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.

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.

Just the most interesting history for our area. My husband and I love the history of our hometown…read more My husband found this statue and stopped one day. What a wonderful easter egg to find. For me it is such a sweet statue. It is a sad story but we learn from history and make sure we don't make the same mistakes. If your in the area make sure you stop by and take a look. History is always cool

The Witch of Pungo statue, located at the corner of Independence Boulevard & N Witchduck Road, was…read morea project conceived and fund raised by the late Belinda Nash. An expert on Grace Sherwood, Belinda would dress in costume and present informative historic programs on the only woman condemned as a witch in Virginia and dunked in water. Although Belinda wasn't a native of the area, I came to believe that she felt she was Grace Sherwood reincarnated. It was Belinda's goal to have the vestry of the Lynnhaven Parish Church, that originally condemned Grace, pardon her on the 300th Anniversary of the dunking. When it didn't appear that would happen, she appealed to then Governor Tim Kaine. On July 10, 2006, the 300th Anniversary, Governor Kaine issued an informal pardon of Grace Sherwood, the local legend known as the Witch of Pungo. A plaque on the statue is inscribed with the pardon verbiage. The statue embodies elements that first caught the attention of her suspicious neighbors, including her love of animals. To visit the statue, one must turn off Independence Boulevard onto N Witchduck Road. Then enter the parking lot at Sentara Independence, on whose property the statue is located. Across N Witchduck Road is Old Donation Episcopal, the Lynnhaven Parish Church. On her grounds is a small monument in the midst of an herb garden, in memory of Grace Sherwood. Winding behind the adjacent neighborhood is the Lynnhaven River, in which Grace was dunked but lived to see a longer life. A re-enactment of the dunking happens annually. Following the dunking Grace was imprisoned. Later in life court records prove that she was free. No record can be found as to how she was released. There are missing older court records. The Witch of Pungo Statue stands in a continuing watch over the area in which Grace Sherwood was dunked and imprisoned. She is a tribute to a time that should be remembered throughout the ages.

Located in front of a church, this marker to Justin Holland remembers an important part of the…read morelocal history. Born here, Justin Holland moved on to be a part of the equal rights movement. The marker reads: Justin Holland was a 19th-century pioneer African American of the classical guitar, community leader, and abolitionist. Born in Norfolk County about 1819, he left for Massachusetts in 1833. There he took music lessons and learned to play the guitar. He moved to Cleveland, Ohio, in the 1840s, became a music teacher, and arranged several hundred pieces of music for the guitar. He also played an active role in the movement to secure equal rights for African Americans and attended the first National Negro Convention in Philadelphia in 1830. He died at his son's home in New Orleans on 24 Mar. 1887.

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.

Ghent Business District has that vibe that supports local artists, small business owners and…read moreperforming artists. You can essentially walk around on a nice day and get what you need all while seeing what else you want to do on your next visit. Host to an array of different food genres, laundromats, ice cream parlors and a nostalgic movie theater, There's an elementary school nearby and some historic homes that some may think are overpriced but Ghent comes with history. Some businesses have small parking lots and street parking can be dynamic but if you have to walk a little bit you're bound to discover something like the Town Center Cold Pressed Roastery or Fruitive where you can get wholesome and nutritious drinks and eats that are Earth friendly. Check out some of the lists created by other Yelpers for recommendations on things to do and places to dine when in Ghent Business District. Not too far from Old Dominion University, this area has a hybrid of patrons ranging from the kiddies enjoying gelato from Strawberry Fields or the Boomers visiting the local bike shop.

**Okay, Ghent. You've been waiting long enough. I've used you over and over, but still no review. I…read moreapologize. It's not you, it's me. I hope this long overdue review will somehow make you forgive me.** I adore Ghent. Is there anyone out there who doesn't? Ghent Business District (GBD) reminds me of the Old Port in Portland, Maine. They don't look anything alike, but it's the wonderful feeling when I walk through the streets. There are certain cities lucky enough to have areas that allow people to walk around shop-to-shop; feel safe with their families; and have the opportunity to try almost every type of cuisine imagined. GBD is one of those places. I work very close to GBD, and because of that, I have been able to enjoy everything that Ghent has to offer. I'm lucky that I don't have to worry about parking, as that can be an issue here. Most places have a small parking lot or are close to a shopping center, but street parking is usually an option. Here is a short list of my favorites in GBD: * Fair Grounds (http://www.yelp.com/biz/fair-grounds-norfolk-2) My favorite coffee shop with an eclectic, cozy atmoshphere * Strawberry Fields (http://www.yelp.com/biz/strawberry-fields-norfolk) You can't miss out on homemade gelato! * Mr Shawarma (http://www.yelp.com/biz/mr-shawarma-norfolk) Amazing shawarma and falafel! You'll thank me later. * Azar's Natural Foods Market & Café (http://www.yelp.com/biz/azars-natural-foods-market-and-cafe-virginia-beach-2) I've only been there for their baklava, but it's delicious! They also sell raw, local honey in glass jars. * The Ten Top (http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-ten-top-norfolk) Their potato salad is to die for. * Kappo Nara Ramen (http://www.yelp.com/biz/kappo-nara-ramen-norfolk-2) Delicious! Make sure you bring your appetite. There ya go! That will get you started. As I visit "new" places, I will add them to this list. As you can see, I didn't add any shops--I'm not a shopper. I'm all about the food! However, there are lots of great shops in Ghent. If you're from out of town, and maybe getting ready to visit Hampton Roads, I strongly suggest you put Ghent on your list. I have only just begun with my very short list, and I am always looking for adventures in GBD. Park your car, walk around, and take in the fantastic community that is Ghent.

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.

The dreaded Virginia property tax for autos strikes again. This annual royal is painful, especially…read morewith multiple cars. Every Virginia governor promises to look into eliminating, yet it remains. Republican, Democrat, don't matter. This City of Virginia Beach Treasurer's office is in Kempsville Shopping Center. Surface parking is nearby their front door and has adequate spaces. The area was clean as was the walk up. I timed it right after lunch and no line. The teller was a delight and felt my pain. After paying for four cars, canal fortune I was provided a receipt. A deduction of one star because who likes paying an unjustified tax that almost no other state has. I would return to this location however.