Afterward, explore on your own the entire Knitting Mill Creek ecodistrict with its eclectic shops, walking paths, and kayak rentals, head 8.4 miles away to the Elizabeth River Project’s Paradise Creek Nature Park (1009 Victory Blvd., Portsmouth 23702) or stop by the Norfolk Botanical Garden (10 miles away at 6700 Azalea Garden Rd., Norfolk) and experience one of the most outstanding botanical gardens in the entire country.

On Saturday, September 19th, there will be an informal gathering near Gloucester at the home of former VOWA President Terry Lewis and his wife Maryanne on the Piankatank River (11339 Water View Place, Gloucester 23061).

Terry and Maryanne have a private pier with a fishing area at the end, so if you want to fish, bring your gear. However, the main attraction is oyster gardening, and Terry will regale us with everything you ever wanted to know about oysters with a hands-on demonstration of his oyster beds as he has spent his retirement years becoming an oyster master gardener. Bring water shoes and extra clothes if you want to participate in harvesting the oysters. 

The Saturday action begins at 10 a.m. with the grand finale of an oyster and crab feast at 1 p.m. Please bring lawn chairs for this outdoor activity.