Boating

The Chesapeake Bay and its many tributaries, including the Potomac, Rappahannock, York, and James rivers, are perfect for boating. In fact, you can come away from eastern Virginia with the impression that every other home has a boat and trailer sitting in the yard. Marinas abound on the Northern Neck, and you can rent boats in Hampton Roads and over on the Eastern Shore, where the back bays of Chincoteague await to be explored from a fish's-eye view.

A detailed map showing public access to the Chesapeake and its tributaries is available from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, 203 Governor St., Suite 302, Richmond, VA 23219 (tel. 804/786-1712; www.dcr.state.va.us).