RICHMOND, VIRGINIA -- November is Virginia Oyster Month and it marks the perfect time of year for visitors to explore Virginia's vibrant oyster scene and discover why “Virginia is for Oyster Lovers.” Virginia's love affair with oysters goes back to 1607, when colonists first landed at Cape Henry and discovered plump, juicy Lynnhaven oysters, which they roasted over a roaring fire – and the rest is oyster history.

Thanks to its idyllic geographic location by the Chesapeake Bay and its numerous tributaries, Virginia is now referred to as the “Oyster Capital of the East Coast” and proudly boasts eight different and vastly distinct oyster regions. From salty to sweet, to buttery and creamy, there is a style of oyster to please every palate. Virginia oysters and Virginia wine pair together beautifully, with the state now featuring more than 300 wineries.

In addition to its eight oyster regions, Virginia is home to an array of oyster festivals, oyster roasts and oyster-themed events taking place throughout the year. The Urbanna Oyster Festival is Virginia's signature oyster event and is also the country's largest and longest-running oyster festival. Situated on the picturesque banks of the Rappahannock River, the Urbanna Oyster Festival includes plentiful amounts of oysters and seafood, music, crafts and even an oyster shucking contest which draws visitors from around the world. Other marquee Virginia oyster events include the Chincoteague Island Oyster Roast on Virginia's Eastern Shore, The Merroir and Terroir Oyster Extravaganza and numerous events taking place at wineries and craft breweries around the Commonwealth.

November is also the perfect time for visitors to discover the Virginia Oyster Trail. With more than 100 participating sites, this trail has been recognized by U.S. Travel and connects visitors with restaurants, artisans, farms, tours and historical sites throughout Coastal Virginia and Virginia's River Realm. There are also oyster tour companies, offering visitors the unique opportunity to experience what it is like to harvest oysters first hand by going out into the bay and rivers with a local waterman.

For more information about Virginia oysters, trip ideas, and oyster festivals around the Commonwealth, visit www.virginia.org/oysters.