Blog

Chesapeake, VA, is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. You don't have to go far to get in touch with nature during a long walk or hike. You can view animals in various types of habitats thanks to the nearby oceanfront, bay area, swamps, and rivers. Several nature preserves and wildlife management areas surround this city. Here are five of the best spots to explore Chesapeake and enjoy nature. Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a large, protected area just about 20 minutes southwest of Chesapeake. Bird watchers will love the over 200 species of birds that make their homes in the area. This refuge covers over 112,000 acres, so there's no shortage of space to enjoy as you explore nature. Walk along the various dirt paths, forest trails, and boardwalks as you explore. You may even see a flying squirrel, red fox, or black bear along the way! more Lake Drummond Right in the center of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is Lake Drummond. This is one of two naturally formed freshwater lakes in the state, and it's the highest point in the swamp. This is a great spot for quiet fishing. Several species of fish have been caught in the lake including crappie, bowfin, bullhead catfish, flier, yellow perch, and chain pickerel. The lake is large but only six-feet deep, so it's fairly safe for small fishing boats and canoes. First Landing State Park Amid the tourist-filled Virginia Beach, First Landing State Park is an oasis of sorts. Here you'll find a peaceful beachfront along the Chesapeake Bay and more than 20 miles of walking, running, and hiking trails. Within this small state park, there are several different natural habitats including lagoons and bald cypress swamps. Rent a cabin or take your tent or RV and stay in the park campgrounds. Virginia Zoo The Virginia Zoo is just a 20-minute drive north of Chesapeake. Here, you'll see animals from all over the world, including lions, elephants, giraffes, bears, kangaroos, orangutans, and many more. Visit any day of the week from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., except during most major holidays. Tickets are $17.95 per person with lower rates for children, seniors, military, students, and Norfolk residents. Book a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo and get up close to many of the animals in the park. You can watch animals train, help feed, and even touch a few. Tours must be booked in advance, but they are definitely worth your time. Paradise Creek Nature Park Just under 15 minutes north of Chesapeake, Paradise Creek Nature Park is easy to get to and perfect for a relaxing day outside. Hike, run, or bike along the 2.5-mile trail and enjoy lunch in one of the picnic areas. With a free boat launch area, Paradise Creek is perfect for easy kayaking or canoeing. Set aside time this year to get out and enjoy the beautiful places around you. Engage with nature and find the relaxation offered by being outside. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

The new year is here, and with it comes a myriad of opportunities to experience something new! If you want to make the most out of your 2020, there are plenty of funs events to check out. Make the most out of your 2020 year by planning on attending these fun and interesting events in the Chesapeake, Virginia, area! Dismal Swamp Stomp Running Festival, April Whether you're an avid runner, or you want to work your way up to becoming one, the Dismal Swamp Stomp Running Festival is a fun day of trekking through the canal trail of the swamp. The 13.1-mile asphalt trail winds through the wetlands and wilderness in the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and is a great opportunity to get physical after holing up for the winter months. The 2020 festival will begin at 8 p.m. on April 4. more Paddle for the Border, May Bring your canoes and kayaks to Paddle for the Border this spring in 2020. In this event, you'll paddle your way down the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail to South Mills, North Carolina. The 2020 Paddle for the Border event will be held on May 2. Registration opens Jan. 2, so make sure you save your spot before the event fills up! Blue Crab Festival, July Lovers of seafood cannot miss the Blue Crab Festival. As the name suggests, you'll get your fill of crabs — all you can eat! — as well as barbeque and other tasty treats. If you can’t get enough fresh seafood, you won't want to miss this delicious festival! The 2020 date has not been officially released yet, but the Blue Crab Festival is generally held toward the end of July. Tap! Tap! Craft Beer Festival, August If you love craft beer, you'll love the Tap! Tap! Craft Beer Festival. This annual festival is generally held in August and gives visitors a chance to try a wide range of craft beers from many breweries. Discover new local favorites or stick to your tried-and-true brews — either way, this festival is always a good time! The exact date for the 2020 festival has not yet been released, so be sure to keep an eye out for the announcement. The Great American Food Fest, October The Great American Food Fest will be holding its 41st annual festival and is a must-see event if you're looking for fun things to do in 2020. This is one of the largest festivals in the Chesapeake area, and it draws hundreds of people to try the huge array of American-style food. You'll find everything from clam chowder to barbecue chicken at this tasty food festival. The 2020 Great American Food Fest will be held Oct. 7 in Chesapeake City Park. No matter what you're interested in, you're sure to find something fun and exciting at these and the many other events coming to our area. Keep an eye out for announcements for events like these coming to the Chesapeake area to plan for a fun start to your year! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Fall is a wonderful time to escape the hustle and bustle of the Hampton Roads and go camping. Grab your friends and family to disconnect from your everyday life and reconnect with one other. These locations offer something for everyone and are a great weekend away without roaming far from the area. Chesapeake Campground Grab your gear and disappear into the woods at the Chesapeake Campground on George Washington Highway South. The campground offers tent, cabin, and RV camping at daily or weekly rates. They have four different types of RV sites that have water, electric, and sewer hookups. Once you arrive and settle in at your campsite, there’s a lot to do on the grounds. more The campground offers $75 hayrides on the weekends that last two hours. There’s also a mini-golf course on the property that can be used for $3 a person and is open daily. For those who enjoy traditional golf, there’s a driving range open daily; a bucket of 40 balls costs $4. You can also rent bicycles, kayaks, canoes, and John boats! Right next to the camp store is Markley's Antiques, selling loads of treasures for you to enjoy. The Deep Creek Stables are right up the road from the property. North Bay Shore Campground The North Bay Shore Campground is on Colechester Road in Virginia Beach. The campground offers tent sites with or without electric and water hookups. They have RV camping on the property, and cabins and popups are also available. If you choose a cabin, you only need to bring your own linens and utensils while everything else is provided. There is one pet-friendly cabin on the property. The standard cabin sleeps four while the large cabin sleeps five. Explore the campground and enjoy access to the bay. There’s a recreation hall with pool and air hockey tables. The playground is an excellent place for younger campers to run off their energy! If you must stay connected while camping, there’s Wi-Fi at most sites. The campground is 15 miles from the excitement and shops of Atlantic Avenue. Davis Lakes Resort Make the short trip over the High Rise Bridge to Suffolk and enjoy the Davis Lakes Resort. This location offers cabin and RV camping. If you choose the cabins, there is a minimum two-night stay. They have one and two-room cabins. The one-room cabins don’t have a stove, while the two-room cabins have a full kitchen. Visitors are allowed at the campground as long as you notify the staff ahead of time. RV campers have the choice between a 30 and 50-amp site. Once you settle in, explore one of the three lakes on the property. Bring your fishing gear as you can fish in all three lakes. Pack the bathing suits for a dip in Lake Helen! You can rent a golf cart to enjoy the entire resort. As you pack for your trip, don't forget sunscreen and your camera! Above all, relax and enjoy the natural beauty around you! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Fall is the time for apple cider, changing leaves, and pumpkin-spiced everything. It's also the time when haunted houses and ghost tours open their doors for a brief period each year. This fall, don your best costume, grab a friend, and check out these three frightful fall festivities near Chesapeake! Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream Starting the second week in September and continuing through Halloween, the famed Busch Gardens hosts Howl-O-Scream on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Here, families can enjoy all types of thrills, from escape rooms to live performances. more If you're into haunted houses, take a tour through one of the mazelike indoor and outdoor haunts, each with its own unique theme: Circo Sinistro, Dystopia, Demented Dimensions, Frostbite, Lumberhack, and Vault Overtaken. Or, enter into one of six immersive scare zones. These hair-raising worlds include Axe Alley, Fool's Court, Garden of the Souls, Ripper Row, Sideshow Square, and Vampire Point. Throughout the park, you can also enjoy theater and musical performances, spooky bars and shops, as well as all the roller coasters and rides for which Busch Gardens is known. Howl-O-Scream attractions are included with the price of park admission and run from 5:45 p.m. until 10 p.m. Williamsburg Ghost Tour Williamsburg is known as one of the most haunted places in America, and rightfully so. Take a guided walking ghost tour through Colonial Williamsburg to learn about 350 years worth of murder stories, war tragedies, witch trials, and burial grounds. Choose from one of three tours: The Hour-Long Tour departs at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Learn about Williamsburg's mysterious history as well as the paranormal activity visitors and inhabitants have experienced. All the stories your guide will tell you are fact-based, and the unexplained things you might hear and see aren't tricks. The Ultimate Tour departs at 10 p.m. and lasts 90 minutes. Explore spine-tingling sites such as the Colonial Jail, Jones Cemetery, and America's first insane asylum. Hear shocking stories, and keep an eye out for the paranormal as you wander these dark alleys and streets. The Cemetery Tour departs at 3:30 p.m. and lasts 90 minutes. This is the newest addition to Williamsburg's ghost tour lineup and takes visitors through three cemeteries, over Indian burial grounds, and past the graves of several famed inhabitants. This tour is less scare and more history lesson. These tours are suitable for both kids and adults. Add to the fun by renting an EMF detector to pick up on paranormal activity while you walk. Spooky Acres Haunted House Spooky Acres Haunted House has been a local favorite for nearly 25 years. While it's changed locations and themes over time (this year you can find it at the Military Crossing Shopping Center), one thing remains constant: its fear factor. As you wander through dark mazes and themed rooms, the costumed actors might reach out to grab you, so watch your ankles and arms! This fun and frightening adventure runs from late September through the first week in November from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets cost just $15 per person. Get into the festive fall spirit by checking out one of these seasonal Chesapeake-area events. Whether you're into haunted houses or history, you'll have an exciting time with family or friends! Image via holl7510 | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

While it has a terrible name, Dismal Swamp State Park is actually one of the most beautiful places in the country. Located in South Mills, North Carolina, this hidden gem has a long history with Native American tribes and early European settlers. Today, it's the perfect place for a daylong excursion into the wilderness. If you're looking to reconnect with nature, check out the following fun attractions Dismal Swamp State Park has to offer. Kayaking and Canoeing Kayaking and canoeing are among the most popular activities in Dismal Swamp State Park. The Dismal Swamp Canal flows steadily along the outskirts of the park, and its amber-colored waters provide a stark contrast to the brilliant green of the surrounding trees and plants. Just head to the boat ramp near the parking lot to enter the water safely. If you don't have your own boat, don't fret, as the park offers kayak and canoe rentals for $7 an hour. more Hiking If you like hiking, you're in luck, as this park has 16.7 miles of trails for you to explore. Once logging roads, these trails have now been transformed into people-friendly passages through the swamp. While most are multipurpose, two are dedicated solely to pedestrians — the Supple-jack Trail and the Swamp Boardwalk. Both are half-mile treks with easy terrain. The Supple-jack Trail has a natural surface. As you walk along this path, you'll find yourself surrounded by dense vegetation, the remains of illegal liquor stills, and various fauna. The Swamp Boardwalk, on the other hand, takes you directly over the swamp and provides interpretive panels so you can learn more about the area during your walk. Fishing Thanks to the Dismal Swamp Canal, there's plenty of fresh water for fishing. While you're allowed to fish most spots on the Canal, one major exception is the Welcome Center and rest area. Just keep in mind that you need a North Carolina fishing license before you cast any lines. You also need to follow all the rules set by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and Marine Fisheries. Biking If you're seeking a challenging day of mountain biking, you're in luck, as all but two of the park's trails are also open to bikes. For longer rides, try Corapeake Road or Kim Saunders Road, which are 4.8 and 5.4 miles one way, respectively. Each has a natural surface sprinkled with gravel for an off-road feel with slightly more control. Don't have a bike? That's not an issue, as the park rents them out to adults and children on an hourly basis. Bikes cost $7 an hour, making riding an affordable way to spend a couple of hours outdoors. Dismal Swamp State Park certainly has a lot to offer its visitors. If you're craving a respite from the stresses of everyday life, you could greatly benefit from the peace and tranquility offered by this natural gem. Pack a picnic lunch, and enjoy some time ensconced in the embrace of nature's wonders. Image via norfolkdistrict | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

One of the most popular and fun events in Norfolk, Virginia is the Bayou Boogaloo Music and Cajun Food Festival. It's a weekend festival that takes place every year in June to celebrate the New Orleans spirit while paying tribute to the influences of Bayou culture. This year, the event is celebrating its 30th anniversary on June 28-30. Here's what you need to know about this upcoming celebration. Live Music What's a summer festival without some great tunes? This event has you covered, with two stages featuring recording artists. While the full lineup isn't available, you can expect big names such as the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Chubby Carrier, JJ Grey, Dumpstaphunk, and New Orleans Suspects. The artists will provide a diverse range of culture and style, offering entertainment that will broaden your horizons. more Authentic Arts and Crafts For those looking to be inspired by cultural crafts, stop by the Arts Market of New Orleans. This arts and crafts marketplace features some of the best artistry Louisiana has to offer. These artisans will be displaying and selling their fine work, which can vary from sculpture to jewelry to art. All the artists were selected by the Arts Council of New Orleans and Norfolk Festevents for the perfect amalgam of authenticity and talent. Cajun Delicacies Perhaps the most popular part of the festival is the Cajun cuisine, which is cooked by chefs inspired by Louisiana's vibrant culinary scene. You'll get to enjoy all the traditional favorites, including fresh crawfish, beignets, muffuletta, alligator, jambalaya, and much more. Of course, if you have a pickier palate, you'll also be able to find plenty of traditional festival fare, including funnel cake, kettle corn, and Italian water ice. If you'd like a drink to pair with your meal, a number of New Orleans beers will be on tap, including selections from Abita Brewing Company. Tickets Available Now Pumped for the Bayou Boogaloo Music & Cajun Food Fest? If so, you'll want to get your tickets soon before prices go up. Currently, the cost is $10 for a day pass for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, or you can go all three days of the weekend for just $20. If you're on a tight budget, consider stopping by Friday from noon to 2 p.m., as admission is free during this two-hour session. Once these early tickets sell out, prices will increase to $15 for a day pass and $30 for a weekend pass. If you have a boat and were thinking about enjoying the water before heading over to the festival, you're in luck. There is also a boater's package deal that gives you reserved dockside parking for one vessel right at the entrance to the festival. It costs $50 in advance and $75 on the day of the event. While it's still a few months out, it's time to start preparing for this epic festival. Make a note on your calendar, and get ready to enjoy some of the best food and music of your life. Image via BPPrice | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

With Easter just around the corner, now is the time to start lining up fun Easter activities that you can take the kids to. Here are some fun Easter activities in and around Norfolk, Virginia, that both children and adults will have a great time at. Spirit Cruises One of the biggest parts of the Easter celebration is sitting down with family and friends to enjoy a delicious meal. Spirit Cruises, a locally based cruise line company, offers guests a two-hour boat-ride up and down the coast of Norfolk aboard their appropriately named Spirit of Norfolk. During this coastal tour, passengers will take in amazing sights including the skyline of Norfolk, the Naval Shipyards, the vast expanse of ocean around them, and more. more To celebrate Easter, the Spirit of Norfolk will be hosting a special brunch and dinner menu on April 21 to celebrate the holiday. In addition to the buffet-style meal, diners will also be treated to unlimited mimosas, a live DJ, and interactive games. For more information and to book tickets, visit their website or give them a call at 757-625-1748. Hunt Club Farm Located about a half an hour east of Norfolk, this family-owned farm sits on 28-acres and raises chickens, goats, and other livestock. The farm has been in operation since the 1960s and has always enjoyed educating children on how farms operate. They offer educational field trips and feature agricultural-based entertainment including a petting farm, pony rides, and seasonal farm festivals. On Easter weekend, Hunt Club Farm will be holding their annual Easter Spring Fling and Egg Hunt. There will be a  children's Easter egg hunt, visits with the Easter Bunny, farm tour hayrides, petting farm admission, inflatable amusements, a live DJ with music and farm games, costumed characters, and more. For more information, contact them via their webpage or call at 757-427-9520. 219 American Bistro Instead of slaving over a hot stove all day to prepare a perfect Easter dinner for your family and friends, head over to 219 Bistro on the corner of Granby Street and Brooke Avenue where their expert chefs will serve up mouth-watering dishes. Winners of the Diner's Choice Award, this Bistro prides itself on inventing creative dishes that pair wonderfully with different wine and beer selections. To celebrate Easter, the bistro has a special brunch and dinner menu planned that offers a little something for everyone. Diners can choose between delicious lamb, fish, beef, and vegetable dishes as they sip on sweet wine and enjoy good company. The 219 American Bistro is open for brunch from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and is running normal dinner service until 8 p.m. For more information and to book reservations, give them a call at 757-416-6219. The activities in this list will provide some great holiday entertainment this Easter and create memories that will last a lifetime. Stay safe and have fun taking the family out for some Easter celebration! Image via simplynutty | Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

As winter fades and signs of spring start to sprout all around, people start looking for fun things to do outside. The Cinco de Mayo weekend stands as the quintessential spring celebration. While it's a commemoration of Mexico's unlikely victory over France at the battle of Puebla, most Americans enjoy it as a chance to shake off cabin fever and anticipate summer's arrival. This year, you can celebrate Cinco de Mayo with these spring festivals in and around Norfolk the weekend of May 4-5, 2019. Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival AT&T presents the Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival in its 13th year of celebrating the fruit of the vine. The location, Town Point Park, sits along the waterfront in downtown Norfolk. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, enjoy food, specialty items, and of course, wines from more than 200 vendors. Wine samples are available until 4:30 p.m. All the varieties you'll find for tasting can be purchased on site by the bottle or by the case so find a favorite and stock up. more Four ticket packages are available from general admission on up to Boater packages for those who want to enjoy the day on the water. If you want to sample the vino, be sure you buy the Tasting Ticket or higher, as general admission passes don't include tasting privileges. Consider Reserve Table Seating if you're attending with a group of friends. Virginia Beach Taco Festival What better way to spend your Cinco de Mayo than at a Taco Festival? You'll find amazing food, margaritas, and live music in Virginia Beach. Along with more than 15 restaurants and food trucks, you'll find tons of fun games and activities like a tequila tasting, pepper eating contests, and a kids zone. General admission tickets start at $9.99, but if you really want to experience Cinco de Mayo in first class, go for the VIP ticket to get access to lots of goodies, full-size food samples, and private bathrooms. The Virginia Beach Taco Festival has something for everyone. Virginia Arts Festival If you're looking for something different on Cinco de Mayo, check out a performance of Dance Theatre of Harlem as part of the Virginia Arts Festival. The ballet by Claudia Schreier features 12 dancers and depicts the historical arrival of the first known Africans to North America in 1619. The plot also describes the recruitment of the first English women to the new world. Three shows are available, one each on May 3, May 4, and May 5, all at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk. This year's events will be extra special as Dance Theatre of Harlem celebrates 50 years of delighting audiences. Endless Possibilities This Cinco de Mayo This May, you have many options to choose from for food, drinks, the arts, or just an enjoyable day in the spring sunshine. Plus, with May 4 and 5, 2019, falling on a Saturday and Sunday, you have time to check out all these possibilities over the weekend for a Cinco de Mayo to remember. Image via goblinbox_(queen_of_ad_hoc_bento) | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

Sometimes one just needs to leave the stress and hustle and bustle of everyday life behind, and relax in a natural environment. Chesapeake and surrounding areas offer many outdoor parks and reserves where one can hike, cycle, jog, fish, hunt, or just enjoy a relaxing picnic. Next time you want to escape city life, try one of these spots in and around Chesapeake. Oak Grove Lake Park This is a well-kept park that offers a 1.5-mile circular trail around the perimeter of the 65-acre lake, which is ideal for walking, cycling, or jogging. Apart from the beautiful views that the lake provides, the park features forested areas, wetlands, as well as a diverse wildlife. You will see lots of butterflies, dragonflies, as well as songbirds. If you like fishing, the park also features many fishing piers. more If you don't feel like exercising, but just hanging out in the beautiful natural surroundings, you can have a picnic at one of the many picnic tables and benches provided. There is also a kids' play area stacked out with equipment, so they will stay entertained. Animals are also welcome. Oak Grove Lake Park is located at 409 Bryon St. Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge This refuge, consisting of roughly 112,684 acres of forested wetlands wrapped around Lake Drummond at its center, offers a wide range of outdoor activities. In October and November, the refuge is frequented by hunters, and a variety of trails, open from sunrise to sunset daily, and it offers visitors the opportunity to hike or cycle. If you are into water sport, you are allowed to canoe and kayak on the lake, as well as launch small crafts. Clean restrooms are provided. Great Dismal features a diverse wildlife population, including whitetail deer, black bears, bobcats, and river otters. The refuge is also a popular birding spot, offering more than 220 species of birds. Great Dismal is located about a 30-minute drive out of Chesapeake, at 3120 Desert Road in Suffolk. Hickory Ridge Farm If you feel like experiencing farm life, Hickory Ridge Farm is open for public visits. Especially young children enjoy the activities on offer at this farm, which include hayrides, bounce houses, petting of farm animals, face painting, and strawberry and pumpkin picking. The staff is friendly, and the farmers go out of their way to inform the kids about farm life. If the kids get hungry, there are yummy snacks like cider doughnuts and kettle corn available. The farm also offers field trips, which involve a hayride around the farm, lunch, and snacks, hay bales to climb, and a lesson on how to grow pumpkins. The farm shop stocks homemade jams, salsa, cookies, pies, and much more. Hickory Ridge Farm is located at 2928 Battlefield Blvd S., and admission is $11 per person during the week, and $13 per person over weekends. If you need to escape from city life to rejuvenate your spirit, then you should take a drive to one of these outdoor sites in the Chesapeake area. You are bound to feel refreshed and rejuvenated after. Image via Tony Webster | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

If you like hanging up your "Gone Fishing" sign every now and then, Chesapeake and surrounding areas offer plenty of spots for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. Here are a few places where you can get your line wet and hopefully enjoy a good catch. Ocean View Fishing Pier This super long pier, overlooking the Chesapeake Bay, is the perfect place for fishing. Although a minimal fee of $10 for adults and $8 for children is required in order to gain access to the pier, this fishing spot offers convenient facilities such a bait shop, fishing equipment rentals, and clean restrooms. The pier is also well-lit for those summer nights when you feel like casting a line in the water. more You can bring your own folding chairs if you wish, but there are benches and picnic tables available all along the pier. Fish that you could expect to catch here include sea bass, spot, croaker, and baby flounder, and you can also catch crabs. After a long day of fishing, cool down with a refreshing craft beer at the restaurant. On the menu are delicious seafood dishes, such as salmon, served with broccoli, mashed potatoes, and lemon and garlic butter, Crab Cakes, served with coleslaw and fries, and a Seafood Alfredo. The pier is located at 400 W. Ocean View Avenue in Norfolk, which is a short, seven-minute drive away from Chesapeake, and is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until midnight. Elizabeth River Park Another great spot for fishing is Elizabeth River Park. The park offers easy access for boaters onto the river, or you can fish from the 125-foot pier, which runs parallel to the Jordan bridge. Many convenient facilities are provided by the park, such as a shop where you can buy frozen bait, sinkers, fishing tackle, nets, and ice; clean restrooms; a fish-cleaning station; and ample lights on the dock for night fishing. If you get hungry, the Snack Shack offers food and refreshments. Fish species that frequent these waters include spot, black sea bass, pigfish, sand perch, and swelling toads. The park also offers sheltered picnic areas and adequate parking. It is located at 1224 Progressive Drive in Chesapeake. Oak Grove Lake Park This beautiful park features a hardwood forest consisting of pines, maples, and tulip poplars, as well as wetlands, which house a diverse wildlife including dragonflies, butterflies, and songbirds. It is also a great place for fishing, offering several piers around the park where you can cast a line into the waters of the big lake. Clean restrooms are provided, and picnic tables are scattered throughout the park. Fish that you can expect to catch here include trout, bluegill, and largemouth. The park is located at 409 Bryon St in Chesapeake. If you have had enough of the hustle and bustle, pack your fishing gear and visit one of these fishing spots. Even if you do not catch anything, some peace and quiet in beautiful, natural surroundings are bound to invigorate your spirit. Image via jack_spellingbacon | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

Whether it's an educational adventure or a musical retreat, there's something for kids of all ages to stay warm this season. Keep reading to discover some places where parents can take the kids when the weather gets cooler and Friday nights get dark early around Norfolk, Virginia. more Children's Museum of Virginia Spend the day exploring the Children's Museum of Virginia's spectacular exhibits, then stay late for Make-n-Take. This family-fun event runs Friday, Nov. 24 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. in the Make-n-Take craft room. Display your fun themed art project or take it home with you. Don't miss the Train Exhibit, designed to look like a real train depot platform. Follow the railway tracks to see the main Lancaster antique toy train collection, then head through the “tunnel” to discover a delightful train layout. Visit the Museum's Beazley Planetarium and take a virtual trip to distant worlds with an immersive theater experience. The planetarium is a digital full-dome projection that allows everyone in the family to explore the wonders of the universe and find inspiration in our starry skies. Attucks Theatre Tucked away on Norfolk's historic Church Street is the Attucks Theatre, formerly called the Apollo Theatre of the South. Named in honor of Crispus Attucks, the first African-American patriot to lose his life in the 1770 Boston Massacre, the theater was designed by architect Harvey Johnson. When the theater opened in 1919, it showcased a host of legendary performers, from Duke Ellington and Nat King Cole to Redd Foxx. Stay toasty and warm on a cold Friday night and take the kids to a live performance of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at this unique venue. Head over on Friday, Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m. and watch Rudolph and his friends soar onto the stage this holiday season. You'll see all your beloved characters, from Santa and Mrs. Claus to Hermey the Elf. Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster and Clarice will be there too. They'll come to life right before your eyes in this magic musical presentation. Bounce House What better way to keep warm on a dark, chilly Friday night than with a bounce house party? Come to Bounce House in Norfolk's Janaf Shopping Center, and enjoy tons of toasty fun at open jump. Your kids will play until they drop on a variety of exciting inflatables. With plenty of places to bounce and run, you never need a reservation at Bounce House. All the attractions under one roof offer endless opportunities for kids to explore. Not only is Bounce House filled with unbridled fun, but it's also a great way to engage in healthy physical exercise, and parents will appreciate the free Wi-Fi. Drop your kids off on Friday, Oct. 12, from 6 to 11 p.m. for a Halloween craft. Kids will make a holiday home decor project and munch on pizza while they play late. Admission is $35 for the first child and $5 for each sibling. As the weather turns chilly, parents set their sights on the indoor fun on Friday nights. Check out these three places where parents can take the kids around Norfolk, Virginia. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under CC0 Creative Commons

Norfolk's waterfront area is the ideal setting for fun. From concerts to events, there's something exciting happening indoors. Whether it's toe-tapping your rainy day blues away or exploring an emerging art form, there's a variety of happenings in the area this November. Stay warm and dry, and escape the rain in Norfolk, Virginia. more Go Line Dancing Grab your umbrella and your cowboy boots, and head over to PBR Norfolk, a Coors Banquet Bar in the Waterside District. Where cowboy cool meets metro-chic, this decked-out club with beautiful decor features the toughest sport on earth: bull riding. Enjoy free line dancing lessons and drink specials on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, and every Thursday, from 6 to 9 p.m. Order up a cold beer or something a bit more potent, and forget about the rain. Go to the Opera Escape those dark clouds with a night at the opera. Don Giovanni hits the stage at Chrysler Hall on opening night Nov. 2, 2018. Mozart's timeless story blends delightful comedy with classic drama and a dash of supernatural elements. Always the bad boy, Don Giovanni is a shameless nobleman who enrages everyone in his path, as his uncertain fate awaits. This production features a number of talented young singers making their debut, including baritone Tobias Greenhalgh as Don Giovanni, and soprano Rachelle Durkin as Donna Anna, while the Virginia Symphony Orchestra provides the composition. Discover 3D Printing The Hermitage Museum and Gardens partnered up with the Smithsonian to present an interactive exhibit. Featuring a collection of 3D printed artworks from the Institute's Freer Gallery of Art, these 10 objects are on display daily through Dec. 16, 2018. Because of the innovative technology of today's 3D printing, treasures from around the world can now be scanned and placed on exhibition without leaving the security of the Smithsonian. Visitors are encouraged — as opposed to prohibited — to touch and interact with the pieces. Of the objects on exhibition, discover a life-size Cosmic Buddha sculpture, a Syrian funerary bust, and a Japanese Fushimi doll. The exhibition will also highlight the various ways 3D printing has radically reshaped our lives, from art-making to fashion. Explore the benefits of this new way to cherish relics from the past at the Hermitage Museum. Sweet Tooth: A Dessert Bazaar Who's ready to satisfy your hankering for sweets? Follow us to the fall edition of the Dessert Bazaar. Sample a diversity of indulgent treats by local bakers. The Dessert Bazaar comes to town on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, and runs from 4 to 7 p.m. As of today, there are nearly 20 confirmed vendors including Gigi's Cupcakes, JMT Sweets, and Pop Culture Popcorn. Some of the event's proceeds benefit the Autism Society of Tidewater, Virginia. Tickets to get into the bazaar are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. We all know the sun will come out tomorrow, but what are we supposed to do when it's raining? When the weather interferes with your waterfront plans, we've got you covered with these fun indoor activities. Image via liza31337 | Licensed under CC BY 2.0