Even if you live in the Hampton Roads area there is so much to explore.
What is Hampton Roads? Hampton Roads is a group of cities that all run together. You cannot tell (other than the city limit signs) where one ends and the other begins. These cities are Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, and Hampton.
While visiting there are many places to see and as a resident there are many things to occupy your weekends so let me start with the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. This gorgeous Botanical Garden is located next to the Norfolk International Airport. They are open daily 9-7 in spring and summer; 9-5 the rest of the year. This garden is 155 acres surrounded on three sides by Lake Whitehurst and they play up the water effect in this stunning garden. The admission is Members are free, Adults are $7.00, seniors and military are $6.00 children 3-18 are $5.00 and 2 and under are free with parents.
Next, stop by the Nauticus, this is the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Here the USS Wisconsin is permanently stationed and opened as a museum. The complex also holds the Norfolk Cruise Terminal. This Museum has over 225 years of naval history to explore and an amazing gift shop for some amazing gifts!
There is also the Chrysler Museum of Art. This museum had over 30,000 objects that span over 5,000 years of world history.
This next one is mainly for the tourists as most families in Hampton Roads are Military Families and one point. You can tour Naval Station Norfolk. This is the largest US Naval Base. This bus tour drives past historic homes as well as, aircraft carriers, subs and many other ships stationed at NOB. They do daily tours but times change all the time so call and make your appt before you get here!
Make a stop at the Virginia Zoo! This zoo has over 400 animals on over 53 acres. It has all your favorites and a few unexpected animals too. The zoo also includes gardens and plenty of gift areas and kid friend play grounds to keep everyone entertained!
You have to stop at the MacArthur Mall. With over 140 stores and 17 places to eat it is the biggest in the area and features a great movie theater too. Great to find gifts to bring back for family and friends.
For a beautiful out door stroll stop by Historic Ghent. This area of Norfolk has a lot of history and some amazing homes to look at. There are also many cafes and shops and the area are just beautiful!
And last but not least take a trip over to Norfolk Waterside Festival Marketplace. This market place has dinning and shops along with several bars and clubs from Hooters and Have a Nice Day Café, to Bar Norfolk and the Southern Star. They also have many performances here and they are right on the water with amazing views of the Portsmouth skyline and the Naval Shipyards.
In Norfolk Virginia there is certainly something for everyone, whether you dig into the history of the country to the bar and club scene Norfolk has it all for you!
