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.

Hampton Carousel is hands down the best carousel experience I have ever had, and that goes the same…read morefor my parents who were with me. The gentlemen running it were incredibly nice and gave us an unforgettable tour of this classic piece of Americana. My parents and I had planned to make the Hampton Carousel a focal point of our recent visit to the area since my mother is a member of the National Carousel Association, and we were so glad we did. This was a gorgeous Sunday and despite that the area was relatively empty. We had very few other folks come by the carousel while we were there and so the two gentlemen running it gave us the grand tour, including of the central support pillar, the electronics adapted to assist the century-old organ, and the other historical artifacts lining the walls. They did so out of the kindness of their hearts and a genuine affection for the carousel and its history, which you just don't see in terms of commitment at most venues anymore. The price for all of this? $1 a ride. What a deal! The carousel ride itself was enjoyable, and it's very cool that they have so many tracks of the hit songs from each year the carousel has been open. You never know what you'll hear next! The pavilion containing the carousel is beautiful and sturdy, which is particularly important when it comes to protecting the carousel for the next century or so. This was a fun experience, and you can't beat the $1 ride price. Genuinely great fun for everyone, make sure you stop by if you're in the area! Overall: 5.0 stars ----- Pros: - Amazing staff who go out of their way to make your experience a special one. - $1 carousel rides? The price is right! - Beautiful pavilion in great shape. - Fun decor with a ton of history behind it. Cons: - None, even their hours are great. Make sure you stop by!

Love this. My sister came from Florida to go here. The family had a great time and that day we…read morewent it was free.

When I moved here was told that the Lions and the bridge were under construction and that they were…read morecovered and that it was going to be a while before you could actually see them while they are uncovered and it is such a peaceful area to just sit and relax

Lions Bridge Mariners Museum is going under a major transformation and will never be the same. All…read moreof the beautiful tall trees are no longer standing for shade along the shoreline. Very sad to watch.

Fort Monroe is small, but packs in a lot. From a museum (Casemate), a beach club, public beach…read moreaccess, beautiful properties and stunning landmarks. Make sure to manage your speed and park in designated areas. The beaches never seem to be super crowded. They are generally clean as well. I have noticed boats anchor aching. Not sure how I feel about that, safety wise. There is one area that has lifeguards. The casemate museum is really great. It offers a lot of good education for the area. I highly recommend stopping and spending time inside.

This place did not disappoint. OMG I learned so much, first it was so clean and beauty well kept…read moreplace. Not crowded the videos and speaking set up for the walking tour done by 1619 project was everything. I was in awe. The first place for enslaved people straight from Africa, the house where Abraham Lincoln plan the fight at Norfolk. Just looking at the buildings that are 200 years old built by our ancestors and they are still holding up! Place was just amazing! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because the place where the first Africa's landed from Angola was blocked by construction and those little moat entrances that I had to drive my car through

Posted on the front of what's currently an investment adviser, this historical plaque reads:…read more St. Tammany Lodge No. 5, A. F & A.M. was organized in Hampton under a charter granted by the Grand Lodge of England, February 26, 1759. This Temple was erected in 1888. The unusual medallions on the north facade represent Masonic symbols. When the Masons relocated, removing the original cornerstone in 1969, it was found three feet below sidewalk level on a bed of oyster shells. During the War Between the States, the jewels of the Lodge fell into the hands of a soldier of the opposing army. Because he was a Mason, who realized their value and significance, they were returned to St. Tammany after the war. Given by friends in memory of Juanita Allen Osborn, first chairman of the Community Improvement Program of The Woman's Club of Hampton, Virginia. The plaque is dated 1985. LOL at "War Between the States". I love Virginia! See also http://www.grandlodgeofvirginia.org/lodges/5/history.asp

It's a bridge and a tunnel!! what's not to like? approximately twice the fun for the same drive and…read morestill no tolls!! the MMMBT is basically two straight parts joined by a curved part so navigating this roadway shouldn't tax anybody's senses or abilities. the sloping approaches and the actual tunnel bit are controlled by gravity which exerts a nearly uniform 1-g of downforce so the driver doesn't have to "steer down" or "steer up" all that is necessary is to drive straight until the curvey part, follow the road through the bend, and then straight again until exiting the structure. ta da!! the tunnely part consists of more than a dozen prefabbed 300 foot long sections that were sunk into a trench and buried; FYI: the best guess on a "use by" date is somewhere past 2052. the traffic lanes are thirteen feet wide with fourteen-and-a-half feet of usable vertical clearance plus two 30-inch wide ledges on the side of the roadways just in case you have to walk out. please note that the deepest part of the tunnel is some 45 feet below the average low-tide mark so good luck with the emergency exit ;-) don't trust the science? I don't really blame you (especially since the great plannedemic) but this is civil engineering - real life application of the hard sciences - not the soft goo pedaled by the TV taking heads so carry on.

This was the last thing I saw in the metro area before heading back to where I was staying. This…read moretunnel/bridge was a bit more messed up than the others in the area. Traffic was smooth for the most part here, with minor hold ups while approaching the tunnel portion. What I remember most about this is that there was a lot of major construction happening. I'm not sure what they are doing as I don't live here, but I can only hope that it is to improve traffic flow. Two lanes in each direction would probably benefit with an increase in lanes. But that is just my thought on it. It is scenic to drive, but you really do need to pay attention to the road and traffic. Almost like a mini Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel.

Old Point Comfort lighthouse is on Fort Monroe I did drive right by it the first time because I was…read moreexpecting it to be on the water side. It's actually sandwiched in between two houses, but if you're walking around I think you would have noticed it quicker than driving. Either way, a beautiful drive or a beautiful walk

Not exactly sure why this was only given 2 stars. The lighthouse and landscape both were beautiful…read more Now I realize this can only be seen from outdoors. Still it deserves more than 2 stars even for the upkeep of the landscape and views alone. We came in the spring. The flowers were blooming. We paid a visit on a weekday. Next to it was the light keeper house. It did state private property. So it was not available to view. You could still take pictures from the outside. Directly across the street is the amazing view of the water. Plenty of parking available and you can take a nice stroll to catch the views and Sunray. We stopped by here on our way back to Maryland. I have a thing for lighthouses. So definitely on my list for returning while in the area. Overall I'll give it a 3.5 rating.

Super scared... I think in my lifetime I have driven across this bridge at some point in my 20s,…read morebut it was so during the daylight. Well a few weeks ago, I drove across this bridge and clearly remembered why I do my best to avoid this route at all accounts. From a decade ago, I could only recall: this bridge is super long, super scary... I was routed to this bridge due to a severe accident at the Monitor Merrimac Tunnel (my preferred route to Hampton/Newport News). After sitting in traffic for 90 minutes, daylight quickly turned into nightfall. During my travel on this Friday night, I was only able to snap one picture as my passenger was asleep. And this snap wasn't until I reached the end of the (at least) four mile stretch. But please do not try to snap your own pictures while driving. There is no shoulder lane at all. This four lane bridge features two lanes of travel for each direction. I traveled from Suffolk, Virginia and drove through at least two other cities including Isle of Wight. On the route (route 17) prior to the reaching the bridge, there are a few gas stations and several shopping stores. Please make sure you have enough gas before approaching the bridge. The bridge was built in the 1920s (I believe) and it is still standing and traffic flows heavily. Just be safe and have a passenger (awake) to take your pictures. Have fun and enjoy life :)

I love a bridges & this one has special place in my heart as it connects me to my GRANNY!!!!!…read more I don't care for the 12 hr drive from the NOLA; but once I dawn this bridge I know I'm closer to my dear heart. The 4.5 mile long bridge crosses the James River, duh, hence the name right??? And there couldn't be a lover sight. Quite scenic; once at the very top, one can see the expanse of the coast & most of the approaching city. 4 lanes coming & going, the dawn & dusk drives are equally breathtaking. Often times, I'd like to stop & take pictures, but in that this is a bridge & cars are always abounding, I refrain.

Pay your respect to the sailors of the USS Cole who did not get to make it home…read more It is a nice view located in norfolk. For those living, visiting, or stationed in norfolk this is a site you just got to visit once.

Right at the tip top of Norfolk near the Bridge/Tunnel, you'll find this parking lot with a view of…read morethe harbor and this historical marker. It reads: The first major amphibious action of World War II was planned near here in the Nansemond Hotel, HDQ. of Amphibious Force U.S. Atlantic fleet. An Army-Navy staff under Adm. H.K. Hewitt met with Gen. G.S. Patton to plan the movement of Task Force "A" from Hampton Roads to North Africa. More information on Operation Torch is here: http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/operation_torch.htm