“My neighbor tried it swimming on the 4th. The tents, massive in size, were so thick that in order to reach the water, he had to walk under and through tents. The next day they decided to take a walk along the beach at about 10:00 am. Mass numbers of tents were taken off the support poles and were laying on the sand along with beach chairs and other beach equipment. I know full well that the Cape Charles we came here for is long gone and we exist solely for the pleasure and entertainment of the summer people who make the cash registers ring. An old saying, it’s not kind but degree. The whole situation is getting out of control, witness the firestorm about golf carts.” – sent to the Mirror by Thomy Giese(I am quite content doing very little slowly) from Cape Charles on the Eastern Shore of Saltwater Virginia, where there is nothing to do and we do it all day long.
Once again, Thomy hits the nail right on the head. Summertime in Cape Charles is not what it used to be–it’s not what local residents really signed up for.
Locals have written the Mirror about this, bemoaning the influx of rudeness that has taken over this town. While not all bad, it seems that a larger percentage of this year’s tourists have taken bad manners, narcissism, and self-importance to a new level. Folks tell us they stay inside or just leave town on the weekends.
The following comment was sent in by a reader. While it is in response to a previous article on golf carts, it kind of sums things up:
I was at St Charles Catholic Church for 5:00 Sat Mass…came out of church at 6:00. Had parked two spaces down from the front of the church. Surprise-a crowd was standing around the back of my 2018 Ford Explorer. Several people witnessed a tall grey haired “gentleman? “trying to pull out of his parking space behind my vehicle in his golf cart. They all heard a loud crash as he rammed into the back of my SUV, then backed into the vehicle behind him. A parishioner ran down the church steps managed to take his keys from him offering to drive him home, he snatched the keys back, pulled forward once again hitting the rear of my car, and took off. No one recognized him but said he was obviously intoxicated and just didnt know how to drive the golf cart. Hit and run-no respect, no conscience. I need to replace part of my bumper-I have several pieces from his white 4 seater golf cart. My family and I witnessed the same thing happening during the 4th of July as we were walking to the parade. Another inexperienced golf cart driver trying to parallel park. Luckily the owner of the house came rushing out as he heard the crash. They are for the golf course people! – Reader Comments
We know, that cow’s already out of the barn, and there’s no going back to 20 or 30 years ago when this village had real charm. A little bit of dilapidation goes a long way.
You get what you vote for. Every single member of Town Council except for one has business interests in this town, so this outcome is to be expected.
Back in the Assess and Villains days, this writer used to mock this effort as the Cape Maying of Cape Charles.
Who’s laughing now? He’s still wiping the egg off his face and driving an hour to work on his tan at Croatan beach.
Below are photos sent in by a reader on the morning of the 5th of July.
Old Folk says
We have tried to keep things slow…and have succeeded for several decades, but everyone complained that the area needs jobs, progress, a better tax base, etc.
This is what we were trying to hold back. You can’t have it both ways. These are the typical growing pains that we expected.
Paul Plante says
Once a town gets a reputation as a place where anything goes, that reputation becomes very hard to shed, which reminds me of a New York Times article entitled “Florida Town Curbs Debauchery, and Pays the Price” by Lizette Alvarez on March 21, 2016, as follows:
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. — The sun was sublime, the flour-soft sand could scarcely have been more tempting and the D.J. music thumped loudly enough to jiggle the beer cups resting on nearby tables.
All that was missing were the throngs of booze-soaked, sunburned spring breakers who usually swarm this beach town during March.
The scarcity of the party-hard population was no accident.
Last year, after a particularly rowdy spring break that saw an alleged sexual assault on a crowded beach in broad daylight (it was recorded and went viral) and gunfire at a house party that injured seven partygoers, local officials clamped down.
They passed more than 20 ordinances to curb the debauchery, drinking and violence that they had concluded was marring the town’s image.
In response, students sprinted to Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram, quickly spreading the news — using the hashtag #RIPPCB (Rest in Peace Panama City Beach) — that the party here was over.
Amplified through the social media megaphone, the drop was far steeper than even the businesses who opposed the measures had anticipated.
Last week, peak time for spring break, scores of bars, restaurants, clubs, hotels, fast-food franchises and taxi companies that typically see their March profits bulge sat forlorn, with some reporting a 90 percent drop in customers.
Stricter law enforcement has made it illegal for alcohol to be consumed on beaches for the month of March.
“There were a lot more unintended consequences than anyone imagined,” said Jack Bishop, the owner of the popular waterfront restaurant and bar Harpoon Harry’s.
“We never dreamed it would be this bad so quickly.”
“This tells you the power of the 24-hour news cycle and social media.”
“I’m down 72 percent for the month.”
In instituting a crackdown, Panama City Beach, perched on the Gulf Coast a two-hour drive from Alabama, joined a roster of other more urban Florida beach towns that have for decades whipsawed from inviting, to rebuffing, to ultimately tolerating spring breakers.
Fort Lauderdale, Daytona Beach, Miami Beach — they have all been there, taking in the money, but hating the mess and negative attention that comes with students who trash rooms, fall off balconies, assault one another and drink themselves to death.
(Within the first hour of a reporter’s recent visit to a local hotel, paramedics treated a drunken student and, in an elevator, a student from West Virginia showed off his right fist, bloodied by a fight.)
Last week, Miami Beach dealt with its own rash of bad news: Rowdy spring break brawls on Ocean Drive led to the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old Florida man.
The city has now rolled out its own restrictions and stepped up law enforcement.
And despite Panama City Beach’s stricter laws, one college student fell to his death from a parking garage balcony last week after drinking all day, and another died from an alcohol and drug overdose.
In this small, conservative town with a Southern sensibility, the past year’s debate over spring break has been painful and divisive.
Owners and employees of many small businesses have accused politicians of overreach, warning the economy would be badly hurt.
But many of the area’s older residents and elected officials argue that spring break here had badly deteriorated, becoming far too raunchy, boozy, dangerous and dirty, and risked turning off families.
To fight the problem, officials stepped up law enforcement, and the city and county passed more than 20 ordinances.
The new laws, mostly in effect only in March, required bars to close at 2 a.m., banned loitering and scooter rentals in the evening and, most important, made it illegal to drink alcohol on the beach.
“It got out of hand, and I believe it stopped some good people from coming here,” said Mike Thomas, a Bay County commissioner who is now running for Panama City Beach mayor.
“I think it reached the point where we were killing ourselves.”
“Our image was being hurt so badly.”
Mr. Thomas said bars and clubs had been asked to tone down some events that in years past featured heavy drinking and the kind of entertainment he said attracted “an element that causes problems.”
Businesses, he said, did not cooperate.
But business owners said that the vast majority of spring breakers were good people who wanted nothing more than a good time with friends, and that the new laws had gone too far.
end quotes
So whither Cape Charles?
And one time I was in Cape May, which I liked because as an older person, I didn’t have to worry about being run down by some drunk in a golf cart, I heard one younger father telling another that they were pulling out and going to Wildwood, because the kids thought Cape May was way too boring, and frankly, I was happy to see them go.
D. Luther says
It’s sad, I noticed this year’s crowd was really big compared to other years and the people (young adults) very disrespectful.
The next morning, the beach was littered by tents scrather around the water, falling apart and just thrown on the beach. Not to mention beer, wine bottles along with crushed and cut open beer cans.
The town council only want to spent $20,000 on the beach from an $8 million dollar budget. The only time I seen the beach clean was just before July 4th. The town council has created problems by their reverse parking. Can’t wait to see what they do to with this budget. Good bye small town, hello Gotham city.
Paul Plante says
But picking up after yourself is just so old-fashioned and boring it isn’t funny, especially when you are on vacation and having a great time and it would be such a downer to actually have to pick up your own trash (how yucky), especially since the town already has people to do that for you.
Dan says
“Back in the Assess and Villains days, this writer used to mock this effort as the Cape Maying of Cape Charles.”
Cape Charles is no Cape May…not by a long shot.
Note: Not yet.
Ken Leland says
Each time a golf cart is rented charge an extra $5.00 a half day, or $10.00 fee a day that will go to the city of Cape Charles for beach clean up. Only let adults drive carts. Allow tents and tarps only in the back section of the beach. Stop people from setting up on the night before an event,$100.00 fine. There are many ways the town of Cape Charles can take care of the beach and town without taxing the citizens who live here to death.
Angelita Widgeon says
I am pretty sure that you must have a license to drive a golf cart, and they shouldn’t be allowed to drive down main street. Maybe give the golf cart drivers another way to get to the beach front and a area that can park instead of the street. Pass some stricter laws concerning events. Alcohol could be consumed in only certain areas.Get to help with clean-up by offering vouchers or discounts to the restaurants and business in Cape Charles the owners of these should give since it benefits them.
Susan Moore says
This past Thursday my sister and I saw a black car turn into Fig St. Obviously exceeding the speed limit and very nearly hitting a golf cart! The car swerved and missed the cart at the last possible moment. It was dusk and both vehicles were without lights. A tragedy is just around the corner.
Kearn C SCHEMM says
We had a wonderful 4th weekend and the tents were thick and heavy for sure. I saw no rudeness or anything other than families having fun. I had no problem walking to the beach, didn’t need to walk through tents or other obstacles and we (my two daughters, their two kids and oldie me) arrived late. The vacation visitors have allowed CC to make a recovery and we should not lose sight of this but rather be grateful that these folks are coming here and loving our little town – and spending lots of money.
E White says
With so many “vacation rentals” in Cape Charles, it’s nearly impossible to find an affordable long-term rental there – or even in neighboring Cheriton.
Why are these homes not taxed differently than residential homes or long-term rental properties? The town would certainly benefit from the additional revenue it would gain by taxing these type of rentals in a way similar to inns and bed-and-breakfast establishments.
Some of us would benefit from living in Cape Charles – or at least very close to it – because we work in the town or have elderly family members there who need us to be in close proximity to them.
Ryan Foster says
In addition to the taxes paid to Cape Charles township, Northampton County, there is an additional 11% transient occupancy tax due on all rental’s less than 30 days. More taxes will most certainly not be the answer, as it almost never is. Raise it any more and folks will leave it a ghost town.
Hope Wright says
When do they leave?
Bryan says
Basically you all are all come hithers you’re not from there talking about 20 or 30 years I was born and raised there
Note: And we’re all proud of you.
Metty says
I have not witnessed any disrespectful behavior be it the golf cart or on the beach. I did notice the larger crowd on the beach and the traffic jam after the fireworks. I happen to like celebrating crowds so i have no complaints about the masses on the beach, but if there are corroboration of these complaints the town must publish rules and enforce them consistently, with fines if appropriate to the offending party. I hate for the town to limit any infivifual freedom for the sake of good old nostalgia for the past. The past will never be recreated but we can create a new memory of this town that incorporates progress and tradition. I would like buinesses to thrive and that means being hospitable to tourists who drive sales during the short summer season, a little understanding with tolerance is what we can cultivate as full time residents, after all we have the town back all to ourselves after the summer visitors leave.
Joseph Francis Corcoran says
” Cape Charles isn’t what it used to be . ” That’s true . Not even close .
The Maritime Museum at Saint Michaels , Maryland has some great pictures of Cape Charles from about 100 years ago . It was a Chesapeake Bay fun place like Virginia Beach ( long before Virginia Beach was a city ) .
The potential is still there for a grand revival . Good luck . I think it will happen . It is happening .
Karen Rodgers says
My husband and I have been visiting the Cape Charles area every year since 2008 although we have never stayed in the city but have stayed at rentals adjacent to Kiptopeke. I have always enjoyed visiting Cape Charles and its beach, shops, and restaurants. This year I was excited to book three nights at the Northampton Inn in addition to our vacation at Smithfield. Now I am very sorry I did so. I have long seen news feeds from the Eastern Shore because of my interest. All I have seen recently is tourist bashing. I would cancel and book elsewhere but have already paid half the cost. My husband was already concerned about the gentrification of the town.
Will the towns people sneer at our trailer with kayaks? I had a concern about that and asked the innkeeper who assured me it would not be a problem. Now I am not so sure.
So I will come to Cape Charles and strive not to give offense but will go out to Kiptopeke to walk the beach and Highway 13 to eat and next year will stay at another venue.
Paul Plante says
These days, Kayaks on top of cars, or in pick-up truck beds, or on trailers, are a very common sight, so why do you think that townspeople in Cape Charles would sneer at your kayaks?
Karen Rodgers says
because of the original article and responses on this and other posts about “come hithers”.
There is absolutely nothing welcoming about this article or the responses.
Paul Plante says
I’m really sorry that you feel that way, but truthfully, while indeed a lot does get said in here, it is a democracy, afterall, I have never heard anyone knocking kayaks and making fun of them.
If somebody was doing that, I would think it would be somebody who owns one of those yachts you see anchored off Cape Charles, as opposed to a town person.
Charlene says
Please don’t let the select few make you not want to visit and enjoy our beautiful town! I was born and raised here watched it turning into a ghost town and am enjoying seeing the revival of my quaint and beautiful home town! Bring on the kayaks !
Karen Rodgers says
To the moderators
I tried posting before but think I deleted. Please correct and please upload. My husband and I first saw Cape Charles in 1999 when we brought our kids. We were finally able to come back to the cape every year since 2008. We always stayed at venues near Kiptopeke but this year, I was so excited to split my vacation between Jamestown (Smithfield Landing) and the Northampton Inn. My husband did not want to do that because of what he viewed as the town’s gentrification. He was right much as it pains me to say so. I have long followed news feeds from the Eastern Shore. All I have seen recently is tourist bashing. I would cancel but I have already paid half the sum. So I will try not to offend if I walk the beach but I will most definitely take my tainted tourist dollars to eat and to buy out to the towns off highway 13. Next year will go back to rentals near the state park.
Tom says
Yep, 4th of July and Cape Charles Beach is packed. Then again, what beach isn’t! Tourism has helped Cape Charles re-build and re-new. Places that were long closed are now re-opened with a new venue. I miss Savages Drug Store and George Etz pool hall. Pictures of the 5th on the beach aren’t bad just a few people who didn’t take care of there belongings. It happens. Take it to a donation center. Wasn’t crazy about the golf carts but they are good for the locals. Easy to park, no emissions, etc… I think some of the same things were said about us as teenagers. Saturday night was hang out at the beach boardwalk and yes music and alcoholic beverages. I do wonder about the town council and if the towns interest is really on the agenda. No, we do not want a VA Beach on the shore! Heck, they did t want Brown and Root moving in!
From Here Left Here Came Back says
Exactly!
Blue Hoss says
The beaches on Hog and Cobb Island were not packed…..no golf carts either.
Julie says
Our primary home is in another tourist town….maybe you’ve heard of it? Williamsburg.
My husband and I met when we were students at William and Mary, in the 70’s, and it is incredible to us how that town has changed.
Fourth of July and Grand Illumination in Williamsburg? We don’t even try to go any more, because of all the tourists.
However, the upside of living in a tourist town is the influx of tourist dollars, which translate into good schools for our children, and jobs and housing.
As “come-heres” to Cape Charles, we would love to think that it would stay the way it was when we “discovered” it four years ago, but the secret is out and more and more people are finding this charming town as a welcome alternative to other beach towns.
It’s hard to complain about tourist dollars when the PUBLIC SCHOOLS in Northampton County are struggling and the teachers are so poorly paid.
It’s hard to complain when tourist dollars are providing JOBS, albeit seasonal ones for the most part, that didn’t exist a few years ago.
It’s hard to complain about tourist dollars when HOUSES that were falling down four years ago are being restored to their original charm and glory.
Folks who may have paid a hefty price for their Cape Charles homes, ten to fifteen years ago, are seeing the current value of that same home surpass what they paid for it, so they are no longer “under water” with their mortgage.
Maybe it’s hard to get on the beach on the Fourth of July, but if you are blessed to have a home in Cape Charles, you have 364 other days of the year to enjoy the beach. Next year, visit Williamsburg on July 4; as for us, we will be in Cape Charles!
Southern NJ Mike says
I really can’t believe what I’m reading. My family and I came into town from the campground during the week of the 7th. First time there ever…. We are from NJ. I have been a resident of Southern NJ my whole life geographically similar in every way to your area, our family dates back the the late 1600’s where I’m from, which is 30 miles North of Cape May. What I witnessed was virtually a ghost town of potential. I appreciated who is there and the people that are making a go of the town, the vibe of the town and the location. If you want to be successful you will have to figure out how to deal with the tourists. My family has done it all, had Farms, trucking and now we run a successful seashore restaurant. Our area was once like yours and the locals still complain about tourists to this day, however they are economic engine that you wouldn’t believe. Let me tell you, tourism dollars will save your town and grow your schools and infrastructure. You have an un-tapped gold mine. Seems that new people need to be in charge of how things are done. Because as far as I can see you have zero serious industry or potential for it. Without promoting tourism you are a forgotten town on the side of a highway to better destinations.
Paul Plante says
That last line says a lot, Mike.
Blue Hoss says
I’d rather see wooden bushel baskets, culling hammers, gum boots, oil skins, dead rises, and chincoteague scows.
Mary Ann DeMarino-Cox says
I was born here and lived here until I was 16yrs old. My family moved to Norfolk then to Jacksonville ,FL. From there I was in San Diego, CA and to DE. In 1985 I moved back “home” to the Shore with my 2 daughters. Living places other than here was the best thing for me, it made me love it here even more, no matter how it is. Other places have issues also, yes even the gossip lol. I know that most folks around here are usually are pretty respectful. So please, if EVERYONE would be that way to each other we would have a much better place. LOVE
Mary Parks says
I bet you voted for Hillary and Bath-House Barry…
Barbara Jean says
And that makes a difference because …… ? Really, get a grip!
Mary Parks says
Because the Democrat party is more dangerous to our Judeo-Christian foundation than any terrorist alive today.
We have a political party that opposes our very existence as a sovereign nation, plus all the additional corruption that money can buy. As long as the Democrat Party exists there will be no balanced budget and no real border security. If we build a wall, the moment the Democrats have the political power to do it, they will tear the wall down at our expense. They are a domestic enemy, and unless we face that fact and deal with it, we will continue down a road of slow destruction.
Maybe you should get back to Facebook or Instagram…
Nioaka Marshall says
And what does politcal party have to do with Tourism killing Cape Charles? Some people………
Metty says
Such hyperbole, please keep your politics out of this discussion
Metty
A friend says
Well, did you?
Todd Holden says
Maybe, because elections have consequences.
Margot Gorske says
Miss Mary your comment is unnecessary unkind and unproductive
Paul Plante says
Which of course is a value judgment.
Margot Gorske says
Please keep hate out of these comments
Mary Parks says
Nioaka Marshall says
July 21, 2019 at 6:07 pm
And what does politcal party have to do with Tourism killing Cape Charles? Some people……… ?????????
Simple, No Conservative would have advertised: CAPE CHARLES Gay Wedding Destination.
Think before you Type.
Mary Parks says
Metty says
July 21, 2019 at 11:39 pm
Such hyperbole, please keep your politics out of this discussion
Metty
No Thanks. BTW what is a ‘Metty”?
Fiameta V. Pellicer says
And who are you Mary Parks? Id love to meet you in person to see how someone who spouts such venom looks like.
Paul Plante says
Isn’t our democracy here in America such a wonderful thing!