Bay Creek Summer 2026 Soundings Newsletter

In This Issue:

Letter from the General Manager From The Club

The Cape Collection Villas at Magnolia Park Available Homes

Bay Creek Builder Guild

Nature Corner

Chef’s Corner

Chamberfest 2026 A Higher Perspective

from beautiful Bay Creek!

Greetings from beautiful Bay Creek! Summer has been ‘officially’ here for several weeks, but our residents and guests have been enjoying warm weather, cool Bay breezes and ‘summer’ sort of things for quite some time now. That’s one of the many pleasures of our Eastern Shore location…beautiful waterfront living—and great weather to enjoy it!

Since it began, Bay Creek has been widely acclaimed—as a waterfront community and resort, and as one of the most welcoming locales on the Eastern Shore. I am once again pleased to share that Bay Creek has been honored with the Virginia Living 2026 Best of Virginia awards: Best Golf Course and Best Resort. The celebration extends throughout our hometown of Cape Charles, where local businesses were honored with an impressive 23 awards! I am grateful to our dedicated Bay Creek team, owners, Members, and everyone who helps make this community the haven it is.

Continued on next page...

Anyone who has visited Bay Creek knows it is much more than just amenities and beautiful neighborhoods. It’s a place that changes you.

Moments like these remind us of what we’ve always known: there really is nowhere quite like Bay Creek. Take a little stroll around the community, and you’ll see it for yourself: families on golf carts headed for the beach, couples at the Life Center for a workout or spa treatment, people playing pickleball, biking through the Nature Preserve, or just relaxing on the porch.

Right now, exceptional new neighborhoods are underway, and choice offers are available. Whether you are seeking a generational family retreat, a low-maintenance villa or condo, or want to build a home with floor plans and options that make the building process effortless, the Bay Creek team can help you find your ideal match.

I am especially excited to announce the development of Scott’s Landing, located on the historic Scott property here in Bay Creek. This lovely area will offer single-family homes in its first phase. I invite you to visit this summer and let us show you the many exciting ways to make Bay Creek home.

We are fully engaged in making this summer the best yet. Our dedicated services team keeps beachgoers comfy with the luxury of beach chair service, along with offering food delivery or pickup that refreshes by the pool, the beach, or even on your own front porch…for those days when you simply want to relax and enjoy an effortless meal with family and friends.

The spectacular Life Center additions are under construction and will offer state-of-the-art experiences like a cold plunge pool, gorgeous new spaces for spa treatments, saunas, and, now in progress, a highly anticipated indoor pool for year-round swimming enjoyment.

Golfers—from beginner to expert have much to enjoy, too. Bay Creek’s incredibly popular Trackman technology will be joined by new Toptracer bays—ten to be exact— which will be an incredibly meaningful addition to our already robust golf programming.

Anyone who has visited Bay Creek knows it is much more than just amenities and beautiful neighborhoods. It’s a place that changes you. As Bay Creek grows more exceptional with each passing year, we continue our dedication to preserving its distinct character and everything that it encompasses—for our valued owners, Members, and guests.

I invite you to visit this exceptional community to discover its celebrated lifestyle and to learn more about creating your perfect retreat at Bay Creek.

Bobby Masters General Manager, Bay Creek

FROM THE CLUB

Setting a Course for the‘Spectacular!’

Summer at Bay Creek has a wonderful way of creating lasting memories—early morning tee times, lazy afternoons by the pool, and evenings shared with friends watching those spectacular Eastern Shore sunsets. The magic of summer is in full swing with all its festivity and possibility, and I’m reminded of this little verse:

On summer’s tide, we took a ride, vast Shore of stars a-beaming, O’er moon and Bay, then dawns the day… Oh! July is for dreaming!

Could there be anywhere better to experience the sheer magic of summer than right here at Bay Creek? With its sandy beaches, sparkling Bay, dazzling sunsets, and dark sky renowned for its many thousands of stars visible to the naked eye, it is, indeed, a rare place.

This summer, Bay Creek has another amazing season of enjoyment…perhaps its best! Our entire Bay Creek Resort & Club team has been preparing for months to roll out another outstanding summer season.

“It’s no wonder that summer is considered the quintessential season for Eastern Shore living. As someone who loves every season here at Bay Creek, even I can’t help but be in awe of what summer is like here!

That’s why our team takes this season very seriously for Members and guests. We work hard to ensure that the Club fulfills every need and desire. We also want it to feel like home.”

Perfecting ‘Connecting’

“One of our key goals is to create an environment that brings people together. The Bay Creek Club maintains a full schedule of

activities that offers an enormous variety of diverse and rewarding experiences.

“Our calendar is really a kaleidoscope of options. From golf clinics, tournaments, and Member mixers to campfire get-togethers at BaseCamp, ‘Paint & Sip’ evenings, or outdoor concerts under the stars…there are always opportunities to get together with friends and neighbors at Bay Creek.

“Every event is planned with Members in mind, and staying connected with Members and guests allows us to tailor experiences so there’s truly something for everyone.”

Great Things Taking Shape

“We are incredibly excited about the new construction on the Life Center’s Indoor Pool and Wellness Center expansion.

“The team has struck a great balance of moving this worthy project along while keeping disruptions to a minimum. It’s important to us that everyone can enjoy the Life Center and all its great amenities with ease. When it’s completed, these new amenities will be another significant step forward for health, wellness, and true year-round recreation at Bay Creek.

On Course for Enjoyment

“I am incredibly excited about the new Toptracer Range that’s now under construction. We’re really pleased with how fast it’s taking shape. The new hitting bays will give Members and families an entirely new way to enjoy the game. This is a meaningful addition to our golf program—and it’s something everyone can enjoy! We are counting the days until we officially open this amazing amenity this fall.”

“Speaking of golf and the world-class courses here, I’d like to offer a special thank you to our expert agronomy team, whose dedication keeps Bay Creek’s legendary courses in outstanding condition throughout the summer and beyond. It’s a joy to see our work and maintenance pay off in the form of great course conditions, beautiful surroundings, and great play.

The Little Things...

I’ve always been of the mind that the ‘little things’ are the biggest thing. When you enjoy the Bay Creek Club, you’ll enjoy many new improvements, big and small, designed to make your visits a true pleasure. From adding more pool seating to accommodate Members and guests on weekends to placing lovely new outdoor furnishings that invite you to linger longer, improvements big and small are always in the works.

The Coach House Tavern has enjoyed enhancements, too, with a new reception and To-Go area, which adds a new level of convenience to picking up quick summer meals and snacks.

Take advantage of streamlined food and beverage service—and effortless beach chair setup service, too—via the robust and convenient Bay Creek App

The Good Life at the Amazing Bay Creek

Life Center

We are continuing progress on significant new amenities at the Life Center, too. They must be seen to be truly appreciated. Guests will enjoy luxury features including restorative Treatment Rooms, an inviting Sauna, Hot Tub, and a muchanticipated Cold Plunge Pool. The pinnacle of this transformation is our highly anticipated Indoor Pool, the centerpiece of it all.

The Club team aspires to “seamless” when it comes to maintaining excellence for our Members and guests—as we conceive of and deliver the new and the extraordinary.

Special thanks to Bay Creek’s outstanding team members whose professionalism and passion for service have helped make us the world-class Club destination we are.

As we head into a summer season like none before, we encourage you to embrace the spectacular Eastern Shore paradise that is Bay Creek.

~ Bob Bob Ewing General Manager Bay Creek Resort & Club

I would like to take a moment to personally thank our own Ranger Stan Osmolenski, who has served as Bay Creek Preserve Ranger and Discovery Guide for over 5 years. His dedication to everything Nature has been nothing short of extraordinary. We will miss his energy, expertise, and enthusiasm.

I would like to personally wish him the very best on the path ahead.

~ Bob

GOLF UPDATE

Zach Pfingst, PGA FROM

BAY CREEK’S DIRECTOR OF GOLF

It’s summer and golf at Bay Creek is in full swing! Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, our twenty-seven holes of golf across the Nicklaus and Palmer courses are an exceptional way to get a true taste of very good golf. Zach Pfingst, Director of Golf at Bay Creek, gives us a look at what’s happening now and what’s on course for the spectacular season ahead.

Guests visit from far and wide to play our acclaimed courses and soak in the Eastern Shore lifestyle. The pleasures of our 27 holes extend beyond just the game itself. The scenic layouts, nature preserves and top course conditions that our guests rave about are standard ‘everyday play’ for us. Our Club team does a phenomenal job on and off the course, creating an environment of positivity and living out the philosophy of service, professionalism, excellence, and gratitude.

Our golf experience is incredible here at Bay Creek. And our courses have a pretty great secret: You can still get a tee time without difficulty, unlike many other clubs. Much of it is down to management, meticulous planning and the Club’s high standards for guest experience. You’ve got the best of both worlds here: the great programming, professionals, and course conditions, and you have the availability of the course.

Top Tech Delivers at Bay Creek!

We’re excited to announce that the Club is in the process of installing a 10-bay Toptracer range. Like the addition of the Trackman, this technology will enhance the golf experience significantly for members and guests.

Toptracer uses high-speed cameras positioned around the driving range to track every shot in real time. Cameras create a 3D tracking space, and as your ball launches, the system detects its flight path and shows key data on bay screens or via the Toptracer Range app.

You can enjoy insightful feedback instantly— from how far each ball travels to its trajectory, height, and accuracy. It’s perfect for dialing in your yardages or simply better understanding your game. And it’s also just a whole lot of FUN! Members can compete in challenges like ‘longest drive’ or ‘closest to the pin’.

Like our wildly popular Trackman, you can play virtual versions of famous courses, compete, and much more. This is a great way for friends and family members of all ages to enjoy golf together.

It turns traditional practice into an interactive, measurable activity. Whether you’re sharpening your game for a tournament or introducing your grandchildren to golf for the first time, Toptracer delivers a great experience.

Soundings

Getting Together, Mixing Things

Up, and Friendly Competition

There’s always a full offering of golf-related activities, whether it’s golf clinics, making room for friendly competition like Member Mixers, or perhaps challenging opponents a bit further afield.

Bay Creek players recently competed in a match with Bayville Golf Club in Virginia Beach, and it was a great success. It was a close game, but we ended up winning the second day—and it was a great experience for everyone!

We have plenty of easygoing events, too, which are great fun for our amazing members—like the annual Cheeseburger in Paradise Nine-hole Scramble a few weeks ago. It was a lighthearted day of good golf, fellowship, and friendly competition.

MORE FOR MEMBERS:

We are pleased to announce that the TrackMan Simulator is now complimentary for Golf Members, offering an outstanding opportunity to practice, train, or play year-round.

Hosting Excellence

In June, Bay Creek Golf Club was proud to host the 2026 Tidewater Circuit Pro-Am, welcoming PGA Professionals and amateur partners from across the region for a day of outstanding golf at Bay Creek. It was gratifying to hear the many compliments and positive reactions to our Club and staff. This is one of the reasons we love what we do!

We are incredibly pleased to host the 50th Virginia State Golf Association Mid-Amateur Championship this September. Hosting this premier championship is another significant milestone—for both the Club and the community itself. We’re proud to continue our long-standing relationship with the Virginia State Golf Association and amateur golf throughout the region.

Over the years, we’ve become a destination for major VSGA championships and team competitions. Our membership and staff have really embraced these opportunities. They’re a fantastic way to showcase Bay Creek and the Eastern Shore to some of the finest amateur players in the Commonwealth and surrounding states.

I encourage Members, guests, and even folks who are just visiting to stop by the ProShop and say hello! Besides carrying a huge selection of golf essentials, gear, and gifts, the Pro Shop offers many services, too! We are here to make your golf experience the best it can be. We enjoy getting to know guests and are always happy to answer any questions you may have.

Here’s hoping your summer is a hole-in-one!

~ Zach

Zach Pfingst, PGA Director of Golf, Bay Creek

Private instruction is available with Bay Creek’s Zach Pfingst, PGA Certified Professional, and Nick Boyea, PGA Associate.

Contact us to learn more.

Artist’s conceptual illustration. Subject to change.

The Cape Collection CONTINUES TO WOW!

Summer offers up many pleasures here on the Shore. One of the most exciting things this summer is The Cape Collection. Like strolling the beach and picking up only the most interesting and beautiful shells, the Cape Collection is a rare gathering of stand-out architectural gems.

It’s the perfect collaboration: offered by Bay Creek Homes and constructed by Virginia Builders, these homes will showcase some of the loveliest examples of easy, elegant living by the Bay.

Every home in Bay Creek offers its own distinct character, and the curated group of fine homes that make up The Cape Collection certainly follow suit.

Where Variety, Versatility, and Value Converge

Where is your ideal location in Bay Creek? The Cape Collection can meet you there! This elegant group of new residences in the Cape Collection will sit upon homesites in some of Bay Creek’s most beloved areas: Bayside Village and Muirfield. So you can choose the home plan that speaks to you and the homesite you’ll love coming home to.

Each residence is ideally placed upon its homesite in a way that maximizes the beauty of Bay Creek’s inspiring landscape.

Innovation Meets Inspiration

The Cape Collection delivers a diverse range of architectural standouts, masterfully combining elegance, contemporary functionality, and creative, forward-thinking layouts.

Here are just a few of the things The Cape Collection does very well:

• Beautiful Open-Concept Living

• High-level Curated Designer Finishes

• Spaces that Invite Indoor-Outdoor Living

• Unique High-end Details

• Floorplans that Flow Seamlessly

It’s hard to pinpoint the ‘best’ part of the Cape Collection. Perhaps it’s the many options and the designer-curated features, a home design that embraces the way you live. Maybe it’s knowing your family has the ideal retreat to come home to in one of the most beautiful places on the East Coast.

Bay Creek is set among the spectacular Chesapeake Bay, private Bay beaches, a pristine Nature Preserve, acclaimed Palmer and Nicklaus courses, and a host of luxury amenities that make life grand!

Learn More About The Cape Collection

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HOMES

Every home in Bay Creek offers its own distinct character, and the curated group of fine homes that make up The Cape Collection certainly follow suit.

Salt Meadow

Salt Meadow

HOMES IN THE CAPE COLLECTION

Shoal Creek

Stratton

Westerhouse

Fall in Love with the Effortless Eastern Shore Lifestyle of Bay Creek’s Villas at Magnolia Park

Artist’s conceptual illustration. Subject to change.

When we 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.

DURING

THE

PHASE 1

RELEASE, 75% HAVE BEEN SOLD. With their luxury appointments, spacious layouts and low-maintenance living, it’s easy to see why.

Carefree Convenience

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.

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.

Room To Relax

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.

Take A Virtual Tour

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

Soundings

154 Muirfield Drive | 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 2,121 +/- SqFt

This coastal farmhouse is full of special details and fine craftsmanship. Step onto the inviting wrap-around front porch and into the inviting family room. Together with the large kitchen and dining room, this open floor plan is ideal for entertaining as well as everyday family life. The screened back porch opens to the breezeway and carriage-house-style 2 car detached garage. Ideally located near Bay Creek’s private beaches and the Life Center.

216 Captain Orris Browne | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,065 +/- SqFt

The Pearl is a coastal-inspired single family home, offering the perfect blend of modern amenities and Eastern Shore elegance. It’s a perfect secondhome beachside retreat or full-time residence for those looking to right-size and simplify. Enjoy wonderful outdoor living areas, including a huge 30’ wide covered front porch that opens onto a park-like setting. Features include quartz counters, custom cabinetry, tiled showers, tankless water heater, outdoor shower and outdoor storage space.

119 Golden Bear Circle | 4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 3,450 +/- SqFt

Elegant, coastal living is in plentiful supply at The Peninsula, an exciting new home in Muirfield by Ruiz Homes. Elegant rooflines and exciting exterior elements—a large paver patio with fire pit, board and batten accents, and a handsome brick coursing—set the tone of fine craftsmanship and timeless quality throughout. Step onto the porch and enter through the gracious double front doors. The foyer flows seamlessly into a dining area and large family room with fireplace.

217 Captain Orris Browne | 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 1,730 +/- SqFt

INTRODUCING THE

Bay Cottage

The Bay Cottage is a stunning coastal retreat designed by Allison Ramsey Architects and masterfully crafted by Showcase Builder Keith Cash. Currently under construction in Bayside Village, you’re just a short cart ride from the Chesapeake Bay and Bay Creek’s private beach, the Life Center featuring premier pools and fitness facilities, and the Clubhouse. Even better, you’ll arrive just as Bay Creek’s exciting new amenity improvements are under construction! The home itself exudes modern warmth, featuring an airy layout with 10’ ceilings, expansive Andersen windows, and premium custom finishes—including engineered wood flooring, quartz countertops, and a striking metal roof accent. Purchase now to customize your final finishes and make this coastal gem uniquely yours.

HOME AT BAY CREEK

A World of Possibility Awaits

The Cape Collection and Scotts Landing are part of a robust offering of exceptional homes in Bay Creek. We are also pleased to offer an elite group of professionals who can help you create the home of your dreams wherever your Bay Creek journey leads you: The exceptional home builders who belong to our esteemed Showcase Builders.

SHOWCASE BUILDERS

GUILD MEMBERS

Discover the many ways to realize your ideal home at Bay Creek. 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 Showcase Builders will deliver your dream come true. The Bay Creek Guild Builders offer a wide variety of options for your Eastern Shore retreat, as well

The possibilities are endless!

NATURE CORNER Ranger Stan WITH

BAY CREEK’S PRESERVE RANGER

The Eastern Shore of Virginia is one of those special places where beauty is always present no matter the time of year. But there’s something especially alluring about summer here in Cape Charles.

You feel it in the gentle Bay breezes and see it in the wildflower meadows blooming around the Preserve. It’s ever-present—in the simple joy of riding bicycles under a shady canopy of trees in the Nature Preserve or paddling on Plantation Creek with only the sound of the rippling water and birdsong.

Bay Creek’s Preserve Ranger, Stan Osmolenski, is uniquely equipped to help residents and visitors connect with the spectacular natural world around us. Whether you’re a lifelong outdoorsman or experiencing your first real taste of nature, Ranger Stan makes it easy to explore, learn, and truly appreciate everything this bayfront community has to offer.

Outdoor Adventures by Land or by Sea

What’s the best way to get out and enjoy the nature of Bay Creek? Biking, walking, beach combing, paddleboarding…take your pick! Every kind of nature exploration at Bay Creek is uniquely exciting, but for a memorable and educational exploration on the water, Ranger Stan says kayaking is king:

“Guided kayak tours are especially popular here at Bay Creek. There are so many different and pristine waterways to explore! These kayak outings are a great way for the whole family to enjoy Bay Creek’s waters.”

Equal parts exhilarating and entrancing, a Bay Creek kayak excursion offers something for every age and skill level.

“These kayak trips are no fear…only fun! If you’re new to kayaking, we’ll show you easy paddling tips and techniques before heading out. If you’re an avid kayaker, the waterways here offer an enormous amount of interest. Our group paddles typically last about two hours and wind through the scenic marshes and creeks of the Preserve.”

Having a nature ranger as a guide adds to the experience:

“I like to highlight things that folks may otherwise not know about, like the history of the property, interesting plants, tree species, and animals. Birdwatching is a highlight on most every outing… and you never know what kind of wildlife you may spot in the water!

“It’s an easy paddle, which lets folks focus on the water, flora and fauna around them. And for residents and Members who have never kayaked these waters, they often get a kick out of how different the property appears from the water looking back toward the land, rather than the view from the land looking out at the water. It’s definitely a new perspective!

“We want enjoying nature to be easy here. The kayak launch and storage area at Base Camp makes it convenient for folks to grab their gear and hit the water whenever the urge strikes.

There are so many nature-centric activities here that are also family-friendly: beach combing, guided nature walks, bird watching, trail walking, and all kinds of engaging, unique and memorable events.”

Soundings

Greeting Nature’s Neighbors on the Eastern Shore

You never know who or what you might see when traversing the lush landscape and winding waters of the community. Ranger Stan shares a few interesting things to keep an eye out for this summer at Bay Creek.

Wildlife Abounds

“Mid-to-late summer is an excellent time for wildlife viewing around Bay Creek and the broader Eastern Shore. Ospreys are particularly active at this time of year. You might be lucky enough to see one diving straight down at upwards of 80 miles an hour to catch a fish—and yes, it is absolutely amazing! Great blue herons and snowy egrets can often be seen wading in the shallows along ponds and creeks. Gulls, terns, and double-crested cormorants are common but beautiful sights as they fly high above the water and woods of the community.

“The meadows and forests really come alive with songbirds this time of year, and butterflies can be seen in great numbers in the wildflower

meadows. Patient observers around the ponds or kayaking the creeks will likely spot turtles sunning themselves along the water’s edge. The entire community teems with life during these summer months—staying quiet and watching from a distance is the best way to see multiple species going about their business. Nature lovers who respect the boundaries of these native habitats are often richly rewarded with memorable sightings of all manner of creatures you may not ordinarily see!”

Bloomin’ Beautiful: Coast, Marsh and Meadow

On the Eastern Shore of Virginia, July and August always bring a beautiful array of coastal wildflowers, marsh bloomers, and resilient sunloving perennials.

This summer, keep an eye out for these abundant beauties at Bay Creek and beyond on the Eastern Shore:

• Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa): This bright orange member of the milkweed family lights up roadsides and fields, supporting local monarch butterflies.

• Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium):

This is a tough, drought-tolerant perennial identifiable by flat-topped clusters of tiny white flowers. It’s really great for attracting pollinators.

• Yucca plant (Yucca filamentosa): Unlike other native summer flowers with delicate blooms, the Yucca makes a statement and makes a positive impact on the environment! Yucca is of great ecological benefit, offering erosion control while being extremely drought resilient.

• And for a touch of the dramatic, there’s nothing more stunning than the Eastern North American native passion flower (Passiflora incarnata, or Maypop) typically blooms from late May through early fall, peaking in July.

Stewards of Something Special

Bay Creek is a place where people create memories that can last a lifetime. The community’s commitment to maintaining and managing natural resources ensure that ‘a lifetime’ will be as beautiful decades from now as it is today.

“Bay Creek is committed to caring for and responsibly managing its roughly 350-acre Preserve. This land is preserved in perpetuity—so it will always be the pristine natural wonderland it is today. Through habitat restoration and forest management, partnerships with local schools and universities, and groups like the Bay Creek stewardship club, the community works hard to protect this beautiful place and teach the next generation to value nature.”

Bay Creek is the kind of place that stays with you. It is a haven for real hands-on outdoor experiences that can are accessible and enjoyable at any age. We will often have several generations of family participating in a nature walks and other outdoor events.

Soundings

Ranger Stan Puts It This Way:

“Whether you’re out on the water at sunrise, joining a guided adventure, or gathering around the campfire, this community gently invites you to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and reconnect with the natural world.”

“Nature always has something new for us to discover here. Here’s to a memorable summer on the Eastern Shore.”

See you out there!

~Ranger Stan

With Special Thanks

Bay Creek has always been a haven for those who want to enjoy life among incredible natural beauty. And with so many ways to experience this pristine natural haven, a full time Nature Ranger is, indeed, an essential role in this community.

Ranger Stan Osmolenski has dedicated the last few years of his life to bringing the joy of nature to every Member and guest who has set foot in this community. His passion has always shown through in creative, memorable programming for all ages. He has formed genuine connections with the many people who have explored, learned and laughed with him over the years. He has also forged an unbreakable bond between discovering the wonders of nature and connecting with neighbors and friends.

Ranger Stan will soon be charting a new adventure…where he can be closer to family. We’ve no doubt that he will continue to inspire people to enjoy the infinite and ever-present wonders of nature.

Happy trails, Ranger Stan!

We look forward to introducing you to Bay Creek’s new Nature Ranger soon. Now, enjoy an incredible summer full of all the beauty, opportunity and wonder this Eastern Shore paradise offers.

Bay Creek

is one of those places that creates memories that last a lifetime.

Here are just a few of the many ways Bay Creek maximizes the joys of nature and community here in this rare Eastern Shore wonderland:

Bicycle Beer Flights

Raise a glass to good beer, friends and the great outdoors! Bay Creek’s monthly bicycle beer flights are a favorite way to make the most of nature and the good life. Our community offers many wine events, so Ranger Stan created this fun excursion for beer lovers, and Bay Creek’s Bicycle Beer Flight was born! Explore the Nature Preserve by bike and seek out cleverly concealed coolers which hold interesting brews at every ‘station.’ Enjoy a scenic bike ride through the woodlands and waterways—and learn a little about the wonderful woodlands surrounding you. Cheers!

Nature Talk Campfire at BaseCamp

Gather ‘round an entrancing campfire with friend and family to cap off another gorgeous day on the Bay. Beneath the canopy of stars, relax by the fire and learn about all kinds of interesting and unusual things—the history of this amazing land and water we live on, little known nature facts and tips, and great discussions about the natural, cultural and historical wonders of the Eastern Shore. On some nights, our Nature Ranger can be convinced to tell a really great local ghost story or two!

Set Out on an Owl Prowl!

The monthly ‘Owl Prowl’ among the forests and woodlands of Bay Creek is a one-of-a-kind experience. Take this guided explore 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…an owl itself! This memorable event is always a hoot!

Plein Air Painting: A Stroke of Brilliance!

There’s no shortage of beauty to capture on canvas here at Bay Creek. Plein air painting is a natural match for this scenic place we call home. Beginning in March and continuing through fall, we scout areas and paint beautiful natural vistas. We have built a loyal following of painters and welcome new participants, too. No experience is required! We supply instruction and all the materials. Whether you’re a dabbler, a complete beginner or an old pro, join us to paint the beauty of Bay Creek.

And there’s so much more...

KIDS’ PROGRAMMING

This isn’t your ordinary kids’ summer camp. Campers do big, bold things like design and build their own forts from the natural materials in the Nature Preserve! They enjoy natureinspired learning and crafts, along with a hearty helping of s’mores and adventure!).

EXPERT GUEST SPEAKER SERIES

A series featuring a variety of professionals who talk on everything from native plant species to conservation and healthy waterways.

POTTERY MAKING

Make earthenware pottery from clay harvested from Bay Creek’s own shores. Go from harvesting the clay to a completed fired piece of art! Residents and guests at Bay Creek can enjoy this and so many more memory-making experiences!

CHEF’S CORNER

Linda Wessels

BAY CREEK EXECUTIVE CHEF

Summer at Bay Creek brings a special kind of energy. The pools and beaches are alive with activity, friends gather for long lunches and evening get togethers, and the Coach House Tavern becomes a hub of activity for members enjoying all that the season has to offer.

For Bay Creek’s culinary team, it is also a time of transition and creativity. Summer is in full bloom here and Chef Linda is preparing to unveil an exciting new menu designed to reflect both the season and the tastes of the community.

The upcoming menu refresh will introduce new flavors throughout the Coach House, with the most significant changes appearing on the dinner menu.

“Guests can look forward to enjoying a reimagined selection of offerings featuring fresh seafood, hearty entrées, and several dishes inspired by the culinary traditions of the Northeast—which have always been a great inspiration to me,” says Chef Linda.

“Bay Creek owners and guests come from all over the country. And we’re fortunate to have many members and guests from the New York and New Jersey areas. That inspired me to bring in some of those great flavors and tastes here at the Coach House.”

Among the menu additions members will see are fried oysters, clams, pasta dishes, a double-cut pork chop, and a classic lobster roll. The breakfast menu is also enjoying an update with several of Chef Linda’s favorites making an appearance, including a traditional pork, egg and cheese sandwich and bagels and lox.

While introducing new dishes is always exciting, menu development is about more than simply adding items. It is about creating a dining experience that reflects the rhythm of the season, and the tastes of Bay Creek’s members and guests.

The busy and beautiful summer season can present unique challenges and opportunities for the culinary team. With the convenience of poolside dining and food delivery services now in full swing, Chef Linda explains that efficiency is just as important as creativity.

“Some of the more labor-intensive dishes that work beautifully during quieter winter months make way for selections that allow the team to serve guests quickly while maintaining the high quality and flavors our members expect.

“It’s a natural part of the summer season. Depending on the day—and the weather—we sometimes do more food deliveries to the pools than we serve in the restaurant. Our goal is to give our members and guests the best possible experience, whether it’s at the pools, the beach, or right here in the Coach House.”

“Guests can look forward to enjoying a reimagined selection of offerings featuring fresh seafood, hearty entrées, and several dishes inspired by the culinary traditions of the Northeast—which have always been a great inspiration to me.”

To better accommodate seasonal demand, Bay Creek has now expanded convenient and tasty grab-and-go offerings at the Life Center. Members can expect a variety of summery snacks and light fare—like hummus, cured meats, crackers, chilled dill pickles, and other easy options designed for a day at the pool or on Bay Creek’s sandy shores.

Dining at the Coach House has a few new surprises in store, as well. Chef Linda will be the first to admit she has a sweet tooth—ascribing to the idea that ‘no meal is complete without something sweet.’

“Candy, pastries, cake—I love it all!”

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She has recently added a delightful addition to the Coach House’s after-dinner options: authentic Smith Island Cakes from the world-renowned Maryland bakery. Known for their signature layers and amazing flavors, the cakes have quickly become a favorite among guests seeking a rich, delectable treat.

“We’ve been offering these cakes for about a month now, and people are really enjoying them.”

The Coach House’s new menu is expected to debut in the coming weeks, just in time for the height of the summer season. While members and guests will certainly enjoy discovering Chef Linda’s new offerings, the heart of the Coach

House remains unchanged: welcoming friends and neighbors, sharing great food, and creating memorable experiences around the table.

As Bay Creek settles into another gorgeous Eastern Shore summer, Chef Linda and her culinary team invite you to visit and enjoy the creativity, hospitality, and delicious pleasures of the season at Bay Creek.

Here’s the Scoop

Refreshing, frosty and a total hole-in-one for flavor… that’s Bay Creek’s signature Ice Cream flavor, the ‘Arnold Palmer.’ Come into the Coach House and have a scoop of this refreshingly delightful ice cream. If you know Cape Charles, you probably know Brown Dog Ice Cream. The master tastemakers at Brown Dog created this unique flavor profile expressly for Bay Creek. Enjoy its fresh lemon tea flavor with a hint of Earl Gray. Here’s hoping your only care this summer is whether to order one scoop or two!

The Coach House Tavern Reservations are recommended.

Brown Dog Ice Cream is a handcrafted smallbatch ice cream shop on Cape Charles’ iconic Mason Avenue. They use fresh locally sourced ingredients. Stop by and say hi!

Chamberfest 2026

THE BIGGEST MUSIC EVENT ON THE SHORE

For two amazing days in May, the Eastern Shore of Virginia comes alive with great music, good company, and the unmistakable hospitality this area is known for, all courtesy of the ESVA Chamber of Commerce.

When people think about the rhythm of life in Cape Charles perched on Virginia’s gorgeous Eastern Shore, they often think about the tides, the easygoing lifestyle, and the ebb and flow of life in an idyllic waterfront town. Cape Charles is famously hospitable, incredibly beautiful, and doesn’t mind showing its eccentric side from time to time. This is the town whose New Year’s celebration is the ‘Crab Pot Drop,’ after all!

This time of year, residents and visitors alike savor the weather, the fun and the vibe of summertime here in this one-of-a-kind region. But just before summer officially begins, there’s a local annual event that puts on a show to beat the band!

It’s called Chamberfest and it’s one of the biggest, boldest events of the year. For two amazing days in May, the Eastern Shore of Virginia comes alive with great music, good company, and the unmistakable hospitality this area is known for, all courtesy of the ESVA Chamber of Commerce.

Most folks consider Chamberfest ‘the ultimate summer concert.’ And why wouldn’t they? With consistent big-name performers (38 Special, Little River Band, Jefferson Starship, and Sawyer Brown to name a few), people travel from all over the Shore, the East Coast and beyond to enjoy the music and fun of this lively celebration. The entire region comes together to extend a warm welcome to guests, visitors, and friends.

People arrive from across the mid-Atlantic— Hampton Roads, Richmond, Northern Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New

Jersey. And some come from much farther. This year brought visitors from Arizona and even Anchorage, Alaska!

May 15th and 16th marked the fifth anniversary of Chamberfest. This event isn’t just a fantastic festival. It is unique for its many benefits to the people who live, work and do business in Northampton and Accomack counties. Bay Creek enjoys supporting this worthy event annually through sponsorships and volunteering.

It’s all about the Eastern Shore

Robert Sabbatini, Executive Director of the ESVA Chamber of Commerce has a front lines role in this beloved signature event. He and the entire Chamber team put on this festival to bring new and repeat visitors to the area, to boost local businesses and overall, to continue to help this incredible region thrive.

“The Chamber has a small staff, but we do big things for the businesses and folks on the Shore,” Robert explains. “We offer great benefits that go with Chamber membership and, of course, special events that attract new people here. Our primary goal is to help our local community, our towns, and small businesses.

“There is a very diverse business group here on the Shore. We currently have 548 Chamber members across the counties we serve, Northampton and Accomack.”

“It is, in every sense, an event designed to strengthen the local fabric while extending a warm welcome to guests.”

Chamber members host tents and experiences that showcase the diversity of local enterprise, from established businesses to newer ventures that reflect the Shore’s evolving appeal. Sponsorships and tailgate packages serve multiple purposes: spotlighting services, fostering connections, and even rewarding employees with memorable outings.

This year’s festival highlighted the spirit of America as the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the country. It feels significant that Virginia’s Eastern Shore is one of the oldest continuously settled regions in all the United States. What an ideal place to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime commemoration!

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The Magic of the Music

Excited festival goers enjoyed a rousing line up of artists including ‘Roots and Boots’ with country music greats, Aaron Tippin and Sammy Kershaw.

The VA250 commission described it this way: “Aaron Tippin’s patriotic hits like “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly” and the classic country sound of Sammy Kershaw headlined a night of music that reflected the traditions and stories that have shaped the nation.

Throughout the event, there were special moments that honored America’s legacy and the spirit of the VA250 commemoration.”

Visitors attending Chamberfest often enjoy exploring further afield to experience the waterfront, immerse themselves in nearby historic towns, and discover the Revolutionaryera history that makes the Eastern Shore and Virginia an important part of the history of these United States.

The ESVA Chamber is an incredible, active organization whose members reflect the many engaged, talented and dedicated people who call the Eastern Shore home.

Bay Creek was honored to once again help support Chamberfest—it’s an honor to support this worthy event annually through sponsorships and volunteering. Special thanks to all our residents and guests who came, supported Shore businesses and had a blast celebrating the good life here on the Virginia’s amazing Eastern Shore.

Why not go ahead and mark your calendar for next year’s Chamberfest?

Show up for the music... and stay for the sunsets, the sea breezes, and the spectacular lifestyle that can only be found here on Virginia’s incredible Eastern Shore.

Learn more about the ESVA Chamber and Chamberfest: esvachamber.org

A Higher Perspective

GORDON CAMPBELL’S AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY REVEALS THE EASTERN SHORE OF VIRGINIA AS FEW WILL EVER SEE IT.

The first thing photographer Gordon Campbell notices isn’t the light. It’s the way the islands have moved...

A sliver of beach that wasn’t there last spring. A tidal creek that has carved a new path through the marsh. A sandbar that has vanished entirely after a winter storm. More than twenty years of flying above Virginia’s Eastern Shore has taught aviator and artist Gordon Campbell that this coastline never stays still. It breathes, shifts and rearranges itself with the tides, storms and seasons.

Most people never see those changes. Gordon has spent more than two decades documenting them.

From several hundred feet above the Atlantic Ocean, where Virginia’s barrier islands stretch between ocean and marsh, Gordon has quietly assembled one of the most remarkable visual records of this wild coastline. His photographs are both fine art and an invaluable historical record. They don’t just capture the beauty and uniqueness of the landscape; they show the passage of time itself.

Gordon originally took up flying as a way to relax and decompress from a job in New York. In 2003, he moved to Virginia’s beautiful Eastern Shore and acquired an old airfield in Weirwood, VA, about 18 miles as the crow flies from Cape Charles. He moved his family to Cape Charles, and his own ‘Campbell Field’ became the launching point for what would become the largest—and perhaps only—comprehensive aerial record of Virginia’s barrier islands. It started simply enough.

“I always say I love where water meets land. Those undeveloped places—that’s where I feel most at home,” says Gordon.

free to do what barrier islands have always done: wander. New inlets appear and old ones disappear beneath the tides.

“Our islands are sort of left to their own devices. They’re not managed by humans at all and so they’re left to do what they need to do. They are all owned or protected by the Nature Conservancy or state and federal agencies,” Gordon explains.

“I liked flying. And at some point, I realized I wanted to take photos of the interesting things I was seeing out there.” Gordon says.

Unlike so many barrier islands along the Eastern Seaboard, Virginia’s remain mostly untouched by development. Protected by conservation organizations and public agencies, the islands are

During his more and more frequent flights, Gordon would return regularly to places like Hog Island and Cobb Island, photographing the same stretches of shoreline year after year. Some of the areas are nearly unrecognizable from when he first captured them. This is what happens when a landscape is allowed to evolve under the forces of wind, water and time.

“There’s nothing like taking off before sunrise and watching the sun come up over a barrier island,” he says. “You’re out there by yourself, listening to music... with nobody else around.”

“I always say I love where water meets land. Those undeveloped places—that’s where I feel most at home,” says Gordon.

It is difficult to understand the Eastern Shore until you’ve seen it from above. After thousands of hours in the air, Gordon may know it better than anyone.

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The peninsula narrows into ribbons of creeks and marshes. Oyster beds appear as intricate mosaics. Salt marshes cloaked in grasses glow neon green. Sunlight scatters across tidal pools. The horizon blazes with an orange sunset and the silky waters reflect its fire.

Gordon photographs it all. His images capture an intimacy and level of detail that seem impossible from hundreds of feet in the air. For Gordon, the landscape is alive.

The photographs he captures have become an important and inspiring part of the story and stewardship of the Eastern Shore. His images have made his exhibit space, At Altitude Gallery, a place that amazes and inspires.

“We opened the gallery in 2015 in the historic Wilson Building in Cape Charles,” Gordon says. “We now have another location in Onancock. The

gallery is 100% aerial photography. There is just nothing like it anywhere else in the world.”

Every wall invites visitors to experience the Eastern Shore in an entirely new way…from a perspective typically reserved for pelicans and pilots.

Despite the success of his gallery, Campbell never set out to become ‘an artist.’ He simply loves to fly and observe

Long before visitors wandered through his gallery admiring his luminous ChromaLuxe aluminum prints, Campbell was lifting off before dawn with a camera beside him, drawn toward the untouched barrier islands that line Virginia’s Eastern Shore. What began as an escape has become something closer to stewardship.

Taking Flight

Gordon’s typical flight lasts about three hours. He often sets out before sunrise. Rarely does he begin with a specific destination in mind. He simply follows where his curiosity and the view take him.

He surveys the horizon. One unique patch of golden light leads to another. Sometimes a working waterman catches his eye…or a winding creek reflects the sky in an unexpected way.

The landscape offers suggestions, and Gordon chooses his course:

“I’m just going where the wind takes me. Sometimes I’ll start on the seaside, and I’ll drift over to the bayside just because, well, I want to see this, and

then, oh, look at that! When you’re 500 feet in the air, you can see clear across the peninsula. So, I might spot something a few miles away and say, ‘that looks interesting…I want to photograph that.”

“There’s nothing like taking off before sunrise and watching the sun come up over a barrier island,” he says. “You’re out there by yourself, listening to music...with nobody else around.”

There is solitude in Gordon’s work. His companion is a landscape constantly in conversation with itself.

A Higher Purpose

Gordon flies alone, but his photographs have become inspiration, art, and prized scientific documentation for scientists and educators the world over.

Researchers with organizations like The Nature Conservancy, Virginia Institute of Marine Science and University of Virginia regularly rely on his imagery to document coastal change and support ongoing research. Graduate students, scientists and educators have incorporated his photographs into studies of barrier island migration, marsh ecology and the evolution of the shoreline.

Gordon has always made his work freely available for research and educational purposes.

His work and methods appeal to a wide audience: scientists and environmental professionals value his precision and meticulous documentation. Collectors and those who love the Eastern Shore are inspired by his striking compositions, how he captures light, and the otherworldly qualities of his images. Each image is captured in super high-resolution.

Gordon has always had an affinity for photography. He has continually refined both his equipment and techniques, investing in technology capable of capturing extraordinary detail across vast coastal landscapes.

The images he showcases in his gallery are incredibly vivid due to Gordon’s innovative printing process on archival ChromaLuxe aluminum panels. The process produces exceptional depth and clarity. It almost seems to glow. Those who look closely are richly rewarded with astonishing details.

Standing before one of his large prints, it’s easy to feel like you’re taking your own flight over the barrier islands and waters of the Eastern Shore. Maybe that’s why so many, visitors and locals alike, leave At Altitude Gallery inspired to explore more of the ‘unseen’ Eastern Shore themselves. Gordon’s spectacular photographs encourage people to venture off the path and appreciate the meandering creeks, islands and shorelines that define this remarkable place.

The barrier islands Gordon photographs make up the longest expanse of coastal wilderness remaining on the east coast.

Today, most of Virginia’s barrier islands are protected and managed by The Nature Conservancy and its partners.

They shift naturally without human intervention as they have for time immemorial. Perhaps the most extraordinary natural landscapes are the ones still allowed to change as tide and time see fit.

Artist. Aviator. Adventurer. For more than twenty years, Gordon Campbell has watched Virginia’s Eastern Shore rewrite itself—one tide, one sunrise and one shifting shoreline at a time.

Thank you, Gordon, for bringing us all along for the ride.

Gordon resides in Bay Creek in Cape Charles, Virginia, with his wife, Christine and daughters, Charlotte, Clara, and Chloe. Besides their renowned gallery, the Campbells have established an incredible gourmet market, Wilson’s Market in Cape Charles and North Street Market in Onancock. Christine Campbell, proprietor, keeps both locations stocked with amazing gourmet finds like oils and balsamics, wine, artisan cheeses, gift baskets and much more. Offering wine tastings, local delivery and expert pairing recommendations, it’s a must visit!

Bay Creek is proud to count the Campbell family among the remarkable people who have chosen to call this special community home.

Wilson’s Market

At Altitude Gallery

245 Mason Ave. Cape Charles, VA 23310 757-394-9200

AtAltitudeGallery.com

North Street Market

245 Mason Ave. 5 North St. Cape Charles, VA 23310 Onancock, VA 23417

757-693-3000

757-787-8805

Whether you are seeking a peaceful vacation retreat, a permanent retirement destination, or the perfect second home, a hidden gem on Virginia’s Eastern Shore is waiting to be discovered. Bay Creek is a private community and resort set like a jewel across 1,720 pristine acres, offering an unparalleled lifestyle directly on the Chesapeake Bay. Life here is defined by a seamless connection between luxury and nature. Imagine starting your morning with a stroll along two miles of private beaches or exploring a lush Nature Preserve via AvidTrails® walking and biking paths. Residents enjoy a premier Life Center with pools and a fitness complex, alongside world-class golf on Nicklaus and Palmer Signature Courses managed by Troon Privé.