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Local Travel: Onancock

Apologies that this is a day late -- I was home yesterday with a sick child and haven't mastered the very complicated art of blogging at home. Never fear, I am sure my 2-year-old will be able to teach me in a few months, the way these kids are learning technology today.

I’ve got to get myself promptly to Onancock.

For a town of about 1,500 people, they seem to have it all: restauranteurs from Argentina and the former Czech Republic, fancy galleries, pampering accommodations — The Inn at Onancock and the Charlotte Hotel were named as favorites — and a "liar’s bench" in town, where people get together and talk.

Many of the commenters stumbled upon the town on their way somewhere else and fell in love; others return frequently because they have friends there. Many people have noted that Onancock isn’t the kind of town that serves the fun up to you — you have to find it yourself. Friendly, down-to-earth people help in this quest, as do the numerous tourist-friendly inns and boutiques. You can just bike around the town or take long walks and soak it in; downtown is only two or three blocks long.

My favorite of the stories I received was the one from Deborah Morrison, who happened on the town and then bought a fixer-upper and stayed. Her son has since moved there and opened a restaurant, Mallard’s, where he occasionally sings and plays his guitar.

Travel writer Mary Burnham, who also lives in Onancock and calls it "the best little town in Virginia," describes in detail the fun to be had there in this Washingtonian article. Mary and her husband, Bill, also lead kayaking expeditions. Chesapeake Life also did a nice spread on the town. And here are a few of the other recommended places:

For sleeping: John Smith allegedly camped here, but you have your choice of multiple bed and breaklfasts.

The Inn at Onancock can be reached at 757-789-7711. This is a place to go for luxury, massages, claw-foot tubs, and indulgent breakfasts. Innkeepers used to work for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, so I'm guessing they know a thing or two about bird-watching and other outdoor pursuits.

The Charlotte Hotel, another favorite of this blog's readers, offers dinner in its gallery next door, where it exhibits the work of hotel owner, Charlotte Heath.

From my unscientific survey, the fan favorite award goes to the Spinning Wheel B and B -- many of you remarked on the charming hosts, the Nolans, and their adorable dog, Chudley. This would seem to be the budget option of the three: rates are between $85 and $115 a night during peak season, and as low as $75 right now. The inn is "not suitable" for children under 8, according to its web site, but pets are allowed in one room.

For eating:

Johnny Mo, the guitar playing chef, serves up casual meals at Mallards; see him rocking here. Readers also recommended Stella's but I couldn't find a link for it.

Thanks again, readers. This is great feedback. Next time we do this, I’ll just ask everyone to send in their own comments, I think. But I am so grateful for the help. Now, it’s off to the Travel section to pitch my own Onancock story!

Comments

Sorry you didn't get a chance to stop at the original Irish Pub on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, The Blarney Stone Pub in Onancock. The chef is one of very few formally trained chefs in the area and is a graduate of The New England Culinary Institute. The food is excellent, the atmosphere comfortable and local entertainers perform with no cover charge imposed. The Pub is smoke free and very family friendly. The are known as "the place where friends and neighbors gather."

Hi, the article is looking great and I would like to mention my business if its not too late. I recently opened a home accessory store and interior design studio at 42 King Street next Garden Art. It houses contemporary and classic home acessories, lamps, table linens etc. I am a professional interior designer and I provide consultations and a full array of interior design services. My shop is called Great Space Etc. Thanks for your consideration!

Well, you forgot to mention the Colonial Manor Inn on market street. We offer the best of both worlds, value and luxury.

Plus we have something extra that no other inn in town offer, ample parking (large enough for RVs), our own chickens to deliver farm fresh eggs, and are the first in town to apply for Green Lodging Certification. We are a certified backyard Wildlife Habitat also.

We are also family and pet friendly.

For more info, go to iloveinns.com and entire Colonial Manor Inn, Onancock in their search engine. Our personal web site is not quite up to date, but still has much information and pictures.

Please don't forget us when writing your story.

Linda
Host
Colonial Manor Inn

I just want to let you know about our cottage which is on the Onancock Creek and is a one half mile walk to the center of town. It is a wonderfully hidden retreat, yet it's right there. You can find information at www.heartsworthcottage.com.

My husband and I were visiting Onancock recently and we just fell in love with the little town. Just wanted to mention also that I am so impressed with the young chef and owner of Mallards at the Wharf- Johnny Mo. The food was exceptional and the presentation was just wow! He also somehow found out that it was our wedding aniversary, most likely from our sweet server named Stephanie, and he came to our table and played his guitar and serinaded us. What a evening to remember. I definitly recommend Mallards at the Wharf to anybody wishing for a good time and great food. We can not wait to go back to Onancock.

Hey, you forgot about the Creekside Inn B & B. We're the only waterfront B & B in town! We're within walking distance to all those wonderful restaurants, galleries and quaint shops. Our season starts in April and runs through October. We have kayaks for our guests and a big pool in the backyard. We're on King Street, right across from Garden Art.

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About the bloggers

Rona KobellRona Kobell reports on the Chesapeake Bay, and in her seven years with The Sun, she's visited clam farms in Virginia, a peeler pen on Taylors Island and a small market on Smith Island that serves what many people consider the best crab cake in the world (to judge for yourself, head to the Drum Point Market in Tylerton). Rona enjoys hanging out with her husband and daughter.

Tom PeltonTom Pelton writes about the environment and has been at The Sun for 10 years. He lives in the city with his wife, two daughters, and an exotic ecosystem that involves a cat, hamsters, hermit crabs, cacti, running shoes, drums, guitar, violins, mild cheeses and strong opinions.
Listen in: Tom Pelton's "The Environment in Focus"

Tim WheelerTim Wheeler writes about growth and base-realignment for The Sun. A reporter and editor here since 1985, the West Virginia native has spent most of his adult life around the bay. He lives in Catonsville, one of Baltimore's older, walkable suburbs.

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