This is an interesting area. You better stay on the designated area as they repeated to us so many…read moretime. It is small with some great information on the history of the Colonist first stop. It is well maintained and I love the walk way up to the beach/Overlook. You absolutely cannot go on the beach. That is restricted area but the overlook is super nice to look out on to the water. I can just imagine the first time the colonist showing up. We always go over to this after we go look at the really cool lighthouse. That is the star of the show for me.

This is a charming site to visit right on Joint Base Fort Story…read more Visitors can access the area using Gate 8 off of Rt 60/ Shore Drive. Those with CAC or valid DoD issued ID can proceed to drive straight. Don't do what we did initially! We didn't know so we initially parked where all the civilian visitors go. The nice MA3 let us know that we can just drive onto base and proceed with our own car. Thank goodness for her! Civilians with non-DoD ID should peruse the visitor parking behind the gate guard booths. They have shuttles that bus in and out civilians parked at the visitor parking to the site back and forth. We skipped visiting any of the lighthouses because of having dogs and temperature being too hot to leave them in the car. There were also bees and wasps everywhere. I couldn't stay for too long due to bee allergies but felt thankful my car was parked close. Otherwise the sites were kept beautifully and thoughtfully designed. The area near the sites have MWR recreational facilities as well as NEX mini mart and gas station as well. I particularly liked the view from the small lookout spot and the rose bushes that got my grumpy beagle smiling. The St Theresa's chapel looked lovely from the outside although inaccessible for anyone to take a peek inside. The lookout spot is also accessible for those with mobility differences. The ramp is made of flat wooden slats at a gentle curve. It only has 1 corner to turn, and the top has benches to sit on and a nice breeze to enjoy. It may be wise to skip on days right after rain as I can definitely imagine the area becoming very slippery and wet. Most of the other sites has grass paths and some concrete slabs. If you are clumsy like me, watch your steps! Although dogs can walk around with you, the asphalt pavement has glass shards and other plant fragments that cause get lodged into the paw. Just something to keep in mind. One of mine had to be carried after visiting the chapel because a small splinter got stuck. He's very dramatic too when such a thing happens. He limped and hobbled and made the most blood curdling shrieks when picked up to see what happened!! As I mentioned earlier on, there were several bees and wasps everywhere. It's definitely a must to bring the epinephrine shots just in case or leave as needed. Although we most likely won't be returning again for sightseeing, I still enjoyed the gorgeous ocean view, other statues and historical explainer panels. I hope everyone else visiting the area feels the same as well.

Tucked away by the entrance of Hampton University is this piece of history. Being an alum of an…read moreHBCU, this one is very special to myself. For those who aren't familiar (and I wasn't until recently), this oak tree is where President Abraham Lincoln stood to give the first Southern reading of the Emancipation Proclamation. And this was a place where newly freed slaves were taught at the Butler School which was built right by the oak tree, which was the beginning of Hampton University as we know it. Tip: There is a small parking lot (Lot 2) where you can park near the tree for free. There is a fence that covers the oak, but behind it is an opening where you can take some pictures up and close. Believe me, it's a sight to see.

If it was not for the Yelp Adventure Bingo challenge I would have never known about this slice of…read morehistory! I'm so glad this was on the bingo board as a place to visit. The location is very convenient there is a parking lot so you could see it. I love to seeing other people visiting the same location while I was there. It's a quick visit, so perfect if you are passing through. The tree is amazing along with the history.

A first for me, I didn't know this house existed. I found out about the holiday decor/open house…read morevia an IG story that VBhistory museums posted. Apparently they have been doing these holiday open houses for a couple years or so now. Admission is free but suggested donations range from $3-$5 (there's a sign outside the house and the info is on their website). The holiday open house showcased the house decorated with 18th century decor with flowers, cotton, fruit and oyster shells designed by the garden club. The original house structure contained one room on the first floor and a loft upstairs, but after ownership had transferred across three families -Whitehurst, Bratten and Buffington it has undergone expansions. The house has been occupied up until 1986 and is considered one of of the 50 historically significant structures in Virginia Beach. It was built soon after the first lighthouse was erected in Cape Henry. Daniel Whitehurst was a commissioner and allowed for the VB courthouse to be built near his home. During the holiday open house they had refreshments consisting of mints, various cookies and nuts, with the accompaniment of coffee and cider. The house boasts four fireplaces where on the left, Bob Clark was doing what he does well, playing sweet sounds from the dulcimer. For those not familiar with the dulcimer, it's essentially an open stringed portable piano. The sounds that originate from it are very clean, calming and relaxing. Upstairs are three rooms, one which holds an old singer and a quilt, another with historic maps of the area and the last room has a bed and a bassinet. In an attic? Or small partitioned area was a violinist gliding her bow in a frenzy of holiday cheer. It was neat to see the house, however the kitchen had been updated and renovated in a 1950s style, which truly lives up to a "house over time."

While walking on the West Neck Natural Creek Area with my dog. I thought I could check out the…read moreWhitehurst Buffington House within the area. It was a nice stroll through the trees on the horse trail. I imagined how it was like before cars when one would ride a horse carriage. This place takes me back in time. Unfortunately, they would not allow dogs and I wasn't surprised. I got a peek at the nice house.

Greatest post ever, friendly family with lots of love for all. Always some exciting event going on…read moreto help one another.

I cannot believe it has taken me this long to post a review about this place…read more I love it here. They absolutely treat you like family. If you are a veteran or a family of a veteran, come see the people here, they welcome with open arms. There is dinner 6 or 7 nights a week, food all the time, cheap drinks if you want them, a kids area, TVs all over, games, pool, and always good conversation. Really an amazing place.

There is so much potential for this the space that is The Plot and the Neon District. There is buzz…read morearound the plans that the City of Norfolk has to revitalize the area. It's a shame that a lot of established business in the Neon District has either left or have plans to move. The murals, the tables and chairs, and the potted plants that hang on the walls of the painted containers are all very nice to see, but wish that people utilized it more. At the time of my visit, the concrete in the Plot seems to be in pretty rough shape! More shade would be nice so that if people purchase food from surrounding businesses could have a place to eat their food out in the nice outdoors! If you're in the area, you should definitely check out the space and the murals in the area. There is a giant one of fish by a well known muralist in the area known as Onie Tonie. I also liked the one with "LOVE VA" that is one street over from The Plot, right in front of the Sanctuary, a local taco spot. Enjoy, Friends and never stop exploring!

I have now had well over a dozen visits to The Plot. An idea developed from the folks who own The…read moreParlor restaurant across the street a few years back. The goal to do something with the vacant lot which was an eye sore. So it may not appear to be much and maybe it isn't to many. However, it's the nucleus of the Neon District and that's enough for me to dub it pretty darn special. The location of The Plot is the intersection of Granby and Olney. There is a sign that was once for a car lot I believe. This is not a city owned lot like many believe. The City of Norfolk pays rent to the owner. Parking will be off street. The half block is repurposed land that has a few cargo containers for storage, a stage for performances and some art pieces. There are also plantings. You can find a newspaper mailbox made into a cell phone charging station, who came up with that fantastic idea. There is also station to get air for your bike tires. This more of a meeting type place than a park. There are a few benches. Small events are held here. The largest even for the area will be October 15&16 when the area holds it's first annual Neon Festival. There has been a lot of activity taking place in the 2-3 block area such as wall murals and construction of the new wheel house glass studio. I am excited and hope to attend the event. So what does the future hold for The Plot. For most this will be a shock. The Plot's land is actually for sale, if sold it will be moved one block over into a City of Norfolk lot of around the same square footage. This could always change I suppose, but this is information that I just recently got from a store owner. Come check The Plot you will love it. Walk around and enjoy the shops, restaurants and nearby Chrysler Museum of Art. It goes with out saying enjoy the art...it's every where. I applaud all involved in the Neon District, It is something Norfolk has needed and is beginning to take off.

All I can ever say about this bridge is " what a feat of engineering"…read more And it's fun to travel and see beautiful water vistas. The tunnels and bridges are well maintained

The tunnel is $16 Monday - Thursday and $21 on Friday - Sunday. The view is beautiful. It can be…read morenerve wracking when there is a lot of traffic. The distance is 28 miles. But it gets you from point A to point B. It is nice interacting with humans when paying. So many toll booths are automatic.

This is the worst toll in VA. Avoid it at all cost. They will scam you even if you have an EZ pass…read more If there is an issue with your EZ pass or you incur a charge for some reason , They won't contact you until they send your account to collections. This toll road is also unnecessary, you don't save enough time to justify the hassle.

Awesome pedestrian path across the bridge. About 2.5 mile round trip. Great way to grab some…read moreelevation during a walk, run or bike There's also a very nice park with restrooms a fishing pier with a bait shop and snack bar and a large boat launch check out the Facebook page and the City Page for different events they have there. Parking is free and plentiful the pathway is advertised to be open from sunrise to sunset but I've never been yelled at for being there early in the morning. Also worth noting the fishing pier does not require a fishing license if you want to use it.

Most current travelers of this road don't know the history behind its naming, They probably don't…read moreenvision the early 1600's travelers who walked that path to the Pleasure House near the Chesapeake Bay. The Pleasure House was an inn and pub, not a house of ill repute as most would think by its name. One can envision the early colonists and travelers who have eaten, had a drink or rented a room at the tavern that's now described by the name? The current Pleasure House Road is a short, busy thoroughfare that leads from Independence Boulevard to the Chesapeake Bay, intersecting with Lookout Road. Even the name Lookout Road has the sound of an earlier time, when people were on watch for pirates and other dangers. Was the Pleasure House still there when Blackbeard would hide in the coves of the nearby Lynnhaven Inlet? What would those who frequented the Pleasure House have thought of the busy thoroughfare most of the road is today. Would they delight in the breweries & restaurants that line the road in the 21st Century? What would they have thought of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel that begins overhead? The next time you travel this road, remember it's past. Take a step back in time with me.