Overview of the Hampton Roads region
Encompassing the cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach and Williamsburg, Virginia.
The Hampton Roads metropolitan region of Virginia is arguably one of the most historic places in the United States, but with many modern attractions to entice visitors as well. You can step back in time hundreds of years to see what it was like when the first English-speaking settlement was established here or check out the area’s ever-improving brewery scene. Events are also scheduled throughout the region all year long. Regardless of what you want to experience on your vacation, Virginia’s southeastern corner is sure to provide you with plenty of fun times.
History of Hampton Roads Virginia
The history of Virginia’s Hampton Roads region is intermingled with the history of the United States. Jamestown, which is just seven miles southwest of Williamsburg, is where the first English settlement in the United States was founded. The area was also notably involved in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. In more recent history, the Hampton Roads and Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnels, which opened in 1957 and 1963, were the first of their kind.
Hampton Roads Hotels
Some of the most luxurious Hampton Roads hotels are located in the coastal city of Virginia Beach. Some of these options include the Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Turtle Cay Resort. The city’s Barclay Cottage Bed & Breakfast provides more intimate accommodations. Some other top places to stay in the area include the Courtyard Chesapeake Greenbrier and Newport News’ Kiln Creek Golf Club & Resort, in addition to a variety of motels, hotels and short-term lodging options that also populate the region.
Hampton Roads Restaurants
When it comes to the dining options in the Hampton Roads area, places that specialize in fish dishes are especially popular, but they certainly don’t have a monopoly on the area’s best offerings. A few that were recently featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” include Virginia Beach’s Carib Shack and Norfolk’s Pendulum Fine Meats and The Dirty Buffalo. Many of the best places to eat are in those two cities, although fantastic local eateries are spread throughout the region.
Tidewater Virginia Museums
Museum aficionados have a plethora of options when visiting Southeastern Virginia, thanks especially to the area’s rich history. Newport News’ Mariners’ Museum and Park is one of the world’s largest maritime museums. Another prestigious aquatic museum is The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach. Also in Virginia Beach is the painting-and-decoy stocked Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum.
Hampton Roads Things to Do
Your trip to Hampton Roads is sure to be jam-packed. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are held throughout the area in mid-March. Runners head here for Virginia Beach’s Shamrock Marathon. The Virginia Arts Festival, which takes place throughout the region in April and May, shows off the state’s best art. Norfolk’s Harborfest, which is held every June, is the country’s largest free maritime festival. Visit Norfolk to experiece the Norfolk Jazz Festival and Norfolk Latino Music Festival every summer. In September, the Hampton Bays Days provides a fun goodbye to the warmest time of the year.
Hampton Roads Breweries
A great resource for finding the best Hampton Roads breweries is Cheers Virginia! It’s easy to see that the local brewery scene has really been on the rise lately, and the handy map at that website will show which breweries are most accessible to your accommodations. When you check these places out, you may discover or rediscover a love of craft beer. If your visit will be in May, make sure to check out the Virginia Beer Festival, the Mid-Atlantic’s longest-running beer festival. It takes place at Norfolk’s Town Point Park.
Hampton Roads Transportation
There are a variety of options for those looking to travel to Tidewater Virginia. Norfolk International Airport is the area’s busiest airport. Passengers arrive here on flights from a number of American destinations, many of them coming from Atlanta. Additionally, Amtrak trains departing from Washington stop in Williamsburg, Newport News and Norfolk, while Greyhound and Megabus provide regular bus service to the region. Once you’re in the area, Hampton Roads Transit, Williamsburg Area Transit Authority and The Tide offer local transportation options.