VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — You've heard of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, but did you know there's a Virginia Oyster Trail? Part of it is centered right along the Lynnhaven River.
"My father's family was from northeastern North Carolina; they came here during the Depression," Captain Chris Ludford said.
In fact, Ludford's family's history as fishermen goes back to 1715.
"They were fishermen down there and boat builders, and then they came here and carried on the fishing- and boat‑building tradition," he said.
The Virginia Beach resident has spent a lifetime harvesting oysters in the Lynnhaven River and selling them to local restaurants.
But things changed about 10 years ago. Back then, 90 percent of his business was selling oysters. Now most of his business is giving tours to tourists and locals, educating them about oysters and their significance to the region.
It's a change he welcomes.
"They want to immerse themselves in local traditions and local food, so that really all comes together with the oyster because you've got a process, you've got a history, you've got a food item. It's everything," Ludford said.
That's why residents Mike Gurley and Cheryl Allman booked a tasting tour with Captain Ludford's company, Pleasure House Oysters.
"Mmmm... oh yes!" said Gurley. "Delicious."
They were experiencing part of the Virginia Oyster Trail.
Ludford said the trail includes businesses, farmers, bed-and-breakfasts and restaurants — anyone interested in oysters and the oyster renaissance.
There are eight distinct oyster regions along the Chesapeake Bay, from Tangier Island and the Rappahannock in the north to points south such as Virginia Beach and Yorktown.
"You can go there and see events happening, places you can stay that are doing oyster-related events and tastings," he said.
He says Virginia oysters are unique.
"There are so many different flavor profiles, and it was the original place people ate oysters from 1607 onward," Ludford said. "They've always been known for delicate flavor, saltiness and size — there's so much that makes them special."
Even though I grew up on the Chesapeake Bay and have eaten my fair share of oysters, I didn't know there was a proper way to taste them. First you sip the brine, then — down the hatch!
Captain Chris Ludford's knowledge of the Virginia Oyster Trail and his family history make him an ideal guide. He is positively Hampton Roads.
To book your tour on the Virginia Oyster Trail with Capt. Chris and Pleasure House Oysters, you can visit his website: www.pleasurehouseoysters.com
