Moving To Hampton Roads, VA? Here Are the Top Attractions That Will Make You Fall in Love with the Place
Are you planning on moving to Hampton Roads, VA? If you answered yes, all of coastal Virginia is basically your oyster. With a home there, you and your family will be just a short drive away from coastal attractions and historical sites just waiting for you to come and make some memories.
Here are some of the top spots you should not miss:
The Beaches
Hampton Roads is filled with family-friendly beaches where you can swim, surf, stroll or just have a great picnic with the family. During the summer, most of them feature festivals and concerts. Here are some of the best ones you should visit:
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach sees hundreds of tourists every year mainly because of its two main attractions, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and Aquarium & Marine Science Center. The beach features more than 38 miles of several beaches and 80 miles of scenic waterway. Both are great destinations for a family picnic or just a stroll. Other popular attractions you can look forward to in Virginia Beach include the Virginia Aquarium, the amphitheater, First Landing State Park, and also several festivals.
Croatan Beach
This beach boasts two designated surfing areas along a mile-long stretch. The first one can be found near Rudee Inlet and the other one is in Camp Pendleton. Head to the School of Surf to enjoy a day riding the waves. The best thing about it is that it is close to a designated parking spot so you won’t have to lug beach toys and picnics for too long.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
The refuge was established in 1938 to protect diverse habitats such as a freshwater marsh, dunes along hundreds of species of reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and fish. The refuge partners with False Cape State Park by offering tram rides throughout the year for visitors. A trip starts at the parking lot of the refuge and takes people deep into the park.
Historical Locations
Go back in time during colonial America by visiting these historical attractions in Hampton Roads:
Colonial National Historical Park
This historical park pays homage to two significant sites in English North American history. The first is Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America, and the second is Yorktown Battlefield. The park also boasts a diverse range of natural resources. These include wetlands, streams, shorelines and endangered flora and fauna.
Colonial Williamsburg
Known as the country’s largest living museum. The ‘museum’ is actually a fully functional colonial town and is considered to be a must-visit for both residents and tourists. The destination hosts seasonal events so you will always have something to look forward to. The park is also disability-friendly including special parking arrangements. Service animals are also allowed inside. So whether you have an emotional support animal or a Seeing Eye animal, they are welcome inside.
Cape Henry Lighthouse
This historical lighthouse was first authorized by none other than George Washington and the construction was supervised by Alexander Hamilton himself. It is located in the first landing site i.e. where English settlers first arrived in the Americas on their way to Jamestown. The lighthouse is made from Aquia sandstone and has guided sailors to safety for more than a century.
Francis Land House
This house was the home of Francis Land VI who was a rich plantation owner with a noble family background. The Georgian architecture is rarely seen today and the interior is done in the Federal style. The furnishings are still in place and boast an eclectic mix of reproductions and antiques. A tour of the house includes details about the household members, plantation life and how the private lives of its residents were affected after the new nation was formed. The house was also used as a dress shop back in the day.
Norfolk
If you live in or near Norfolk in Hampton Roads, you are quite close to these attractions:
The Battleship Wisconsin
Built at Nautilus, this impressive battleship is one of the largest ever built by the US Navy and earned size battle stars in World War II. The main deck still has gun turrets, and the deck offers picturesque views of the city’s skyline. You can also visit the Captain’s Cabin which, like the rest of the ship, can also be used as a dining area.
Fort Norfolk
The four-acre fort was authorized by George Washington and overlooks the scenic Elizabeth River. It is a real fort complete with ramparts, a guardhouse, barracks, and even a dungeon. Fort Norfolk was used to defending the city during the 1812 Civil War. It was seized by Confederate forces and used to defend both Norfolk as well as Portsmouth. There is no ticket fee, and you can also make use of self-guided tours on the weekends. Guided tours are offered on the first Sunday of every month and they cover two buildings as well as a special film for visitors.
In Conclusion
As you can see, a move to Hampton Roads is a great decision if you want to ensure your children have a holistic education and your family can make lasting memories. From beaches and battleships to forts and wildlife sanctuaries, the city has a lot to offer. You can spend years exploring and still find something new every year you plan a family trip.
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