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Created in 2009 as a wine festival in conjunction with the Kilmarnock Farmers Market, the festival renamed itself Taste by the Bay in 2013 and moved the event to the Tides Inn.
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Fans of history and local bivalves will want to tour vintage oyster “buy boats” docked at the Tides Inn for the weekend.
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Of all the places to get a jump on holiday shopping, few would be as memorable as the Tides Inn. So naturally, when Lancaster Chamber of Commerce was looking to host a signature event four years ago, it only made sense to use the idyllic setting of the inn.
The fourth Annual Taste by the Bay: Wine, Food, Arts and Ale takes place Saturday, November 19, with samplings from Virginia wineries and craft breweries, tastings from local restaurants such as Cora’s Kitchen, Byrd’s Seafood and the Tides Inn among others, live music by Damion Wolfe and James Justin & Co., maritime attractions and, just in time for the holiday shopping season, a variety of artisan vendors.
“You can find a little bit of everything: nautical art, wine art, clothing for men and women, jewelry, accessories and gifts of all sorts, even local nuts and fudge,” says Anne Paparella, executive director of the Lancaster by the Bay Chamber of Commerce. “You can really knock out your Christmas shopping list if you want to. Quite a few local businesses have pop-up shops at Taste by the Bay.”
Created in 2009 as a wine festival in conjunction with the Kilmarnock Farmers Market, the festival renamed itself Taste by the Bay in 2013, moved to the Tides Inn and expanded the number of wineries, drawing 800 people that year and closer to 1,000 in recent years.
The ticket price includes a complimentary souvenir wine glass, wine and craft beer tastings, a small food sampling from local chefs, live entertainment and access to more than 20 quality artisan vendors selling a range of handcrafted items. Locals know to buy tickets early because this popular event sells out. Booking a room at the Tides Inn gives out-of-towners the chance to make a weekend of it.
Fans of history and local bivalves will want to tour vintage oyster “buy boats” docked at the Tides Inn for the weekend and hear from their captains what life was like on the Chesapeake Bay when these boats brought oysters to market.
“Bring your friends and get there early so you have a chance to experience everything,” Paparella suggests. “Visit all of the vendor booths, the oyster boats, taste the great food and wine, and dance to some fantastic music.”
Parking is easy—anywhere in Irvington along King Carter Drive— with a shuttle and golf carts running up and down the street dropping people off at the Tides Inn. Just don’t forget your dancing shoes and your shopping list.
Taste by the Bay: Wine, Food, Arts and Ale kicks off Saturday, November 19, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Call 804-435-6092 for more information.