If you caught this Instagram photo we posted back in July, you could probably tell it wasn’t your average trip to the beach.
We were actually participating in a photo and video shoot for Virginia is for Lovers, the fine folks who promote tourism in our home state. They were starting a new series featuring real Virginians taking new adventures in the state, and they actually asked to feature us (!!). It’s pretty obvious that we love Virginia, so we couldn’t wait to sing our home state’s praises and check out a few places we’d never been.
We were invited to explore Virginia’s Eastern Shore for the day with them, which, for those unfamiliar with the geography of this region, is a sliver of land that sits on a peninsula on the opposite side of the Chesapeake Bay from the rest of the state (it’s only connected to mainland Virginia by the state of Maryland and a 23-mile long bridge). We’d driven through there several times on longer road trips, but admittedly never stopped to take it in.
But man did we fall in love with it. We were primarily in a town called Cape Charles, which had the most perfect beach for any Clara-aged kids. It’s on the bay, so there were basically no waves and the bean could run and play in tons of shallow water. That Instagram pic was actually taken on a sandbar, hence the shallow water that you can see rippling in the foreground. Sherry couldn’t believe that we’ve previously traveled so far for calm kid-friendly beaches (to places like Hawaii & Florida) when there was one hiding just 2.5 hours away from us. Note: Sherry said I was remiss not to point out her crazy hair in this shot, but I think she looks perfectly windblown.
Of course, being a photoshoot and all, we had to apply a bit more than just sunscreen that day. Even me. Don’t mind that half-eaten apple of Clara’s that I’m clutching.
She had a great time raiding the craft services table on her tip toes. #kidtricks
The crew was really fun to work with. The main photographer they hired (coincidentally) was our brother-in-law Todd, so it was nice having a family face behind one of the lenses, which Clara especially appreciated. And Kevin was the videographer who entertained Clara on the drive between the beach and lunch (don’t worry, we already told him that he looks like Ed Helms). She was cracking up about two minutes into the ride. After giving him the stink eye that we captured here…
Lunch was at this charming waterside spot called Shanty. We ate seafood and grilled corn. They even photographed me holding a live blue crab here (not sure it got used though). It only tried to claw off my fingers once. Victory!
Of course, the biggest hit with us was the ice cream. I believe it was key lime flavored… and it was awesome.
My parents actually joined us on the trip so that they could take Clara home after lunch (so she could rest from an already busy day). Sherry and I continued the tour by checking out some thrift and antique shops in the area, of which there were plenty to choose from. Considering I always love an old wooden box, I wanted these. But we collectively decided that boxes of dynamite and embalming fluid didn’t necessarily scream “cozy” – although they would make for some pretty great conversation starters.
After junk-tiquing, we did an excursion that we’d never heard of before. Basically, a guide takes you in a kayak and you paddle to a winery, have a tasting, and then paddle back. I’m a kayaking fan. Sherry’s a wine fan. It was a win-win all around.
After a long and sweaty day (it was July, after all) we made the drive home to get some rest before Day 2 of the shoot – which took place at our house. Time for more make-up, eh Burger?
Clara and the make-up artist Logan were besties by this time, so Logan kindly gave Clara a turn in the chair (with some pretend make-up of course).
It was kind of funny having a crew over, especially since their intention was to shoot some of the items that we brought back as souvenirs in the supposedly beautiful setting that was our home (we warned them that we had just moved and our house was far from pretty yet). Fortunately we had just finished painting the foyer so it looked relatively presentable… if you didn’t swing the camera around to catch the blue stair balusters.
Since the schedule didn’t allow any time to really “transform” anything that we found while junk-tuquing with things like paint or upholstery, we ended up just grabbing some pretty items that we thought would look good together on a table or console. Sort of “not-your-average souvenirs of the day” if you will. So instead of shot glasses or key chains, we brought home a couple of cool old glass bottles (the milk bottle is my favorite) plus an old oyster can and even some vintage skeleton keys. We also purchased the mug that our Shanty ice cream came in and kept the corks from our wine tasting to commemorate those experiences.
Here’s Sherry doing her best oyster spokesperson impression during a break from shooting a little clip about what we brought home.
The day wrapped up with a quick interview on the front porch (another area that was thankfully presentable enough at this point to be a backdrop). It was mainly shot for audio purposes, which is why no one minded that Burger slept like a wet noodle in my arms the whole time.
We’re excited to go back to some of the spots we discovered on our little whirlwind tour – especially the beach at Cape Charles – just to spend some more time exploring and relaxing. And maybe this time we’ll just bring our own camera…
Sarah says
So cool! I used to read your posts about Virginia and be so jealous of all the cool places you guys get to visit. Well, wouldn’t you know, I now live in Norfolk, so every time you post about Virginia I can actually go and visit the wonderful places you find instead of just dreaming about it. Cape Charles looks amazing, thanks for the tip!
Young House Life says
You have to check it out! It’s so much fun!
xo
s
Blaine Stewart says
Cape Charles is awesome… and the Shanty is one of my favorite restaurants there. So laid back but delicious!
Nicole @ Post Grad says
Agreed! My parents have a beach house there and I have loved getting to know the sweet little beach town. The Shanty is one of our favorites! If you ever get a chance to go, make sure you pick up some Brown Dog ice cream. :)
Dayna says
We just got our Garden & Gun mag in the mail last week and as I flipped through I thought I recognized someone and it was you guys! I thought “They didn’t mention being in a magazine article,” and then I realized it wasn’t an article, but an ad for Virginia. How cool! That looks like it must have been a fun day!
Young House Life says
It was so much fun! We were so excited to rep VA!
xo
s
Susan C says
Sounds like a lovely place – will definitely have to check that out! My husband and I have been travelling a bit more lately and this sounds perfect for a long weekend getaway.
But Ummmm… “Garden and Gun”??? Seriously? The USofA is a whole different ballgame …
Young House Life says
Ah yes, it’s definitely an unusual name. I remember when I heard of it for the first time in NYC and thought it was about rifles and hunting! It actually has nothing to do with guns or hunting – for the most part it’s just a Southern lifestyle magazine about travel, home decor, gardening, restaurants to check out, etc.
xo
s
camille says
Ok, not trying to be that girl, but did you mean key chains instead of key chairs? Is a key chair something I just have never heard of? :) Looks like you had a fun trip! :)
Young House Life says
Haha! Yes! Key chains!
xo
s
Leigh says
Saw the spread in Garden & Gun! Loved it!
Sharon says
How COOL IS THAT?! you guys got to be reps for your state! ha haha awesome. BTW I like in NC and every time I drive through Richmond (a few times a year to visit relatives in PA) I think, “Awesome, this is where John and Sherry live!” You’re basically really famous ;)
Young House Life says
Haha, not at all, but we do love VA!
xo
s
Danielle says
Glad to know I share this ridiculous habit with another non-Virginian! We travel from MD to Myrtle for vacation every summer and my husband has to hear me drone on and on about visiting all the Petersik-approved Richmond hot-spots on our cruise down 95 :)
Young House Life says
Haha, we LOVE you guys for it!
xo
s
Donna says
We were married on the front porch of the Cape Charles House! After the reception, everyone walked down to the beach to watch the sunset.
Young House Life says
Such an amazing little town! We fell in love and will totally be back!
xo
s
Jocelyn says
I actually went to Cape Charles a few years back for a bachelorette party weekend. We stayed in a small cottage and we did the kayak/wine tour thing… we had a great time. It’s such a cute little town! I wasn’t sure it was the same place until you mentioned the winery!
Erin C says
Thats funny, I always thought it was Kraft services, like the brand!
Young House Life says
Ha! I love that!
xo
s
Jason says
Just saying again, I think it’s so cool that you vacation here in Delaware and also in Cape Charles, VA where my Mom and her husband have a place now!
Meg says
So, is the video available to view online? :-)
Young House Life says
Alas, it’s not quite finished yet, but when it’s done and posted on their site we’ll share a link!
xo
s
Meg says
Sweet! Thanks for the reply. :-)
Kelly says
We spent Labor Day weekend in Cape Charles! Its little public beach and nearby Kiptopeke State Park are great for little kids. On Saturday night there was a band playing at near the fishing pier. You coud hear it from the beach, so my husband and I enjoyed the music while the kids (ages 3&1) enjoyed the sand. Win win!
betty (the sweaty betty) says
I loooove everything about the Chesapeake bay, and i’m actually headed to a baby shower this weekend on the eastern shore. I also love Chesapeake beach/chix beach which is the beach you see as youre beginning the cross the bridge tunnel. the water is always so calm on those beaches, and they’re also always a lot let crowded than the oceanfront.
Erin says
That looks like so much fun and a great day of “work.” Having grown up on the eastern shore of Maryland, I’m jealous here!
caroline [the diy nurse] says
So happy for you guys! What a great opportunity. I hope I win even though I already live in VA. Wink wink.
Check’s in the mail…
Susan says
So glad that you “discovered” Cape Charles! We went down with friends about 6 years ago on a dreary February weekend, and decided by the end of the weekend that we would find a way to buy a getaway cottage there. Fast forward, we continue to have the most amazing, relaxing weekends (and vacations) there that you can imagine. The kids (10 and 10) love the freedom that they have in a small town that is honestly like Maybeury by the Bay. Please come back for a weekend with your daughter – we’ll introduce you to the “Richmond” contingent and I know your second trip will be even better! The Lindemans
Young House Life says
Sounds amazing! Oh man, we loved it there!
xo
s
Jackie Garrelts says
Hey Petersick’s! Lovin the VA reppin! Is Burke next? I mean an underground school…come on! Fun to see my friend Amiee’s husband (Kevin the videographer) pop up in a post : )
Also, you’ve sold me – we’ve never been but should venture a little east for a vaca, nice and close!
Young House Life says
So funny! VA is such a small world!
xo
s
Kelly says
So funny – Kevin has a lot of fans out there, I was also excited to see him in this post!
Nei says
My husband and I just made a trip out to Cape Charles in July as well and loved it! We even ate at the Shanty! It would’ve been so awesome to see you all there…although I probably would’ve been too star struck to say hello. :)
Reenie says
Very kewel :)
Tina says
We road tripped home from Williamsburg to Maryland last spring by taking the “long” way…we wanted to see the 23 miler bridge and stopped at that same exact winery! We didnt taste a lot (hello, driving!) but we bought a few bottles and loved sitting out on their lawn with the cheese platter. LOVED it!! LOVE VA Beach and surrounding areas:)
Young House Life says
Sounds like so much fun!
xo
s
Alissa says
Side question about Instagram. I don’t have Instagram because I have a dumbphone, so I don’t have an Instagram account. Whenever people on the interwebs post links to Instagram photos, the site automatically kicks me out to a login page which makes me sad. Since y’all are so handy with the Instagramamaticness, do you know if there’s a way for non-Instagram users to look at photos? Is there, like, and instagram.com/username equivalent site or something?
(Actually, for you guys specifically I can view your sidebar widget – yay! – but I didn’t know if there were any options for other people who don’t have blogs and/or widgets.)
Young House Life says
Yes! Just go to http://instagram.com/younghouselove to see ours! I think any username after that slash should work!
xo
s
Alissa says
Interesting. Apparently that method works with Google Chrome (my browser at home), but not Internet Explorer (our browser at work). Good to know! :)
Alexandra says
LOVE Cape Charles — I was actually just down there last weekend. Glad you guys had a great time :)
Lauren says
My 1st love is the Eastern Shore. My extended family all lives there and I got married at Bay Creek and rented out the Jellybean houses :) It always holds a special place in my heart. Glad you all got a chance to experience it – looks like you had an amazing time!
Candice says
Just saw you guys in Garden & Gun last night–congrats!
Young House Life says
Thanks Candice!
xo
s
Jessica says
After reading the ad in G&G this month I have to ask- was that really your first time eating blue crabs??? I know Sherry is not from VA but John is!
Young House Life says
Totally a first for both of us! It’s weird, we love seafood, but it’s usually sushi or something more chef-y at a restaurant, so we somehow missed that down-home delicacy!
xo
s
Ashley says
Get that girl in Ballet. Good golly she’s a natural!!
Lindsay says
We discovered Cape Charles last year and LOVE it! You guys are so right about it being kid-friendly. The Shanty is awesome and I hope you had Brown Dog ice cream :)
Sunshine and Paint Pots says
Love, love, LOVE the beach! Looks like a grand time was had by all, and the photo of Clara in the car with the cameraman is a cracker! Nice sunscreen applicator too John lol
Cheers, Col
Laurie says
Oh my gosh! I would kill for those boxes! Which is exactly why my Mom is always rolling her eyes when I “decorate.”
Young House Life says
Haha!
xo
s
Tory says
Kiptopeke State park is another kid friendly gem!
Young House Life says
Thanks for the tip, Tory!
xo
s
Jill says
We stayed a B & B in Southwest Virginia and the owner had just started blogging for them. Check them out – great place – http://www.claibornehouse.net/
Young House Life says
Sounds awesome!
xo
s
StephR says
I was visiting family in VA this past summer and we all went to Cape Charles and loved it!
It was the perfect beach to take my 2 year old to and we loved how it wasn’t very crowded.
We spent two days there at a beautiful beach house rental and none of us wanted to leave when it was time to go!
Karyn says
Burger: The new face of Nars! Great post!!!
Young House Life says
Hahaha!
xo
s
Amy says
Seriously, which antique store had the boxes? My husband was sold, site unseen.
Young House Life says
I think it was called Capeville Flea or Capeville Antiques? Hope it helps!
xo
s
Lauren says
Slept like a wet noodle… you crack me up. I’m still chuckling…
Jean Winders says
Love Cape Charles. My DH and I were there about 3 years ago. I managed to put our rental car in a ditch and some very nice people stopped to help us. After they had crawled under our car,hooked a chain, and pulled us out, my DH asked what we owed them. They said..”Aw, nothing maam. Y’all just come back to the beautiful state of Va every chance you get!!” How awesome was that!
403 Haven says
So wonderful to follow the comments about this blog about Cape Charles. My husband and I relocated here from DC two years ago and LOVE this place. The last two nights we had the most magnificent sunsets….we have to pinch ourselves that we live here! There are such unique people that discover Cape Charles and we love to hear those stories. We opened a B&B in town last year and feel so blessed to share our love for this place with those visiting….
LARY@Inspiration Nook says
Love this! How awesome. I definitely have Virginia in my “must visit one day” list because of you guys. Congrats on the ad.
Lauren says
Oh my – at first glance, I thought John was naked on the bottom in the first photo!
Young House Life says
Bahahaha! Thank goodness he’s not pantless.
xo
s
Careen says
I’ve always wondered, why do they call the food table, “craft services”?
Young House Life says
I don’t even know. Anyone know?!
xo
s
Erin C. says
I’m sorry if you’re hearing this a thousand times from a thousand people, but younghouselove.com is automatically jumping to an Oprah.com page with an error message. Or maybe it’s just happening to me?
Young House Life says
Oh no! Anyone else having this issue. It’s the first we’ve heard of it (when we go to the site it seems to work on our smart phones and laptops, and comments are coming in). Not sure what could cause that. Maybe try clearing your browser’s cookies/cache/data and see if that fixes it?
xo
s
Erin C. says
It’s working now! Thank you :)
Erin C. says
Darn it, no it’s not – but I can access it through Facebook for some reason. Don’t mind me! I will figure it out- thanks and feel free to not publish my ramblings.
Young House Life says
Boo! So sorry it’s giving you trouble Erin! Hope it clears itself up! And glad you found a Facebook way around it!
xo
s
Valarie says
I would Kill for the embalming fluid box…… bwahaha
It would make a great Halloween decoration!
Nikki says
I am having the same problem :-(
Young House Life says
This is so strange guys! Maybe when we put the next post up it’ll stop doing that?! So sorry about that! Maybe going in through our Facebook page for now can work and then by the time the Oprah post isn’t at the top that weird glitch will stop? We have no idea what could be causing a redirect!
xo
s
Darbi says
Opened my latest issue of Garden & Gun magazine last night and came across this ad about halfway through. So cute! I kind of screamed a little because I wasn’t expecting it and the BF looked at me like I was crazy! ;)
Young House Life says
Haha!
xo
s
Nina says
This is pretty awesome guys! Where do we see the whole advertisement? Can you put up pics of the real thing? “A Virginia Road Trip…” makes it sound there’s a story they wrote with it?
Young House Life says
Thanks Nina! We’re hoping to add the scans of each page to our Press Page (the bottom of our About page) soon for ya!
xo,
s
Kathy says
this is an odd question, but did they have you wear the same clothes both days?
Young House Life says
Yup, we changed to go kayaking, but wore the same “rest of the day clothes” both days.
xo
s
Kerry says
So funny to read this post! Logan and I used to work together. :)
Caroline Ballard says
I’m so glad you liked Cape Charles! My husband’s family is in the oyster business in Cape Charles (Cherrystone Aqua Farms) so if you ever come back across the bay, please stop in for a tour! We’d love to have you!
Young House Life says
Aw, thanks Caroline!
xo
s
Allison says
I hadn’t seen this yet when I read my new Garden and Gun. Seeing your faces in one of my favorite mags was a fun surprise. Congratulations on the SEVERAL PAGE spread. Hope you bought a few copies to share with your bean and bun when they are old and gray and magazines are a flash in our memories.
Young House Life says
Aw thanks Allison!
xo
s