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.

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.

Great museum. A lot has changed. Some additional history included now. You have to visit visitor…read morecenter to get entry into museum

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.

A first for me, I didn't know this house existed. I found out about the holiday decor/open house…read morevia an IG story that VBhistory museums posted. Apparently they have been doing these holiday open houses for a couple years or so now. Admission is free but suggested donations range from $3-$5 (there's a sign outside the house and the info is on their website). The holiday open house showcased the house decorated with 18th century decor with flowers, cotton, fruit and oyster shells designed by the garden club. The original house structure contained one room on the first floor and a loft upstairs, but after ownership had transferred across three families -Whitehurst, Bratten and Buffington it has undergone expansions. The house has been occupied up until 1986 and is considered one of of the 50 historically significant structures in Virginia Beach. It was built soon after the first lighthouse was erected in Cape Henry. Daniel Whitehurst was a commissioner and allowed for the VB courthouse to be built near his home. During the holiday open house they had refreshments consisting of mints, various cookies and nuts, with the accompaniment of coffee and cider. The house boasts four fireplaces where on the left, Bob Clark was doing what he does well, playing sweet sounds from the dulcimer. For those not familiar with the dulcimer, it's essentially an open stringed portable piano. The sounds that originate from it are very clean, calming and relaxing. Upstairs are three rooms, one which holds an old singer and a quilt, another with historic maps of the area and the last room has a bed and a bassinet. In an attic? Or small partitioned area was a violinist gliding her bow in a frenzy of holiday cheer. It was neat to see the house, however the kitchen had been updated and renovated in a 1950s style, which truly lives up to a "house over time."

While walking on the West Neck Natural Creek Area with my dog. I thought I could check out the…read moreWhitehurst Buffington House within the area. It was a nice stroll through the trees on the horse trail. I imagined how it was like before cars when one would ride a horse carriage. This place takes me back in time. Unfortunately, they would not allow dogs and I wasn't surprised. I got a peek at the nice house.

Ghent is a melting pot of cool architecture, museums, schools, churches, unique shopping, music,…read moreupscale dinning, antique stores, sidewalk cafes, street performers and yes hippies. The main drags of the business district are Colley Ave, Colonial Ave and 21 St. The residential area is eclectic pre turn and turn of the century Queen Anne, Tudor and Colonial Revival. Development began in the 1890's. It's name Ghent hales from from a city in Belgium. Neighborhoods include Ghent, West Ghent, East Ghent, Ghent Square. It is a city within a city since its Norfolk. This is where the most wealthy Industrialist of the day resided. The Ghent Historic District is on the National Register of Historic places. The most historic buildings of Ghent on a little research that I did Warren (c. 1925), the Holland (1904), the Mowbray (c. 1914), Eastern Virginia Medical School, Sarah Leigh Hospital (1902), Fergus Reid residence (1892), the Frank S. Royster residence (c. 1900-02), the William H. White residence (c. 1892), the Richard B. Tunstall residence (c. 1892), the Robert M. and Robert W. Hughes residence (c. 1895-1900), and the William Tait residence (c. 1895). On several of my visits on foot I came across residents running, walking, maintaining their yard and even conversing with their neighbors. It seemed like on every block a resident had a renovation underway whether big, or small. I stopped and talked with at least three Ghent residents and found them all to be super friendly. Interestingly even though the homes are very old, most have only turned over two, to three times in ownership per a local. I spent a great deal of time taking pics for this review, I urge you to check them out. My recommendation is to experience Ghent on foot as I have done on almost a half dozen visits. If you have yet to explore this gorgeous and historic area there is no time like the present. Christmas decorations will soon be up and from what I am told it will be spectacular. I think you will agree that it's a treasured place for us all to enjoy no matter where you reside in Hampton Roads.

This is the nicest part of Norfolk. A city that's already on the ocean has a smaller island that is…read morequieter and more expensive (read, more cared for and historical architecture). It's a walking tour paradise.

I'm still not over the design of the new Lesner Bridge. I do like the walking paths on both sides…read moreof the bridge. I don't like the contemporary artwork they commissioned for such a historical area. I believe it's supposed to be an interpretation of canoes. But to me it has absolutely no meaning. I don't like the higher sides on the bridge. The view of the Chesapeake Bay beaches on the north & the Lynnhaven Inlet on the south are blocked except at entrance and exit points. I do like the decorative lighting under the bridge, which is beautiful if you're on the Ocean Park beaches. The colors can be changed for events & seasons. In my opinion the artwork that would have been best was one fitting the historical aspects of the location. The Revolutionary War Battle of the Virginia Capes was one between the French Admiral de Grasse and the British fleet. It preceded and was critical to General Cornwallis' ultimate defeat at the Battle of Yorktown. The French Navy prevented evacuation or resupply of his army during their siege of Yorktown. The Lynnhaven Inlet & River has a similar historical significance. The first Jamestown settlers landed at Cape Henry in 1607 before making the mistake of proceeding up the James River to settle at Jamestown Island. While in what would become Virginia Beach John Smith wrote of his exploration of the Lynnhaven River and the huge oysters and seafood they feasted on. The western branch of the Lynnhaven River was the location of the dunking of the only person in Virginia convicted of being a witch. The location of the first Lynnhaven Parish Church, which prosecuted her, was lost to the river's changed path due to an early hurricane. Many decades ago the early tombstones could still be felt under the water before eventually disappearing under the river's silt that covered them. The nooks & outlets of Lynnhaven Inlet were used as a hiding spot for the pirate Blackbeard when he preyed on Virginia shipping. It is said that he had a lookout at Cape Henry & relay stations to make sure the signals reached him at the distance he was located. He is thought to have frequented the Pleasure House, actually a tavern and bar rather than what its name implies in the 21st century. The current Pleasure House Road is named for it. Do I sound like a tourist guide? It's a mode I always enter when I drive visiting friends & relatives around our beautiful & historic city. So there now can be no doubt in your mind that I wanted the new Lesner Bridge to have historic artwork or statues instead of the modern art design chosen. The bridge crosses an area steeped in history, going back to the first English settlers of the New World. Close your eyes and feel the past envelop you.

Crosses the Lynnhaven inlet. The lights under the bridge is such a beautiful sight. The lights are…read moreprogrammable to change for different Holidays or in honor of certain current events. I cross the bridge quite often on my way to many different Doctors appointments.

I have called Chesapeake home for over 40 years and in all of that time, I've never found a better…read moreplace to live, raise a family or to call my home. Taxes are a necessary part of life but the City of Chesapeake has been a good steward of our tax dollars over the years. They provide us with the essential services that we need and they have a great track record of educating our children. The police and fire departments are consistently ranked among the best in the country.

NOTE: This review is for the City Clerk's Office/Passport Application Processing office located at…read moreCity Hall of Chesapeake. I was at City Hall this week for an appointment, and while I was waiting, I was chatting it up with the friendly security guard and we got on the topic of passports, as I needed some for my children. He informed me that I could go up to the first floor at the City Clerk's Office to obtain an appointment. I remembered this from last year when I had to obtain one to go back home to Canada, that it was appointment only based, but I remembered the office being at least 4 months out. I ended up walking in at the Norfolk courthouse because I needed it ASAP (only place in the area who processes passport applications in person, on a walk in basis FYI). I was expressing my dread of potentially finding out how far out the appointments were, but with his encouragement, I went up to the first floor to ask. Plus, it's way more convenient for me to process them at City Hall in Chesapeake than in Norfolk. With parking, tight security and the lack of patience of children, City Hall in Chesapeake was a better option for me. Lo and behold, the nice lady told me that they had one in the coming days!! *Things to note (info current as of June 15/23)* - appointment only, no walk-ins - appointments can be made by calling the City Clerk's office (located on the 1st floor) at 757-382-6151 - appointment slots are available on Mondays from 9:00 am - 11:30 am & Thursdays from 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm ONLY - for your appointment, present yourself at the little office in the corner on the left hand side of the security desk on the ground floor. Top flap of the door will be open if they are open to process applications - if you are applying for minors, BOTH parents and/or all guardians must be present. If one parent cannot be present, you must obtain some other letter/form that must be notarized - for the actual application fees, you must have a cheque or money order (US Dept of State) - you can pay the processing fees by either cheque or card (City of Chesapeake) - all card transactions will be charged a 2.2% transaction processing fee - as of this writing, the processing time for the passport is 10-13 weeks for regular processing and 7-9 weeks for expedited (obvi with extra fee). The clerk let me know that the processing center has been especially busy this year with more and more people coming out of the pandemic funk and the eagerness to travel again. - come prepared with your documents filled out in advance (you can either fill it out online and print) or they do have paper applications right by the processing office - unlike the Norfolk office, they do not provide photos here, so be sure to obtain those in advance at your nearest pharmacy. We got them done at Walgreens on Hanbury - just an FYI, in case you didn't know, but this is very stressful for me, but they take the original document of the individual (especially if it's your first passport). They took my ORIGINAL citizenship certificate last year and it didn't come for weeks until after my passport arrived solo. Very nerve wracking too, just waiting....my citizenship certificate eventually showed up in a FedEx envelope, with no note, nothing. Just the certificate all by its lonesome. After losing a small fortune on 3 passport applications (my husband decided to get his done too since his had been expired also), processing fees and the photos, the clerk processed them quickly and efficiently. So now we wait. Not sure where we'll end up, but at least we'll be ready to go, once we receive their passports... HUGE shout out to the security guard for the recommendation and encouragement, and to the clerk for being so kind in trying her hardest to find an appointment that best suited our schedule and circumstance. She ended up being the one to process the applications a few days later. She set me up for success from the get go (she had provided me a small paper with a list of all the reqs and docs I needed at the time of making my appointment). They were both so nice, friendly and so helpful! If you live in Chesapeake and you need a passport, go to City Hall! But think ahead and make that appointment now! Stay safe, Friends, and safe travels!

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.