Eastern Shore Artisan Trail - Benefit Auction

Living in a small town, you don't get to be anonymous and you really can't not be involved in your community. I am astounded by how much gets done in Cape Charles, with so much of it being done through volunteerism. The latest initiative I'm volunteering for is the Eastern Shore Artisan Trail. I feel out of my comfort zone because I don't know a thing about art. I like what I like, and I can't explain why. 

But this trail is so much more than art. It's about bringing together "artisans, venues, galleries and retailers, while connecting points of interest, restaurants, and accommodations in the related communities to create a “trail”, according to the Artisans Center of Virginia (ACV), which coordinates these trails throughout the state. Discussions have been in the works for awhile, and the Eastern Shore is now at the point of assembling their "team" to make this happen.

This is a true grassroots effort and we're kicking things off this weekend with a Benefit Auction on Saturday, April 5 at Island House Restaurant in Wachapreague (about 40 minutes north of Cape Charles). A silent auction will run from 11 am to 8 pm while the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and a portion of proceeds from meals served that day will go to the Trail. At 8 pm, a live auction will feature items retailing at $200 and over. Items, for both the silent and live auctions, include decoys, paintings, antique maps, jewelry, gift baskets, local theatre tickets, overnight stays, and gift certificates to restaurants and a variety of services and outdoor activities such as fishing charters and horseback riding.

Come during the day to enjoy a great meal - have I told you about the Island House crab cake and their sweet potato fries? Or come later at night for drinks and to enjoy live music by Van Lewin and Melinda & The Benders. Reservations are highly suggested for dinner service and can be made by calling Island House Restaurant at 757-787-4242. We'll be there at some point during the day for lunch - yes, I'm having the crab cake with sweet potato fries - and we hope to see you there. 

Follow the Eastern Shore Artisan Trail on Facebook to see pictures of some of the amazing artwork that will be auctioned off that evening. 

I want to thank the Cape Charles businesses who are supporting this effort either through financial contributions or donating items for the auction: Arts Enter Cape Charles, brown dog ice cream, gallery 209, Gull Hummock Gourmet Market, Moonrise Jewelry, Nancy Vest (artist), Pfeiffer Riding Stables, and Wendell Distributing.  

If you can't make it but still want to support this effort, you can make your donation online.