Arts and Culture

It could be that the natural beauty of this area inspires.

It could be that creative imaginations thrive on a quiet, isolated peninsula that has been largely cut off from the rest of the eastern seaboard.

Or it could be that the slower, gentler pace of life provides time to dream and create. But there is no doubt that one of Northampton’s most valuable assets is its thriving community of artists and artisans.

The Artisan Guild of the Eastern Shore of Virginia and the Eastern Shore Art League provide information about local studios, galleries and workshops.

Brochures, maps and information for self-guided tours can be found at Chamber offices, tourism centers, shops, galleries and hospitality businesses—or you can contact the studios directly. A full color brochure, “Visit Working Studios”, complete with map and written directions, features ten working studios which welcome visitors — they offer workshops and galleries where you can meet the artisans and purchase work directly from the creator.

Historic Palace Theatre

The original murals of this Art Deco theatre have been restored and new wall scones and red plush chairs have been installed in the beautifully restored Historic Palace Theatre in Cape Charles. Arts Enter presents a variety of activities and events, including:

• art classes
• theatre
• musical events

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Cape Charles Museum and Welcome Center

The Cape Charles Museum and Welcome Center is dedicated to preserving and presenting to the public the history of Cape Charles and surrounding areas. The museum's collections and exhibits chronicle Cape Charles as a railroad and ferry town that connected the Eastern Shore of Virginia to New York and Norfolk, Virginia.

Barrier Islands Center

The Barrier Islands Center is located on Rt. 13, on Virginia's Eastern Shore just 20 miles north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Housed in a restored almshouse, the "BIC" showcases the culture, history, community, and ecology of the now mostly deserted Virginia Barrier Islands and the peoples who made them their home: Native Americans, farmers, watermen, hunting and fishing guides, storekeepers, hoteliers, and the lighthouse and lifesaving service among others. Local art and books available in gift shop.