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Last Night on the Town Head a half hour east of Chesapeake to Virginia Beach to enjoy the Last Night on the Town celebration. Festivities begin in the afternoon at Pembroke Mall with entertainment by Magical Solutions, Inc. and a children's countdown and balloon drop at 5 p.m. When the sun goes down, the adult fun continues at Town Center with live music and an amazing laser light show and ball drop to ring in the New Year. more Noon Year's Eve If you have young children who won't be able to stay awake to celebrate at midnight, the Noon Year's Eve Celebration at the Virginia Living Museum is the ideal compromise. The theme for this party is space, so come dressed in your favorite interstellar costumes. You'll be able to meet some of your favorite characters from galactic movies and take part in space-themed crafts and games. The activities occur between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and the Virginia Living Museum is about 45 minutes north of Chesapeake. New Year's Eve Casino Masquerade Ball For a night of beauty and intrigue, head two and a half hours north of Chesapeake to the Belle Grove Plantation in King George for the New Year's Eve Casino Masquerade Ball. This charity event will offer hors d'oeuvres to eat and an open champagne and wine bar for drinks. Men must wear a suit or tuxedo, ladies are asked to wear a cocktail dress or evening gown, and everyone needs to bring along a masquerade mask for a night of excitement. New Year's Eve Family Frolic Head about an hour and 45 minutes northwest to Richmond for the New Year's Eve Family Frolic at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. This family-friendly celebration includes a parade, live music, and more. You can have your picture taken with the Garden Keeper, participate in the annual tradition of rolling down the hill to the Cochrane Rose Garden, make a New Year's party hat, and write your wish for the coming year to add it to the wishing chain. If you're already in the garden after the sun goes down, you can also enjoy the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. NYE Live! Norfolk NYE Live! Norfolk is one of the biggest celebrations in Norfolk to ring in the big night. Even better, it's only 11 miles north of Chesapeake. This party at the Waterside District offers two food and beverage packages that feature selections from some of the hottest restaurants in the area. You'll also enjoy live music, free party favors, a midnight balloon drop, confetti cannons, and more. No matter how you want to ring in the New Year, you'll find a great time when you head to one of these top spots in Virginia. Image via Pixabay.com: https://pixabay.com/en/sparkler-holding-hands-firework-677774/

The Omni Homestead, Warm Springs Valley Virginia's natural hot springs with their bubbling waters rising to the surface were first discovered and used by Native Indians for their healing benefits. Warm Springs Valley of the Allegheny Mountains in western Virginia, along U.S. Route 220, is home to three hot springs: Warm Springs, Hot Springs and Healing Springs. In Hot Springs you'll find The Omni Homestead, a state-of-the-art facility that offers all year-round adults-only services at their natural hot spring spa garden, and at their Aqua Thermal Suite spa. You'll be introduced to their signature services including the 1766 Mineral Bath and Mineral Springs Mud Wrap. more Journey Spa at Tides Inn, 480 King Carter Drive, Irvington Journey Spa offers an experience within an experience. The tranquil and intimate environment offers a variety of therapeutic, relaxing and rejuvenating treatments. You're required to make reservation and be there 15 minutes before your appointment for a spa orientation. This gives you time to change, ask questions and relax before your spa treatment. You will be given a locker, bathrobe and slippers for your personal use. The therapists are trained to respect your privacy and keep you appropriately covered throughout the treatment. In between services, munch on some healthy refreshments in the lounge while relaxing with warm herbal neck pillows and warm blankets. Salamander Resort, 500 North Pendleton, St Middleburg Salamander Resort's 23,000-square-foot spa and wellness center offers a variety of options for your pleasure and convenience. The spa comes with 14 treatment rooms, a couple's spa suite, an infinity-edge spa pool with poolside cabanas, a full-service salon with hair, make-up, manicure and pedicure stations, and a fitness facility with both indoor and outdoor workout areas. You will find among the offerings private stone treatment terraces, exquisite aromatic steam rooms, luxurious changing areas, and sun-lit relaxation spaces. The spa pool is exclusive to spa guests. The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg, 307 S. England St. Williamsburg, VA 23187 Located in the heart of Williamsburg, The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg is interestingly tucked in a garden setting between two lovely facilities, the Williamsburg Inn and the Williamsburg Lodge. It also sits adjacent to the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club. The spa is 20,000-square-foot and carries indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpool, sauna, private lounges, a complete fitness facility, men's and women's locker rooms, spa dining and a salon conservatory. Health and wellness is a huge, thriving industry as many people continue to gravitate to non-medical services such as spa treatments. Virginia is a great option for receiving world-class spa treatments. Enjoy your experience at any of our top pick services providers. Image via Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/en/massage-therapy-essential-oils-1612308/

Family reunions can be great fun - amazing food, family, and catching up on life. However, if you want to add a little flair to your next gathering, we've found four of the best things you can do in Norfolk for your next family reunion. Cruise it Out! Consider hosting your event on a cruise ship, such as the Spirit of Norfolk which operates on the River Elizabeth. This cruise liner can accommodate up to 350 people and is a one-stop all-inclusive package with dining, sightseeing, and live DJ entertainment all in one! This is perfect if you don't want the hassles of having to deal with multiple caterers. Group packages can be arranged by contacting the liner directly. more Enjoy a Stress-Free Stay at Renowned Norfolk Hotels If you're looking for hotels to host your reunion at, consider these three upscale establishments: the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, the Norfolk Waterside Marriot, and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel is the most favored because of its convenient location. The hotel is within close proximity to Norfolk International Airport and Tide Light Rail for relatives traveling from out of town. If you're the organizer, you'll be able to book a block of rooms which come with complimentary WiFi, an on-site restaurant, and an indoor swimming pool. Plan an Outdoor Event at the Botanical Garden If your family is the outdoorsy type, consider hosting your event in the scenic Norfolk Botanical Gardens. This venue boasts an array of water features, fountains, immaculately manicured garden paths, and space for gorgeous indoor receptions. The surrounding gardens are perfect for picnics and games. Speaking of games, you'll have to come up with a wide range of them to keep your guests entertained. Plan Activities Around the City If your extended family is planning on staying over for the weekend, here are a few places that you should consider taking them to in Norfolk. Nauticus: The city's famous science museum featuring exciting exhibits, displays, and activities. MacArthur Center: This is the ideal spot for an afternoon of shopping, movies, and a quick lunch. Virginia Zoo: For an unparalleled taste of Africa, this zoo is a must-visit. Ocean View Pier: If fishing sounds like fun to you, then grab your family and head on over to the pier! American Rover Sailing Cruise: End the day by catching the last golden rays of the sun on a sunset cruise on the Elizabeth River. Battleship Wisconsin: Ever wondered what living on a battleship from the World War era was like? Then take a tour of one of the last standing battleships in the world. Family reunions should be fun. The key to a successful reunion is to start planning and organizing the event ahead of time. Make sure you delegate duties and keep people accountable. Print out t-shirts and take lots of pictures to remember this special occasion. There's nothing like a well-planned family reunion! Image via Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/en/sunflower-sunflower-field-flowers-3512656/

A great activity for summer is kayaking. It gets you out on the water and into the fresh air. Plus, you get to see an entirely different view of the area from the water, and maybe you will even see some wildlife. That said, where do you go kayaking? Check out these five best places to go kayaking near Chesapeake — they won't disappoint Buckroe Beach and Park On First Street South in Hampton, Virginia, you will find Buckroe Beach and Park. This is a great place to take your kayak out on the water while looking back at the white, sandy shore. This park is rarely crowded, and it offers a beautiful picnic area, a place for kids to play, and restrooms. However, do not bring your furry friends with you, as pets are not welcome. more Sandy Bottom Nature Park Sandy Bottom Nature Park, also in Hampton, offers a perfect place for kayakers to spend a few hours. While you are in the water, keep watching for wildlife, as it is likely you'll see turtles and other animals. However, if you don't see anything while paddling, stop by the visitors' center and check out some snakes. If you want to make a weekend of it, stay at the campground. Alternatively, if you only have the day, bring a picnic and enjoy walking the trails as well as kayaking. Stumpy Lake In 2012, a new kayak launch was built for a Virginia Beach Lake. Off of Indian River Road in Virginia Beach, you will find Stumpy Lake and their relatively new kayak launch. Although you are in the city, it feels as if you are miles away from it all. Here kayakers enjoy exploring the calm, fresh water and watching for wildlife. You don't have to worry about any motorized boats creating waves, as only non-motorized boats are allowed. Chesapeake Bay One of the greatest treasures in Virginia is the Chesapeake Bay. Not only is this area filled with a distinguished history, but visitors are often treated with views of swimming dolphins. You can make this experience even better by taking your kayak out into the bay in hopes to catch a glimpse of the dolphins. Watch for other wildlife as well, because this area of the world has many interesting animals to see. Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve Another excellent area to kayak as well as to see some wildlife is the Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve in Portsmouth, Virginia. Here you can rent a kayak if you don't own one, and explore a new and exciting world of kayaking. Wooded areas surround the place and it is home to many animals. Expect to see many water birds. If you are up for more adventure, explore the hiking trails around the preserve and see other wildlife that may not have been near the water. As you can see, you have many places to go kayaking in near Chesapeake. Now that you know where to go, grab your kayak and head out for an adventure. Photo by Vanerpaddel | Licensed cc BY 2.0

Throughout the year, there are an array of festivals in Chesapeake, Virginia. These festivals range from food-focused events to crafts, music, and more. With such a vast diversity, it is easy to say there is a festival for everyone. Therefore, which ones do you plan on visiting? The following five are the greatest festivals to attend. Revolutionary Beer Fest Start the summer off right by going to the Revolutionary Beer Fest on June 11, 2016. Grab your adult friends and head over to Chesapeake City Park, where you will find more than 15 breweries serving beer and pairing with local food trucks. This adult-only event starts at noon and goes until 5 p.m. Tickets start at $35, but for $75, you can get the VIP ticket that includes dinner and exclusive beer tasting. more Celebration Freedom Everyone loves a big Fourth of July party, and you need to go to the Celebration Freedom event to experience it. However, this year, the party starts on July 3, 2016, at the Chesapeake City Park. This festival includes entertainment, music, children's activities, and more. Then end the night by watching the fireworks explode in the sky above. There is no entry fee, but parking in the area is $5. Symphony Under the Stars The Symphony Under the Stars is a local tradition here in Chesapeake. This year Bagley Stage, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra will be performing on Sept. 4, 2016. The area opens at 6 p.m. with food vendors and silent auctions to visit. The concert starts at 7 p.m., so be sure you bring your blanket or lawn chairs and find a spot before the show starts. This event is completely free, and there is no charge for parking. Great American Food Fest Before you know it, October 5 will be here and so will the Great American Food Fest. From 3-7 p.m. come on down to Chesapeake City Park, where you will find one of Chesapeake's largest outdoor events. For just $30 in advance or $40 at the door, you can try a variety of great food, including clam chowder, barbecue, fried fish, and more. Plus, you can pick from several craft beer or mixed drink options. Waterways Heritage Days Every year during the second weekend of October, you can come out to the two-day event celebrating Waterways Heritage Days. This event takes place at several locations, including Great Bridge Lock Park and Historic Battlefield Park. Here you will find several exhibits detailing the wonderful history of the area. Vendors bring crafts, food, and more to showcase their talents, as well as share a part of history with you. This event is free, and there are shuttles available to transport you to and from the different sites. Now that you know why these festivals are the greatest, it is time that you plan to attend one or more of them. You can read reviews, hear from friends, or even see things on the news about each of these, but until you experience them yourself, you won't truly know how great they are. Don't put it off — you'll be glad you went. Photo by WXRob | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

Whether you like breakfast or not, most people can agree that brunch is a great meal to share with friends and family. It is not a meal you have to eat early in the day like breakfast, and it is not limited to just breakfast food. Plus, it is typically a meal that you take the time to enjoy, possibly with a cocktail in hand. But where do you go for such an outstanding experience? You need to visit one of these best brunch restaurants in Chesapeake. D'cracked Egg D'cracked Egg is a locals' favorite, and by the name of it, you would think it was the eggs that everyone loves. However, the most raved-about item on the menu is their sweet potato pancakes. Ask anyone who has tried them and he or she will say, "They are the best pancakes I have ever had!" On Saturday or Sunday, stop by and try the buffet where you can sample many items off the menu and also order a couple of eggs just the way you like them. more The Egg Bistro Another locals' favorite is The Egg Bistro on Kempsville Road. Here you will find various brunch choices, including the beloved Blue Crab Benedict. If you prefer something a little more lunch-like, try the Caprese Panini — it will melt in your mouth. If you would like a cocktail, try something off the mimosa menu. Top your meal with a great dessert from the ever-changing menu. Make sure you show up early on Saturday and Sunday because this place gets busy fast. Nix Restaurant There is something to be said for that classic diner nostalgia, and that is what you find when you enter the Nix Restaurant on American Legion Road. But don't be fooled by the appearance, because the food here is better than any diner around. It is definitely classified as comfort food and not health food, but every item on the menu is incredibly tasty. Stop by any day of the week, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., to enjoy a classic brunch meal. Handsome Biscuit If you are looking for a unique place for brunch, try the Handsome Biscuit. Located on Colonial Avenue, this restaurant has a menu like no other. For example, one of the favorite items you can order is the Hella Fitzgerald. This meal consists of fried chicken, bacon, and cheddar cheese all on a biscuit and smothered in spicy gravy. Alternatively, there are several other breakfast sandwiches that all come in a sweet potato biscuit. Although there are many tables outside, there are only a few tables inside, so plan accordingly if it is cold or rainy. Don't forget to end your meal with the biscuit pudding and leave happy, full, and smiling. Although breakfast may not be your thing, brunch most definitely is after seeing what all these fine restaurants have to offer. Call a friend or family member and make a date to enjoy brunch this week at one of the best brunch places in Chesapeake. You'll be happy you did. Photo by _SoFie | Licensed under cc BY-ND 2.0

If you are looking for a nice relaxing walk in the middle of Chesapeake then the Chesapeake Arboretum is for you. The whole park is about a 3-mile walk and the trails are color coded so you will know exactly what you are getting yourself into before setting off on your adventure. The trails are absolutely wonderful to explore and hike or bike on, the Arboretum also offers the opportunity to learn more about trees with their Urban Forester, who has an office onsite. You’re also able to speak with a Master Gardener if you need help or advice with your lawn, flowerbeds, or vegetable garden at home. If that doesn’t interest you, there are also spots where people are welcome to practice painting, do some writing, take photographs, or just lay out a blanket and enjoy a picnic. Another hidden treat of the Arboretum is the 18 th century farmhouse that is on the grounds. It was built in 1730 and had an addition built in 1822. It was originally owned by the Williamson family, who later donated all 48-acres the Arboretum resides on today and the farmhouse itself. The Arboretum is maintained and cared for mostly by volunteers, which is a testament to the community in action to preserve something beautiful. After you’ve gone and taken a relaxing stroll through the trails, or learned about tree and plant maintenance from one of their experts on site, there is still plenty left to see and do. The Arboretum hosts regular events for the public and also has options for you to put on a private event. The picnic area in the Pecan Grove is always available during daylight hours to small groups. If you have a larger group you can still host an event, but reservations are required at least two weeks in advance.   Image via Pixabay