Cheriton, Virginia
More actions
Region
Virginia's Eastern Shore
Type
Historic town
County
Northampton County, Virginia
Known for
Railroad-town history and a traditional Main Street
Cheriton is a small town in southern Northampton County, Virginia, on the lower Virginia's Eastern Shore. Its appeal is less about a single headline attraction than about the texture of a Shore community: a traditional main street, older homes and churches, local businesses, and easy access to the region’s bayside and seaside landscapes. The county describes Business Route 13 as Cheriton’s Main Street, a character shaped in part by the highway bypass to the west.[1]
For visitors, Cheriton works well as a brief stop or as a base for exploring the lower Shore. The town’s official and county information highlights its historic streetscape, community events, playground and nearby camping resort; dates, access, and event details can change, so check the relevant official site before setting out.[2]
Plan a trip to Cheriton
Why visit Cheriton?
Cheriton offers a quieter, locally rooted alternative to a beach-centered itinerary. Its compact center reflects the town’s origins as a railroad and agricultural shipping stop, while its older buildings and church-lined streets give visitors a sense of the region’s small-town character. It is also close to the broader Eastern Shore mix of coastal communities, farms, wildlife habitat and waterfront recreation.[3][4]
The best way to experience the town is to slow down: notice the historic buildings along the main corridor, check the local calendar for a community event, and use Cheriton as a jumping-off point for the lower Shore. For visitors interested in the region’s more remote coastline, local guidance emphasizes checking island rules and conditions before visiting; access, closures and permitted activities vary by site.[5]
What to see and do
Walk the historic town center
Follow Business Route 13 and the surrounding streets to see the older homes, commercial buildings and churches that contribute to Cheriton’s historic small-town character. The county notes that Sunnyside Road is anchored by two prominent brick churches. Treat this as a respectful look at a lived-in community; many buildings are private property.[6]
Cheriton Town Park
The county describes a children’s play area with swings and a play structure. Check the town or county’s current parks information before visiting for access and any notices about facilities or events.[7]
Look for local events
Cheriton’s community calendar has featured events such as a family fun day, a Christmas parade, a warm-weather local market and Eastern Shore ComicCon. Schedules vary; consult the town calendar for current dates and details rather than relying on past listings.[8][9]
Explore the bayside and seaside
The region’s coastal character is a major part of a Cheriton-area visit. For barrier-island outings, check site-specific policies, weather and tide conditions: access and permitted activities differ, and some places have seasonal restrictions or closures.[10]
Stay at Sun Outdoors Cape Charles
Just outside the town, this camping resort advertises RV, tent and lodging options alongside waterfront recreation and on-site amenities. It is a separate, privately operated destination; confirm current season dates, reservations, amenities and visitor policies directly with the resort.[11]
History and character
The Cheriton area has a long history of settlement on the Eastern Shore. The county’s account connects the area with Captain John Smith’s 1608 exploration and with an early settlement known as “The Towne,” which it places near the present site of Cherrystone Campground and dates to the 1630s.[12]
The present town took shape with the arrival of the railroad. The county’s history says the New York, Philadelphia and Norfolk Railroad reached Cape Charles from Maryland in 1884, crossing land owned by Dr. William Stratton Stoakley. Stoakley laid out part of his land as a town in 1886; a store and post office followed. Nearby Sunnyside grew along Bayside Road, and the two settlements eventually joined. Cheriton developed as an agricultural shipping point and service center before its incorporation in 1951.[13][14]
Today, Cheriton’s identity remains tied to its compact historic center and its role in the everyday life of southern Northampton County. The town’s official charter records its incorporation by court order on April 3, 1951.[15]
Planning a visit
Cheriton is a small community rather than a destination with a single central visitor attraction. Plan time to explore the streetscape, check local event listings, and pair a stop in town with nearby places on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. The town and county websites are the best starting points for current municipal notices, park information and event updates.[16][17]
For overnight stays and recreation, contact the campground or resort directly to verify availability, rates, season dates and amenities. If your plans include remote seaside areas, review current visitor policies and check weather and tide conditions before departure; services and access can be limited.[18][19]
Nearby places and attractions
- Cape Charles, Virginia — A nearby Eastern Shore town with a waterfront setting and a distinct historic-town character.
- Accomac, Virginia — Explore another of the Shore’s historic communities.
- Virginia's Eastern Shore — Use the regional tourism guide to plan coastal stops, town visits and outdoor activities.
- Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel — The major crossing linking the lower Eastern Shore with the Hampton Roads area.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ Cheriton, Northampton County, Northampton County, Virginia. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Town of Cheriton, Town of Cheriton, Town of Cheriton, Virginia. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Cheriton, Northampton County, Northampton County, Virginia. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Homepage, Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism, Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Visiting the Virginia Eastern Shore Seaside, Explore Our Seaside, Virginia Eastern Shore Seaside Heritage Program. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Cheriton, Northampton County, Northampton County, Virginia. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Cheriton, Northampton County, Northampton County, Virginia. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Town of Cheriton, Town of Cheriton, Town of Cheriton, Virginia. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Cheriton, Northampton County, Northampton County, Virginia. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Visiting the Virginia Eastern Shore Seaside, Explore Our Seaside, Virginia Eastern Shore Seaside Heritage Program. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Sun Outdoors Cape Charles, Sun Outdoors, Sun Outdoors. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Cheriton, Northampton County, Northampton County, Virginia. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Cheriton, Northampton County, Northampton County, Virginia. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Charter: Town of Cheriton, Virginia Law, Virginia Legislative Information System. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Charter: Town of Cheriton, Virginia Law, Virginia Legislative Information System. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Town of Cheriton, Town of Cheriton, Town of Cheriton, Virginia. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Cheriton, Northampton County, Northampton County, Virginia. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Sun Outdoors Cape Charles, Sun Outdoors, Sun Outdoors. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Visiting the Virginia Eastern Shore Seaside, Explore Our Seaside, Virginia Eastern Shore Seaside Heritage Program. Retrieved October 23, 2026.