Bay Creek Spring 2026 Soundings Newsletter

Letter from the General Manager

From The Club Golf Update

A New Home Offering from Bay Creek Homes

Scotts Landing

Bay Creek Builder Guild

Nature Corner

Chef’s Corner

Local Feature:

Seafield Farm

Bay Creek is Blooming

IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD

Welcome to spring at Bay Creek on the gorgeous Chesapeake Bay! In the last few weeks, I have witnessed the Nature Preserve and our beautiful streets come to life with bright green trees, budding flowers, and a general sense of wonder. I’ve seen old friends and new neighbors out and about, soaking in that annual miracle known as Spring. It’s a fitting backdrop for the transformational season we are now enjoying here at Bay Creek.

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While nature continues to effortlessly transform this bayfront haven into nothing short of paradise, the Bay Creek team is continuing to advance the community forward to become the most exceptional it has ever been.

What does perfection look like? For us, it is a constant search for ways to add real, experiential value for our residents, guests, and Members. Identifying ways to further enhance the one-ofa-kind amenity experiences of Bay Creek isn’t limited to a season or a ‘planning session.’ It’s a perennial passion for our leadership team.

I’m pleased to share with you the latest developments happening at Bay Creek and offer a glimpse of significant upcoming plans.

Spring weather has seen our newly completed pickleball courts alive with activity! It has been rewarding to see these courts consistently hosting friends and neighbors. Though they’ve only been open for a few months, it’s impossible for me to imagine Bay Creek without them!

The Life Center continues its trajectory toward new experiences, meaningful amenities, and fine services for guests. These beautifully designed spaces will offer immersive environments that can calm, excite, and inspire.

We have officially broken ground on the indoor pool and Life Center expansion. Members and guests will enjoy a host of new experiences:

Cold Plunge Pool | Sauna | Treatment Rooms And, the highly anticipated Indoor Pool!

The new environments in the Life Center have been designed to be a sanctuary of calm and luxury. And just as importantly—as spring unfolds and summer nears—our leadership team and Club professionals are preparing for a ‘high season’ like none before. We will also continue to offer Member favorites like chair set up service, and food and beverage with increasing ease, thanks to the Bay Creek app.

The development team is also in discussion about enhancements to the Bay Creek golfing experience. We are exploring driving range improvements and new tech that can elevate Bay Creek golf even further. Much of this falls squarely into the ‘cool tech stuff’ category, and

we’re excited to work with our onsite club staff and Troon, to offer the very best of golf—on and off the course.

I cannot discuss ‘development’ at Bay Creek without mentioning a new, significant honor. Zach Pfingst, PGA, Director of Golf at Bay Creek, was recently honored with a distinguished and coveted award: the Middle Atlantic PGA’s (MAPGA) Player Development Award.

I encourage you to read about this exemplary honor, what it means for our community, and what it says about the golfing experience at Bay Creek. On behalf of the entire leadership team, well done, Zach. Read More Here >

The Community We Are, The Community We Will Be...

With a diverse and proven leadership team, we are pleased to share the exciting in-progress projects, as well as our vision of upcoming enhancements. I look forward to sharing our vision and plan of action for even more exciting developments at Bay Creek. I thank you for allowing us the privilege to elevate Bay Creek to become more exceptional that it has ever been. We also pledge to preserve the magic of this place and remain authentically, expressly, always, Bay Creek.

Sincerely,

Bobby Masters General Manager, Bay Creek

Greetings from Beautiful Bay Creek! FROM THE CLUB

This spring season is going to be especially memorable, as we experience perhaps one of the most exciting years the community has ever seen. This will be a season of exciting new growth, but also a time of balance. For every exceptional new addition to Bay Creek’s collection of amenities and services, our team will be working diligently to ensure the pleasures of this amazing community are better than ever, and that our service continues to go above and beyond for every Member and guest.

With spring arriving and summer just around the corner, our attention turns to great golf and, of course, ‘summer central,’ a.k.a. Bay Creek’s private beaches and the Life Center with its spectacular pools and amenities. There are so many things to look forward to this season, and there’s an exciting energy in the air.

William Shakespeare certainly had it right:

“April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.”

A

multi-generational community, Bay Creek offers pleasures

for everyone.

We kicked off spring at the Life Center by rolling out a good-natured ‘healthy challenge’. Each time a Member completes a workout at the Life Center, they add a tally to the mirror at the gym entrance. The member with the most visits is our winner. It’s already been great fun—and that’s really what it’s all about!

I’m also happy to announce that we now offer a new service at the Life Center: professional equipment training. This program helps guests learn how to use the myriad gym equipment efficiently, effectively, and safely with proper technique. One of our goals with the Life Center is that everyone of every age—whether an expert or a beginner—can feel comfortable in this stateof-the-art fitness facility and make the most of their time here. Take the Life Center’s Massage Services, for example. They’re an exceptional way to stay flexible after an active day or simply enjoy peaceful, meditative relaxation.

With the future additions to the Life Center, many of which are already underway, Bay Creek will offer a health, fitness, and recreation experience like never before. Stay tuned for progress updates on new amenities like the Cold Plunge Pool, Saunas, Treatment Rooms, and the highly anticipated Indoor Pool!

Bay Creek’s Gorgeous Greens

In March, we conducted the annual greens aeration as we prepared the courses for prime playing conditions. The Clubhouse and grounds team have also begun transforming the property into its spring finery with beautiful new plantings and landscaping updates underway. Between March ‘coming in like a lion’ and ‘out like a lamb,’ our team will conduct the annual greens aeration. This results in prime playing conditions—and that’s something we can all enjoy!

This golf season is going to be a great one. As always, we offer things that accommodate all skill levels—scrambles, tournaments, and lighthearted events that are just plain fun. I’m happy to add that our golf clinics and club fittings are still going strong. We love seeing people improve via lessons, Pro advice, and proper fittings. Our amazing Trackman Golf Simulator is an incredibly valuable asset, too, offering experiences, diagnostics, and great feedback for players looking to improve (or just have fun playing virtual courses!).

I’m also pleased to announce the upcoming addition of a Top Tracer Hitting area (examples below). It will feature 10 Top Tracer Technology hitting bays for lots of family fun and for those who want to dial in their game. This great addition to our golf program is slated to debut in the coming months and we couldn’t be more excited!

I would like to announce an exceptional professional achievement here in our midst:

Our own Zach Pfingst, PGA, Director of Golf at Bay Creek Resort and Club, has been honored as the recipient of the Middle Atlantic PGA’s (MAPGA) prestigious Player Development Award. This is an incredible achievement and honor. Zach embodies the true spirit of our community here at Bay Creek and is an incredibly important part of not just the golf program at Bay Creek but also meaningful outreach beyond our community.

This coveted award recognizes exemplary contributions and achievements in a number of areas. Please take a moment to read more about this unprecedented honor and Zach’s extraordinary efforts to make golf at Bay Creek and beyond a meaningful, enriching experience.

On behalf of the entire Bay Creek Club, congratulations, Zach. Thank you for your expertise and selfless dedication.

I encourage you to read the full story of Zach’s achievements and award, page 8.

Leaning into the Season that Lies Ahead

Summer isn’t very far off, and while spring is already off to an active start, our Club team is also focused on ‘the’ season that Cape Charles is famous for—summer. How fortunate we are here at Bay Creek to have many seasons that offer world-class pleasures to our Members and guests—be it great golf, private beaches, incredible swimming pools at the Life Center, or world-famous sunsets and hundreds of acres of soul-stirring Nature Preserve, all yours for the exploring.

I would like to extend a sincere welcome to each Member and guest as the weather turns ever warmer, and our community blossoms with the sights, sounds, and celebrations of the season.

Visit and enjoy all that Bay Creek has to offer!

~ Bob Bob Ewing General Manager Bay Creek Resort & Club

GOLF UPDATE

SPECIAL EDITION

Bay Creek is delighted to announce that our very own

Zach Pfingst, PGA

Director of Golf at Bay Creek, is the recipient of the Middle Atlantic PGA’s prestigious Player Development Award for 2025!

Any award from the Middle Atlantic PGA (MAPGA) is an honor. But the recognition we share with you now is especially meaningful because it is an award that speaks to the heart and soul of what we strive to do here at Bay Creek…

Awarded to the golf professional who has made exemplary contributions to player development, extraordinary efforts in supporting growth-of-the-game initiatives, and meaningful leadership at both the Section and national levels, the MAPGA Player Development Award has a truly worthy recipient in Bay Creek’s Director of Golf, Zach Pfingst.

Zach’s passion for the game shines through in his commitment to mentoring, inspiring others, and bringing more people into golf. He leads by example, creating programs that build connections between players and the sport they love.

Zach joined Bay Creek Resort & Club in 2001 as Assistant Golf Pro and was promoted to Head Golf Professional in 2008. He was promoted to his current role, Director of Golf, in 2020.

He is passionate about sharing ideas that bring more people to the game of golf. He also enjoys collaborating and helping other PGA Professionals with player development. Zach’s efforts have helped transform the landscape of

golf at Bay Creek. He is dedicated to helping golfers of every level and background feel they have a place in the sport of golf.

Zach will be the first to say that these achievements are the result of his incredible team. And he isn’t wrong—but Zach’s professional manner, passion, and experience make him inspire others to excel, too. His colleagues are quick to say that Zach has an energy and dedication to the game that is unmatched.

If we included all of Zach’s contributions and achievements, this article would be longer than the Palmer Course here at Bay Creek!

So here are just a few of the many new programs and worthy causes Zach has undertaken in service to Bay Creek and the greater community, as he explains in his own words:

“Player development can mean a lot of things to different people,” Zach says. “Here at Bay Creek,

we have a unique style of golf programming. We do a lot of in-house events—a lot of fun, social events. For many of our members, Bay Creek is a second home, so we try to make the golf tournaments and many of our offerings more social…and just more fun than a lot of clubs would be.”

Soundings

Bay Creek’s golf program brings people into the game of golf who may otherwise have been unable to do so. And with Zach at the helm, outreach and serving the community has become a successful—and incredibly rewarding—endeavor.

PGA HOPE is a program very near and dear to Zach and the team.

Zach explains: “PGA HOPE stands for ‘Helping Our Patriots Everywhere.’ It’s a patriot program through PGA REACH, which is subsidized by the PGA of America. Because Bay Creek is in an area that doesn’t have a lot of veterans in the immediate vicinity, we didn’t quite fit into the mold. Many of my friends/PGA colleagues in the Tidewater region have very large HOPE programs, being in such close proximity to military bases, which bring veterans or military members to play golf, or learn it if they’re new to the sport. The program typically lasts for six to nine weeks, and in the end, they are PGA HOPE graduates.

“We began participating in PGA HOPE by having a ‘HOPE Play Day’ at Bay Creek, which was designed to provide a complete experience for participants: breakfast, range access, tee gifts (often with vendor support such as

Callaway), 18 holes of golf, prizes, and dinner. It was a great success.

“It’s a fantastic program, but we believe we could do something that might be an even more enriching experience within the boundaries of the program.”

Zach worked with Bay Creek Club General Manager, Bob Ewing and Bay Creek ownership to come up with an idea that was truly transformative:

“Instead of just having a single ‘day’ where PGA HOPE grads could play once, we turned it into a full-fledged program where they can come and enjoy access more often. Now, every Tuesday, PGA HOPE participants can get out there and play; they can bring a guest and fully enjoy the Club. We still do the special outing once a year, too.

“One of the most important things for us was that there would be no limits on how often they could participate in the program. This decision turned Tuesday afternoons — historically our quietest time and day — into a celebration of community, service, and the game of golf. Members and staff alike embrace the graduates, and our professional team leans into the program by wearing PGA HOPE hats every Tuesday as a visible show of support. And our veterans and military couldn’t deserve it more.

Learn more about this worthy program at PGAReach.org/pgahope

Here are some other standout programs and initiatives Zach and his team have undertaken.

This coveted Player Development Award joins Zach’s recent accolades, including back-toback Middle Atlantic PGA Resort Merchandiser of the Year honors in 2023 and 2024, plus the Troon Merchandising Excellence Award —testaments to his all-around passion for the game and those who love it, dedication to the Bay Creek team, and commitment to excellence.

On behalf of the entire Bay Creek family, congratulations, Zach!

Thank you for your tireless expertise, selfless leadership, and the joy you bring to growing the game of golf. Your efforts make Bay Creek more than a resort—they make it a place where golf touches lives in meaningful ways. We encourage everyone to join us in celebrating this welldeserved honor. Let’s keep the spirit alive by continuing to welcome Members, guests, and newcomers to our golf program and community.

Besides the incredibly successful and rewarding PGA HOPE Program, Bay Creek Golf participates in many efforts that enhance the joy and well-being of others in the community— both within Bay Creek and in our region.

Bay Creek’s Junior Camp Program offers immersive week-long sessions for ages 7–11, blending golf fundamentals with fitness, nature exploration, pool activities, and creative crafts. With small groups and personalized attention, sessions always sell out! This is where lifelong memories are made. Parents rave about the holistic experience, and families return often as the campers discover that Bay Creek is their true “happy place.”

Each October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Club unites for a cause close to Zach’s heart (inspired by his mother’s battle with breast cancer). In 2026, the Club will donate $1 per cart fee, and Zach will contribute 100% of his lesson proceeds through October. The Club staff wears pink ribbons, and a Memory Wall offers tributes and notes of encouragement. Hundreds of people engage annually, contributing to the cause and strengthening community bonds. Through past tournaments and programming over the last decade, thousands of dollars have been donated to the local cancer center.

2025 marked a milestone in local outreach: the revival of the Northampton High School golf team after nearly a decade! Bay Creek proudly serves as their no-charge home course for practices and matches, hosting over 300 student rounds in the first season. Twelve young athletes—many new to the game—now represent their school with pride. In true Zach (and Bay Creek) style, the students enjoy access and a feeling of true inclusion. The result is renewed opportunity and a deep sense of purpose for everyone involved.

We invite you to visit Bay Creek to enjoy all the season has to offer, on and off the golf course.

A curated group of fine new homes offered by Bay Creek Homes, The Cape Collection, is making a splash this spring.

Imagining your Bay Creek dream home has never been more exciting. The Cape Collection is an elegant group of new residences that will sit upon homesites in some of Bay Creek’s most beloved areas, Bayside Village and Muirfield

These semi-custom homes are the perfect balance of elegance, ease, and Eastern Shore living. These homes blend the sophistication of Bay Creek’s bythe-Bay aesthetic, fine craftsmanship, and curated luxury. Each residence is ideally placed upon its homesite to take full advantage of Bay Creek’s inspiring landscape—and what a landscape it is. Bay Creek is set among the gorgeous Chesapeake Bay, private beaches, a lushly forested Nature Preserve, and world-class golf fairways by Palmer and Nicklaus.

Eastern Shore Style, Bay Creek Charm

The Cape Collection showcases a variety of architectural triumphs, blending beauty and modern functionality within innovative floorplans.

Each home reflects an uncompromising commitment to quality, showcasing high-level curated designer finishes, unexpected high-end details, and floorplan layouts. The entire collection of homes offers open-concept living, with expansive porches and seamless indoor-outdoor spaces that fit the Bay Creek lifestyle to a tee.

Just Beyond Your Gorgeous Front Door

The Cape Collection of homes is authentically Bay Creek. And living in one of these lovely homes grants residents access to our inimitable Bay lifestyle. Just outside your door, enjoy an unparalleled array of resort amenities.

• The 10,000 square-foot Life Center with its swimming pools, fitness classes, and spa services

• The 350-acre Nature Preserve offering miles of scenic hiking trails, kayaking routes, and four seasons of spectacular nature to explore.

• Just a golf cart ride away, beloved downtown Cape Charles awaits you, with boutique shopping, local craft breweries, and memorable waterfront dining experiences.

This rare blend of know-your-neighbors small town coastal charm and luxury Bay Creek living is an opportunity that few have the chance to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking your ‘permanent sanctuary’ or a carefree second home retreat, The Cape Collection by Bay Creek Homes can fulfill your vision for home.

Learn More About The Cape Collection

COMING SOON

New Cottages, Irresistible Design

We are excited to reveal an exceptional new enclave at Bay Creek... Introducing Scotts Landing. The homes of Scotts Landing will be a beautifully curated collection of traditional coastal architecture. Expect unique charm, historically inspired elements, craftsmanship, and lovely living spaces designed to offer the best of indoor and out-of-doors living here along the Chesapeake Bay. Your home at Scotts Landing will reflect the best of Eastern Shore living. Stay tuned for more on this much-anticipated collection.

HOME AT BAY CREEK

A World of Possibility Awaits

The Cape Collection joins an already impressive offering of fine homes by Bay Creek’s exceptional Builder Guild members.

Discover the latest offerings from the Bay Creek Builder Guild Members. Whatever you seek in a dream home—from cozy coastal cottage to multi-generational custom retreat and every amazing option in between—the highly acclaimed, proven professionals who are Bay Creek Builder Guild members will deliver your dream come true. Learn More >

NATURE CORNER Ranger Stan WITH

BAY CREEK’S PRESERVE RANGER

As spring awakens across the Eastern Shore, the entire region becomes one beautiful discovery after another. From the tranquil waters of the Chesapeake Bay to native blooming wildflowers popping up everywhere, to an aerial parade of birds who are returning to the Bay from all parts south, Bay Creek is at the center of it all!

Ranger Stan has a wealth of ‘nature knowledge’ to share with us this spring. From outdoor activities to a wildflower primer and the lowdown on high-flying migrating birds. This edition of Nature Corner showcases how easy it is to embrace spring on the Bay.

Flights of Fancy

“It’s an incredible time to visit and witness Bay Creek in the spring. The Cape is already welcoming annual visitors: throngs of feathered friends that return every year—migrating birds!

“The spring migration differs from fall migration because there are birds that overwinter here, like our waterfowl—black ducks, ruddy ducks, and mallards. Those species all migrate back up north. And the birds that flew south last fall are returning— Osprey, Brown Pelican, Indigo Bunting, American Oystercatcher, just to name a few. The spring return is a little different than the spectacle of fall. In spring, they’re coming more sporadically. It’s not all at once, so you’ll see different species of birds show up a little bit at a time.

“Why the difference? When birds head south for winter, the cold temperatures are urging them on. Spring, on the other hand, is warmer, and the various species have different plans for their destination. We always celebrate when the pelicans and the osprey come back. They show up around the same time, and their arrival is a good sign that warmer weather is here to stay. They could come back at any time now.

“Pelicans can go as far south as Peru and as far north as British Columbia. So, it’s nice that we get plenty of them nesting here. A decade or so ago, the Bay was less habitable for them than it is now. And thanks to the Chesapeake Bay Act and the EPA, the water quality has been dramatically improved. There’s also the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. And, of course, there’s ‘Clean the Bay Day,’ which has been an annual labor of love going on 30 years now. This is an event where thousands of people take part in cleaning up their local waterways. At Bay Creek, we have a lot of participation, too. It’s a good day and a worthy cause.

Soundings

“Our Stewardship Club is already working hard this year to put out new bluebird boxes on the property and maintain the existing boxes. The club members not only maintain the boxes, but they also count how many birds utilize them. They go out on walks weekly to “check the boxes. Then they compile all the data so we can look at which boxes host more bird activity and help adjust from there. The eastern bluebird is who we’re setting up the boxes for, and they’ll brood sometimes as many as three or four times a year. The boxes can also attract tree swallows, a native bird. This is just one of the worthy efforts the Stewardship Club is involved in here at Bay Creek.

Keeping Nature Native

“Our community, with the help of volunteers, also works to keep out invasive species here on the property. Believe it or not, in our area, Bradford pear is invasive. They’re pretty, but can become monocultures very quickly and can take over a new forest or fallow field. As we have done with bamboo, we have worked to eliminate them from the Nature Preserve—and all over the property— so our native flora can thrive.

In Bloom

Around the community, you may soon see sundrops along trail edges and roadsides— anywhere that gets sun. They’re an early bloomer, part of the Aster family. Our holly trees also have very pretty flowers…and they smell fabulous. Holly trees can be seen all over Bay Creek. And for bloom-spotting, our native flower garden at Base Camp will soon be putting on quite a show, too. It occupies almost two and a half acres now!

We’re really just naturalizing. We spread seed, but a lot of other things that bloom just come from the native seed bank—things like yarrow. The milkweed we planted five years ago is spreading out, too. Native warm-season grasses like our Bushy Broomsedge grasses are often overlooked because they don’t have showy flowers. But they provide for wildlife better than flowering plants— acting as hiding places and hunting grounds.

Speaking of hiding places, our many reptiles and amphibians are out and about as the weather warms. They’re coming out of hibernation, so they may be moving slowly. Take care to look out for them, leave them alone, and let them wake up. Turtles are popping out of the ground in the mud, and they’re slowly moving back to the ponds, now, too. You may see them crossing trails, so just keep an eye out for them! Frogs and toads seem to love the middle of the trail or road, too, whether you’re walking and biking the trails or cruising along in a golf cart, do keep watch and swerve around these beneficial and beautiful creatures.

Nature & New Perspectives on the Water

“Kayaking has started again with this great spring weather. Many people don’t realize that our waterways are such an amazing amenity. When you’re out on the water, looking back at the shore and shoreline of Bay Creek, it’s really a surprising perspective. We’ve had people say that looking at the community from the water makes you feel even more appreciative of the beauty here. For golfers, they’re used to looking out at the water from the golf course. They go out in a kayak and find themselves looking at the golf course from the water!

“We want it to be easy here at Bay Creek for folks who have their own kayaks to get out on the

water. We have recently expanded the kayak rack at Base Camp so we can house even more kayaks. Club members can pay a small fee to store their kayaks in a little slip just steps from the kayak launch. It’s a great convenience.

Enchanting Planting for Spring

Ranger Stan enjoys offering field trips, and this spring, he and guests are planning a trip to the Botanical Garden and a unique native plant nursery across the Bay, where they’ll enjoy a tour and be able to shop for native species.

“The big benefit of native plants is that no matter what you choose—trees, flowers, anything you think is pretty—is going to thrive in your area,” he says.

What Plants Does Stan Dig?

“I like the Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana). It’s a great understory or full sun evergreen. It’s a great tree. It will grow in small spaces, great for yard privacy. I also really like the coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens). It’s an evergreen vine with flowers that seem to last all summer long.

Soundings

Another is Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens), which is very specific to our area. It’s a big, tall native with bright flowers. You can see these growing on the beaches and the banks of the Bluffs. It’s just one of the many beautiful native plants that make this area such a beautiful place to live and explore.

Experience It!

Spring on the Eastern Shore isn’t just a season— it’s an invitation to slow down, breathe in the beauty, and reconnect with nature.

“We’re already enjoying a beautiful spring season, and we welcome you to visit as Bay Creek bursts into full bloom. There’s so much beauty and nature to discover here, and we’d love to show you around…on the water, the woods, the trails, and everywhere in between.”

See you out there!

Upcoming Events

ENJOY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AMIDST THE SPLENDOR OF SPRING!

Bicycle Beer Flights are Back!

Join us for one of the jolliest events on two wheels… our monthly bicycle beer flights! This ever-popular event started when Stan decided to create an event for folks who were into beer (wine lovers enjoy all kinds of events!) Thus, the legendary Bicycle Beer Flight was born. Explore the Nature Preserve by bike, learn a little about plants and animals, and be delighted when you discover Stan’s hidden coolers full of festive drinks. Nature really is good for what ale’s you!

Plein Air Painting

“We’re excited to start back up with plein air painting in March. We take a hiatus for winter but by the time March rolls around, there’s a lot of great weather—perfect for capturing one of our many natural vistas. We’ve been doing this for several years and have a loyal following of painters, and we enjoy welcoming new folks, too. You don’t have to know how to paint, and we provide all the materials. Just join us and have fun.”

Nature Talk Campfire at BaseCamp

We did them all winter, and we’ll continue to enjoy this ever-popular event this spring, too! Gather round the crackling fire with friends to learn about all kinds of things—the land itself, what’s happening in nature, and great discussions about the natural, cultural, and historical wonders of Bay Creek and beyond.

Set Out on an Owl Prowl!

Ranger Stan’s perennially popular monthly ‘Owl Prowl’ guides guests through the woodlands of Bay Creek in search of telltale signs of owls— anything from a feather, a nest, a haunting hoot in the distance, or…whoooo knows, you may spot a majestic owl himself!

Hand-building Pottery Workshop

Learn the basics of hand-building to create a sculpture, vessel, or anything you can dream up! Stan offers demos and instruction–from building to painting and more. Participants can even use native clay harvested by Stan for embellishments. Learn new techniques and enjoy trying something new! Enjoy receiving your finished piece after Ranger Stan fires it!

CHEF’S CORNER

Linda Wessels

BAY CREEK EXECUTIVE CHEF

Spring is officially here at Bay Creek, and with it comes new delights at every turn. At the Coach House Tavern, Chef Linda Wessels is following suit, creating amazing cuisine that blooms with fresh flavors. “Our menus this season are a combination of light, fresh flavor, and perennial crowd pleasers,” says Chef Linda.

This is a great time for fresh fruits like strawberries, lime, lemon, mint, and crisp greens. An extraordinary flavor artist, Chef Linda enjoys playing with flavors in unexpected ways.

Linda offers specials on Wednesdays and usually showcases a local selection—local flounder, or rock fish…for example. It’s always great to enjoy the bounty of local waters, especially with Chef Linda’s spectacular methods of preparation and seasonings.

And before you know it, Chef Linda will be unveiling an incredible new summer menu.

Local flavors like seafood, along with savory burgers, and tavern classics (like Linda’s unforgettable pork Belly Nachos!) are a staple in every season. Linda is known for her scratchmade dishes, using fresh ingredients and seasonings, and the Coach House offers many ways to enjoy her expertise.

She’s also recognized as a master of fresh, complementary flavors. There’s no better way to experience her unique combinations than enjoying one of her many sophisticated salads: crunchy Beet Salad with toasted almonds, mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, beets, and fried goat cheese. Or Linda’s take on the classic American favorite, Cobb salad … topped with grilled chicken, crispy bacon, ripe tomato, a hard-boiled egg, blue cheese, and creamy avocado.

Linda’s deep roots in preparing scratch-made, country cooking, Italian cuisine, and an innate genius in preparing meats have established the Coach House as a place that’s not just a fun and convenient place to dine at Bay Creek, but a true destination for very good food.

The Coach House Tavern isn’t the only way to experience the talents of Chef Linda and her team. Food and hospitality at Bay Creek events is another of her specialties.

“We recently catered a Fireman’s Fundraiser, which was a great success, St. Paddy’s day dinner, plus, golf scrambles and tournaments are about to start up. So, it’s going to be an exciting and busy season.”

From catering large scale Member events and tournaments to family celebrations or a special wine dinner, the ever-professional Coach House team strikes the perfect balance of delightful and delicious.

Don’t let this gorgeous season at Bay Creek pass you by without visiting the Coach House Tavern to savor Chef Linda’s fantastic fare.

Taste the Sweetness of Spring

Chef Linda is a trifecta of truly delicious dining— not only is she fluent in diverse culinary styles, but she is also the mastermind behind the irresistible signature dessert menu that guests can’t get enough of. Some of her favorite flavors for this time of year? Blueberries, and soon, peaches, watermelons, and of course, grilling out.

And as the weather continues to warm up, don’t forget to try Bay Creek’s own signature Ice Cream flavor! Now available at the Coach House Tavern, the ‘Arnold Palmer’ ice cream, as it’s called, might just be as exhilarating as sinking a hole in one! Stop by and refresh yourself with this unique flavor blending lemon tea with notes of Earl Grey. Custom created by the beloved local ‘Brown Dog Ice Cream’ in Cape Charles, a scoop of ‘Arnold Palmer’ is sure to become ‘The King’ of cones this season!

Why not plan a visit to the Coach House Tavern this spring? You’ll enjoy a warm welcome, great views, and Chef Linda’s amazing creations!

The Coach House Tavern Reservations are recommended.

Seafield Farm

THE GOOD LIFE IS GROWING ON VIRGINIA’S EASTERN SHORE

Virginia’s Eastern Shore is a place defined by its geography— bounded by the Chesapeake Bay on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. It is also defined by a certain maverick spirit and a deep connection to the sea and the soil. Casey and Jenna Hunt embody this closeness to the land as owners of Seafield Farm. Their livelihood is intertwined with the rhythms and resources of the Shore.

Seafield Farm didn’t begin as a business plan. For Casey and Jenna Hunt, it started with an unexpected move back home—and their natural affinity for figuring things out as they went. How did this creative couple go from city life in Chicago to growing crops, raising hens and living off the land? You might say they simply grew into it!

Originally from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, the couple had spent nearly a decade working in Chicago before deciding to return home to their roots. What prompted the move wasn’t a longterm strategy so much as a moment of change.

“Honestly, it was a one-week decision that completely changed our lives,” Jenna says. “At that point, we had been in Chicago for ten years. I was teaching art at the college level, and Casey was in a corporate job. We always had a dream of raising our family back home at some point. So, we had been looking for old farms and houses that needed a little work... We found this house, and we knew it was the one.”

When Casey’s company was downsized, the couple found themselves living in Chicago, still dreaming of life ‘someday’ in their Eastern Shore farmhouse. They were at a crossroads, trying to decide their next move. As they prepared to travel back to Virginia to visit family for the holidays, they realized the answer was right in front of them.

“We probably could have waited longer to move back to Virginia,” she says, “but it felt like something was pushing us to go ahead and make the change.”

Farming, however, wasn’t exactly part of the original plan.

“There was no plan to farm in the beginning,” Jenna explains. “We just wanted a home and a garden—something more like a homestead.”

What they found instead was an opportunity. Despite being surrounded by farmland, fresh local produce wasn’t always easy to come by. So, Casey started a garden.

“We didn’t know anything,” Jenna laughs. “We were on YouTube trying to figure out how to deal with weeds.”

Within a year, the garden was producing more than they could use. They shared with neighbors and family, until a suggestion from Jenna’s mother led them to consider selling at a local farmers’ market.

“We gave ourselves one year to try it,” she says. “And it was really hard—we didn’t even understand things like succession planting yet.”

Getting Down & Dirty

That first season was a crash course in both farming and ag business. They were still learning about farming methods, the needs of different crops, and much of the process involved trial and error.

“That first year was definitely a challenge,” Jenna says.

Soundings

They learned by doing—hand-watering rows, wrestling weeds without a drop of chemicals, and studying succession planting through trial and error.

Then, they discovered an amazing farm in New York that was teaching a course on how to run and manage a working farm. The training gave them fresh clarity, and year by year the land answered. From there, Seafield Farm began to take shape. Today, it thrives, producing vegetables, herbs, flowers, eggs using chemical-free practices and minimal tillage. Most of the work is still done by hand—no sprays, no shortcuts; just the patient work of tending what the soil and seasons offer.

“A lot of people ask how we do it without chemicals. The answer is, we work all the time,” Jenna laughs.

Even now, with a successful farm and years of experience, farming still feels fresh and new to the Hunts.

“We still laugh when people call us farmers,” she says. “There’s definitely a little imposter syndrome—but then you start talking to people and realize, people love what we do. It feels good to share this with the community.

“If we had known how hard it was going in, I don’t know if we would have done it. We kind of fell into it—and then at a certain point, you’re all in,” Jenna laughs. “We really do love it.”

The farm is a true family environment. Their sons, Roland (9), Watkins (7, who Jenna says has the ‘farmer gene’), and their 18-month-old daughter, Rosemary, love spending time outdoors, learning by being present, and helping in their own special ways.

Harvest of the Sea

Known for their amazing fresh produce, Seafield Farm is also continuing to expand into other organic endeavors. An exciting recent addition is their sea salt operation, developed after taking the helm of the beloved Barrier Islands Salt company. Using seawater collected nearby their own farm, the process relies on filtration and evaporation to produce small-batch, mineral-rich salt. They are the only salt makers in the state of Virginia!

“When we made our first batch of sea salt, and we saw those first crystals form, it felt almost magical,” recalls Jenna.

Like their farming methods, the approach is simple and sustainable. It also requires a great deal of patience and time.

“A gallon of ocean water makes one four-ounce jar of salt,” Jenna explains. “It’s completely natural—no additives, no waste. That’s really important to us.”

See and Taste the Bounty of Seafield Farm

Today, Seafield Farm operates a seasonal CSA, offering weekly boxes, and provides local pickup and delivery options. They attend local farmers’ markets and sell their organic produce to local restaurants.

What began as a ‘can we do this?’ moment has become an incredibly rewarding livelihood for the family, and a beautiful benefit for the friends and neighbors who enjoy their harvests—be it vegetables, sea salt, or the gorgeous farm-inspired art prints that Jenna creates and sells at market.

“If you had asked us five years ago, we would have laughed at the idea that we could support our family this way,” Jenna says.

Now, it’s simply the life they’ve built here on the Eastern Shore—one that will continue to grow and thrive, season by season.

Discover Seafield

Farm—

From Our Field to Your Door:

• WEEKLY DELIVERY AVAILABLE FOR TOWN OF CAPE CHARLES & BAY CREEK

• Farmers Markets

• Spring 2026 CSA

@seafieldfarmva SeafieldFarmVA.com