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If you have a specific interest, chances are there's a museum made just for you! Don't miss these best museums picks in and around Chesapeake, VA. 1. Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum From Wednesday until Saturday and select Sundays, visitors can take a memorable trip back in time. This museum pays tribute to life in Virginia in the 18th century, including an authentic tavern of the times. The beautiful waterways of the region also receive homage with displays around the premises. Most incredible of all, you can experience in painstaking detail one of the battles that helped define the American Revolution. more 2. Historic St. Luke's Church and Museum Learn all about nearly 500 years of the quest for religious freedom in America. These 100 acres of history hold Virginia's oldest church structure as their holy centerpiece. Guided tours, lectures, and even periodic religious services help keep the legacy of The Old Brick Church alive. The hallowed grounds also serve as the final resting place for Virginia citizens dating back to the mid-1700s. 3. Hampton Roads Naval Museum Downtown Norfolk is home to this distinguished member of the Naval History & Heritage Command and the official U.S. Navy Museum. For free, you can marvel at the magnificent Battleship Wisconsin and even attend military ceremonies onboard. Then, journey through two-plus centuries of naval history with fascinating exhibits, including a detailed account of the Navy's crucial role in the Vietnam War.  The Daybook Archives explore additional historical moments. 4. Chrysler Museum of Art You don't have to be a member of the elite to enjoy quality art at this free-admission museum in Norfolk. Regarded as one of the best mid-sized galleries in the nation, the Chrysler Museum bears its name thanks to a 10,000-plus artwork donation from the Chrysler family. Intricate themed displays from different eras and different aspects of life make for a breath-taking experience. Even the lobby and gardens are works of art. 5. Hunter House Victorian Museum 19th-century Victorian art and architecture have found a beautiful home at Hunter House. Visitors who discover this hidden gem will be treated to some of the most majestic 19th-century houses you can imagine all along the street. For an in-depth experience with knowledgeable experts who can transport you back to this magical era, opt for a guided tour. 6. Children's Museum of Virginia Whether you have a kid or you're a kid at heart, few places beat this interactive museum for a learning experience the whole family can enjoy. Create with arts and crafts, perform fun science experiments, play with bubbles, and even milk a cow or two. 7. Picture Yaself Selfie Museum And now for something completely different, discover a museum totally devoted to one of the modern world's renowned inventions: the selfie. For a small price, you can enter this combination photography studio and museum and take advantage of around 20 creative selfie backdrops for your snapping pleasure. Enjoy the best the Chesapeake region has to offer, as far as expanding your mind! Start making plans today for an exciting excursion! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

These picnic spots near Chesapeake, VA, have some of the best outdoor amenities, from parks and lakes to sporting facilities. So, if you're looking for an excellent spot for your next family outing, look no further than these five places. 1. Oak Grove Lake Park This park has ample open space to set up your blanket and enjoy yourself with family or friends. It offers tables, grills, a parking area, and water fountains for public use. Other amenities are open spaces for outdoor games, shelters with seating, and bathrooms. Besides picnicking, visitors can indulge in a variety of activities like pier fishing, canoeing, or kayaking. more 2. Norfolk Botanical Garden Norfolk Botanical Garden features a variety of themed gardens, such as an annual garden bed with flowers blooming year-round and fruit trees that change color in autumn. The children's playground has a waterwheel, butterfly house, and treehouse for kids to explore nature while learning about it. There’s also plenty of picnic areas in this garden, including shaded picnic tables and outdoor grills to enjoy your meal with friends. The park also offers educational programs like gardening workshops designed for its visitors and day camps during summer. 3. Town Point Park Town Point Park offers excellent views of the Elizabeth River. It’s close to many attractions such as museums, shopping centers, and restaurants. Vast peaceful open spaces covered in lush greenery offer guests opportunities to spread out their blankets and enjoy an outdoor meal. People can also run, walk, or bike in this open space. Other activities at the park include kayaking, fishing, and crabbing. In addition, there are also monuments, restrooms, and playgrounds for kids to enjoy. 4. Paradise Creek Nature Park This wonderland features miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders to enjoy. The naturalist at heart can find many species of plants and animals along this journey. The park has a pond where you can bring your fishing poles or set up a picnic table with sandwiches from home. Moreover, there are many great spots to have a blanket spread out, even if it's crowded on the weekends. Shelters are available throughout the park if you would like to have an outdoor ceremony. 5. Elizabeth River Park Elizabeth River Park is a great place to have a picnic. It has an open green space that’s popular for playing sports and doing yoga. This place features playgrounds, bike trails, and walking paths. Visitors can spread out a picnic blanket and sit by the river under many different kinds of trees, such as oak or eucalyptus. One can also experience the beautiful city skyline from the park, making for a perfect backdrop for pictures. These are some of our favorite places to go for a picnic near Chesapeake. Start making plans to visit one – or more! – of these lovely locales and you never know, perhaps you’ll find a new favorite spot! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Great players like great golf courses, so if you're visiting the Chesapeake, VA area looking for somewhere to play, let us talk you through some of the best courses available, in our opinion! 1. Lamberts Point Golf Course Starting off, we have a 9-hole beauty of a municipal course located on the banks of the Elizabeth River with dramatic views from all of the tees. This is a links-style setup that is great when we need a game but are short on time. more The terrain undulates significantly as you play and produces a severe level of challenge as you make your way along the tight, par 34 course's maximum of 2,789-yards. Accuracy is rewarded, and control is the key if you're hoping for a respectable round. 2. Elizabeth Manor Country Club This impressive country club began its life in 1948 with an 18-hole course designed by Dick Wilson. The par 70 championship setup was restored in 2020 by Ben Crenshaw, the World Golf Hall of Fame member. Impressive practice facilities for improving your short game and driving are available to members, and the general facilities here are exactly as you would expect for such a prestigious club. 3. Cypress Point Country Club Next, we'd like to suggest this publicly accessible country club course with a beautiful location that feels far from life's hustle and bustle. The 18-hole, par 72 layout is sufficiently challenging, and the well-tended Bermuda grass fairways and Bentgrass greens are defended by several cunningly located sand traps and water features. The practice facility is particularly popular here with local golfers, and you'll find a spacious driving range along with chipping and putting areas if you need to work on your form. After your round, the Cypress Bar & Grill is an excellent stop for a meal while you discuss how well, or not, you played. 4. Ocean View Municipal Golf Course This 18-hole course offers refreshing sea air as you play and understandably has earned a reputation as one of the most attractive setups around. You'll find a challenging game across its compact 5802 yards where all-out power isn't needed. The course is well maintained, and the club is known to be friendly and welcoming whether you're a long-term visitor or a new face. We enjoy a walking game here for the exercise, but carts are available if you want them. 5. Kempsville Greens Golf Course Finally, we have an 18-hole, par 70 municipal course that has been open since 1954. This is another relatively compact course and runs at a maximum of 5,843-yards. Many locals have received instruction here over the years, and the on-staff pro is known for its excellent teaching style. A number of tricky sand traps and water hazards stand between the tee and the Bermuda grass fairways and the quick Bentgrass greens, so make sure you're feeling sharp before setting out. The next time you’re visiting our lovely area and have the urge to play a round or two, check out one of these gorgeous greens and enjoy some fresh air while refining your game!

It's difficult to beat an outdoor adventure that offers stunning views that get your blood pumping and introduces you to a new place. Whether you're a local resident or just visiting the area, opportunities for hiking and other recreational activities abound! Here are some top hiking trails around Chesapeake, VA to get you outdoors! Indian River Trail Park For lush greenery and shady forest vibes, head to Indian River Trail Park. This park offers quiet trails to suit all ages and skill levels, and has the added benefit of allowing cycling and dog walking – perfect for those who want to try out different activities and get their heart rate up! more Indian River Trail Park also boasts a wide range of local wildlife so it’s ideal for educational trips, family days out, and birdwatching. Bring the kids along or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest yourself. Either way - you're in for a treat! Stumpy Lake Natural Area Another popular haunt for hikers and adventure enthusiasts is the serene and undeveloped Stumpy Lake Natural Area. This park is perfect not only for hiking (which it does very well!) but also for other recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and picnicking. Budding wildlife photographers will also find a peaceful haven in which to practice their skills as the park houses species such as great egrets, North American River otters, various butterflies, and a range of amphibious reptiles. Hike with your camera handy to snap a few shots of these wonderful creatures! Dismal Swamp Canal Trail For a more leisurely hiking experience, why not check out Dismal Swamp Canal Trail? This long, flat path is wide enough to accommodate joggers, families, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts alike whilst also providing verdant views and opportunities for wildlife watching. Slightly off the beaten track, you'll find the Dismal Swamp itself, flower-filled fields, and other natural scenes to help you relax after the rat race of urban life. History buffs will also love this one as the trail is dotted with informational placards about the park's past and development. Point Overlook Loop, Virginia Beach This stunning trail offers hikers the chance to see picturesque creeks, magnificent tidal wetlands, and dense, green forests, providing an outdoor experience that will intrigue and thrill hikers of all ages and capabilities. Birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and even artists can find their ideal spot to unwind and connect with nature on this trail. The layout of the Point Overlook Loop is not overly challenging but does offer a variety of inclinations and terrains, including soft paths, bridges, and more formalized trails. There's something to suit everyone! Whether you're a jogger, picnicker, photographer, or thrill-seeker, these trails provide options for all different tastes and capabilities so what are you waiting for? Go put on your hiking gear and find a trail that works for you, so you can see all the beauty that the area has to offer!

Virginia is a state that is rich in history and culture and has seen our country through many ups and downs, as well as historic moments, including wars and inventions. So what better place to learn about these moments than at a Hampton, Virginia, museum? To get you started on your learning adventure, check out five of our favorite museums! Hampton History Museum If you’re looking for a place to learn about the local area, you need to visit the Hampton History Museum. Although this museum is small, it’s full of exhibits and displays that detail this great town's history. It should take you about two hours to see everything and thoroughly read the details of each display. By the time you leave, you’ll know all the history dating back to 1610. Entry is only $5, and the museum is open seven days a week. more Virginia Air and Space Center Children and adults both rave about the Virginia Air and Space Center. Here, learn about everything from the start of flight with the Wright Brothers to space travel. The displays are incredibly informative: you’ll find IMAX movies as well as interactive displays. Stop by any day of the week and spend the afternoon learning about flight — it’s an incredibly enlightening experience! The Newsome House Museum and Cultural Center In nearby Newport News, Virginia is the Newsome House Museum and Cultural Center. Once home to Joseph Thomas Newsome, the first African American to practice law, this home now houses a wealth of African American history. Here, learn how Mr. Newsome came from slavery to practice law. This museum grows beyond Mr. Newsome and embodies all the African American history in Newport News. Fort Monroe's Casemate Museum Another outstanding site for history lovers to visit is Fort Monroe's Casemate Museum. This museum features history from the past 400 years, going back to before the time of the English colonist. Though temporarily closed, once it reopens, you can learn about the area's importance in protecting the country and about President Lincoln's time here. There are many outstanding exhibits, and the views around the area are remarkable! Air Power Park Looking for a great place to spend an hour or so outdoors? Check out the Air Power Park! Here you’ll find various airplanes and rockets displayed that you can walk right up to, as well as all around and even under! Children will enjoy the play area, as well as being able to run around. This park is free and a perfect place for everyone to learn a little while burning off some energy. Although these five museums are some of our favorites in the area, there are still plenty of others out there for you to explore! Make plans to broaden your horizons today – and be sure to check websites for availability and guidelines! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Located on the beautiful waters of the Chesapeake Bay, Norfolk, VA is a captivating southern city with a unique personality and a boatload of things to do! As the location of the world's biggest naval base, the city's roots run deep in the Revolutionary and maritime stories of the United States. Beyond that, Norfolk also boasts an impressive downtown area, great outdoor spots to relax, and numerous activities and events scheduled throughout the year – be sure to check their website for availability and guidelines when planning your activities! The Wine Festival Norfolk is no stranger to some unique and interesting events. Among the most popular is the Town Point Virginia Wine Festival. This bi-annual event is held in both the spring and fall and focuses on showcasing wines from wineries located in the state. more Labeled as an event perfect for both the newbie wine drinker and the avid connoisseur, the Town Point Wine Festival draws thousands each year from all parts of Virginia and beyond. If you take part, be sure to drink responsibly! The Outdoor Adventures Norfolk is a hybrid of both urban life and the sweet southern beauty that is quintessential Virginia. One needs to look no further than all of the fun and amazing outdoor activities to see that! Visitors and residents alike enjoy sailing the beautiful harbor that's just a short distance from the busy expanses of the city. There are numerous golf courses that dot the shore and several parks and recreation centers for casual days out. The Kid-Friendliness Norfolk makes visiting with a family even easier with numerous kid-friendly events and activities. The city offers guests the opportunity to see a variety of animals at its aptly named Norfolk Zoo and lush greenery at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. These stops are both educational and beautiful. The Nauticus, too, is a must-see: this museum is located directly on the harbor and allows visitors an up-close look at marine life native to the area. The Beach Norfolk has just under ten miles of public beaches available for visitors and residents to spend their time. Beachgoers can enjoy countless hours spent sunbathing or swimming in the calm waters of the Chesapeake. On warm summer days, it is not uncommon for the beautiful sands to be covered by visitors taking in a day of fun. Those who live in Norfolk know that the sunrises and sunsets along the shoreline are especially picturesque. The Food No stop to any city would be complete without discussing the cuisine: Norfolk is no exception. This beautiful and busy city is home to some amazing restaurants and dining spots. From breakfast spots like Sandfiddler Café and D'Egg Diner to more upscale and fine dining venues like Saltine and Chartreuse Bistro, the options can be as varied as your palette and your budget allow! Visit the City Whether you’re visiting Norfolk for the day, a week, or staying for a lifetime: there’s no doubt there are plenty of adventures and reasons to fall in love with this city! Make some new memories today!

Getting outdoors and enjoying some Vitamin D is always good for the mind, body, and soul. If you've been searching for a new area to explore, then you're in the right spot. Here are five spots for a relaxing walk near Hampton. These spots are beautiful year-round and offer nice walking areas with some great views. We hope they cure your need for some time outdoors. Grandview Nature Park Grandview Nature Park is a great place to head out and enjoy nature on a walk. With over 475-acres of land to explore, there will be somewhere quiet and serene for you to visit. Walk along the beach area and snap some photos of local and migratory birds. Dogs are welcomed as long as they are kept on leashes, so feel free to bring your furry best friend along, too. Grandview Nature Park is located off of State Park Drive. more Air Power Park If you're looking for somewhere to visit and learn a little bit, head on over to the Air Power Park. This 15-acre park is home to several space launch vehicles and vintage aircraft with connections to Langley Air Force Base and the NASA Langley Research Center. Travel along a raised walkway with views of Newmarket Creek, where you might get a glimpse of some local wildlife. Stay tuned because a nature trail will also be located here in 2021. The Air Power Park can be found at 413 W Mercury Blvd. Sandy Bottom Nature Park Sandy Bottom Nature Park is an extensive 456-acre park with plenty of space to take a nice, relaxing walk. There are several trail areas, such as the 3.3-mile Trillium Trail and the shorter 1.0-mile Fallen Oak Trail. You'll also find a large lake, individual campsites, and plenty of other things to do on-site. This park is located at 1255 Big Bethel Road. Noland Trail At the Mariners' Museum and Park in Newport News, you'll find one of the largest, privately-owned free parks in the country. Located within the park is the Noland Trail. This beautiful trail offers fantastic views year-round but be sure to visit in the fall at least once. This is quite a long walk at around five miles, but you'll feel relaxed and ready to head home in the end. If you're not quite tired yet, be sure to visit the lake or have a picnic at the Lion's Bridge overlooking the river. Find parking for the Noland Trail off of Museum Drive in nearby Newport News, Virginia. Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve Another great spot to check out when you want to take a relaxing walk is the Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve located in Portsmouth, Virginia. This 142-acre preserve offers four habitats full of wildlife. The Lake Ballard trail goes around the lake and offers views of almost the entire area. There's also a smaller kids' trail located near the visitor center. You can find the Hoffler Wildlife Preserve at 4510 Twin Pines Road. Next time you need some fresh air and sunshine, visit one of these Hampton area spots for a relaxing walk. Grab a friend, two- or four-legged, and take a walk together. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

The Chesapeake, Virginia area is an excellent place for you to explore your artistic side, discover a new hobby, or spend some quality time with family members and friends! Here are some of the best crafting classes nearby where you can create beautiful artwork. GLaZENFYRE At GLaZENFYRE, you can learn how to paint pottery, work with glass, and paint on canvas. More than 700 pieces of pottery are available for painting, and the knowledgeable staff will help you choose the colors you want and decide on a design. They'll also handle glazing and firing your new masterpiece and provide all the supplies you need. With glass fusing, you can assemble pieces of colored glass for an interesting design. The GLaZENFYRE employees will take care of firing and mounting your art to a hangar if needed, and you can pick it up in about 10 days. more Canvas painting happens during scheduled workshops, and you can create your own design or get some help and ideas from your instructor. This fun studio is a popular place for parties for kids and adults, but reservations for large groups are necessary. It's open for small groups with no appointments from noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. AR Workshop Maureen Anders and Adria Ruff founded Anders Ruff in 2010. After many fans of this popular DIY blog and online store asked for hands-on workshops, they started AR Workshop. The classes at this business can help people with all skill levels create attractive decor with metal, wood, canvas, or yarn. If you feel like spending some time at home or painting in a local park, you can pick up a DIY kit and follow the instructions. In many areas, you can even get it delivered to your door! AR Workshop can help you learn how to make unique clocks, cake stands, pet beds, photo frames, canvas bags, doormats, yard games, jewelry, wall hangings, and more. A variety of stencils and appealing designs are available, and they use nontoxic paints and stains. It's open from Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Painting With a Twist At Painting With a Twist, you and your friends can enjoy adults-only painting classes that come with two free glasses of wine. You can also bring additional drinks to these fun events, and a refrigerator is available. Experienced artists teach these classes, and beginners and experts can attend. It's a great place for private parties, and events for kids are alcohol-free. If you want to stay home, you can pick up a take-home kit with the surface you choose, two brushes, disposable cups for mixing paint, the needed colors, and a palette. Step-by-step instructions for 20 paintings are available online. Painting With a Twist is open every day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. At these fun Chesapeake crafting classes, you can discover your inner artist, have fun, and come home with an interesting souvenir or gift! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crafter, you'll enjoy these great classes! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

If you're an avid golfer, Norfolk features some of the best golf courses in the area. You'll find nine-hole courses, driving ranges, full 18-hole par courses, and classes and instruction. So if you're looking for quality local courses and community golf clubs where you can practice your drive, here's a golfer's guide to the Norfolk, Virginia, area. Heron Ridge Golf Club Heron Ridge Golf Club is in Virginia Beach, just 20 minutes outside of Norfolk. Heron Ridge is open year-round and offers tee time bookings for up to four players. With water hazards, steep banks, and sand traps, Heron Ridge provides an excellent course for beginners and experienced golfers alike. It's an 18-hole course with a par of 72, and you can choose from several different membership options. more Sewells Point Golf Course Sewells Point Golf Course is part of the United States Military Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) program, which provides sports, fitness, and recreational facilities for military service members and their families. While Sewells Point Golf Course is part of this program, it is also open to the public. Sewells is an 18-hole par 71 course and offers a full menu at the snack bar, including breakfast. Bayville Golf Course Bayville Golf Course is in Virginia Beach and features a regulation-length 18-hole course with a par of 72. Even though Bayville is a private club with a cap at 300 members, everyone in the public is eligible to join. Additionally, Bayville's membership is a family membership and includes spouses and children under 22. This course has no designated tee times, so you can golf whenever you want. You can also invite guests to golf and dine with you in the Tavern, which features a full menu for one of the finest dining experiences in the area. Lambert's Point Golf Course Lambert's Point Golf Course sits on the banks of the Elizabeth River and features a links-style, nine-hole course with a view of the river from every hole. Lambert's Point also serves as a training facility for the Old Dominion University golf team and is part of ODU's campus property. The elevation level varies throughout the course, with some of the landscape adding to the challenge of the game. Lambert's Point houses a heated two-story covered putting and driving range. Cypress Point Country Club Cypress Point Country Club is a semi-private golf club that offers several different membership options along with various tee times that you can book for up to four golfers. If you opt for a membership, you'll have access to the club's facilities, which include a junior Olympic-size swimming pool, locker rooms and showers, and the Cypress Bar and Grill. Cypress Point also provides golf lessons, so you can bring a guest who wants to learn the game. From Norfolk to Virginia Beach, there are plenty of golf courses to check out in this area of Virginia. If you want the benefit of golfing whenever you're in the mood to, consider a private club membership with no tee times and extra amenities. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

If you're an avid reader and you're looking for the perfect place to pick up your next book, Norfolk has plenty of great spots to pick! From comics and records stores to used bookstores and exchanges, consider these five places to find your favorite summer read in Norfolk, Virginia! Positive Vibes Positive Vibes is a little book shop in Virginia Beach, about 25 minutes from Norfolk. With tons of literature, art, and other accessories centered on African culture, the Positive Vibes bookstore offers a unique experience. You can shop for books and artwork from local artists, and you'll also find an array of natural products like jewelry, clothing, and home goods. more Book Exchange Book Exchange has two locations, one in downtown Norfolk and one in Virginia Beach. These bookstores feature collections of over 60,000 used books, movies, music, and more! All of the books they sell are 50% off their original cover price, and you even can bring in your own used books, DVDs, CDs, and vinyl records to exchange for something in the store. Teachers can save when they shop for their classroom supplies at the Book Exchange, and students receive a special store credit when they showcase their good grades. AFK Books and Records AFK Books and Records combines a love of reading with music. The store features over 10,000 vinyl records in just about every musical genre you can think of, including jazz, hip hop, rock, and blues. Browse over 60,000 gently used books and products in AFK's 5,000 square feet of space, where you can also find a relaxing and comfortable seating area complete with a fresh cup of complimentary tea. AFK is in Virginia Beach, only 25 minutes from Norfolk. Local Heroes Comics Local Heroes Comics is a comic book and graphic novel shop in the Ghent community of Norfolk that caters to all types of fans of this diverse art form. Local Heroes carries a large collection of comics and graphic novels, but they also have a nice selection of novelty items, including merchandise from your favorite movies and TV shows. Local Heroes buys used comics and graphic novels, so if you're looking to trade for some new reading material or you want some extra cash, stop by for a visit! Prince Books Prince Books, located in downtown Norfolk, features a large selection of books, including intellectual literature, fiction, poetry, history, biographies, outdoor, travel, children's books, and more! Prince also carries a variety of news releases and current events, along with books and guides on DIY, cooking, and spirituality. You'll find new releases in hardcover and paperback along with pre-owned selections. Drop by the Lizard Cafe inside Prince Books and enjoy a cup of coffee while you read! If you're looking for a diverse selection of books, reading materials, and other novelty items, these five shops are excellent places to visit whether you're a Norfolk native or you're in town for the weekend. No matter which spot you choose, you're sure to find plenty of new books to add to your summer reading list. Image via pixabay.com

Known for its fantastic spots, the Chesapeake Bay area has some of the best fishing around. There's a vast array of species of fish to catch, depending on which type of fishing you are looking to do during your next outdoor excursion. Here are a few locations where you can sharpen your fishing skills in the Chesapeake area. Rocky Point Beach and Park Located in Baltimore County, Rocky Point is a beautiful shoreline with soft sand that stretches 300-feet. The beach is part of a 375-acre park and has some of the most breathtaking views of the upper Chesapeake Bay, Craighill Light, and Hart-Miller Islands. It also has an abundance of wildlife to observe while you’re there. more Some of its features include a volleyball court, playgrounds, eighteen picnic areas, a sailing center, boat ramps, and of course, a fishing pier. Whether you choose to take your boat out into the bay or to fish from the pier, you are sure to sharpen your fundamental fishing skills at Rocky Point! Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park Open 365 days of the year, Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park is the perfect place to hone your fishing expertise. The piers found here are extremely popular for having striped bass, perch, croakers, catfish, and sea trout. The side of the pier located in Dorchester County remains lighted for night fishing all year, while the side of the pier found in Talbot County is only lighted for night fishing from April first through December thirty-first. Sailwinds Park is also connected via the pier by the under bridge walkway. On July 22, 2009, the Choptank River Fishing Pier was re-named by the Board of Public Works to Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park. This honor was bestowed upon Bill Burton for his instrumental part in helping to preserve the Bridge that is now a fishing pier. He is a writer, reporter, and fisherman that has documented various outdoor opportunities for the citizens of Maryland for more than 50 years. Fishing at these piers is like stepping into a historic moment in time. Fort Smallwood Park This 90-acre park located where the Patapsco River makes its way to the Chesapeake Bay houses what was once an instrumental part of the defense of the seacoast, Fort Smallwood. It was constructed in the late 1880s and was occupied from 1890 to 1927. You’ll find many recreational amenities, including a historic gun battery and barracks, beaches, a children's playground, a pond, volleyball courts, and walking trails, but the chief draw for fishers is the 380-foot fishing pier. At all of these locations and more, you’ll find some of the most targeted fish in the Chesapeake area, such as red drum, white perch, striped bass, summer flounder (fluke), and spotted sea trout. Don't limit yourself to these three places; you can find many more fishing hot spots that’ll allow you to practice and increase your fishing capabilities! The Chesapeake Bay is an excellent area for non-experienced and highly experienced fishers to catch a wide variety of fish for sport or consumption. Check these sites webpages to ensure they’re open, then plan an outing! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Chesapeake, Virginia, and the nearby cities are full of vibrant nightlife and great places to dance, eat, and party. Whether you're looking in Chesapeake, Norfolk, or Virginia Beach, you'll have plenty of options for a fun night out – make plans for when life returns to normal! Here are five of the best spots in the area to enjoy the nightlife. Eagles' Nest Rockin' Country Bar If you love country music and line dancing, you have to check out Eagles' Nest Rockin' Country Bar. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until 2 a.m. and on Sundays from noon until midnight. Come out for a Sunday Funday and enjoy drink and food specials and some of the most popular DJs in the area. more Their outdoor patio is a great place to enjoy a night out in some fresh air. Play cornhole, giant Jenga, or hang out by the fire pits. Come by on a Wednesday at 7 p.m. for free line dancing lessons. This is a great place for a birthday party or a celebration with friends. Omega Bar Head to Omega Bar to enjoy some Latin music and yummy Tapas menu items. Check their social media sites for event information or stop in on any Friday or Saturday from 7:30 p.m. until 2:30 a.m. Latin Fridays are considered one of the best parties in the Virginia Beach area with local DJs, dancing, and special cocktails. Bugatti's Bugatti's club in Norfolk is a private club for members only. Annual membership is just $100 and includes a BYOB pass to bring your own bottle of any beverage that they will store and serve for a small fee, four guest passes, and discounts on special concerts and events. Fill out a membership application online and a background check will be conducted before approval by the committee. Now, as Norfolk's best after-hours club, this is the place to go after enjoying time at other hotspots in the area. They open at 1:30 a.m. on weekends. Upscale Restaurant and Lounge With special events throughout the week, Upscale Restaurant and Lounge keeps things fun and exciting. Thursdays are Girls' Night Out, offering free admission to all women all night. Every Friday night Upscale hosts an After Work Party featuring DJ Bossman and free drinks and buffet specials until 9 p.m. Stop by any Thursday, Friday, or Saturday evening until 2 a.m. Funny Bone At the Funny Bone in Virginia Beach, you can enjoy a night full of laughs and great drinks. Local comedians and others from throughout the U.S. perform here. Upcoming shows include big-name comedians like Damon Wayans Jr. and Andrew Schulz. The menu is loaded with yummy appetizers like spinach and artichoke dip and dinner items like a 12-ounce strip steak. The Baja Tacos are a comedy club favorite and feature your choice of pulled pork, chicken, or shrimp. You can even rent the club out for a special event or celebration! Once the current restrictions are lifted and life returns to a more normal state, check out one of these local hotspots. You're sure to have a great time and make some lasting memories! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License