The Virginia Oyster Trail (VOT) is a visitor-directed experiential “journey of discovery” connecting “aqua-artisan” oyster businesses, producers/purveyors, seafood restaurants and raw bars, pairings with wine and craft beers and spirits, experiential eco-tours, unique lodging and cultural sites in Virginia’s distinctive coastal region for the ultimate Virginia Oyster travel experience.
Free lease of a “Virginia Oyster Trail” metal locator sign for active trail members.
Use of the Virginia Oyster Trail logo for PR (Brand Usage Policy applies).
High profile business page, offering “demi website” visibility and integration on the Virginia Oyster Trail (VOT) website:
Add your upcoming Virginia Oyster related events and promotions on the Virginia Oyster Trail Calendar of Events.
The monthly Virginia Oyster Trail White Boot Blog reaches oyster lovers worldwide to share interesting Virginia Oyster-related topics on a more personal level.
Virginia Oyster Trail social media feeds are a quick and easy way to share content with multiple social media sites.
The Virginia Oyster Trail positioned as a great resource for oyster related content to help visitors plan their adventures and as a conduit for tourism in Virginia.
One of the most used features on the Virginia Oyster Trail is the dynamic Google map system with it’s trip planning features to help visitors navigate their way along the trail.
On your member profile pages, visitors see exactly where you are on an interactive Google map. Your map pin shows your location, displays your name, tagline, address, and links directly to your profile page.
From your individual page, visitors can save your information to their trip planner for future reference as they plan their oyster adventures.
Choose a button below to explore the many oyster-related places, activities and experiences that are waiting for you.
GENERAL CRITERIA – ALL VIRGINIA OYSTER TRAIL SITES
These general items apply to all trail sites. Click the tab that applies to your type of business for industry specifics and to be directed to the appropriate online application.
Program Disclaimer: All trail site businesses/owners are solely responsible for complying with zoning regulations, ordinances, health and business licensing requirements as well as any required or discretionary insurance liability coverage in addition to taking steps to reduce/eliminate risk due to negligence.
Open enrollment on the Trail is year ‘round with exposure online in real-time, all the time. The enrollment application is subject to review to ensure the business meets participation criteria. Once you are approved, you will receive an official 'welcome' with the login codes and a trail sign will be made available.
OYSTER WATERMEN/AQUACULTURE BUSINESSES
Examples: Watermen, Oyster Growers, Watermen Tours, **Farm/Seafood Markets
$50 PER YEAR, plus a $50 one-time setup fee
CLICK HERE to download a printable application
RESTAURANTS
Examples: Restaurants, Oyster Bars, Diners, Night Clubs, Cafés
$100 PER YEAR, plus a $50 one-time setup fee
CLICK HERE to download a printable application
AGRI-ARTISANS
Examples: Visitor experience agricultural businesses such as *Wineries, Breweries, Distilleries, Cideries
$100 PER YEAR, plus a $50 one-time setup fee
CLICK HERE to download a printable application
LODGING
Examples: Bed & Breakfast; Campsite; Cabin; Inn
$100 PER YEAR, plus a $50 one-time setup fee
CLICK HERE to download a printable application
CULTURAL POINTS OF INTEREST
Examples: Historic & cultural centers; museums; information/ interpretive; educational; recreational; events/festivals
$100 PER YEAR, plus a $50 one-time setup fee
CLICK HERE to download a printable application
ARTISTS AND ART RETAIL VENUES
ARTISTS
Examples: Painters with watermen and/or Virginia Oyster subject matter; jewelers/sculptors and other craft artisans utilizing Virginia Oyster shells in their works; Production level artisans creating authentic Virginia Oyster collectibles
ART VENUES
Examples: Locally-owned business where retail sales are made such as: galleries; retail shops; gift shops
$100 PER YEAR, plus a $50 one-time setup fee
CLICK HERE to download a printable application