Oyster Week at the Tides
August 5 – 9th
Join us for Summer Oyster Week , a celebration of Chesapeake Bay oysters through unique experiences, engaging conversations, and exceptional dining. From creative workshops and educational programs to oyster shucking demonstrations and fresh local seafood at Salt & Meadow and Fish Hawk Oyster Bar, discover the culture, flavor, and heritage of one of Virginia’s most iconic treasures.
National Oyster Day - August 5
Join us for National Oyster Day at the Tides Inn, celebrating Chesapeake Bay oysters through creativity, coastal flavors, and local traditions. Create an oyster shell keepsake in our Maker Space, then enjoy freshly shucked oysters and chef-inspired dishes at Salt & Meadow or Fish Hawk Oyster Bar. From hands-on experiences to waterfront dining, it’s the perfect way to savor Virginia’s oyster heritage.
Oyster Weekend - August 8
10:00 – 11:30 AM | Watercolors with Lauren Albury in the Maker Space
Create a coastal-inspired watercolor painting with artist Lauren Albury, drawing inspiration from the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay.
3:00 – 3:45 PM | Speaker Series with Will Smiley (Cove Room)
Hear from local oyster expert and ecologist Will Smiley as he shares the story of oystering in the Chesapeake Bay and the origins of the Widgeon Oyster.
4:00 – 5:00 PM | Oyster Shucking Demonstration
Learn the art of oyster shucking during this interactive demonstration and discover the techniques behind this Chesapeake tradition.
5:00 – 5:45 PM | Meet Our Ecologist and Chef: Oyster Q&A
Join Ecologist Will Smiley and Chef Kyle Perkins for a discussion on oyster farming, sustainability, Chesapeake Bay ecology, and cooking with oysters.
Evening | Dinner at Salt & Meadow or Fish Hawk Oyster Bar
End the day with dinner at Salt & Meadow or Fish Hawk Oyster Bar, where fresh local oysters and Chesapeake-inspired cuisine take center stage.
Oyster Weekend - August 9
2:00 – 4:00 PM | Oyster Farm Tours
Experience the Chesapeake Bay from a new perspective on a guided tour of our oyster farm with ecologist Will Smiley. Learn about how oysters help support a healthy Bay ecosystem, and gain firsthand insight into the Tides Inn’s commitment to oyster restoration and conservation.
Evening | Dinner at Salt & Meadow or Fish Hawk Oyster Bar
End the day with dinner at Salt & Meadow or Fish Hawk Oyster Bar, where fresh local oysters and Chesapeake-inspired cuisine take center stage.
Visiting Artist Lauren Albury
As part of Oyster Week, visiting artist Lauren Albury invites guests to celebrate the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay through watercolor. Inspired by the region’s landscapes and oysters, these hands-on workshops offer a creative way to connect with the Bay’s oyster heritage while creating a unique keepsake to take home.
| Wednesday, August 5th | Thursday, August 6th | Friday, August 7th | Saturday, August 8th | Sunday, August 9th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 - 11:30 AM - Decoupage Oyster in Maker Space | 10 - 11:30 AM - Watercolors with Lauren Albury in Maker Space | 10 - 11:30 AM - Watercolors with Lauren Albury in Maker Space | 10-11:30 AM - Watercolors with Lauren Albury in Maker Space | 10 - 11:30 AM - Watercolors with Lauren Albury in Maker Space |
| All Day - Enjoy Oysters in Salt & Meadow or Fish Hawk | 2 - 3:30 PM - Oyster Crafts with Lauren Albury in Maker Space | 2 - 3:30 PM - Oyster Crafts with Lauren Albury in Maker Space | 2 - 3:30 PM - Oyster Crafts with Lauren Albury in Maker Space | 2 - 4 PM - Oyster Farm Tours |
| All Day - Enjoy Oysters in Salt & Meadow or Fish Hawk | All Day - Enjoy Oysters in Salt & Meadow or Fish Hawk | 3 - 3:45 PM - Speaker Series in the Cove Room | 2 - 3:30 PM - Oyster Crafts with Lauren Albury in Maker Space | |
| 5:30 - 7:00 PM - Reception in the View Room | 4 - 5 PM - Oyster Shucking Demonstration at Fish Hawk | All Day - Enjoy Oysters in Salt & Meadow or Fish Hawk | ||
| 5 - 5:45 PM - Meet our Ecologist & Chef for FAQs | ||||
| All Day - Enjoy Oysters in Salt & Meadow or Fish Hawk |