Spring is here, the sun is out and fresh seafood awaits your plate. Do you need a better reason to pack your bags and head to Christchurch, Virginia on April 12?
That weekend will see Shuckapalooza, an oyster festival featuring seven locations and experiences, including access to private oyster farms, learning harvesting methods, sampling oysters and pairing your favorites with wine and beer.
Held on April 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Shuckapalooza is a self-guided driving tour in the Christchurch area that gives guests the inside scoop on the oyster industry.
The event includes Oysters 101, a seminar where students teach the process of growing Chesapeake Gold oysters; Babies & Beer, a tour of an oyster nursery, along with a tasting of Chesapeake Oyster Stout; Tools of the Trade, a tour of an authentic shucking house with demonstrations; and The ‘Shucking’ Sanctuary: a boat tour that will teach guests about oyster restoration and how to get involved.
Other events that are a part of the festival include an East. vs. West Shuckdown wine pairing, an oyster roast with a fire pit and tastings and Shuck-No-More, which will demonstrate the state-of-the-art machines used for shucking. Find out more info at shuckapalooza.com.
Nearby hotel, and partner of the festival, The Tides Inn is also hosting its Spring Festival during the same weekend. On April 13 at 11 a.m., The Tide’s Inn Spring Festival will welcome guests with live music, samplings of Virginia’s oysters, wine and craft beer. Plus, the event will also have family-friendly events and an artisan market. // Shuckapalooza check in is at Christchurch School: 49 Seahorse Lance, Christchurch; $150 and The Tides Inn: 480 King Carter Drive, Irvington; $20
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