I love me a bit of Downtown Hampton. It's a bit of a quiet, hidden gem that most don't go out of their way for. No idea why not, there's so much on offer down here! Events? My favorite is the New Year Block Party, complete with a crab pot drop. But there's also block parties all year round for different events. Then there's the annual Blackbeard Pirate festival over in Mill Point Park and Bay Days. The Virginia Air & Space Museum also offers a lot of events for kids and families - never a bad shout for young and old explorers alike. Dining or Drinking? There's plenty of options in Downtown, with the favorites being along E Queen St. Marker 20, Venture, Brown Chicken Brown Cow, Taphouse, Musasi, and over on Settlers Landing Rd you have Bull Island Brewing Company and Latitude 37. There's plenty of residential options, two higher education facilities, and retail options - just a stone throw away from I-64. If you haven't made a trip down here, give it a go. Retail shops are mostly independent and offer a range of unique gifts, art, jewelry, clothing, pottery, and more! So shop small, and support local!!! Downtown is defined by it's waterfront, and of course the marina and piers. There are multiple garages (mostly FREE) and on-street parking spaces throughout, but better yet, on a sunny day, the walkable area along Hampton River waterfront is breathtaking and incomparable. read more