The revival of the Lynnhaven oyster.
Photo by Mark Edward Atkinson
Take a closer look at a legendary oyster that almost faced extinction by joining a farm tour hosted by Pleasure House Oysters. Perched along the Lynnhaven River just north of Virginia Beach, this scenic oyster farm gives visitors a glimpse into early American life, when English settlers described seeing oysters “as big as dinner plates” in local waters.
Today, you can find out all about how these bivalves made it back from the brink by taking part in the immersive Chef’s Table Tour ($137.50), Tasting Tour ($49.50), or the more hands-on Waterman Tour ($82.50). For a more scientific look at the life of oysters in the Chesapeake Bay, check out the Virginia Institute for Marine Science in Gloucester Point, where educational tours include a visit to the Shellfish Pathology lab and oyster hatchery. PleasureHouseOysters.com, VIMS.edu
This article originally appeared in our 2017 issue of Smoke & Salt.
