I came here after going to a sports card show in Norfolk. It wasn't a planned visit but I was just…read morelooking for something interesting to look at since I had a lot of free time and the weather was nice on Saturday. I thought it would be a lot larger but the spot is quite small but it is very nice to walk around. There are also lots of nice areas adjacent to the garden and terrace as well. I parked in front of the garden went around it and then found the USS Wisconsin and the Naval museum just past the garden. I went around and finished checking out the other side of the garden after. The parking was free for 2 hrs in front of the garden and it seemed like parking in general was plentiful and open this weekend. It looked like college dormitories around the garden and some other residential areas around the middle of downtown Norfolk. There were many nice plants in the garden, the terrace was nice but not open as far as I could tell, and the koi pond was nice if someone would clean out the pond scum from the fish pond. There were small bridges over the water and multiple water fountains in the koi pond. There were a few benches to sit on if you wanted to just relax or meditate in the garden. Overall, it was a nice garden but it is not something to go downtown to see, but it is a nice additional thing to see if you are going to the USS Wisconsin and the Naval museum or if you staying in downtown area. Lots of people were exercising (walking and jogging) so it is a nice scene to pass by if you are doing that.

Great spot to walk around. There's ice cream inside too! Very yummy. Beautiful day to explore.read more

I can't recommend The Fred enough. We held our wedding here in September 2025. It's nestled in a…read morequiet, cozy area of Ghent, and we loved the natural gardens for our photos. Their pricing was also perfect for our tight budget. We felt so lucky finding this gem. Eleise was wonderful. She always answered emails or made herself available when I wanted to visit the venue twice more after signing the contract. We had just under 50 guests, and the space worked beautifully for the romantic and intimate setting we wanted. We had an outdoor ceremony and used both the indoor and outdoor spaces for our cocktail hour and reception. The only thing I wish had been different was being allowed to set up a little bit the day before. I was told it wasn't permitted due to past negative experiences. We were able to rehearse our outdoor ceremony the day before, but didn't have access to the indoor space. Because of that, there was a lot to do on the wedding day, and my crew simply didn't have enough time to get everything done. That wasn't The Fred's fault, I should've delegated things a little better and asked for more help. Looking back, even a couple of hours the day before just to walk through the space with my planning team and place stickies around the place explaining my vision would have helped tremendously. Just something to consider when choosing your venue.

I've been here many events ago and recently had my own event here. The guy running the place is…read morealways nice and accommodating. The center is in the beautiful part of the Ghent area. I wish they can do something about the landscaping because It looks like big bushy weeds growing everywhere but I'm sure that's part of the "look" For the inside there are 2 floors you can make use of that includes a kitchen on the first floor. The center itself is spacious and for what I needed it for, it fit the need. The place is dated and could need some major remodeling.

Awesome statue! Kids loved it and nearby artwork. Regular movies on the beach nearby as well as…read morefireworks twice a week.

This public park had an open grass field, a performing stage, and a status on the boardwalk. The…read morestatue is a popular spot for tourists to take pictures. It has plaque describing the contribution of Sidney Kellam King Neptune VI in forming the city of Virginia Beach. It just sits on a concrete extension of the broad walk, a bit underwhelming for such historical landmark. The field across the statues is open to public. People just walk around while going in and out of the beach sand. Bunch of restaurants and shops are nearby to grab food and drinks. The theater is used for scheduled special events. But while visiting the park I noticed few of random people were just sitting on the stage. It felt little sketchy but there was plenty of foot traffic since there was beach shower faucet right across the Neptune statue and the park.

Went here on 11/15/20 while walking down the boardwalk. For a $2 per person voluntary donation, you…read morecan check out historical waterfowl decoys used in hunting ducks to sell their meat at the markets and to supply local restaurants. These handmade decoys are quite rare due to the fact that hunters used to burn them for firewood if they were damaged after the hunting season was over. I enjoyed the film in the museum and wish it was available for purchase. It showed how these decoys were made by hand, including using shards of glass to sand the birds, prior to the advent of commercial sandpaper. I learnt that aside from glass, dried sharkskin was used to sand down wood. The only thing that would make this museum 5 stars would be to add placards to the exhibit so you could know what exactly you're looking at without needing to ask the volunteer docent. While we were sitting in the rocking chairs on the porch of the museum, a volunteer was leading a hands on woodworking demonstration which was neat.

Cute little museum that is free. You can see all kinds of duck memorabilia and get an insight into…read moreduck hunting and its history. The man who runs it is pleasant and lets you do your own thing.

VLM is such a fun place to spend the day! They have fun interactive exhibits, a touch tank, animals…read moreand an amazing nature trail! Oh and can't forget dinosaurs! We spent a good portion of our day getting lost in some of Virginia's history, seeing native animals and plants, along with having some fun exploring the interactive areas. This is an amazing spot to check out as a family or even as adults if you have an adventurous gene. They also have a planetarium which was closed when we visited but has since been opened! Excited to return to check it out. They have great Groupon deals for tickets but even without it we found the tickets to be fairly priced for the experience.

This is a fantastic place for children to explore! I came here with my 4m daughter at the time…read morealong with friends and their children. They were mesmerized by every exhibit! Unfortunately at the time we went, a lot of exhibits were being switched out indoors and it was very cold so a lot of animals were not out. The otter is extremely friendly and my daughter loves going to see Nora! Well worth the membership if you and your family consider going more than once. We did eat at the cafe, and the food was not that good. It gave me a terrible stomachache.

Sophia and I have lived in the Peninsula since 2011, but rarely took trips to Fort Monroe to…read moreexplore its history. Shame on us since we've been to many museums for years. But, it's better late than never. And believe me, it's one you definitely want to check out. For admission, it's free. How it works is we're given a 15 min window for entering and plus, it gives you a chance to look around in the visitor center where the galley takes you to the history of Fort Monroe and how the Civil War changed everything. If you've been to museums in Virginia, just about everything is covered regarding the slave trade and wars between the North and South and against other countries. A lot to take in, but beneficial. After we were done scoping the visitor center, we entered the museum itself. A treasure trove of information to soak in regarding Fort Monroe itself. I just turned 45 years old and I can tell you I learned a ton from this visit alone. And there still is more to gain. It's wonderful to see that the staff put their heart and soul into keeping everything in place. You can do a self guided tour like we did or you can do a group tour. Also, the museum shops have goodies for you to buy. Believe me, you should not leave empty handed when you have the chance. A wonderful visit to a place where you'll leave with knowledge. And there's more on site at Fort Monroe. We''ll be back for some more tours when time persists :)

The Casemate Museum at Fort Monroe is exceptionally well organized and free to visit. Be sure to…read moreswing by the Visitor Center to pick up a timed-entry ticket before heading across the bridge. They also offer guided walking tours throughout the day, though times vary. The fort itself is awe-inspiring- the largest bastion fort by area in the U.S., completed in 1834- and it's incredible to think it stood as a Union stronghold, designated "Freedom's Fortress," where escaping enslaved people found sanctuary during the Civil War. The massive interior arches are a testament to enduring design, and walking atop the fort offers an unforgettable connection to history.

The family, the farm, this whole place is a treasure and I can't wait to return!…read more I am always on the hunt for new and exciting things to do with my daughter and this place was brought to my attention by a coworker. They offer several special events throughout the year, adventure camps for kids of all ages, field trip opportunities and private parties. We attended a GLOWvember evening several weeks ago which was so much fun for our preschooler. We had never been to the farm, but Google maps and signs off the road led us to the right spot. There is ample parking on this private property and it was a short walk to the rear of the home where all activities take place. We were greeted right away by Shannon, and introduced to many of the animals on the property including a rotund pig, many goats and chickens. Shannon was a saint in guiding the children and offered them opportunities to interact with and care for the animals. Our daughter was smitten and followed Shannon like a shadow. She had activities ready for the kids to interact with the environment including a ladybug hunt and nature scavenger hunt. There is play equipment that was almost as inviting for me as it was for the kids. The night also included a bonfire with s'mores, outdoor independent play stations, family-friendly music & plenty of glowsticks. What I appreciate the most is that Shannon, a former sped teacher & special needs mom, has created a place where both neurotypical and neurodiverse children can work and play together in an engaging environment. What a blessing she is to this community!

This place is AMAZING!! It is so hard to find places for kids with special needs that aren't…read moreoverwhelmed with crowds and are able to enjoy themselves, but most importantly - be themselves. This place has is all: small numbers for attendance, LOTS of sensory, LOTS of fun, and a very decent price! It's tucked away on the Virginia / NC border. They have chickens, a pig, goats, and a cute cat! They have ziplines, climbing apparatuses, bubbles, water tables, truck pit, and more! We were there for 3 hours and my boys were in tears when we had to go home! Three hours went by so fast. This is the owner's home, but parking is definitely available. They also have a bathroom to use - it's the cleanest portable potty I've seen to date. Shannon - the owner, is so kind and congenial! She helped me with my son's when I had to take one to the bathroom. She treated my boys as if they were her very own. I highly recommend this place. You will not be disappointed! This is definitely the place for special needs kids. This was the first time, since we lived in Japan, that I was able to let my kids run and have fun, and I didn't have to worry.

So in love with this place! OMG it's been forever and a day... I have been meaning to write this…read morereview since October 2017. Welp - Happy December! I cannot go another day without reviewing this place - magnificent!! I'd always see Facebook postings about their Harvest Event and wondered...is this for real? They offer a long list of features for a small fee in comparison to other places going on in the area... they claim to offer the same thing. But Taylor's prices were unbelievable. Well this year, my suspense was at ease... what they said they offered THEY DID AND MORE! For three children (pre-teens) and one adult, the cost was under $30 and it was well worth every dollar. I am already looking forward to returning next year during the Harvest season. I met a visitor at the farm and she began to rave about how the farm spruces up the event year after year... it was her third year attending. But this was my first time and I was blown away in a great way! We all were able to pick out any pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and the farm supplied items for pumpkin decorating. Pumpkins ranged in sizes but the cost was included in admission - ahmazing!! I met a few workers at the farm and their enthusiasm was evident. I could really tell they enjoyed their job. One lady - it was her first year working at the farm and she had all great things to say. I also met a volunteer at the front and because of her love for the farm life itself...she's now working there. I just felt super warm and over the moon! I think I had more fun than the girls. OMG - pony rides too! Bounce houses! Concessions! Parking was a breeze too! And the hayride, super duper awesome! This review is all over the place, but that's how overwhelming this event was - it was so much to see and enjoy all in a day. We actually picked a great day to visit too - it was not crowded at all and the weather was beautiful! We visited on the last Saturday before the closing date. And I was told Saturdays prior the farm is usually crowded. I am not sure why anyone had less than a five star experience here. But from start to finish our time here was one to remember forever! We will definitely return. Have fun and enjoy life ;)

This was our first time coming here. It costs $7 a person (1 year and under are free) for the…read moreHalloween pumpkin patch. Each ticket gave you a free small pumpkin, hayride, face painting, and bounce house admission. Our son had a blast! Everyone was super nice. We got to see the animals in the animal park that included horses, goats, chickens, donkeys, and during the hayride we saw bulls. They even had a section where you could paint and decorate your pumpkin. Great experience!