We loved every minute of our laid-back stay at this gorgeous property. Grilled, swam, kayaked and ran around with our dog, who had a great time too. We’ll return!

Christi and Rick shared their slice of heaven on earth with us for a week and a half. They make you immediately feel like you are visiting family or old friends. Check in and out was incredibly easy. The hosts are excellent communicators before and during your stay, and very responsive to any request to ensure you have everything you need or want. All the amenities of home are there….plus some! Washer/dryer, golf cart use, fire rings with wood included, and THE BEST chairs and swing for morning coffee or evening sunsets overlooking the Chesapeake. Don’t forget the private beach at the end of the yard. It couldn’t be any easier to get to the beach! We used the kayaks and paddle boards. No extra rental fees….it’s ALL there for you to use (life jackets included). There was so much to do there we didn’t get to do it all - so we’ll be back!

If there were more stars to award we would absolutely do so. Our family had an amazing time we because of all the work Christi and Rick do to prepare the way. We had great "first time" experiences here: our first time kayaking in the bay, and the first time we ever had crabs freshly caught and steamed right out of the water. The pictures on her site are only a taste of what's here. You see a great, decorated and clean, cozy room and read the amazing list of amenities, but you can't appreciate all of it until you are actually here and see this lady in action. She is an amazing ball of energy! When the site says you are family when you get here, you feel it. They are welcoming and we immediately felt like old friends. There is so much to do you can just park the car and not leave the entire stay. Want to go kayaking? Paddle boarding? Do it. Watch the waves and the sun rise or set everyday from perfectly positioned chairs or a swing? Nap in a hammock by the beach? Do it all. And more. We love wildlife and soaked in the ospreys, bald eagle, crabs, pelicans and countless other beautiful creatures. We also enjoyed Christi's birds, koi, and cats! We had carefree days of never knowing or caring what time it was or what day of the week it was. We enjoyed nightly evening rides through the quiet neighborhood on her golf carts, taking in the scenery and the breeze filled with all the beach scents you wanted: jasmine, salty air, the occasional grill and bonfire smoke. This is a place that feels protected from outside rushes and worries. You can just relax or play at will. Our neighbors in the Sandy Hill Sunset unit were terrific and so friendly. We enjoyed watching their children playing and we all had an amazing lunch on fresh crabs, steamed by Christi herself! Thelma's Dawn Getaway isn't just a place you go to vacation, it's an experience. You can't get this kind of enjoyment without Christi's and Rick's hard work. What they have done to this property is amazing. They have adapted it into a mini resort. We had everything we needed right at hand, including a fully appointed kitchen in our unit that we took advantage of everyday of our stay. She is a true animal lover and won over our little chihuahua right away! From picnics on the beach, to peaceful night's sleeps, breakfasts on the patio, shopping in downtown Cape Charles, and endless beach days, this is far and beyond our best, and favorite, family vacation! We will be back. Thanks, Christi!

No frills efficiency inside — all the frills one could want on the outside. We just wanted to relax and walk the dogs on the beach and around the wooded neighborhood. But for those who like beach activities, there are all kinds of options. Very friendly and accommodating hosts!

No frills efficiency inside — all the frills one could want on the outside. We just wanted to relax and walk the dogs on the beach and around the wooded neighborhood. But for those who like beach activities, there are all kinds of options. Very friendly and accommodating hosts!

Christine was a wonderful host. It was nice to use her home for the holiday. She left us thoughtful Christmas treats and was generously accommodating for our situation. We will definitely stay there in the future when we visit family.

The host is the most friendly, helpful, fun person We have ever come across. It was like being part of the family and still alone on vacation with the love of my life. So many fun activities like fishing , golf carts, sports, and bonfires right on the beach. We’re definitely coming back as soon as possible and I’d recommend this to anyone, couple, family, that wants to escape to a private paradise with a home feeling

The host is the most friendly, helpful, fun person We have ever come across. It was like being part of the family and still alone on vacation with the love of my life. So many fun activities like fishing , golf carts, sports, and bonfires right on the beach. We’re definitely coming back as soon as possible and I’d recommend this to anyone, couple, family, that wants to escape to a private paradise with a home feeling

Loved this place , simple , small , relaxing . Area is unspoiled , very peaceful and quite , .

Loved this place , simple , small , relaxing . Area is unspoiled , very peaceful and quite , .

Christi & Rick are wonderful, kind, considerate ppl. Best of hosts! top stars! Property is exactly what you see: clean and neat; yard backs to Chesapeake bay; very quiet and peaceful. Kayaks, paddleboards, fishing gear all available! I would recommend to anyone and absolutely stay again.

The property is exactly what we were looking for. It was quiet, waking up and walking across the yard to walk along the beach first thing in the morning. Christi is a great person, you can tell she really enjoys hosting people at the property, and genuinely wants to hem to have a good time. Our pup fell in love with her (the treats didn't hurt, haha). I'm reluctant to tell the world how wonderful this place is, but only because I want to be available to book anytime I need it. We'll certainly return.

The apartment was clean and had a lot more amenities than any hotel I have ever stayed in. The beach was beautiful and we were able to have a romantic bonfire on the beach after dark. The hostess went above and beyond to make sure that our vacation getaway was special.

Staying at Thelma’s Dawn was truly a one of a kind experience where we enjoyed the most stunning of sunsets, jaw dropping starry skies, a private beach that was truly a slice of heaven and the most helpful tour guide Christi. We struggle with the words to review this place because it is best to feel the amazing energy of it and to experience the beauty of serenity and solitude yourself. Staying here felt like an intimate look into a calmer American culture overlooked by many people used to a busy and chaotic cityscape. This isn’t a place to stay to indulge in the typical tourist traps of most modern vacations. This is a place to indulge your 5 most basic senses in the simplicity of the surroundings that is nature. We truly just got lost sitting in the lovely reclined wooden chairs facing the ocean, hearing the crash of the waves and looking up at the absolutely phenomenal open sky. Christi shared an app with us that explained what constellations we were looking at, which made it fun to understand our place in the universe! One of our favorite moments was when we saw the brightest green light shoot down from the sky, which we think was a meteorite! Christi offers many activities from building a fire on the beach/backyard to fishing, kayaking and even crabbing! My husband had the privilege of going out with Christi on the boat and retrieving the crab traps from the bay, which led to a fresh crab dinner and an education session by Christi on how to eat them properly. What an experience! Our dog had quite the time being off leash and running into the ocean and on the sand! Christi was attentive feeding her treats while encouraging follow through of commands. Our dog Yana didn’t walk by the porch without checking to see if Christi was there. You can’t review this amazing paradise vacation spot without reviewing Christi too because she is one of a kind! She makes sure you have all you need to enjoy yourself, even if making sure you have the greatest and brightest flash light to get you to the end of the yard! She is educational, thorough and ensures you experience all you can from this unique secluded pocket of Virginia. As far as the room, everything was clean, the bed was very comfortable, the AC unit regulated the room temp very well and the mini fridge/kitchen supplies are just enough for your needs. Leave your judgments with the city lights and come and enjoy this hidden gem located conveniently on the edge of the Earth! We had a magical time here

Great stay in an amazing beach side location. Marvellous hosts. A great weekend get away.

Great stay in an amazing beach side location. Marvellous hosts. A great weekend get away.

I booked a four-day stay at Thelma's Dawn. I wanted a place that was on the beach, bring my dog, Koa, and be at peace. Thelma's Dawn was the place and more. Christi, the host, was the best! She really made us feel like we belonged there. She was very welcoming. I was worried about the weather, it was forecasted to have thunderstorms through the week, but to my pleasant surprise, the days were filled with sun. Of course, a shower or thunderstorm would break through but pass by. The beach is private and oh so serene. Koa and I walked the beach in the morning and it was wonderful. Calm waters, warm enough to just jump right in but not too warm that it wasn't refreshing. When we weren't exploring other towns the afternoon was spent swimming or just sitting and enjoying the beautiful view of the water. Did I mention the great hospitality, Christi had fresh crab ready for us to eat when we arrived...yum. The property faces east so you can catch as many sunsets as the days you are there. The room was just enough. The first night there were three of us, it was comfortable. My son had to get back to Norfolk so the rest of the stay was my daughter and I and there was more than enough room. I found the queen bed very comfortable, I slept very well. My daughter was on the day bed and she said it was comfortable. Christi allowed us to do our laundry there which was great, no dirty clothes when we got home. Did I mention how great Christi is? Yea, she was awesome! The golf cart was a fun ride, we took it around the neighborhood, Koa loved it! So, if your looking for a place to get away, be at peace, this is it. It's worth the ride from the main road. Cell service was minimal around the whole area, even up along Route 13, but that did not bother me too much. Thelma's Dawn has wifi and it reached out to the beach, it was all I needed to be able to make a call or text and even post pics on Facebook. A meal must be had at El Maguey Mexican Restaurant, authentic and delicious. Christi shared some vegetables from her impressive garden. Cape Charles main street shops were nice to peruse. Chincoteague main street shops were also nice to look around and get memorabilia. My daughter and I hit a lot of antique shops along 13 too. You will have to do some driving to get anywhere, that's the nature of the area, and it's worth it. I hope to make Thelma's Dawn a regular place to visit and get away.

We had so much! Christi was awesome! She called to let us know the room was ready ahead of time that we could check in early. She had great, open communication and was so helpful. The property is very low key- 20-30 mins from town (stores) which was perfectly fine with us! Our kids (7 & 10) enjoyed being able to bring our dog on vacation with us! We all got to try out kayaking and fishing and riding the golf cart. (everything was on site)! Christi cooked crabs and made shark bites that we all got to try as well! We hope to go back and stay next summer! It was well worth every penny!!!!!!!

This was a great short get away for us. We appreciate the hospitality.

This was a great short get away for us. We appreciate the hospitality.

Couldn’t have asked for a better spot to enjoy our vacation. Christi is a fantastic host. We will be returning.

We had a great at the property. Beach access was great. Property owner was really nice and helpful. Great place for a young family

We had a great at the property. Beach access was great. Property owner was really nice and helpful. Great place for a young family

Couldn’t have asked for a better spot to enjoy our vacation. Christi is a fantastic host. We will be returning.

Very easy access

Very easy access

My husband and I loved Thelma’s Dawn so much, we’re going to try to go again this summer or early fall. Everything was perfect, the unit was nice, with comfy linens, and the kitchen stocked with pots, pans, dishes, ...spices...you name it! The grounds are beautiful! A gigantic fire pit, koi pond with a little wooden bridge walkway, vegetable/herb garden...all within steps of a pristine, private beach. They’ve got kayaks and paddle boards ready and waiting for you. We brought our own rods and tackle to fish on the beach, but they even have that there for you if you need. There’s also a golf cart for you to use during your whole stay, Christi and Rick are amazing hosts, you know they are right there if you need anything, but not intrusive at all. It’s a very special place. Relaxing, private, and very laid back. Even the drive in from Route 13 was nice. A pretty country road that winds and turns it’s way through farmland and open space. Thank you Rick, for the chili on that cold night...it hit the spot! Thank you Christi for sharing your little slice of heaven with us, we really enjoyed hanging out with you, we had so much fun talking and listening to music with ya! Can’t wait to come back.

We stayed for a weekend and had an excellent time! The host was very friendly and informative, and accommodating when we had to arrive late due to traffic. The property was stocked with everything you could possibly need for a beach weekend, which was very convenient and saved us time and trouble packing our car. The air conditioning was cold, the bed was comfortable, and there were plenty of pillows.

This was our second time staying with Christi. We had a great time! Our kids adore Christi and are already asking to go back!

This was our second time staying with Christi. We had a great time! Our kids adore Christi and are already asking to go back!

My husband and I loved Thelma’s Dawn so much, we’re going to try to go again this summer or early fall. Everything was perfect, the unit was nice, with comfy linens, and the kitchen stocked with pots, pans, dishes, ...spices...you name it! The grounds are beautiful! A gigantic fire pit, koi pond with a little wooden bridge walkway, vegetable/herb garden...all within steps of a pristine, private beach. They’ve got kayaks and paddle boards ready and waiting for you. We brought our own rods and tackle to fish on the beach, but they even have that there for you if you need. There’s also a golf cart for you to use during your whole stay, Christi and Rick are amazing hosts, you know they are right there if you need anything, but not intrusive at all. It’s a very special place. Relaxing, private, and very laid back. Even the drive in from Route 13 was nice. A pretty country road that winds and turns it’s way through farmland and open space. Thank you Rick, for the chili on that cold night...it hit the spot! Thank you Christi for sharing your little slice of heaven with us, we really enjoyed hanging out with you, we had so much fun talking and listening to music with ya! Can’t wait to come back.

Our stay was short but very enjoyable