Virginia's Coastal Wilds invites locals and visitors to explore the scenic waterways native to the Middle Peninsula by kayak or stand-up paddleboard while also experiencing craft brews and fare prepared by local pubs and restaurants.
Virginia's Coastal Wild’s new webpage provides do-it-yourself instructions for the experience, dubbed a Paddle and Pub Crawl. The campaign that offers another fun way to recreate outdoors was funded in part from a Virginia Tourism Corporation Marketing Leverage Grant.
Outdoor enthusiasts must first decide how to enjoy Gloucester’s 506 miles of shoreline — by paddling on a kayak or on a stand-up paddle board. Both offer full body workouts that wake up the muscles. An interactive map on the Virginia Water Trails website is a guide to help participants settle on a launching point. First-timers should choose a Beginner Trail. Intermediate and Advanced options are for more seasoned kayakers and paddleboarders.
Paddling is part 1 while pubbing is part 2. Ideally, the destination includes both bites or brews. The web page offers several suggestions for craft beers, fresh seafood and even a wine and chocolate experience at a local vineyard. Some of the pubs are dockside. Others require additional transportation.
Virginia's Coastal Wilds asks all who plan their own Paddle and Pub Crawl to document their trek on the social media platforms they regularly visit by using the hashtag #VaCoastalWilds.
The final step is for kayakers or paddleboarders to return to their launching point well before dark after a day to remember on the water.
For information and inspiration, visit vacoastalwilds.com/paddle-pub-crawl-middle-peninsula/.