Surrounding Community About Virginia's Eastern Shore Virginia's Eastern Shore is a 70-mile long peninsula that separates the Chesapeake Bay from the Atlantic Ocean. The Eastern Shore is an area boasting a rich history and breath- taking natural surroundings that provide entertainment and activities for any member of the family. There are exciting annual events, such as the world-famous penning of the Chincoteague ponies, a tradition going back nearly 80 years, where a herd of wild ponies that live on Assateague Island swim to Chincoteague Island and are auctioned off to the highest bidder. A stroll through the surrounding towns reveals small art and antique shops, restaurants and cafes all waiting to be explored. And if you're there on the first Wednesday in May, enjoy the Seafood Festival. A fun, and filling yearly event that welcomes the governor and about 3,000 visitors, all eating steamed clams, oysters on the half-shell, clam fritters; basically all the seafood you can imagine. The Eastern Shore is an easy day's drive from most major east coast cities. Ocean City, MD: approximately 1 hour Dover, DE: approximately 2 hours Norfolk, VA: approximately 1 hour Washington D.C: approximately 3 hours Richmond, VA: approximately 2.5 hours Philadelphia, PA: approximately 3 hours Baltimore, MD: approximately 3.5 hours Trenton, NJ: approximately 4 hours New York, NY: approximately 5 hours