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When you're looking for a place to relax and unwind, make an appointment at one of these spas in the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, area. Each offers a wide range of pampering treatments in a welcoming and soothing atmosphere. Check websites for availability, then reward yourself with a day of gratifying indulgence! Flowering Almond Spa Located within the Founders Inn, a Tapestry Collection hotel from Hilton, the Flowering Almond Spa offers a number of treatment options to hotel guests and locals. The technicians use time-honored relaxation and rejuvenation techniques to help you feel more comfortable and pampered. When you receive a treatment, you can enjoy all-day access to the hotel's pool and fitness center as well. more Massage treatments include those for muscle repair, stress relief, and deep tissue repair. Couples' massages are also available, as are aromatherapy oil add-ons, face and scalp massages, and reflexology. For your body, treatments include wraps, balm applications, scrubs, and polishes. Skincare treatments include facials with a variety of ingredient options, chemical peels, hand treatments, and anti-aging solutions. You can also enjoy a mini experience, such as a sampler with a sugar scrub, facial, and massage. Kimpton Lorien Hotel and Spa At Kimpton Lorien Hotel and Spa, you can enjoy a treatment that will help you look and feel your best. This location was voted the “Best Spa 2019” by Northern Virginia Magazine and Best Hotel + Spa 2018 in the Zebra's Readers' Choice Awards. As the seasons change, the spa rotates the ingredients used in its pampering treatments. Whether you're getting ready for your big day and need a pre-wedding treatment or simply looking to relax, you can find the perfect option at this spot. Exclusive services include facials, body scrubs and wraps; Swedish, deep-tissue, and therapeutic massages; and tinting and waxing. For brides, the pre-wedding package is the ideal option as it includes a pigment correcting facial, body polish treatment, and trial makeup. Enhance any treatment with a customized facial booster, LED light treatment, eye rescue patch application, paraffin softening treatment, or scalp massage. Lotus Day Spa Lotus Day Spa is in Norfolk, which is about 7 miles from Chesapeake Bay. This location is proud to offer customers the best in salon and spa services. When you walk through the doors, you'll be surrounded by upscale, posh elements that make you feel more relaxed. The technicians use organic and natural ingredients to meet all your pampering needs in a fulfilling way. You can book individual treatments or take advantage of multi-treatment packages. Nail services include acrylic, UV gel, shellac, and dipping powder manicures and pedicures, while additional beauty options include lash application, permanent makeup, microblading, and facial and body waxing. If you want a relaxing massage, choose from Swedish, deep tissue, relaxing herbal, hot stone, prenatal, and trigger point options. Additionally, you can treat your skin to a facial, acne treatment, anti-aging treatment, or purifying skin treatment. Book a treatment at one of these Chesapeake Bay spas when you want to experience the ultimate in relaxation. You can truly unwind and feel your best after a pampering treatment! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Sometimes, when you're hungry, only a great burger will satisfy your appetite. Fortunately, the Chesapeake, VA, area has some awesome burger joints! Here are four of the best spots for you to check out. The Egg Bistro The Egg Bistro on Kempsville Road features wood floors, colorful walls, hanging lamps, and tasteful artwork that give the place a cool, laid-back vibe. The service is quick and friendly, but keep in mind that it gets very busy, especially on the weekend, so you might have to wait to be seated. At the bar, you have an amazing choice of Bloody Marys, mimosas, and specialty cocktails. more The half-pound burgers include the Farmhouse, 501, Cali, Western, and the Egg Bistro Burger. You can build your own burger from a variety of fillings or choose a vegan patty as an alternative. Apart from burgers, the menu features a great range of breakfast and lunch options with a good selection of healthy living choices. Razorback Grill Located on Holland Boulevard, Razorback Grill is a small hole-in-the-wall joint with stools at the bar and a couple of tables. Don't be fooled by first impressions, because this is a hidden gem that gets consistently great reviews and is almost always busy! The hospitality of the owner and the quality of the food will have you wanting to come back again and again. On the menu, you'll find a choice of burgers including the Double Razorback Burger with crispy bacon and perfectly fried onions. From the selection of salads, cold plates, subs and sandwiches, the pulled pork barbecue with slaw sandwich is also highly recommended. Hotrodders Cafe Walking into Hotrodders Cafe on Mount Pleasant Road is like taking a step back in time to the 1950s with its classic diner decor and food. The furniture is retro with red vinyl-covered chairs and booths, photos and murals of hot rods on the walls, and the condiments sitting in classic car holders. Watch out for Elvis as you head to the restrooms! The hand-pattied burgers are cooked to order and served in homemade buns. You can choose from specialty burgers like the Inside Out Burger, Hawaiian, the Danny Burger, Bacon Cheddar, Mushroom Swiss, Chili Cheese, or the Bay Burger, which is topped with a crab cake! They also serve a full range of appetizers, wraps, sandwiches, and dinner platters. LA Dog LA Dog on Battlefield Boulevard South is a cute place named after the founder, LoriAnn. It's got a nostalgic feel with diner-style stools at the counter, but the quirky decor and murals also give it a fun and funky beach bar vibe. The servers look like they enjoy their work and offer pleasant service with an easy smile. The hamburger, cheeseburger, and bacon cheeseburger are amazing, as are their signature hot dogs that include the Foot Long and the Beef Tuff Skin. Also available is a selection of sandwiches including the Carolina-style pork barbecue with homemade slaw, and the fried beef Bologna. These burger restaurants offer amazing food, personal service, and an atmosphere that's hands-down better than the huge burger chains. Visit some to experience the fun in person! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

When you get a craving for the finest pancakes, Chesapeake, Virginia, boasts some awesome breakfast spots that put their own twist on this classic breakfast favorite. Here are some of the best pancake places in the area. Irwin's Fountain Established in 1934, Irwin's Fountain is an old school diner located inside a pharmacy on Indian River Road. With its colorful decor, vintage artwork, and retro furniture, it's like taking a step back in time. The seating is in booths or on the classic stools at the counter. You have to try their secret recipe limeade or lemonade made with freshly squeezed fruit. more The breakfast menu is served all day and features light and fluffy pancakes that can be served by the stack or with eggs and bacon or sausage if you choose. There's a variety of omelets, steak and eggs, sandwiches, French toast, and breakfast plates; and you get free refills of coffee, tea, and fountain sodas! Irwin's also offers a lunch and dinner menu. Sunrise Breakfast Shoppe Located on Battlefield Boulevard North, the Sunrise Breakfast Shoppe is a cute place offering American breakfast and lunch with some Filipino and Cajun influences. The restaurant isn't fancy, but instead has a very relaxed ambiance and is nicely decorated. The cheerful staff provides quick and friendly service. As well as regular pancakes, you can order buckwheat, blueberry, sweet potato, chocolate chip, and pecan pancakes. Breakfast items on the menu include Nawalin's Cajun Omelet, the Three Pepper Rainbow omelet, waffles with strawberries and whipped cream, Cajun Andouille Sausage, and the Filipino Breakfast. The Egg Bistro Locally owned and operated, The Egg Bistro has three locations in Virginia, including one on Kempsville Road in Chesapeake. Featuring cheerful decor, eclectic artwork, and hanging lights, the place has a cool laid-back vibe and offers an extensive breakfast and lunch menu. Free refills are offered for coffee and fountain drinks. For your pancake fix, you could try the pancakes infused with your choice of blueberries, strawberries, bananas, pecans, chocolate chips, or Oreo pieces. Alternatively, go for the Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes. If you're an early starter, The Virginian is only available before 8 a.m. and features two pancakes, eggs, and bacon, links, or patties. D'cracked Egg D'cracked Egg on Atlantic Avenue is a family-owned and operated restaurant featuring simple decor with plain walls and wood flooring. The owner offers a warm welcome, friendly service, and superb home-style cooking. There’s plenty of seating, which is just as well because it gets busy, especially for the weekend brunch! You can have your pancakes in a short stack, full stack, or as a combo with eggs, grits, sausage or bacon, hot syrup, and butter. Their specialty is sweet potato pancakes made to a secret recipe and served with whipped cream or as the combo. The menu has all your favorite breakfast items and, on the weekends, they offer a breakfast buffet. Chesapeake has plenty of other places that serve great pancakes – we can’t list them all! You'll have to try these ones and a few more to decide which is your favorite! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

As the weather starts turning, it's time to check out the adult hard cider scene in the Hampton Roads area. Grab your friends and family members (over the age of 21!) and enjoy these locations. They are great for celebrating a special occasion like a birthday - just getting together after a long week. The Birch The Birch is known in Norfolk for its craft brew, cider, and grilled cheese bar. This fun location allows you to indulge in a favorite meal from childhood with an adult twist. They have five different ciders rotating on tap. Salt and Sand, from Newburgh, New York, is a good choice for those who prefer traditional ciders. If you like dry ciders, they have two from Virginia: The Orchard Potluck: Spitzenburg from Blue Bee Cider in Richmond and Sidra from Potter's Craft Cider in Charlottesville. Pair your favorite drink with a grilled cheese sandwich. They offer a traditional sandwich with house fontina or cheddar. If you are looking for something less traditional, consider My Blueberry Nightmare which combines smoked buffalo mozzarella, fontina, prosciutto, and blueberry balsamic. Sly Clyde Ciderworks Take a trip to Hampton to visit Sly Clyde Ciderworks. They’re open six days a week, closed on Monday. Ten different ciders are offered for you to enjoy by the glass. The five-ounce tasters are $3 while a flight of four is $10. Traditional cider fans enjoy the Swinging Compass with habanero and rosemary. Another classic choice is the Cut and Run, fermented with fresh ginger and finished with a hint of lemon. If you enjoy a sweet cider, try the Brakelight Ride with a fresh apple aroma. The Inkjet is a blackberry mojito-inspired cider that combines sweet, savory, and tart flavors. Dry cider fans enjoy Idun's Apples fermented with Norwegian farmhouse yeast which has notes of citrus. The Winesap is aged eight months and made from Winesap apples from Silver Creek Orchard in Tyro, Virginia. Back Bay's Farmhouse Brewing Co. Make the short trip to Virginia Beach to enjoy Back Bay's Farmhouse Brewing Company on Kempsville Road, open seven days a week. They offer a cherry cider that packs a pinch at 6.7 percent alcohol by volume. Pair the cherry cider with something off of the mouthwatering menu. The choices change depending on what the food truck is offering that day! Bring your dog to Back Bay and enjoy a drink outside with them on the patio. If you’re celebrating a birthday, bring a cake to round out your celebration! On the weekends, you can take a one hour tour of the brewery and property. The tour costs $25 and focuses on the history of the house and property, but you’ll be given a chance to check out the 1.5-acre farm and their brewing system. Before you indulge, make sure you have a safe ride home prepared. As you check out all three locations, make a note of what you like so you can spread the word to other friends and family members – or take a trip there together! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Diners are classic American eating establishments. The food is hearty and down-home, the atmosphere welcoming, and the experience highly satisfying. Looking for a well-ranked spot where you can get a tasty meal? When you're in the mood for an old-fashioned diner near Chesapeake, try one of these four wonderful spots with some of the top ratings in the area! Pop's Diner Pop's has been serving up home-cooked meals at its Chesapeake location since 2009. The family established the modest and tidy indoor diner in honor of the fantastic breakfasts their patriarch — Pop — would cook every weekend. Today, breakfast remains the diner's claim to fame, offering a large selection of omelets, skillets, pancakes, waffles, French toast, and more. Visitors also stop by for grilled sandwiches and burgers at lunch and hearty entrees ranging from open-faced pot roast to shrimp and grits for dinner. more Pop's Diner is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Bring the whole family and hang out with the locals. Kids get a free meal with every adult entree you order. Village Inn The Village Inn got its start in Denver, Colorado, nearly 60 years ago and has since expanded to bring its signature meals and desserts to cities around the country. You can order breakfast all day at the Chesapeake location, including signature dishes such as the chicken-fried steak skillet or the country music star omelet. The strawberry crêpes combo is a griddle favorite. Enjoy fresh sandwiches and burgers, such as the all‑world double cheeseburger, for lunch and homestyle dinners like pot pie and meatloaf. Every Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., Village Inn hosts an all-you-can-eat fish fry. No visit to this diner is complete, however, without a slice or three of pie. Dubbed "The Best Pie In America," these award-winning desserts include favorites such as French silk, lemon supreme, country apple, and caramel pecan silk supreme. On free pie Wednesdays, get a free slice with every entree. Grab an indoor table or a booth at this clean and family-friendly establishment from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. Huddle House Chesapeake Huddle House is another diner that has seen success; it now has restaurants across the nation. The Chesapeake location is a no-frills neighborhood diner that prides itself on cooking up fresh, made-to-order meals. It serves breakfast all day and is known for its amazing pressed waffles. The MVP Breakfast Platter is another favorite that includes a choice of meat, eggs, hashbrowns, waffle or pancake, and grits, toast, or biscuit and gravy — what a way to start the day! Huddle House offers juicy burgers, such as the Mega Bacon Cheese Huddleburger, and Southern-style entrees for lunch and dinner. For just $5, you can order a down-home combo that includes select breakfast, lunch, or dinner entrees plus a drink. Huddle House's casual yet colorful Chesapeake location is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The Bee & The Biscuit You can’t go on a tasting adventure without stopping by Virginia Beach’s award-winning The Bee & The Biscuit, home to the best biscuits in Virginia - and possibly the whole country! Tucked away in a small suburb at the main intersection of Pungo, Virginia Beach, this restaurant is run out of a charming c.1919 cottage, serving only the freshest produce grown by local farmers. When you’re looking for the quintessential breakfast meal, The Bee & The Biscuit has you covered: their menu has all the breakfast favorites, from biscuits and benedicts to waffles and scrambles. Lunch is available all day as well. Stop by The Bee & The Biscuit from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday to enjoy the top-rated restaurant in Virginia; they’re closed Mondays. When you're craving breakfast in the middle of the afternoon or a hot and gratifying meal that reminds you of Grandma's cooking, stop by one of these laid-back diners in Chesapeake! Don’t see your favorite place here? Share your hidden gems with us on one of our social media channels – we want to hear about them! Priority Toyota Chesapeake on Facebook Priority Toyota Chesapeake on Instagram Priority Toyota Chesapeake on Twitter Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

In addition to fall festivals and pumpkin spice drinks, one of the best parts of fall is taking in all the stunning colors of the changing leaves. If you're in the Chesapeake, Virginia area and are interested in viewing the fall colors, head outside to one of these revered locations! Bells Mill Park At one time, Bells Mill Park was a landfill. However, today it's a natural area that offers a lovely place in Chesapeake to experience the fall foliage. The 2.5-mile loop trail through the park meanders through meadows and wetlands before eventually leading you to an elevated scenic overlook that provides views of the southern branch of the Elizabeth River. Not only is Bells Mill Park a great place to see the fall colors, but it's also a popular park for birdwatchers who want to see native and migratory bird species. more Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Even though the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge has a foreboding name, this immense area of protected land offers a great opportunity to see the changing trees. The refuge consists of more than 112,000 acres of forested wetlands and provides a serene escape from the city. When you're ready to see the leaves, you'll find numerous trails in the refuge open to hiking and biking. You can also rent a canoe or kayak to paddle around Lake Drummond and see the brilliant trees that hug the shoreline! First Landing State Park Although many people head to First Landing State Park when they're enjoying Virginia Beach in the summer, the park is also a great place to go in the fall to see the bright foliage. The park has 19 miles of trails that traverse through maritime forest, cypress swamp, salt marsh, bay shoreline, and more. As you're hiking or biking along these trails, you'll be able to take in bright splashes of color on everything from the hardwood trees to the dune grasses. Cavalier Wildlife Management Area Located in the southern portion of Chesapeake, the Cavalier Wildlife Management Area protects 4,550 acres of coastal and forested habitats. The area is open to hiking, which means you can get some great views of the fall trees. As you take in the warm colors of the leaves, be sure to keep an eye out for the black bear, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys that also call the Cavalier Wildlife Management Area home. Northwest River Natural Area Preserve The Northwest River Natural Area Preserve is another wonderful area located in the southern part of Chesapeake that offers beautiful views of the fall foliage. This 2,774-acre preserve protects upland forests, swamps, and marshes. One of the best ways to see the red, yellow, and orange leaves on the trees in the preserve is by water. You can launch a canoe or kayak from the shoreline and take your time paddling along the Northwest River. When you're interested in enjoying the beauty of the fall season around Chesapeake, you'll have an amazing experience in these captivating locations. Image via vastateparksstaff | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

Chesapeake, Virginia, always seems to have something exciting going throughout the year, and the fall season is no exception! If you are searching for something fun to do this fall, be sure to check out a few of these excellent events! AutumnFest If you head to the Chesapeake Arboretum in early October, you can take part in all the excitement of autumn in a single day! Some of the family-friendly activities include a petting zoo, hay bale maze, and old-fashioned pie baking contest. You can also participate in a trail tour to learn more about the 48-acre arboretum, and cheer on the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office, Police Department, and Fire Department as they face off in a cornhole challenge. If you get hungry during the event, there will be vendors selling tasty concessions. more Chesapeake Farmers' Market You can stock up on all those fresh fall fruits and vegetables when you stop by the Chesapeake Farmers' Market. The market is open at the Chesapeake City Park every Wednesday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through the end of November. In addition to produce, local farmers will be on hand selling fresh herbs, eggs, meats, honey, plants, and other products made or grown on their farms. Skywatch at Northwest River Park Come out to the Northwest River Park Equestrian Area on their designated night in September to join the Back Bay Amateur Astronomers for Skywatch. During this free event, you can learn more about the celestial objects in the fall sky. Whether you have a new telescope you are eager to use or you have never used a telescope before, stop by about an hour before sunset to attend the Telescope 101 class. After the sun goes down, you'll have an opportunity to see stars, planets, nebulas, and galaxies! Great American Food Fest If you love finger-licking food, you don't want to miss your chance to check out the Great American Food Fest. This annual event takes place in early October at Chesapeake City Park. The menu will include an incredible variety of delicious items, including barbecue pork and chicken, fried fish, clam chowder, grilled chicken, hush puppies, corn dogs, corn on the cob, mixed drinks, domestic beer, and soda. There will be live entertainment and several excellent vendors will be offering some of their delicious sample-size portions for you to try! Chesapeake Jubilee Fall Craft Market Whether you want to get a head start on your holiday shopping or pick up some items to complete your fall decorations, you can find everything you need when you check out the Chesapeake Jubilee Fall Craft Market the first weekend of November from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Chesapeake City Park. This free event will feature over 100 vendors selling great craft items. There will also be a children's area with fun activities and crafts. When you're looking to have a good time around Chesapeake this fall, you know you'll have a memorable experience attending one of these exciting events! Image via michael.lucas | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

When you're bitten by the shopping bug, not to worry; area retailers in Norfolk have the goods to satisfy your needs! From multi-store malls with name brand stores to individual businesses with handcrafted items, you're sure to find what just what you need. Selden Market Selden Market offers a series of events several times each month featuring activities, classes, and a variety of pop-markets run by local merchants. At each event, you may see some of the same shops along with new venues showing off their goods and services. A few of the shops include Pilgrim Bread, which boasts freshly made wood-fired breads, S'mores Amore for the sweet tooth, Handsome & Humble offering gifts for men, JackEats for traditional Filipino fusion cuisine, Kor Vintage for vintage retro fashions, and jewelry from Pearls by Elise. Scheduled events at the historic Selden Arcade run  Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. more MacArthur Center With Abercrombie and Fitch and Auntie Anne's, Zie Spot to Zumiez and a plethora of stores in-between, MacArthur Center has something for everyone. Take your time perusing the many retail venues and services then treat yourself to something good to eat from one of the eateries such as a sweet delight from Cinnabon, a slice of pie at Mama Mia Pizza, a burger at Johnny Rockets, or a  cappuccino from Starbucks. The center also provides an afternoon or evening of entertainment at Regal Cinemas 18 where the latest movies can be viewed on the big screen. Military Circle Mall If you want to extend your shopping pleasure to include more store choices, make your next stop Military Circle Mall. With over 60 stores, you'll have plenty of options. Retailers include clothing and jewelry stores, home goods, toy stores, hair salons and barber shops, bookstores, and fragrance shops. Available services include a watch repair shop, bank, shoe repair store, cell phone shop, and portrait shop. For your entertainment, dine at one of several restaurants and enjoy a movie at Cinemark. The mall is open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and Sunday from noon to 6:00 p.m. Norfolk Premium Outlets If you prefer a smaller shopping area, Norfolk Premium Outlets offers multiple favorites like Old Navy, Ralph Lauren, Gap, and Levi's. Set amid a pretty landscape with plenty of parking, the shopping venue provides lounge chairs, picturesque views from the gazebo, a kids' playground, and a fireplace when the temperatures are cool. The outlet is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Urban Castaways If you're looking for that special something for a loved one that stands out above the rest, plan a visit to Urban Castaways. At this cozy shop, you'll find a variety of consignment items from classic to trendy. The shop opens Monday through Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and Sunday at noon and closes at 5:00 p.m. each day. Norfolk has many ways to shop 'til you drop and the options to make a night out of it while you're there! Go out with the girls or bring the whole family along! Image via Bert Kaufmann | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

If you're like most people living in Chesapeake, Virginia, you want to be sure that you're able to fill your summer with as much fun and excitement as possible! Fortunately, whether you want to spend your time indoors or outside, there are a number of summer-friendly activities in Chesapeake that you're sure to enjoy. Take a Stroll Through the Chesapeake Arboretum When the sun is shining and there's not a cloud in sight, there's no better way to have fun in Chesapeake than visiting the Chesapeake Arboretum. Dating back to the 18th century, this arboretum has been one of the premier destinations in Virginia for people who can't resist bright, beautiful flowers and lush green plants. It's a great place to visit if you want to spend some time with nature. more At the Chesapeake Arboretum, you'll find a wide array of plant species to explore. If you love relaxing under the shade of a leafy tree, you'll want to take a stroll through the hardwood forest. Flower lovers will want to stop by the antique rose garden to see the colorful blooms and enjoy the sweet aroma of the flowers in the fragrance garden. Explore Chesapeake Park If you're looking for somewhere you can have fun this summer, look no further than Chesapeake Park. When you visit this popular outdoor spot, there are virtually unlimited opportunities for fun, especially if you're visiting with your kids. One of the great kid-friendly attractions of the park is the Fun Forest Playground, where your little ones can have a great time keeping their balance on the shaky bridge or riding one of the many slides. Chesapeake Park also features several pet-friendly areas, which means you can bring along your four-legged family members for a little summer fun! You can even pack up some hamburgers and hot dogs and take advantage of the grills you'll find in the park's rentable picnic shelters. The Great Dismal Swamp Spending time on the water is one of the best ways to have summer fun in Chesapeake. At the Great Dismal Swamp, you'll find some of the most gorgeous waterways in the entire state. When you visit, you can go canoeing on both the Feeder Ditch and Lake Drummond, which means you'll have ample opportunities to ride the calm waters. If you want to spend an entire weekend exploring this wildlife area, there is a free campground where you can pitch a tent and sleep under the stars. Chesapeake Planetarium On days where it's too hot to spend time outdoors, you can have a lot of fun on a visit to the Chesapeake Planetarium. The planetarium offers monthly programs that are both entertaining and educational and can help you learn more about the solar system and universe. Topics for these programs are constantly changing, which means every time you visit the planetarium you may be able to learn something new. If you want a fun-filled summer, Chesapeake is one of the best places to live in Virginia. Take a trip to any of these exciting locations so that you can make memories that will last a lifetime! Image via DeveionPhotography | Licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

Chesapeake, Virginia, sits so close to the Atlantic Ocean that seafood has become one of the city's claims to fame. Whether you're looking for a romantic date night dinner or a fun family affair, you can find it here and get your fresh-catch-fix at the same time. Be aware though that these places are so popular that reservations may be required. Check out these local favorites to get you started. Wicker's Crab Pot Seafood In its fourth generation of family ownership, Wicker's is the place to be for fresh, locally sourced seafood. Traditional dining is available of course, but Wicker's offers other options as well.  Brunch is available from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and when you don't have time for a sit-down meal, hit the take-out window until 9 p.m. On occasion, Wicker's even offers seafood in bulk that you can take home to cook. The climate-controlled patio is large enough to accommodate big family get-togethers, but catering is available as well. more The Shaking Crab If you like your seafood with a spicy kick, check out The Shaking Crab where they serve it up New Orleans Cajun-style. Dine in or take out, you'll find some of the freshest seafood available in Chesapeake. Seven days a week, The Shaking Crab lets you choose your favorite seafood and then pick from Cajun, garlic butter, lemon pepper, or Shakin' Sauce. Finally, decide just how much heat you're ready for; select non-spicy, mild, medium, or hot. Every dish, except oysters, is served with potatoes and corn to round it out nicely. Pair it with a nice wine, beer, or soda. Pirate's Cove Restaurant The Pirate's Cove sources fresh seafood every day so they mean it when they say it's straight from the sea to your plate. As an added bonus, the kitchen uses oil that is naturally free of trans fats for all the frying. The Pirate's Cove offers dinner specials daily after 4 p.m. with favorites like shrimp & grits,  crab legs, and a Sunday fish fry. If someone in your party isn't in the mood for seafood, you can find an amazing prime rib and a variety of salads available as well. When you go, try the award-winning crab cakes for a treat you won't soon forget. Chesapeake's Fresh Seafood Promise Seafood is a way of life for a city that sits this close to the ocean. Atlantic waters contain some of the most diverse species in the world, producing enough for millions of meals every year. You wouldn't expect anything less from a top Chesapeake restaurant than the freshest oysters, crab, and flounder with all the trimmings. A focus on sustainable fishing is helping to ensure the future of the industry for generations to come. Whether you live in the area or are just visiting to look for a new ride at Priority Toyota Chesapeake, you don't want to miss the culinary culture of the Chesapeake region. Image via IntangibleArts | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Chesapeake Arboretum is a 48-acre facility that promotes environmental awareness through education and research. Located at 624 Oak Grove Road in Chesapeake, Virginia, since 1996, it features one of the best trail systems in Virginia with paths that wind through a forest of mature hardwoods. The Arboretum offers a wide variety of activities for visitors of all ages year-round. Here are some of the things you can do this spring at the Chesapeake Arboretum. Self-Guided Tree Walk The trails at the Arboretum feature a wide variety of tree species. You can learn all about each of them when you go on a springtime self-guided tree walk. Each of the species has a label to make it easy to identify them, and you can even get a brochure at the information kiosk with more information. In the spring, the Stewartia grove fills with beautiful color as the flowers bloom and is a sight that's well worth the walk. more Use one of the trail maps to help decide which way you want to go. You can choose just one path or make an afternoon of it and explore them all. The Caleb Williamson Farmhouse History buffs will enjoy stopping at the Caleb Williamson Farmhouse during a trip to the Arboretum. This 18th-century house was the home of the Williamson family, who started the Arboretum. Just a few yards down the road across the street, you can also visit the Williamson family cemetery. Step Into Spring The Step Into Spring program at the Arboretum is a program for kids between the ages of 5 and 12. The two-hour program teaches them all about the signs of spring and how to look for it. The kids along with their instructor will explore some of the trails in the forest looking for signs of nature returning to life. Rent the Pecan Grove Gazebo You can plan your own spring event at the Arboretum. The Pecan Grove Gazebo is available for any type of gathering, whether it's a wedding or family get together. Beautifully manicured gardens surround the gazebo with plenty of mature trees for shade making a beautiful backdrop for your event. The spot sits right off Battlefield Boulevard for easy access and will accommodate up to 75 guests. The gazebo features a tongue and groove wood ceiling and a green tin roof. There are lights if you want an evening event, and there's also a ceiling fan and power. You can also use the 30 white chairs with a rental fee. Children's Programs The Arboretum is the training area for the local Urban Forestry group, and there are several recreational activities available throughout the year. The Peake Discovery Guide offers information about upcoming events and activities, and you can also use the guide if you want to register for a program. The Chesapeake Arboretum offers a variety of activities and events throughout the year. Spring is a great time to visit as the forest starts to come back to life. Image via Nicholas_T | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

Shopping is a great way to work up an appetite. However, often you want something more than food court fare. This is no problem at Greenbrier Mall. Sure, there is food court staples like Chick-fil-A and Auntie Anne's, but there's also lots of culinary variety for when you're craving a filling, delicious meal. Sit down and feast at these five wonderful places to eat at this popular mall. Seven City Salads Seven City Salads serves salads, soups, wraps, sandwiches, and panini. All options are made to order, so you can pick turkey or chicken, seafood, or ham for your meat and then add from 15 different ingredients and numerous dressings. There's also a “Soup of the Day” that's prepared from scratch. La Hacienda Fresh Mexican Grill La Hacienda Fresh Mexican Grill is one of two Tex-Mex options in the Greenbrier Mall. The comprehensive menu includes favorites like: more Burritos Burrito bowls Taco salads and regular salads Quesadillas Tacos Nachos Chips, salsa, and queso, guacamole In addition to these entrees and appetizers, you can add sides of rice and beans to a meal. La Hacienda Fresh Mexican Grill is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. It's only open on Sundays from noon to 5:30 p.m. Abuelo's Abuelo's is another excellent choice for Mexican food in Greenbrier. The restaurant is equally known for its unique atmosphere and quality dishes. Menu options include tapas, chips, salsa, and dip, soups and salads, and specialties like fajitas and steak and enchiladas. You can also get a signature drink, such as a Sangria Swirl or the La Grandeza Margarita. This shop is open daily starting at 11 a.m. It closes at 9 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday and at 10 p.m. during the rest of the week. Sarku Japan For made-to-order Japanese cuisine, go to Sarku Japan. Boasting fresh food that's prepared quickly, this stop is perfect if you want to sit down to a full meal without having to wait long for your food. The menu features dishes like chicken teriyaki, beef teriyaki, and sushi rolls, including classics like the California roll and Spicy Tuna Roll. Bento boxes and tempura meals are also available. Sarku Japan is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. It's open every Sunday from noon to 5:30 p.m. Famous Wok Famous Wok is one of the most popular restaurants in the mall. It specializes in Chinese cuisine, such as Chow Mein and fried rice and noodle bowls. Entree choices include cashew chicken, sesame chicken, tofu stir fry, spicy beef, and barbecue pork ribs. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5:30 p.m. Greenbrier Mall is full of so much variety when it comes to food that you could bring a family of picky eaters here and everyone would be happy. The next time you work up an appetite cruising the retailers, stop off at these wonderful full-service restaurants in the mall. Image via pixabay.com