Pluck and Shuck Virginia's New Oyster Trail

Norfolk District Oyster Reef. Credit:US Army Corps of Engineers

Move over turkey and stuffing, in Virginia, November is now all about celebrating the state’s distinctly delicious bivalves.  Virginia is the country’s leading producer of both wild-caught and farmed oysters, and in a nod to this title, last week Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe declared November as ‘Virginia Oyster Month’.

Gov. McAuliffe’s decree also coincides with the inauguration of the Virginia Oyster Trail, a 250-mile loop through Virginia’s seven unique oyster producing regions – and a celebration of all things bivalve – featuring boat tours, festivals, art shows, restaurants and wineries.  The trail provides visitors some insight into the culture of Virginia’s waterman and the ecological impact of the oyster industry --- but also offers plenty of opportunity to pluck and shuck the bivalves from each of Virginia’s unique oyster producing habitats, from the Eastern Shore to the Northern Neck.  

And for visitors who take their oysters with more than hot sauce and lemon juice – the Old Dominon’s bivalves also pair perfectly with Virginia wines and craft brews.  

Chincoteague Oyster Cans. Source:wehwalk/wikipedia