When Tammy and Jim Holloway first moved to Cape Charles a few years ago, and began getting Bay Haven ready to become an Inn again, I remember remarking to another B&B owner, Bruce Evans that the new owners were really putting a lot of work, much of it sweat equity, into what I considered one of the towns historic gems. “You know Wayne,” Bruce said. “They are really going to be, no they are, a really great addition to this town.” That of course, was probably the understatement of the decade, as the Holloway’s have, in short period of time, turned Bay Haven into a local icon.
Note: Photos courtesy of Chris Glennon Photographer
Each holiday season, we can’t wait to see just what design the Bay Haven Inn will come up with. Word of mouth has already spread regarding the quality of the cuisine (especially the sweet potato ham biscuits) offered by Jim and Tammy Holloway, an authentic Eastern Shore “Farm to Table” style where vegetables and herbs are grown in the backyard or delivered fresh from the area’s local farms. However, it is the depth and beauty of the how the couple decorates for each season that is becoming an attraction on its own. We have to admit that the Bay Haven Halloween is still our favorite, yet the design for the Christmas holidays is always stunning. More than just decorating for the holidays, the Holloway’s approach the design with such a level detail and arrangement, it becomes as much a performance as it does a statically visual work of art. Within this importance, we see a correlation of the all the parts to the whole, an organic unity that not only encompasses Bay Haven, but also emphasizes its interrelatedness to Cape Charles itself. Walking down Tazewell at sunset, you stop to consider the beauty of Bay Haven, how, for each season, the materials are well chosen, and combined, mashed up in a systematic, yet simple, orderly and direct way, all to create a perfect feeling of place and time. We could probably go on for several more pages about this, but why do that when showing you is so much better…
Phone: (757)331-2838
Email: Info@BayHavenInnbnb.com
Address: 403 Tazewell Ave, Cape Charles, VA 23310
Follow Bay Haven on Facebook: Facebook.com/BayHavenInn
It would have been difficult to imagine anyone replicating the elegance of former owner Leon Parham’s windmill palm, oleander, pear espalier, and herb garden, with ample parsley – possibly, lovage. But the Holloways have treaded on that sacred ground of creativity with much imagination and élan, creating a feast for the eyes every season. Very much looking forward to the spring blooms at Bay Haven.
Jim and Tammy Holloway have been a welcome addition to Cape Charles and to Northampton County. Her volunteer work also includes mentoring students with the New Roots Youth Garden program. The work they have done inside the Bay Haven Inn is phenomenal. Every room is a work of art. And, best of all, they are just plain good people!
Love me some Jim and Tammy!!!!!
We are humbled and appreciative of such kind words. We get great joy from watching passers by during the holiday season and are thrilled we can bring joy to a few moments of someones day! It is a sad weekend though, because it all comes down this weekend 🙁 so make sure you drive by for a final glimpse before Saturday! Until next year….and again thanks to the CC Mirror for such lovely article, it really warmed our hearts! Thanks much!