared loft area provide lovely views and comfortable accommodations for family or guests.

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Berkeley Elevation B

3 BR | 2.5 BA 2,064 SQ FT $744,900 LEARN MORE

Which area in this sophisticated home plan will become your sweet spot? With a welcoming covered front porch and a spacious screened porch off the living room you’ll have many ‘favorite places’ to enjoy. On the main level, an inviting kitchen and breakfast area opens to a spacious living room, where two sets of grand French doors open out to the screened rear porch. This porch is as lovely as it sounds and will surely be home to many a morning coffee, afternoon nap or get together with friends.

Hampton Elevation A

4 BR | 3.5 BA 2,387 SQ FT $794,900 LEARN MORE

There are many ways to blend Bay living’s essential elements—covered porches, large windows, gathering spaces—and The Hampton does so in a way that is simply ideal. Life in The Hampton means large and comfortable dining and living spaces that open up to the heart of the home: a bright, spacious kitchen. Tucked away at the back of the home, the Owner’s Suite is wonderfully private yet steps from everything. Three bedrooms upstairs provide lovely accommodations for family and guests. A broad covered porch upstairs awaits nights of stargazing, and bright mornings looking out on the gorgeous vistas that are Bay Creek.

Soundings

Artist’s conceptual illustration. Subject to change.

BEACON HOMES BREAKS GROUND IN PLANTATION POINTE Showcase Builder Beacon Custom Homes is now under construction on a new home available for sale in the Plantation Pointe neighborhood. For estate home living, it doesn’t get much better than Plantation Pointe. As you enter this private neighborhood, you’re captivated by the beauty of its signature gazebo overlooking a tranquil pond with a beautiful fountain.

Settle in on one of the park benches by the water and enjoy the view!

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Azalea Park 78 CREEKSIDE LANE HOMESITE 53 PLANTATION POINTE 3 BR | 3.5 BA | 3,107 SQ FT

$1,138,900

covered porch

owner’s suite

breakfast

kitchen

screened porch

living room

owner’s bath up

w.i.c.

dining room

foyer

mud laund.

First Floor

opt.

bedroom 3

bedroom 2

dn

loft bath

bath

w.i.c.

w.i.c.

Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac street, this 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home by Bay Creek Showcase Builder Beacon Custom Homes is as charming as it is impressive. A blend of crisp, classic lines and carefully selected coastal materials, this handsome design welcomes you with a gracious front porch that spans the full width of the home. Set on a private homesite adjacent to Bay Creek’s incredible Nature Preserve, this property will never have a home directly behind it and offers beautiful year-round protected views.

Step onto the expansive front porch as you enter the home, where a welcoming foyer and formal dining area greet you. Just beyond, a generously sized living room opens to a spectacular kitchen and window-lined breakfast area. This living area is perfectly suited for a spirited gathering of friends or a comfy evening by the fire with family. The ten-foot ceilings in the main living areas provide a wonderful feeling of openness and lend an garage air of elegance and scale to this timeless home design. From the living room, glass doors open to a spacious covered back porch, with an adjacent screened porch accessible from the Owner’s Suite, the perfect place to enjoy morning coffee or quiet evenings enjoying calming coastal breezes.

The Owner’s Suite on the main level is a spacious retreat with an ample walk-in closet, shower, tub, and finely crafted finishes. Guests and family will be comfortably accommodated, too – the second level of the home boasts two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and walk-in closet, plus flexible loft living space and an optional area perfect for a home office.

LEARN MORE

Second Floor

Azalea Park

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New Homesites Coming To Bayside Village and Plantation Pointe A new collection of homesites will be available this summer in Bayside Village and Plantation Pointe, offering very special settings either on the golf course or the Nature Preserve. One unique property will even have ‘peek’ views of the Chesapeake Bay!

The Nature Preserve Homesites in Plantation Pointe Priced From the Mid $100s

Plantation Pointe is one of Bay Creek’s estate home enclaves, with 57 homesites ranging in size from about ½ acre to well over an acre. The four new homesites we are releasing this month on Creekside Lane, all just under ½ acre in size, represent the final release of properties in this special neighborhood.

All of these properties have fantastic topography for building, plenty of room for most anything you can imagine in a home or yard and perhaps best of all, are adjacent to a portion of Bay Creek’s renowned 350-acre Nature Preserve.

This ensures a lifetime of privacy and serenity, as there will never be another home constructed directly behind you.

NEW HOMESITES

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The Forest at Bayside Village Priced From the Mid $200s

NEW HOMESITES

The final release of homesites in the current phase of Bayside Village, one of Bay Creek’s most beloved enclaves, includes a property type never before offered. Bayside Village was originally designed as a walkable neighborhood with smaller homesites, intimate streetscapes and easy access to Club amenities.

The new Forest homesites, starting at just over ½ acre, will give families the opportunity to enjoy the Bayside Village lifestyle on a much larger homesite with trees and room to roam.

The setting of these homesites is just as inspiring as the property itself. Along the front of the homes will be a natural, wooded park and along the back of the homes are views of the Arnold Palmer Signature golf course. All within an easy walk of Bay Creek’s private beach, the Life Center and the Coach House Tavern.

Soundings

FOR THE LOVE OF COOKING

Meet Christian Lofland BAY CREEK’S NEW EXECUTIVE CHEF

Bay Creek is pleased to welcome an exceptional new member to the team: introducing Chef Christian Lofiand, a culinary master who brings his extensive talent and experience to Bay Creek in the role of Executive Chef.

Christian comes to Bay Creek after a successful tenure at a Troon-managed semi-private club in Delaware. Christian grew up in the state of Delaware and got his flrst taste of cooking early on. My father’s aunt owned a restaurant, and when I was a kid I’d go into the kitchen and stand on stock pots and watch what was going on.

I was very interested in everything happening in that kitchen,” recalls Christian. My father was a cook in the Navy, so he cooked a lot for us and I took an interest in that.” Those early experiences set Christian on a path that would take him all over the country and helped shape him into a chef par excellence .

Christian’s place in the culinary world, with his innovative combinations and flavors, had very humble beginnings. “I started out working as a dishwasher in a diner when I was 15,” he explains. Then, in his late teens, he began traveling, went to Florida, and took a dishwashing job at a French restaurant. “I had only been there a month or two, when one day I showed up for work and the chef put me on the line and I just started cooking! I went from garde manger to sauté, I worked on the grill and learned so much.”

Now, as Executive Chef at Bay Creek, Christian can showcase his vast knowledge and talent for the benefit of Coach House Tavern guests. He enjoys a collaborative relationship with Jason Van Marter, former Executive Chef who has taken on the new role of Director of Culinary Operations.

“We brainstorm, come up with menus, and

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bounce ideas off each other…it’s a good thing,” says Christian of their symbiosis.

So what can guests expect from Bay Creek’s new Executive Chef? An excellent variety of food with fresh flavors at a good value. Christian is putting the finishing touches on a new menu for the Coach House Tavern that will deliver the very best Bay Creek can offer. “I’m mindful of who our customers are and what they’ll enjoy,” says Christian. “We’ll be running a lot of great specials. We’ll have several different seafood items, beef and poultry dishes,” he says of the Eastern Shore-inspired menu that celebrates the flavors of this bountiful region.

This is an exciting time for Bay Creek with this year’s expansion of the Coach House Tavern dining area and the kitchen renovation later in the year. With all the activity ahead, Christian is focused on delivering quality, memorable dining experiences that meet and exceed Bay Creek guests’ and owners’ needs.

What does he enjoy most about his work? “I like the camaraderie in the kitchen,” says Christian.

“We come from all different backgrounds and lifestyles… I’ve worked with people from all over the world. I find it’s always good to get to know people, where they’re from, what they like to cook, what they’re interested in,” he says. “And I like to train young people—people who really want to be in this industry.”

A good working environment can foster connections that last a lifetime. Christian, who has worked and lived most of his adult life in Los Angeles, has tapped a talented colleague from California to be Sous Chef here at Bay Creek.

“When I was working in California, this young guy came into my kitchen and said, ‘I want to be a chef’ and I said, ‘careful what you wish for,’” Christian laughs. “Now here we are years later, and he’s my Sous Chef. He traveled across the country to fill this position.”

Christian is focused on delivering quality, memorable dining experiences that meet and exceed Bay Creek guests’ and owners’ needs.”

Of his new Eastern Shore stomping grounds, Christian says it’s a very welcoming place to live and work. “I find this area to be extremely laid back and easy-going. People here are very nice.

When I’m driving to work in the morning, I’m on the highway and people are waving,” he laughs.

Christian looks forward to continuing to provide culinary excellence and great experiences to Bay Creek members and their guests. If you haven’t yet dined in the Coach House Tavern since Christian took the helm in April, we invite you to visit and enjoy a memorable dining experience.

Soundings

NATURE CORNER

Joe Fehrer

BAY CREEK NATURALIST

BEAUTY ABOUNDS The tiny buds and emerging greens that ushered in spring have quickly turned to full, fabulous blooms, and a Nature Preserve bursting with flora and fauna.

Summer is coming!

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The approach of summer is something Cape Charles residents look forward to all year. The unique Eastern Shore ecosystem will soon be donning its summer best as it has every year for eons. For Joe Fehrer, Bay Creek’s staff Naturalist, the process never loses its wonder. We caught up with Joe to find out what’s happening in nature at Bay Creek and beyond.

“Everything is alive at Bay Creek. The flowering shrubs are blooming, the wildflowers, both native and non-native are blooming. In ponds and woodlands, the turtles and frogs are out.

The other day I was watching large-mouth bass swimming around,” says Joe. “The water clarity was such that I could clearly see these big fish. It was really quite something.”

Preservation and Transformation One of the shared goals at Bay Creek is continuing to return many areas to their original native state.

“In the next few weeks, we’ll be starting some restoration in these designated areas. We’ll be planting warm season grasses in one of the former golf fairways. It’s sort of jump-starting a meadow,” laughs Joe. “Just on their own, the former fairways have responded remarkably well to naturalization.

I see a lot of promise. A lot of native plants have come in and that’s really exciting.”

“Once the grasses are in, we’re going to plant strips of pollinator plants. It’s going to be eye candy, but it’s also going to be beneficial for the bees, butterflies, moths,” Joe says.

Nature walks allow people to get up close and personal with every aspect of the nature of Bay Creek and the Eastern Shore. “We lead walks on Tuesdays and Thursdays and every other Saturday.”

The schedule allows people to enjoy the outdoors easily and often. Joe is continuing his themed walks. His full moon walk is a great way to see the nature of Bay Creek in a completely different light.

Photo Opp: Documenting Nature’s Restoration “We have installed seven photo points in the community,” says Joe. “Four are on the upland Preserve property—there’s a golf cart and walking trail that runs through that area – and three are on the beaches.These photo points are a great way to start a citizen science project to capture the succession of an area that you want to restore,” he explains. “The idea is to build a library of photos over time that will show how these areas transitioned from golf course to fallow field, and as restoration work takes place, to the habitat we’re striving for.”

Soundings “Over a period of years, we’ll be able to show how the areas have transitioned. Especially at the beach, I’d like to be able to document how the beach responds to storms and weather events. We need to think of the beach as living, it gains (or accretes) sand during the warmer months, and loses sand in the colder months… this is a natural process and one that will be great to document and share with the community,” says Joe.

Birds of a Feather Two years ago, Joe and the resident-led Stewardship Club installed bluebird boxes in the community. They started out with eight boxes and added three this year. “Last year, we had good success with the boxes, with 21 bluebird fledglings that hatched and left the nest,” says Joe. “This year, with 11 boxes, we have 26 fledglings! Bluebirds nest multiple times during a season, and you can get up to three different nestings before September. This is an incredible accomplishment by the Stewardship Club. And it also speaks to the quality of the habitat here,” says Joe. Joe is happy to advise Bay Creek residents who would like to put up bird boxes in their own neighborhoods, too. “Many residents are seeing bluebirds in their yards but don’t have houses for them. I’m here to help if they’d like to do something like that,” he says.

Birds of all sorts are seemingly everywhere in Bay Creek right now. “Warblers, tanagers, hummingbirds…they are all making their long journeys back north from their wintering grounds in Central and South America. They fly thousands of miles, breed, fledge their young, and leave again,” says Joe. “We’re seeing that migration now in the woods and meadows at Bay Creek. We’re also seeing the shorebirds show up in abundant numbers.

Every day, I’m pleasantly surprised with what’s happening.”

“I’m excited to see a lot of native plants now being used in neighborhood landscaping in the community,” says Joe. These native plants are welcome habitats for wildlife and serve to increase the health and abundance of Bay Creek’s natural wonderland.”

It really is a pleasure to get outdoors and watch the beauty of nature unfold here on the Eastern Shore. Joe tells us it’s also a great time to cast a line and try your hand at reeling in a big one!

“The water is warming up now and there are a lot of fish starting to move into the Bay. You’ve got

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speckled trout and red drum that are coming into the creeks. The fishing continues to increase and it only gets better and better as we get closer to summer,” Joe says.

more robust and sustaining, we wish to thank the dedicated team of professionals who commit their time and talent to this endeavor every day. You help keep Bay Creek beautiful!

‘Better and better’ is a common theme here at Bay Creek. As Bay Creek’s natural areas become

MEET BAY CREEK’S

Stan Osmolenski

A haven as large as Bay Creek’s Nature Preserve requires a great deal of time and effort— from naturalizing areas, encouraging wildlife to thrive, and helping owners and guests enjoy the trails, scenery and serenity. Along with Joe Fehrer, Ranger Stan Osmolenski helps people discover and embrace this incredible resource.

Stan is a former Park Ranger at Kiptopeke State Park, and most importantly, a true nature lover. Most often, you’ll find him at Base Camp or leading family-oriented nature walks for all ages including the ever-popular nighttime Owl Prowl.

Stan leads a full schedule of workshops that help kids discover the wonder of nature. “We do crafts like making fish-prints, we’ll check out little critters swimming around in the eel grass, we go out in the woods and make walking sticks,” says Stan. “It’s a great lesson.

We cut our walking sticks from an invasive plant called Chinese Privet, that way we’re not harming nature, we’re helping it. It’s a great lesson and a fun activity.”

Stan oversees resource management and trail maintenance and enjoys helping facilitate the restoration of native areas.

“We want to restore these areas safely, provide habitat for the animals, ensure that the right plants are growing, and make it beautiful and accessible,” Stan explains.

“I like introducing people to nature. Even if they’re not ‘nature people,’ they can connect with it. Everything pertains to nature!” Stan explains. “If you’re a golfer, we can talk about native grasses versus the grasses you’re golfing on, for example.

We’re providing a place where people can escape and experience the environment in their own way. That’s one of the great things about being outdoors…you can be active hiking or kayaking, or you can be passive and just sit and watch.”

Stan encourages Bay Creek guests and adventurers to take advantage of Base Camp. “Feel free to come by, say hi, ask questions…that’s why we’re here. If you’re headed out to kayak Plantation Creek, for example, I can tell you good places to dock, where to explore, what interesting sights to look for along the way. Whatever your plans, I’m happy to help!”

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Cape Charles is Happening!

THE LOVE RUN, A TOWN IN FULL BLOOM & THE UPCOMING SOUNDS OF SUMMER

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Cape Charles has everything you’d want in a hometown—a great small town atmosphere, the beach, historic charm, and a diverse group of neighbors—from artists and accountants to fishermen and philosophers, or folks who are a little bit of all of these. The unifying factor is a love for this special Eastern Shore gem we call home. Maybe that’s why Cape Charles has garnered titles like Southern Living’s Best Little Beach Town in Virginia, and was ranked as one of the top three Happiest Seaside Towns in America by Coastal Living. We’re also an active bunch—enjoying all kinds of community happenings, gatherings, and beloved traditions.

Here’s just a tiny glimpse of what’s been going on lately in Cape Charles and what’s coming next.

Cape Charles has garnered titles like Southern Living’s Best Little Beach Town in Virginia, and was ranked as one of the top three Happiest Seaside Towns in America by Coastal Living.

Return of the Love Run 5k This year, we were thrilled to have the Love Run back on track. First held in 2019, the Love Run is a family friendly 5K color run/walk presented

by Cape Charles Main Street, Inc. On April 23rd, residents and visitors started the 5K at the LOVE sign in beautiful Cape Charles, travelling at their own pace through the lovely downtown streets, through Central Park and along the bayfront. Runners/walkers crossed the finish line covered in bright colors and smiling with a great sense of accomplishment!

After the 5K, there was a fun kids’ run, and folks enjoyed the gorgeous day with live music, food trucks and good old-fashioned family fun! There was a great turnout, and many a

memorable– and colorful–photo taken by the iconic LOVE sign. Congrats to all the participants who made this great event a huge success.

Cape Charles Main Street is a proud member of the Virginia Main Street Program, focused on the preservation of historic resources to promote the economic vitality of Cape Charles’ historic commercial district. The Love Run is just one of the many events that Cape Charles Main Street, Inc. puts together to enhance the community experience. February saw a valentine-themed Shop and Stroll, complete with a LOVE passport that could earn prizes and gifts for participants. In April, Main Street

Soundings Cape Charles facilitated a “Mega Sidewalk Sale” with local businesses along with a huge town wide yard sale.

Cape Charles Main Street, Inc. is part of the Virginia Main Street Program, which is a preservation-based economic and community development program that follows the National Main Street Center’s Main Street Approach™.

The Department of Housing and Community Development and Virginia Main Street Program generously awarded Cape Charles Main Street, Inc. status as a Virginia Downtown community.

CCMS goals are to create a sense of community, preserve Cape Charles’ history and develop organizational stability and public-private partnerships needed to establish a downtown revitalization program.

To get updates about the Cape Charles Main Street Inc. initiatives, visit facebook.com/ MainStreetCapeCharles.

A Beautiful Tradition Blooms Again April 23rd through 30th marked Historic Garden Week in Virginia, the oldest and largest statewide house and garden tour in the United States.

Sponsored by the Garden Club of Virginia, this tradition is a colorful, blooming week of beauty, opening 250 of the state’s most exceptional gardens, historic landmarks and residences to tour-goers from countries that span the globe. The Eastern Shore House and Garden Tour alone brings hundreds of visitors to Cape Charles and Northampton County.

In April, the Garden Club of the Eastern Shore presented a lush and lovely tour, offering access to many elegant locales—the magnificent Eyre Hall, a National Historic Landmark in Cheriton, and Tower Hill in Cape Charles, built circa 1746, to name but a few.

Tour proceeds fund the restoration of important historic grounds and gardens throughout Virginia.

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Sweet Sounds and Sights of Summer Summer on the Eastern Shore is as close to perfection as you can get. The Town of Cape Charles kicks off this incredible season, starting June 25th, with music in the park every Saturday evening. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy live music on the gazebo in Cape Charles’ Central Park, an ideal gathering place in the heart of the picturesque Historic District.

One of Cape Charles’ most defining traditions is its grand 4th of July celebration. From the classic Americana parade and festivities in town to the annual Guppie Challenge kids fishing contest, and an epic fireworks display, Independence Day in Cape Charles is small town living at its very best.

Soundings

INCREDIBLY GOOD FOOD IS QUICK & EASY AT

Cravings ON MASON AVENUE

People vacation and live in the charming, waterfront town of Cape Charles for lots of reasons. They love the easy-going pace on the Eastern Shore, the friendly atmosphere, the beaches. It’s a small town, beach town and hometown all rolled into one. It’s no wonder more and more people have found themselves craving this perfect combination.

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Margaret Heilman, and her husband, Matt, felt the pull of this special town, too. “We had been vacationing in Cape Charles for several years. We started thinking, what would be great in Cape Charles is a place where you can get something quick, easy and good to eat. We thought, what can we do, and how can we do it?”

Soon, the idea for Cravings was born. In December, 2020, they moved to Oyster and started bringing their idea to life. “I was going to do all the cooking and my husband was going to keep his job in Newport News,” says Margaret.

But as they got such huge interest from people finding the soon-to-come business on Facebook, they realized it would be all hands-on deck.

“Everyone was so eager and anxious for us to open and to see what Cravings was going to be.

People wondered, what is this? ‘Grab and go,’ what does it mean?”

Simply put, Cravings is a great little spot offering incredibly delicious handmade-daily grab-andgo sandwiches, salads, quiche, pizzas and more.

You can get in and out quick and can keep on enjoying your day at the beach, on the water, or strolling along the colorful streets of Cape Charles. Sweet, savory, and simple. That’s why Cravings hit the spot in such a big way for locals and beach-bound vacationers alike when it opened in July, 2021.

“Sometimes,” Margaret says, “in the middle of the season, it’s too busy to get lunch at a lot of restaurants, so people stumbled upon us. August of last year was amazing… we never would have imagined we’d sell 2,000 sandwiches in a month.

We’re really grateful for the reception we’ve gotten.”

Margaret, who has a degree in Hospitality with a concentration in Food and Beverage, and a minor in Business has enjoyed plenty of experience in the restaurant industry, but nothing quite like Cravings. Over the years, she worked as head baker at a cupcakery, as a pastry chef for a catering company, and at a French bakery in Norfolk. Now she and Matt work six days a week (likely seven, soon!) crafting good, ‘real’ food that’s as tasty as it is convenient. “We start in the morning and make sandwiches throughout the day. When we run out of Tazewells, we make six more Tazewells. We just keep rotating through,” explains Margaret.

The Tazewell is one of their most popular sandwiches—it’s turkey, bacon, smoked gouda and chipotle aioli on a croissant square. No wonder they have to keep making this one all day!

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Don’t let the ‘grab-and-go’ part fool you. The delectable food at Cravings is ‘sit down, savor every bite, and come again tomorrow’ good.

“We’re always tasting and testing new recipes, so we recommend checking us on Facebook or Instagram to see new items and daily specials,” Margaret says.

“Matt always says, ‘keep it streamlined!’ But I can’t! I just love food and I love cooking. We do pizza every Tuesday, we do quiche on the weekends, sweet potato biscuits by special order…it’s all homemade. We make all the sauces and dressings ourselves. It’s onehundred percent homemade by the two of us,” Margaret explains.

Cravings has fast become something that visitors and locals love about Cape Charles. Margaret and Matt are grateful for the incredible reception they’ve had. And they’re glad they made this area home. “We love the small town feel here,” says Margaret. “You can go anywhere, and everybody’s so friendly. It’s such a good family community. We lived in Portsmouth before, and we just wanted to kind of slow down and unwind a little bit. It’s a great area.”

We’re glad Margaret and Matt are sharing their talents with Cape Charles. We believe Cravings is one of the things that make this special, Eastern Shore hometown even better. Stop by and check out Cravings for yourself.

Grab it and GO…and come back often!

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Here are just a few things from their already famous menu:

Cravings at Table & Tonic 233 Mason Avenue Cape Charles, VA 23310

757-642-5009 Open Monday–Saturday See their menu and daily specials on Facebook & Instagram: /cravingsCC

14+ SANDWICHES made with premium ingredients, chicken, turkey, ham, and roast beef are all natural, and antibioticand nitrate-free. Try the Wreck Island, a succulent sandwich with romaine, red onion, banana peppers, tomato, roasted red peppers and balsamic on focaccia bread. Or the Jefferson, a roast beef beauty with sharp cheddar and zesty sauce perched on a flaky, scratch-made croissant square.

FRESH SALADS (Caesar, Greek, CBBT) and everybody’s FAVORITE SIDES (potato salad, chicken salad, a Greek pasta salad to write home about with roasted red peppers and homemade red wine vinaigrette…plus many more) DESSERT BARS MADE DAILY (Dark Chocolate Cranberry bar, frosted chocolate brownie and more!)

HEAT AT HOME ITEMS are popular, too. Cruise by Cravings and go home with a spinach, Havarti and roasted red pepper quiche or sweet potato biscuits.

Then there are the Tomato Pies, Chicken Parm Croissants, Bacon Gouda Pizza, and Glazed Blueberry Biscuits… there’s never a shortage of delicious at Cravings. The hardest part is choosing which incredible items you’ll grab and go with. There’s just so much good food.

Premier Coastal Living on Virginia’s Cape

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We invite you to explore this natural wonderland in a place where residents connect, forge friendships and pursue their interests and passions. There is truly nothing like it on the coast of Virginia.

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