Tangier Island. The name alone conjures up images of a faraway isle just waiting to be discovered. As the most remote spot in Virginia, Tangier Island is always a memorable experience. Constant erosion has reduced this island in the Chesapeake Bay to only a mile wide and 3 miles long. Although it is part of Accomack County on the Eastern Shore, the island is 14 miles west of the Shore and 17 miles east of Reedville in the Northern Neck of Virginia. Like the rest of the Eastern Shore, the island changed its 804 area code to 757 on July 1, 1996. Boat is the only way to get there. You have several choices for arriving on Tangier. If you have your own boat, you can sail from Onancock, Saxis or Crisfield, Maryland, on the Eastern Shore.From the western shore of Virginia, you can leave from Reedville. At Tangier, you can dock at Parks’ Marina, 891-2567. Commercial boats ferry visitors from three locations: Onancock, Reedville and Crisfield, Maryland. Narrators clue you in on details about the Chesapeake Bay and life on Tangier Island. The trip over is a pleasant one, with sea gulls or geese flying overhead and fisherman at work in the Bay. The island itself is the main draw. What you’ll find is a tightly knit fishing community with about 800 residents, many of them related. About a third of the residents share the Crockett surname. Other common monikers are Parks, Pruitt and Thomas. The island is no more than 7 feet above sea level with a small beach that’s being swallowed by erosion. The terrain is flat, with 80 percent of it covered with marsh, wetlands and water. In the summer you won’t find much shade or many cool breezes so bring along a hat and sunscreen. Tangier residents are clustered in three communities known as “ridges,” connected by roads that are little more than paths. Although there are a few cars on the island, most people get around by foot, bicycle or motorized golf carts. There’s one school with 120 students in kindergarten through grade 12, a post office and two grocery stores. There are three choices for overnight stays. Since 1940 the Chesapeake House on Main Street near the boat dock, 891-2331, has welcomed guests from April 15 through October 15. Its eight rooms are comfortable and have shared baths. Rates include big family-style seafood dinners and breakfast. The daughters of longtime owner Hilda Crockett run the Chesapeake House. If you want to stay right on the water, try the Sunset Inn on W. Ridge Road, 891-2535. Owner Grace Brown has about 10 rooms, including several cottages. All are air conditioned with private baths. The Inn is open year round. It has a wonderful view of the Bay and spectacular sunsets. Shirley’s Bay View Inn on Ridge Road, 891-2396, opened in 1995 with three guest rooms. It is in one of the island’s oldest homes, built in 1806. The owners will meet visitors at the boat dock in a golf cart for a quick trip to the inn and will treat you to a full breakfast. The inn is open year round. You’d better like seafood if you’re eating on Tangier Island, although you will find a few sandwiches on some menus. Most restaurants are open only from April through October. Options include the Chesapeake House, 891-2331, Fisherman’s Corner, 891-2571, and the Islander (pictured above), 891-2249. The Waterfront is a small restaurant on the dock that is open seasonally