Letter from the Developer From The Club
Golf Update from Bay Creek’s Director of Golf, Zach Pfingst, PGA
Fall in Love with the Effortless Eastern Shore Lifestyle
Villas at Magnolia Park
A Cozy Cottage by the Shore Move-In Ready Chesapeake Cottages
Nature Corner with Bay Creek Preserve Ranger, Stan Osmolenski
Chef’s Corner with Bay Creek Executive Chef, Linda Wessels
Discover the Barrier Islands Center
Looking back on my years in this special Eastern Shore haven, I’ve been privileged to be a part of the team that has shepherded Bay Creek through an incredibly dynamic and successful era.
What began as a singular bold vision decades ago has now become a part of the very fabric of the Eastern Shore.
A lot of different voices and choices shape a community. Thoughtful planning, community building, amenity expansion, partnering with experts in conservation, and staying on the cutting edge of what people want in a house… and a home. These are our daily pursuits, and it shows:
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Smooth, wide streets and sidewalks where pedestrians, bicycles, and golf carts outnumber cars. Beautiful landscape design alongside native plantings that anchor and enhance the environment. Shared spaces that foster connections and build authentic community. These are some of the everyday luxuries that have made so many people fall in love with Bay Creek.
Being located on one of the most scenic points on the East Coast hasn’t hurt, either. We have a lot of natural charisma here. Two miles of sandy private beaches are one of those exceptional features that never stop being ‘wow.’
And we are honored to be stewards of this resource—with beach grooming and management, and a naturalist who monitors the environment that supports the Bay and coastal wildlife. It is, of course, a prime spot for our Members and guests, too, with Club amenities like food and beverage and chair and umbrella service.
It was only a few years ago that we made the bold decision to dedicate 350 acres of the property as a protected nature preserve. Now, five years on, that decision has proven invaluable, allowing for extraordinary outdoor recreation via waterways, over seven miles of engaging trails designed by Avid Trails ®, the restoration of the land to its natural state, and a resurgence of native flora and wildlife whose benefits extend across the entire region.
The neighborhoods themselves here at Bay Creek have become near institutions, too—from the storybook charm of Bayside Village to the magnificence of The Bluffs that look out on one of the most spectacular views on the East Coast.
But ultimately, it’s the people that live here who make Bay Creek what it is.
As General Manager of Bay Creek, I am pleased to offer an update regarding an exciting new chapter for the community.
We are now pleased to welcome Sam Silverman and Mike Schoenfeld , the new owners of Bay Creek. Sam brings decades of experience in real estate, investment, and a diverse work portfolio that includes management consulting, financing, and brokerage. Mike has a long record of success in private equity investment, business diligence, management consulting, and entrepreneurship.
Their vision for Bay Creek aligns beautifully with the community we are. At the same time, they come with exciting plans: enriching amenity experiences, enhancements to key community components, and a renaissance of inspiration for what Bay Creek is meant to be.
Now, I invite you to be present in the moment here at Bay Creek during this amazing time of year. Walk our warm, breezy beaches. Take a stroll and see what’s blooming in the Nature Preserve. Raise a glass to good friends and great fun here on the Shore—and take time to reconnect with the pleasures of an Eastern Shore autumn.
Here’s to a beautiful season,
Bobby Masters General Manager, Bay Creek
Sam and I are excited to introduce ourselves as the new owners of Bay Creek. This isn’t just an investment; it’s a personal and professional commitment to elevate Bay Creek into one of the East Coast’s premier coastal communities.
Bay Creek’s natural beauty and deep history drew us here. But what excites us most is what’s next— and how quickly we can begin making meaningful improvements for our Members and residents.
We’re proud to lead Bay Creek into its next chapter and grateful for your support.
Michael Schoenfeld, Bay Creek Development Group
For many years, we’ve been involved in the financing and development of celebrated resort communities—from 55+ neighborhoods outside Charlotte and Atlanta to golf-based destinations like Snake River Sporting Club, Tamarack Resort, and Wohali. Our experience spans large-scale neighborhoods and premier golf communities, where breathtaking scenery meets thoughtful design.
As our plans unfold, we’ll keep you informed and engaged at every step. This is a legacy project, and we’re committed to honoring Bay Creek’s past while shaping a vibrant, enduring future.
Samuel Silverman, Bay Creek Development Group
Bob Ewing, General Manager of Bay Creek Resort & Club, and his dedicated team have guided the Club through the beautiful golden days of an Eastern Shore summer. Now, fall is already tempting us with crisp mornings and cool afternoon breezes as we head into a lovely new season.
“Anyone who knows me knows I’m in my ‘happy place’ when October rolls around. The air is invigorating, the weather is perfection, and the Club is bursting with great events and recreation for our members and guests.”
We talk a lot about ‘seasons’ here at the Club. The ‘golf season’ (we’re now entering what I think is the most spectacular time of year for golf), the classic ‘beach and summer season’ (no one does it better than Cape Charles!) and…whatever ‘season of life’ you may find yourself in this moment.
As someone who welcomes families to the Club, and has gotten to know our Members, guests and residents over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the beauty of life’s different seasons.
The young professional couple who enjoys a fall weekend getaway to Bay Creek becomes the busy family who brings their kids here for unforgettable summer vacations. Then, they’re the carefree empty nesters who move to Bay Creek and build their dream home, where they’ll welcome their grown-up children who now have families of their own.
This is truly a community for every season of the year, and of life—and I think that’s one of the reasons Bay Creek is so beloved.
Right now at Bay Creek, we’re ushering in a significant new era for the community and the Club. An exceptional new ownership team is joining Bay Creek and will be delivering remarkable new amenities and experiences. Their commitment to quality dovetails perfectly with the character and commitment of the Bay Creek Club and every member of the Bay Creek professional family.
You’ll see some of the new excitement soon, while other more extensive plans will be implemented over the coming months and beyond.
I am excited to announce a major milestone in the form of gorgeous, new pickleball courts! They are now open and, as you might expect, very active! Over the coming weeks, we’ll continue some finishing touches: paving around the courts, along with adding benches and sunshades. It’s been great to see so many people enjoying this amenity with their friends and neighbors.
• A fantastic new temperature-controlled bag storage area next to the Golf Shop is now complete. It accommodates 300 bags and is sure to add ease to your golf game.
• Men’s and Ladie’s Locker rooms with restrooms, showers, day lockers and welcoming sitting areas will be coming soon.
• Sauna rooms will be added in both the Men’s and Ladies’ locker rooms at the Life Center! We are excited for the many possibilities for health and wellness this offers.
• New services at the Life Center: Guests have long enjoyed Swedish and Deep Tissue massage at the Life Center with licensed massage therapist, Rachel Ehrenfried. Now, we’re pleased to offer even more ways to relax with Hot Stone massage, Himalayan Salt Stones, Cupping and Reiki. We also offer sports taping for improved stability and enhanced performance.
Our courses are in peak shape—and even more so after mother nature assisted us through a short dry spell in late summer. Thanks to our expert agronomists, the turf is in premier condition and played beautifully during the many recent events we’ve hosted. Members enjoyed a busy September with our 9-Hole Big Hole Scramble, Sunday Scrambles, Member Mixer and Fall Member-Member tournament. We were also pleased to host several major golf events benefitting worthy local causes.
Director of Golf, Zach Pfingst, shares more about these recent events, upcoming happenings, and new custom goodies at the Pro Shop. Plus: The latest on the Club’s state-of-theart Trackman Golf Simulator, and the many golf activities you can enjoy at Bay Creek this fall and beyond. See Zach’s article on page 8.
The Bay Creek Club is more than just spectacular golf and the great spa and fitness environment found at the Life Center. Our Club team is committed to serving our Members and guests with simple ‘everyday’ pleasures, too. Sometimes this looks like helping schedule a special event or calling to let someone know that new items from their favorite brands have arrived at the Pro Shop.
It’s also offering special gatherings like kayak tours and Plein Air Painting with Ranger Stan, get togethers at the Tree of Life with live music and refreshments, Bicycle Beer Flights through the Nature Preserve, and our popular ‘Dinner and a Movie’ nights.
The Club also hosts Lunch and Learn sessions with accomplished scientists, naturalists, craftsmen, and garden and landscape experts, just to name a few.
There are events that are engaging for all ages throughout the season and it’s always inspiring to see how many people join us and the genuine camaraderie and connections that are made.
On behalf of everyone here at the Bay Creek Club, I wish you an exciting, invigorating and memorable autumn. I have always considered this is the most beautiful time of the year here on the Eastern Shore. So, get out there and make the most of this incredible season here at Bay Creek!
Bob Ewing General Manager Bay Creek Resort & Club
Golf is big at Bay Creek. Guests visit from far and wide to play our acclaimed courses and soak in the Eastern Shore lifestyle. The pleasures our 27 holes by Palmer and Nicklaus extend beyond just the game itself. Zach Pfingst, Director of Golf at Bay Creek, shares the latest golf happenings on the course, in the Pro Shop and beyond. From Bay Creek’s state-of-the-art golfing experience, to upcoming events, and how members enjoy world-class golf in every season of the year.
Our courses were filled with great play all summer. Now, as we head into October, golf is still going strong and we’re looking forward to an amazing autumn. As we approach cooler seasons, we’re thinking of all the exciting things that lie ahead–tournaments, special events, and just plain fun!
At the Pro Shop, we’re getting in a lot of new Fall gear, so it’s a great time come in and discover some new products and treasures. Outerwear pieces from FootJoy and Peter Millar are coming in soon, along with Duer pants in several different styles, and some new custom items, too.
With holiday seasons on the horizon, we’re excited to stock some really special gift items:
Woven blankets from Faribault Mill, customized with the Bay Creek brand will make a great gift for someone special. We have also had a bespoke Bay Creek candle created with our own signature scent! It begins with a fresh citrus scent, then it burns down to a nice teakwood aroma, and as it burns down further, the scent is ‘warm sand.’ It’s a lovely representation of all the pleasures of life here on the Eastern Shore.
Besides carrying golf essentials, gear and gifts, the Pro Shop offers many services, too.
Our team enjoys meeting visiting golf groups and guests who are touring and discovering Bay Creek for the first time. I personally love welcoming new people to the community and introducing them to our fantastic golf scene.
The Pro Shop team is here to support our members in many different ways. We host fitting days several times a year with Callaway and Titleist representatives. It’s one of the best ways to get a professional fitting, as they bring a huge selection of shafts, and a lot of ‘exotic’ offerings that you might not find anywhere else!
For those who can’t attend one of the special fitting events, we also offer our own in-house fittings at the Pro Shop using the Trackman Simulator—whenever it’s most convenient for you.
Ready to improve your skills on the course? We offer private or group lessons that address your personal goals. Our Trackman Simulator has opened up so many possibilities across the spectrum of golf needs—from fittings to customized lessons and group play. The precision with which we can hone every aspect of your game is incredible. And, besides that, it’s just a whole lot of fun!
The Bay Creek golf season extends all the way into November and our mild Cape Charles weather makes it a pleasure to get out there and play. We continue to have tons of great Member events and have recently hosted several worthy local charity tournaments, too.
While our many tournaments and events out on the courses are an amazing part of playing golf at Bay Creek, the Trackman Simulator has opened a literal world of possibilities.
Beginning in November and extending through March 2026, we will host 2-person Trackman Leagues. Every month is a new slate and, if you’ve ever used the Trackman Simulator, you know it’s an engaging, challenging, and allaround awesome experience.
“With the Trackman, Bay Creek golf isn’t confined to the fairways. It’s a year-round affair!”
In the Trackman League, players play a round a week each month—and the ‘virtual’ locations are spectacular! Enjoy playing world class locations in Canada, Sweden, Pinehurst and great Links courses. It is, indeed, the next best thing to being there! (Maybe even better—with no rain, no heat or freezing wind—and an accurate digital log of your performance.)
I highly recommend this experience…to hone your golf game, and honestly, just for the fun of it!
Whether it’s your first lesson or your 500th round, we at the Bay Creek Club are here to support you and make sure you a great experience, on and off the course.
Questions about the world of Bay Creek golf? Reach out to us–we’d love to hear from you.
Here’s to great golf!
Zach Pfingst, PGA Director of Golf, Bay Creek
Here’s a glimpse of what we’ve been up to and the many great things coming up:
• Our members enjoy Sunday mixers nearly every week. It’s a great way to get out in the fresh air and finish out the weekend with friends and neighbors.
• We hosted the Northampton County Sheriff’s Outing on September 25th with proceeds benefitting the Riverside Hospice Fund.
• The Fall Member-Member took place on September 27th and was a huge success.
• The Pink Ball took place on October 5th. This worthy Ladies League tournament focuses on Breast Cancer awareness.
• Halloween Glow Putt: The whole putting green will light up with this spooky member favorite on October 25th!
• Another frighteningly great event is our Halloween Scramble October 26th—it’s a nine-hole scramble format that everyone always enjoys.
• The King and Bear tournament is an annual event that lets players experience both the Palmer and Nicklaus courses. This two-person team event is open to Amateur and Pro golfers and is set to be a roaring success!
• The Nicklaus Cup, Bay Creek’s season-long match play event will soon be culminating in November. It’s a tradition here at Bay Creek and a great way to end the season with a bang.
Artist’s conceptual illustration. Subject to change.
When we recently introduced the Villas at Magnolia Park, we knew they’d get a lot of attention—for their convenience, location and beauty. And, indeed, they have.
This sought-after new enclave sits on a tranquil lake. Just a stone’s throw to the community pool and the Bay Creek Club’s Racquet Sports Center, Magnolia Park villas put you close to the best the community has to offer.
DURING OUR FIRST RELEASE, 50% HAVE ALREADY SOLD. With their luxury appointments, spacious layouts and low-maintenance living, it’s easy to see why.
These lock and leave residences come with a comprehensive lifestyle plan that covers all exterior maintenance and more. That means you’re getting more than just a spacious, elegant Villa. You’re also enjoying the peace of mind that comes with knowing your villa will be maintained for the lifetime of your home.
The Villas at Magnolia Park ‘live large,’ ranging from 1,820 to just over 2,250 interior square feet. This is elegant, luxurious one-level living at its finest. Choose from three or four bedrooms and enjoy a fantastic open living area, all on the main level. Standard features include hardwood floors, quartz counters, stainless steel appliances, soaring 9 to 12-foot ceilings, and an inviting screened porch that welcomes Eastern Shore breezes.
The benefits—and conveniences—are many!
• Set on a Scenic Lake
• Close to the Community Pool
• Close to the Bay Creek Club’s Racquet Sports Center
• 3 Bedrooms, Open Living Areas on Main Level
• Maintenance-free Living
• Lock & Leave Convenience
• Lovely Interior Appointments
To learn more about effortless, elegant living in a beautiful, new Magnolia Park villa, contact us. Info@BayCreekLife.com
Prepare to be charmed—we are pleased to feature a collection of cottages that are getting a lot of attention, right in the heart of Bay Creek’s coveted Bayside Village neighborhood.
Built by Virginia Builders, a member of the Bay Creek Builder Guild and one of the community’s Showcase Builders, these Cottage homes are, in a word, perfection.
Designed by the creative team at Virginia Builders, these cottage homes are unlike anything ever offered here. How amazing are the Chesapeake Cottages? It’s hard to know where to start…
From their premier location to their authentic cottage architecture, these sought after homes are a triumph, showcasing the very best of Bay Creek.
Virginia Builders’ spacious coastal-inspired cottages are set in the heart of idyllic Bayside Village—perhaps one of the most iconic and beloved neighborhoods in Bay Creek. And they fit perfectly.
These cottages embody the ease and elegance of Bay Creek to a tee—easy access to Bay Creek’s 2 miles of private beach, the Life Center with its outdoor pools and cardio/fitness studio, the Coach House Tavern, and the Nature Preserve’s walking and biking trails.
These single-family residences offer the perfect blend of modern amenities and elegant, Eastern Shore living. Expertly imagined floor plans blend cozy, cottage style with remarkably spacious, elegant living areas. Inside, each cottage is brimming with comfortable, inviting spaces, functionality, and endless style.
This exclusive collection of homes offers two- and three-bedroom floor plans ranging from 1,000 to 1,400 square feet. Their classic coastal architecture is captivating.
A Bay Creek Builder Guild member and Showcase Builder, Virginia Builders has earned a reputation for extreme quality construction and client care. So your Chesapeake Cottage home will always be the beautifully designed, finely crafted place you love.
The Chesapeake Cottages are perfect as a secondhome beachside retreat or a full-time residence for families who are ready to right-size and simplify.
Two beautifully distinct home plans comprise the current Chesapeake Cottages offering: The Pearl and The Blue Point.
Learn more about these uniquely crafted residences, see floor plans and start dreaming of your cottage getaway!
Open the charming front door of a Chesapeake Cottage and step into spacious living areas flooded with natural light. It doesn’t get more perfect than this: its charming cottage ambiance is ideal for entertaining guests or spending a quiet afternoon with family.
Cottages boast a gourmet kitchen fit for a master chef, featuring state-of-the-art appliances, quartz countertops, a tiled backsplash, decorative pendant lighting and beautiful custom cabinetry. The result is a space that’s as stylish as it is hard-working.
Elegant bedrooms offer a relaxing retreat with ample closet space, beautiful lines and quality craftsmanship. It’s the ideal peaceful sanctuary after a day enjoying Bay beaches, the Life Center, or exploring Cape Charles. The designer bathrooms are appointed with handsomely tiled showers equipped with wall-mounted Delta shower faucets and ceiling-mounted rain heads, along with dual vanity sinks. Experience uninterrupted relaxation with efficient gas tankless water heaters, ensuring hot water is always at hand.
Outside, Chesapeake cottages offer outdoor storage, with 30+ square feet of space for easy access to beach gear and outdoor essentials.
Enjoy this and more with a Chesapeake Cottage
• Complete appliance packages with refrigerator, washer, and dryer. So move-in is easy, and you can begin enjoying your cottage on day one!
• A stylish gas fireplace featuring brick facades, ideal for cozying up at the end of the day
• Outdoor living on your private porch or patio—an amazing spot for morning coffee or evening get togethers with friends.
• Outdoor shower: beach life just became effortless—rinse off sandy feet, beach gear or that perfect seashell—and leave the sand outside!
Learn more about the Chesapeake Cottages, explore floor plans and imagine your perfect cottage getaway.
As summer gives way to the crisp embrace of fall, Bay Creek’s Ranger Stan Osmolenski, invites you to witness the Eastern Shore’s natural wonders in their full autumn glory. There’s no better time to immerse yourself in the splendor of Bay Creek’s nature.
Bay Creek is an irresistible spot for vacationers, visitors and residents alike in every season. But during autumn, this community welcomes millions of birds as they make their way south for winter.
The community of Bay Creek sits in the very heart of the Atlantic Flyway, making it a critical pitstop for millions of birds heading south.
The peninsula funnels species right to us. These migratory birds need our green spaces and freshwater ponds to rest and refuel before crossing the Chesapeake Bay. Early October is considered the peak of the migration but there are really two months solid where you can come here and see it.
The Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory at Kiptopeke State Park is just 15 minutes down the road from us. Their eyes are in the sky for three months straight during this unique phenomenon, counting every single migrating raptor that flies overhead.
Every year there’s something different. The quantity of birds is truly stunning and you never
know what species you’ll see... You can see raptors like Mississippi kites, sharp-shinned hawks, and American kestrels, and countless songbirds like warblers, swallows, thrushes, and even hummingbirds.
This amazing phenomenon attracts birdwatchers from all over the country here to the Chesapeake Bay and Eastern Shore. We get to enjoy a front row seat to this magnificent natural wonder every year here at Bay Creek.
Part of what makes life at Bay Creek so special is its Nature Preserve. It’s where we hike, enjoy biking excursions, nature walks, kayaking outings and so much more. The Nature Preserve is a 350acre easement that is protected in perpetuity. It can never be developed, so it is truly ‘preserved’ as a natural habitat. No structures will ever be built there. Bay Creek’s vast trails crisscross this unique area and offer countless ways to explore and learn about the nature of this special Eastern Shore region.
The Nature Preserve also has areas that were once grass which are now home to emerging trees, and native plants. We have ongoing restoration projects within this special area. In the grassy areas, we’re planting longleaf pines, eastern redbud and box elder, and button bush along the freshwater ponds to help the area continue its return to rich habitat.
Every part of the Preserve is teeming with life. We’ve seen a lot of white-tailed deer this year— even families of deer along Basecamp Road. It’s a healthy sign for the Preserve.
The beaches and waterways are a haven for aquatic life, thanks to aquatic eel grass that serves as nurseries for fish and feeding grounds for other species. We’ve caught a lot of interesting things out in that area during our netting programs. This is when we go out and take samples of the water, scoop out some sea life, and identify the species we see.
We’ve netted everything from pipefish—cousins of seahorses—to white-finned shark suckers, which symbiotically cleans sharks’ teeth. Recently, stone crabs have appeared, too, alongside native blue crabs.
Along the shorelines, salt marsh cord grass and marsh elder stabilize the ecosystem, creating nurseries for fish and hiding spots for shorebirds.
This time of year, we have several floral standouts in the Nature Preserve and around the community. If you venture out by the shorelines,
you’ll see a lot of saltmarsh cord grass going to flower right now. It’s an incredibly beneficial species, helping stabilize our shorelines, providing hiding spaces for shore birds, and nurseries for our fish. Not much else grows directly in the salt water but this tough member of the spartina family is a great benefit.
Further up along the shorelines, the marsh elder is a woody shrub found native to this region. The conservation easement next to the water allows these valuable plants to grow in transitional areas making for a thriving, healthy environment.
Goldenrod is in full bloom, painting our meadows with gold and benefiting the entire habitat here at Bay Creek. Another blooming beauty is the often misunderstood ‘Sneezeweed’. Despite its name, it doesn’t cause allergies, mainly because its pollen is very dense and heavy and can’t be blown or carried by the wind.
Perhaps the most dramatic is Passiflora incarnata, commonly known as the purple passionflower. These summer blooming flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds and now are producing fruit, which are called ‘maypop,’ perhaps because of the popping sound they make when stepped on! Remember to ask an expert before eating any fruit or plant you find in nature. Remember, take only pictures, leave only footprints. If you spot something curious or need help identifying a plant or animal, I’m always available to help you make the most of Bay Creek’s natural wonders.
No matter what you like most about the great outdoors—the water, exploring the trails, or simply taking in the fresh Bay air—I hope you’ll have an opportunity to experience the unique nature of Bay Creek here on the beautiful Eastern Shore this fall.
See you out there!
Ranger Stan
Ranger Stan’s guided kayak tours are an incredible way to experience the scenic beauty of the Nature Preserve. Enjoy a ‘front row seat’ as you paddle, explore and learn about this incredible ecosystem with Ranger Stan.
Whether you’re a solo paddler, a couple, or a group of family and friends, these refreshing excursions will leave you refreshed and inspired. Gliding through Plantation Creek, spotting wildlife, plant species and delightfully unexpected natural beauty can be a transformative experience.
Summer camp created lasting memories! Ranger Stan worked with young campers to build timber frame forts in the pine groves These creative forts will stay up through the winter and are great fun to explore.
Campers also excavated some wild clay that occurs naturally in the bluffs along the water’s edge. They processed it to get debris out and molded it into pottery. Then, at the hotdog roast, their creations were pit fired in the wood fire. Kids left with pots, figurines, bowls and lifelong memories!
Kayaking, fishing, and plein air painting rounded out the fun.
Fall now brings fresh excitement with Ranger Stan’s many engaging events, discussions and experiences. Check the Bay Creek app or contact us to learn more about joining the fun.
Fall is an ideal time to join us for our monthly Plein Air sessions. All materials are provided by Ranger Stan and there’s no shortage of gorgeous vistas!
Set out on an after-dark trek through the woodlands of Bay Creek’s nature preserve in search of owls. Ranger Stan will help you look and listen for owl activity beneath the inky-black canopy of the Preserve forests.
Take a bicycle tour through the Bay Creek Nature Preserve to four scenic locations and sample a special craft beer at each pitstop—this season’s theme incorporates a few (responsible) college-style drinking games, too!
These are great family friendly events. Ranger Stan brings a topic to the ‘table’ and great discussion, learning and fun ensues.
These fun and refreshing tours are a great way to see Bay Creek. Children can kayak in their own craft or tandem with an adult. These are family friendly paddles that are great fun for all.
Join us for this 2-day workshop. No experience needed—just join us and leave with your own fully functional cigar box ukulele!
Join professional ornithologists for engaging talks and bird walks.
As we welcome this new season, we are pleased to announce that our own incredible Chef Linda Wessells has now taken the role of Executive Chef at Bay Creek. With her signature blend of sophisticated and soulful cooking, Linda seamlessly continues the tradition of fine culinary experiences at Bay Creek, and this season promises a delicious harvest of new and favorite flavors.
Linda Wessells first joined the Bay Creek team in the fall of 2023, coming from Cape Charles’s Oyster Farm at Kings Creek and bringing her substantial culinary talents with her.
Filling the roles of both Chef de Cuisine and Sous Chef for Bay Creek, she quickly became a cornerstone of the Coach House. Now, as Executive Chef, Linda’s vibrant energy and refined palate continue to shape the tavern’s
character, offering something for every taste. She has become an integral part of the character and flavors of the Coach House.
Linda is a unique talent. She marries her own sophisticated palate with a genuine love of scratch-made, country cooking, great Italian food, and perfectly prepared meats. The result is a rich tapestry of flavors. It’s a rare blend of refined yet down-to-earth.
If you’ve dined at the Coach House in the last two years, you’ve already enjoyed Linda’s talents. Besides helping define the tastes and character of the Coach House fare, she is also the author of the irresistible signature dessert menus that guests love. She has been acclaimed for not only her flavors and menu curation but also for being a chef who can also bake—and bake well. If you’ve ever had a slice of cake at the Coach House, you understand how deep her talents run.
Food is meant to please. And that’s just what Linda has done for her entire culinary career. She has a natural way with flavors and has enjoyed decades of experience in the culinary world—with expertise in all kinds of flavors and styles of food.
Her Jersey Shore-inspired palate (think Italian classics and perfectly prepared meats) join her love of fresh, Eastern Shore flavors. Every dish at the Coach House is made from scratch, a testament to her love of good cooking.
This fall, Linda is rolling out a new menu that’s big on comfort, quality, and variety. Expect home-cooked dinner specials, appetizers perfect for sharing, and a focus on fresh. “I like my ingredients fresh. I don’t like to use anything frozen,” Linda says. “You can absolutely taste the difference.”
“Anyone who knows me knows I’m in my ‘happy place’ when October rolls around. The air is invigorating, the weather is perfection, and the Club is bursting with great events and recreation for our members and guests.”
Tavern guests can enjoy seafood like haddock, fish and chips, salmon, and weekly catch-of-theday specials. Hearty, bold entrées are on the new menu, too—with those homemade, from-scratch flavors that Linda is known for.
Linda’s dessert menu is a showstopper, too— from house-made cheesecakes, chocolate cake, and tasty fruit crisps to a silky tiramisu. New additions include decadent brownies, and in the works, perhaps a signature ice cream flavor!
The Coach House, known for its popular wine pairing dinners and unique special events, may also have a few surprises as the season continues.
Whether you’re craving a hearty fall meal, an appetizer to share, or a sweet treat to cap off the evening, the Coach House Tavern is the place to be. Stop in to experience Chef Linda’s incredible creations. And, with food and beverage delivery now available year-round, enjoying Coach House cuisine is easier than ever—but choosing
from her mouthwatering menu might prove delightfully difficult!
Linda and her team also cater club events and special occasions, bringing their culinary magic to everything from intimate gatherings to largescale celebrations. Simply put, she and her team make every moment delicious at Bay Creek.
Sometimes the most profound things really are the simplest: “When people are happy with the food, I’m happy” says Linda.
Here’s to a fall filled with great food and great company at the Coach House Tavern.
Bound for Bay Creek this fall? Make plans to stop in the Coach House Tavern and let Chef Linda and her incredible team make you a great meal and some good memories, too. Visit Bay Creek’s Coach House Tavern and enjoy great flavors in every season!
The Coach House Tavern 1 Clubhouse Way, Cape Charles, VA Reservations are recommended.
From her high school days discovering culinary arts to her first restaurant job to working in bustling restaurants, and now, as Executive Chef at Bay Creek, Linda Wessells’ journey is as interesting as the food she creates.
“Believe it or not, I originally wanted to go into law enforcement,” she recalls.“But in high school, I had to take a class for an additional credit. The class that was available was ‘Culinary Arts’. And I ended up really loving it.”
Her first restaurant job was at Aqua (Now Oyster Farm at Kings Creek in Cape Charles) working as a line chef.
“From there, I just got hooked on cooking,” she says. “I started at the bottom in 2005 and worked all the way up. I worked every position in a restaurant you could possibly think of over 19 years.”
Linda has had a variety of influences in her cooking career from fellow chefs to her own family:
“I learned a lot of southern cooking from my grandmother and her generation. I’ve always loved the thrill of a busy kitchen and my favorite thing is seeing people enjoy their food.”
In a region as unique as ours, exploring and discovering the many treasures that await you can be exciting, if not a bit overwhelming.
Virginia’s Eastern Shore has a rich history that is centuries deep (millennia if we’re discussing earth history), and a bold, rugged spirit that has tamed tides, created a fearless culture, and attracted mavericks from near and far.
At Bay Creek, one of our best recommendations for guests and new residents who want to know what the Eastern Shore region is really all about is a trip to the Barrier Islands Center. It’s equal parts historic museum and present-day living accounts of Shore culture. It’s an amazing representation of the past and future of this place we call home.
From Bay Creek, head north up Route 13 for a few miles to Machipongo, and take the beautiful scenic tree-lined driveway up to an idyllic white almshouse that holds centuries of history.
Enter this beautifully preserved historic building and be amazed. Every corner of the Barrier Islands Center (BIC) is brimming with the rugged, humble, adventurous, and opulent history of this one-of-a-kind region.
The BIC showcases history in a way that everyone can—and does—enjoy. For history buffs, there are amazingly detailed historic accounts and documents to dig into. For visual learners, there are vivid aerial photos of the Shore, colorful historical relics, folk art, crafts, and engaging,
DID YOU KNOW: The building that is now the Barrier Islands Center was originally the Northampton County almshouse that housed “the poor, destitute and orphaned.” Built in the mid 1800’s, it is joined by other historic structures on the property.
Make sure to explore
it
all!
immersive displays. And for children, lovingly curated displays and interactive areas that make history colorful and fun.
This place is truly a living museum—and it is, indeed, authentically ‘of the Shore.’ It is Eastern Shore families and ancestors who have helped make the museum what it is by donating their own family heirlooms—and sharing the deep and personal stories behind them.
The BIC is a trove of natural history, too, explaining how time and tides have shaped the region, with gripping historical accounts of hurricanes and floods. It also poignantly shares how these significant natural occurrences affected the people who endured them. Perhaps that’s one of the most significant and beautiful things about the BIC—its recognition that history is about people, families, life.
Just as the Eastern Shore itself is a community of contrast and variety, so are the BIC’s displays and exhibits. See elaborate woodwork from the wealthy’s hunt clubs, silver serving trays, fine china and all manner of historic opulence. The museum also shares the stories of the residents of this region, going back centuries. With over 7,500 artifacts, BIC offers an incredibly rich experience for guests.
THE BARRIER ISLANDS CENTER (BIC) MISSION: The Barrier Islands Center seeks to preserve and perpetuate the culture and history of Virginia’s Barrier Islands through education and the collection and interpretation of artifacts
A true community treasure, the BIC offers many exciting events beyond the walls of the museum.
The BIC’s ‘Art & Music on the Farm’ is a festival that has become a beloved tradition. This colorful springtime event showcases live musicians from all over Virginia on the BIC’s beautiful green rolling lawn. This year’s festival also featured acclaimed music historian, Gregg Kimball. It’s a day of celebration and community—with artisan exhibitions, craft and plant sales, good food, spirits, and engaging activities and workshops for adults and children alike.
Then there’s the Annual Oyster Roast fundraiser (next year’s is already in the works!) with a silent auction benefitting the mission of the BIC. It’s one of those true hot-ticket events that sells out every year—a testament to the caring community here on the Eastern Shore.
The BIC continues to keep admission to its exhibits free, making it inclusive, and offering something for everyone—locals, newcomers, and the Shore’s many visitors and guests.
The summer was filled with creative camps for kids: youth art and agriculture, pirate and princess camps, and the genuinely engaging experiences that become lifelong memories.
This fall is just as exciting. The BIC offers classes and workshops for a reasonable fee for all ages. There’s a full line up of workshops, lectures and classes: landscape painting, knitting, drawing, wreath-making… even how to make fig preserves—just to name a few.
We encourage you to visit the Barrier Islands Center and immerse yourself in the history, future, and infinite possibility of life here along the Eastern Shore.
Virginia Living magazine has recognized the Barrier Islands Center as Best Museum in the Eastern region, Best Charity Event for our Oyster Roast, and third Best Art Event with Art & Music on the Farm.
