Key Companies in the Eastern Shore

Comprising Northampton and Accomack Counties, the Shore is one of Virginia’s fastest-growing regions for tourism, bringing millions in local tax revenue to the area. The region is also home to Wallops Flight Facility, NASA's principal site for management and implementation of suborbital research programs.

NASA Wallops Flight Facility, Accomack County

NASA Wallops Flight Facility, Accomack County

Regional Highlights

Virginia’s Eastern Shore, at the southern end of the Delmarva Peninsula, is known for agriculture and food and beverage production (Perdue Farms, Tyson Foods). The region is growing its manufacturing, service, and tourism sectors, along with a burgeoning aerospace and unmanned cluster based at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Accomack County, home to launch operations for Northrop Grumman and Rocket Lab. Bounded by the Chesapeake Bay to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Eastern Shore is known for its seafood — local oysters are prized by restaurants around the world.

Learn more about the Eastern Shore region in Virginia Economic Review

Location

The Eastern Shore region is bounded on the north by the Maryland state line, on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, and on the south and west by the Chesapeake Bay.

Eastern Shore_Map
Tangier Island Oyster Co., Accomack County

Tangier Island Oyster Co., Accomack County

  • A four-lane primary highway traversing the peninsula provides access to major interstates, including I-64, I-264, I-464, I-564, and I-664 within 25 miles or less.
  • The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel places the community within easy reach of The Port of Virginia in Hampton Roads.
  • North-south freight rail service is provided by Eastern Shore Railroad.
  • Accomack County Airport, Kellam Field, and Tangier Island Airport provide general aviation service.
  • Norfolk International Airport, a major airport serving convenient daily access to hundreds of cities worldwide, is just over 40 miles from the Eastern Shore.
  • The NASA Wallops Flight Facility is one of only five locations in the United States licensed by the FAA to launch spacecraft into orbital trajectories.

There is a fantastic can-do attitude in Virginia to make sure that all of its businesses are successful. We have felt the full push of the Virginia team towards success, and it’s been really wonderful.

Peter Beck Founder, President, and CEO

New Ravenna Propels Global Brand from Rural Location

Founded in 1992 by Eastern Shore-native Sara Baldwin, New Ravenna has grown to become the largest private-sector employer in Northampton County. The company’s new CEO began expanding the company’s marketing reach in 2016, causing demand for its luxury products to skyrocket and propelling New Ravenna towards its next stage of development. Virginia’s unique assets would allow the company to achieve its full growth potential while also preserving its deep ties to the Eastern Shore community and workforce.

Read the Case Study
New Ravenna, North Hampton

Rocket Lab Prepares for Liftoff in Virginia

Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second-most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered 109 satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations. The company unveiled its Neutron rocket in March 2021, which will be capable of delivering a 17,600 lb. payload to low Earth orbit in a reusable configuration and is expected to be operational in 2024. The search soon began for a new rocket production, assembly, and integration facility, as well as a dedicated launch pad for the Neutron rocket.

Read the Case Study
Rocket Lab, Accomack County

Living in Eastern Shore

The Eastern Shore is renowned for its expansive beaches, surrounding barrier islands, and great concentrations of shorebirds, seabirds, and migrating waterfowl. A number of shopping centers are in the region, as well as small stores that specialize in products indigenous to the Shore, including crafts, decoys, original art, and locally produced wine and seafood.

Miles of unspoiled ocean beaches on the barrier islands that line the coast and the region’s numerous outdoor activities continue to attract visitors and residents alike. Recreational opportunities abound, like hiking, biking, camping, boating, swimming, crabbing, fishing, or simply observing wildlife in its natural setting while enjoying the 9,000-acre Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

Seasonal festivals and special events, such as the Annual Chincoteague Seafood Festival, Harvest Fest, and the Eastern Shore Birding Festival, attract thousands from surrounding areas to celebrate the Eastern Shore’s amenities and lifestyle, enhancing the region’s abundant recreation opportunities.

Cape Charles Beach, Northampton County

Cape Charles Beach, Northampton County

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Accomack County

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Accomack County

Nassawadox Creek, Northampton County

Nassawadox Creek, Northampton County