A pleasant pullout along the south side of Colonial Parkway overlooking the River…read moreThe James River Access is located along the Colonial National Historic Parkway near Williamsburg, Virginia. It is one of the many pull-offs on the parkway. This one is similar to most of the pullouts in that it is located along the south side of the road just south of the College Creek. It is a small parking lot with spaces for about 15 cars. It is very nice pullout as it has a clear view of the river and a very short walk down to a small beach that heads off in both directions. There are signs along both sides of the parking lot and a low one directly in front of the lot.. The one on the west side (to the right as you face the James River) is a map that is very faded and worn and difficult to read. The one in the center tells about Saint Simon of Jamestown, Va. This was Claude-Anne de Rouvroy, Marquis de Saint-Simon-Montbléru. He was a French nobleman and military leader who played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War. In 1781, he led 3,000 French troops to Jamestown, Virginia, where they joined forces with American troops under General Lafayette. Saint Simon's forces were instrumental in the siege of Yorktown, helping to trap British General Cornwallis and ultimately leading to the British surrender. When I visited, there were warning signs by the part in front of the parking lot but the rest of the beach looked open. Overall, it is a nice place to stop for a view of the river.

Having seen the memorial to Confederate soldiers at the former Princess Anne County Courthouse,…read moreseeing this memorial puts things in a bit more perspective. Hampton Roads was an important military site during the Civil War (or the "War of Northern Aggression" if you prefer) and its capture was critical to the success of the North. The marker reads: Near here Major-General John E. Wool, on May 10, 1862, Landed with 6000 Union troops. President Lincoln, Salmon P. Chase, Secretary of the Treasury, and Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War, watched the movement from a ship in Hampton Roads. As the Confederate troops had withdrawn, Wool marched to Norfolk, which was surrendered to him by Mayor W.W. Lamb that afternoon. Much more detail on the operation, including the unprecedented inclusion of Lincoln in the attack, is detailed here: http://articles.dailypress.com/2012-05-05/features/dp-nws-surrender-of-norfolk-20120505_1_gosport-navy-yard-lincoln-fort-monroe

Absolutely love this place! I usually go there with my kiddo. Who's around five years old because…read moreit's a great spot for us to meet up with other young friends to not only read books but go to the children's play area. The fact that it's right around the corner from my favorite coffee shop is also exceptional, meaning I can get my caffeine then we can head over to the library and have fun with the kids. Perfect spot to snag some AC or stay out of the rain with little ones!

We stopped by to use their notary services... which are free by the way. We had never been inside…read moresince moving to the area. I'm so sad we did not come inside the past 6 months! They have sooooooo many things to offer. Like, make and take craft kits for kiddos, a great teen section, many books, cds, dvds, movies, newspapers ect. They have a notary on staff, call and make an appointment. They also have applications for passports m. The staff was so patient and knowledgeable as we got library cards. They also have an app with books in it. During covid books get dropped off outside only. The best thing... a WELCOME packet for new residents! How awesome is that! We plan to make this a weekly outing for our family!

The Col. John D. Thorowgood Historical Marker sits near the site of the Revolutionary War leader's…read more840 acre plantation on Little Creek. The waterways have shifted over time due in major part to an early hurricane that changed the flow of the Lynnhaven River. The marker sits on Shell Road at its intersection with Northampton Boulevard. The Lake Smith/Lake Lawson Natural Area is now the waterway where it stands. Thorowgood was elected to the 1776 Virginia Convention which adopted the Virginia Declaration of Rights & the Colony's first Constitution. He was the Princess Ann County House of Delegates member in the inaugural session, serving for 6 terms. He commanded the county militia and was a prisoner of war by 1781. Col. John D. Thorowgood was a great grandson of Adam Thoroughgood, who received a land grant of 5,350 acres along the Lynnhaven River in 1635. The plantation site would have been his inheritance. I've passed the marker so many times over the years on busy Northampton Boulevard and wished there was a safe way to stop. It would also be difficult & dangerous to see from Lake Smith/Lake Lawson Natural Area because it sits so very close to Highway 13, which leads to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel then up the Eastern Shore to the North East. The perfect route was found by exiting a small shopping center on Diamond Springs Road onto the short segment of Shell Road that intersects with Northampton Boulevard exactly where the marker is placed. Thank you for your service Col, Thorowgood. You played an important part in the formation of our country by your service in the Revolutionary War. Your name should be as familiar to residents as your more well known ancestor.

I spent about three hours at this library this afternoon. It is the main branch of the Hampton City…read moreLibrary system and is pretty massive. I had no problem finding a quiet place to plug in and connect to the world. Their wifi is free and does not require any sort of authentication. The work desk where I hung out had power outlets and a comfortable seat. Clean, quiet comfortable. Very good! [Review 18114 overall - 1385 in Virginia - 1636 of 2022.]

Well, for a long while it was black/ liberal nonfiction plastered all over the new releases. Fast…read moreforward since I've been picking up books at meager location, Willow Oaks branch. They had about 50 new releases(sic) and I literally saw a Hillary Rodham Clinton autobiography. Sad, very sad new nonfiction purchases. Well, I had known it. Whatever!

This facility is a significant asset to the residents of Newport News & beyond. Today I wrote more…read moreabout it after a visit yesterday, including pictures I took of the interior & exterior of the center. https://www.adambgarrett.com/post/denbigh-community-center

Now well used by fishermen seeking their catches from the sea, this wharf used to be part of an…read moreimportant military installation. The marker reads: "Built by the Corp of Engineers about 1818, this was for many years a very important wharf. Jefferson Davis was landed here as a prisoner on May 22, 1865." Great view of the harbor!

I had to get a piece of mail forwarded. I'm aware that you usually are able to…read moreJust wrote 'does not live here. Forward to or whatnot'. But this particular item was important and I knew the correct owner so I wanted to actually talk to a person and make sure the letter made it to the rightful person Parking is perfect here as there are places in front as well as the store is in a major shopping center with lots of spots When I walked in I was greeted by the gentleman behind the counter there were about four people In front of me but he moved very quickly and efficiently no one seemed rushed at all I killed my time looking at the nice holiday packaging that was displayed they even had Peanuts like Snoopy the dog When it was my turn he helped me and assured me that they would get the letter to the right person by the end of the week it was a very pleasant experience

Relatively new post office location in Hidenwood -- used to be located in an old building behind…read morethe Sun Trust bank, but they tore that down and moved it over here. Now it's far more modern and upscale than it used to be. Right next to the Bryd's diner -- so convenient and easy if you need to stop in for supplies or to mail something. It's ALWAYS packed and crowded though, so plan to wait in line for a while. At least now there is much more parking available to get in and out.