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Celebrate July 4th with this show stopping Red, White and Blue Flag Cake! At Priority Toyota Chesapeake, we love summer just like everyone else, and when July 4th rolls around we can't help but think of the good times with family and friends and oh yeah, the food. Hamburgers, BBQ, Corn on the Cob and dessert... oh the sweet desserts. So we figured we'd share a classic Betty Crocker favorite red, white and blue flag cake that will make you the hero of any Independence Day get together. If you make this sweet treat, hope on over to our facebook page and share a picture of it! We'd love to see. Ingredients more Red Cake Layers 1 box Betty Crocker™ SuperMoist™ white cake mix 1 pint (2 cups) strawberries, stems removed, pureed in blender or food processor to about 1 1/4 cups 1/3 cup vegetable oil 3 egg whites 1 teaspoon red paste food color Blue Cake Layer 1/2 box Betty Crocker™ SuperMoist™ white cake mix (about 1 2/3 cups dry mix) 1/2 cup blueberries, pureed in blender or food processor 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 whole eggs 1/2 teaspoon blue paste food color 3 tablespoons Betty Crocker™ white star-shaped candy sprinkles or nonpareils White Cake Layer 1/2 box Betty Crocker™ SuperMoist™ white cake mix (about 1 2/3 cups dry mix) 1/2 cup water 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 egg whites Frosting and Sprinkles 3 containers Betty Crocker™ Whipped fluffy white frosting Betty Crocker™ red, white and blue sprinkles, as desired Directions To make red cake layers: Heat oven to 350°F. Grease or spray two 8-inch round pans; place 8-inch round piece cooking parchment paper in bottom of each pan. Grease or spray parchment paper. In large bowl, beat red cake layer ingredients with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on high speed about 2 minutes or until smooth. Spread in pans. Bake 29 to 34 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched. Cool 10 minutes; run knife around sides of pans to loosen cakes. Gently remove from pans to cooling rack; remove parchment paper. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. Flatten cake layers by trimming off rounded tops. Cut layers in half horizontally to make 4 thin red layers. In 1 layer, cut small round out of center, using 4-inch biscuit cutter. Wrap and freeze 1 thin layer and the layer that was cut out of; save for another use. To make blue cake layer: Heat oven to 350°F. Grease or spray 8-inch round pan; place 8-inch round piece cooking parchment paper in bottom of pan. Grease or spray parchment paper. In medium bowl, beat all blue cake layer ingredients except sprinkles with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on high speed about 2 minutes or until smooth. Fold sprinkles into batter. Spread in pan. Bake 29 to 34 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched. Cool 10 minutes; run knife around side of pan to loosen cake. Gently remove from pan to cooling rack; remove parchment paper. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. Flatten cake layer by trimming off rounded top. Do not cut in half horizontally. Cut small round out of center, using 4-inch round biscuit cutter. Wrap and freeze 4-inch round; save for another use. To make white cake layer: Heat oven to 350°F. Grease or spray 8-inch round pan; place 8-inch round piece cooking parchment paper in bottom of pan. Grease or spray parchment paper. In medium bowl, beat white cake layer ingredients with electric mixer on high speed about 2 minutes or until smooth. Spread in pan. Bake 29 to 34 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched. Cool 10 minutes; run knife around side of pan to loosen cake. Gently remove from pan to cooling rack; remove parchment paper. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. Flatten cake layer by trimming off rounded top. Cut layer in half horizontally to make 2 thin white layers. In 1 layer, cut small round out of center, using 4-inch biscuit cutter. Wrap and freeze the layer that was cut out of; save for another use. To assemble cake: Place 1 red cake layer on cake stand or serving platter; spread 1/3 cup frosting on top. Top with 1 white cake layer; spread 1/3 cup frosting on top. Top with second red cake layer; spread 1/3 cup frosting on top. Gently top with blue layer. Carefully spread thin layer of frosting on cut edge inside of blue cake layer. Gently insert white 4-inch cake round; top with frosting and then red 4-inch cake round; press slightly. Frost side and top of cake using remaining frosting. Top with sprinkles. Store loosely covered in refrigerator. For full nutrition info, expert tips on this recipie visit: http://goo.gl/AjQyXT and for a complete guide to the perfect 4th of July spread visit: http://goo.gl/Ti8xM5 Happy July 4th to all of our Priority Toyota Chesapeake family. Photo by madisonbuening-991429 | Licenced under cc0

Since taking the automotive world by storm in 2000, the Prius has taken strides to offer an array of efficient hybrid vehicles. However, none look as promising and exciting as the Prius Prime. Shedding the original Prius appearance with a bit more flash and flair, the Prius Prime makes a concerted effort to make the entire hybrid experience more visually stunning, as well as more fun to drive. If you're looking for the ultimate hybrid experience, the Prime is a car that you need on your radar. Here's a glance at all that the new Prime has to offer. Plug-In Capabilities The Prime ushers in a new era of Prius by becoming the first in the family to include a plug-in option. Unlike its siblings, the Prime uses a larger battery and more powerful motors to go further on battery power. Using a normal, 120-volt home outlet, the Prime charges in just 5.5 hours, but using a public, 240-volt charging station gives it a full charge in just 2.5 hours. On a full battery, the Prime goes up to 22 miles, but when coupled with the gasoline portion of the engine, it travels 600 miles on a single tank. According to EPA estimates, this gives the Prime and miles per gallon (mpg) equivalent of 120. With these capabilities, the Prime is the perfect commuter car in electric mode, while the hybrid option gives you an affordable road trip machine. more Sleek Exterior Design Many consumers argued that the original Prius had looks only a mother could love. On the other hand, the Prius Prime means you don't have to compromise between aesthetics and fuel economy. While this four-door sedan has shades of the original Prius, it's more similar to gasoline-powered compacts. To add to the exterior appeal, the Prime adds LED headlamps and tail lights, a more striking front fascia, an integrated spoiler, and a carbon fiber liftgate. The body is also crafted out of high-strength steel and aluminum, providing a lightweight design that aids in aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. Brilliant Interior Features Another superior aspect of the Prime is a lavish interior that offers more features than just about any plug-in hybrid on the market. This includes technologically advanced specs like a USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, and Siri Eyes Free, which provides hands-free and eyes-free coordination with your iPhone. If you want a visually impressive experience, you can add an 11.6-inch display screen for a few extra bucks. Other amenities include dual-zone climate control, a 4.2-inch instrument display cluster, and a full readout to show how efficient you're driving. Safety-Conscious Like the original Prius, the Prime has tons of safety-active features, which help avoid accidents before they happen. This includes Toyota Safety Sense P, which adds pre-collision detection with pedestrian recognition, automatic braking, dynamic cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. For the novice parallel parker, the Prime offers Intelligent Parking Assist, which guides your car into even the tightest spaces. With the Prius Prime, Toyota enters into a new age of hybrid capabilities. Whether the Prime becomes a success remains, but with its features, styling, and fuel economy, it looks poised to create quite a stir in the hybrid market. Photo by M 93: „Dein Nordrhein-Westfalen“ | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

You've probably had it happen at one time or another in your life. You stick the key in the ignition, turn it, and nothing happens. Or perhaps you've gone about your regular routine only to see smoke spewing from the engine of your car. Both situations provide a stressful and nerve-racking scenario, as your malfunctioning car costs you time and money. However, if you know exactly what to do when your car breaks down, you can avoid some of the headaches associated with the situation. The next time your car breaks down, follow these steps to avert a total crisis. Get Off the Road If you're lucky when your car breaks down, and I say lucky very loosely, you're already in a parking lot, your driveway, or somewhere out of the way of other motorists. If that isn't the case, you need to get your car off the road as soon as possible. Even if it requires a push or help from some good Samaritans, moving it off the road is just as important for your safety as it is for other drivers. Sometimes, you won't have this option because the car won't start. In this case, stay seated in the car, turn on your hazards, and call AAA or an auto body for help. more Alert Other Drivers When you break down, it's possible that no other people are available to help you. To flag down another driver, try placing a white cloth in your window to attract attention on top of turning on your hazards. Road flares and road cones are another great way to attract the attention of other drivers, even if it's just so they know to avoid your location. In addition, it gets the notice of roadside assistance services or law enforcement, which can help get you the help you need. Make a Phone Call Hopefully, you have a mobile phone to make a call to the proper organization or people. If you don't or if your phone is out of commission, you may have to walk to the nearest store or gas station. Either way, you'll need to call the local highway patrol, roadside assistance, family, friends, or towing company. Even if a towing company is your last resort, they'll often offer you a ride to the auto shop. Avoid Strangers You don't necessarily have to avoid strangers at all costs. Instead, just use common sense. If you're a female by yourself, you probably shouldn't take a ride from someone you don't know even if they seem like a good person. On the flip side, if you're six-and-a-half-feet-tall and 250 pounds, you have a bit more leeway when it comes to hopping into the car of someone lending a helping hand. However, if it's nighttime, you may just want to wait until the proper authorities arrive or a tow truck comes rather than taking your chances elsewhere. By following these steps, you can avoid any other catastrophes that may happen when your car breaks down. From there, get your car to a mechanic, and hopefully, the damage isn't as bad as it may seem. Photo by Percita | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

Although Virginia lacks a professional sports franchise, that doesn't mean that it lacks exceptional sporting events. Each year, these sports attract millions of visitors from all around the country. With tons of college sports, minor league affiliates, and other miscellaneous sports, Virginia has it all. Here are some of the Virginia sporting events you can't afford to miss. 1. The Commonwealth Cup Each year, the football teams of Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia clash in what's known as the Commonwealth Cup. While the teams first met on the gridiron in 1895, the modern rivalry game didn't become an annual event until 1970. However, this fierce battle brings together fanatical supporters of both sides into a single maniacal venue. The 2016 affair takes place on Nov. 26 at Lane Stadium, which is the home of the Virginia Tech Hokies. This stadium packs in over 65,000 fans, providing an unbeatable atmosphere. more 2. Richmond Flying Squirrels Home Games With a team name like the Flying Squirrels, you know it has to be good. This Richmond-based minor league baseball team is the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, offering 72 chances to catch one of their home games. The Flying Squirrels have had numerous famous players on their roster, including current major leaguers Brandon Belt, Brandon Crawford, and Joe Panik. Perhaps the best part is that you get the entire baseball experience at only a fraction of the price. Don't forget to head by the concessions stands which serve up all your favorite baseball game fare. 3. The Federated Auto Parts 400 Even if you aren't a big racing fan, heading to a NASCAR event is still a memorable experience, thanks to the plethora of diehard fans and the entire experience. Taking place at Richmond International Raceway each September, the race is all the more exciting due to its importance in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. As the last regular season event, the Federated Auto Parts 400 is often a deciding factor in who wins the championship. Last year, over 3.1 million people tuned in to watch the excitement, when Matt Kenseth took home the hardware. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind event. 4. Twilight Polo Unless you're a polo enthusiast, the closest you've probably been to watching a game is wearing a Ralph Lauren shirt. However, this bizarre, yet intriguing sport is way more entertaining than you think. On Saturdays from May to September, the outdoor arena in The Plains, Virginia, holds Twilight Polo, featuring three games from 6 p.m. until they finish. To make matters more interesting, Twilight Polo event themes include Pirate Night, Disco Night, and Star Wars Night. Prices are per carload and are $35 before the event or $40 at the gate. All proceeds benefit the Great Meadow Foundation, and you can even write them off on your taxes. No matter which sporting event you choose to attend in Virginia this year, you'll never regret the decision you make. So, make sure you gather up the family or your friends and head off to an evening of fun. https://www.flickr.com/photos/cipherswarm/52179654/sizes/m/ Photo by cbowns | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

Traditionally done by propelling oneself through the water with the arms while kneeling or lying on a floating platform, paddle boarding is popular with people of all ages and ability levels. Many people also try standup paddle boarding, which is similar but requires using a canoe paddle to move. Chesapeake, Va. is a prime spot for paddle boarding, and there are several good places to try your hand at this activity or develop existing skills. 1. Pohick Bay Regional Park Located in Lorton, Va., this is the only public park in the state that rents paddle boards, so if you don't have your own gear and aren't working with a third-party company to get rental equipment, this pick is an especially handy option. Rent your paddle board by the hour, and enjoy slightly lower rates if you live nearby. Even if you're not from the area, the rental prices are still very reasonable. more 2. Kiptopeke State Park Situated three miles north of the Cape Charles Toll Plaza at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, this state park offers a fishing pier, boat ramp, and even a hawk observatory besides its paddle boarding opportunities. Visitors rave about the lovely sunset views, so be sure to stay until sundown if you can. You may want to extend your trip even further, especially since this state park has spacious campsites. You'll need to have your own paddleboarding gear, though, due to the unfortunate absence of rental facilities here. 3. The Inn at Tabbs Creek Maybe you're feeling very timid about paddleboarding and would prefer to begin trying it in a very calm, secluded area. If so, head to The Inn at Tabbs Creek. Guests get the hang of things on the private property, then venture out onto the nearby East River once they feel more confident in their abilities. If you don't have your own gear, arrange to have rental equipment delivered from Chesapeake Bay Paddling Company. There are a total of 18 places from which people can launch their paddle boards in Mathews County, where this property is located. 4. Mantra Fit Some people realized they'd love the chance to combine their daily workouts with paddleboard excursions and receive instruction from fitness experts. That's all possible if you go to Mantra Fit, a company in Severna Park, Md. Although this option requires venturing out from Chesapeake a bit, it may be worth it if you'd like to get some good-quality guidance while honing your paddle boarding prowess. Classes take place on the Magothy River at Fairways Marina, and Nabbs Creek Marina, on the Patapsco River. In addition to offering paddle board rentals, Mantra Fit often gives interested people the chance to experience paddle boarding for free by attending demonstrations. If you're feeling really adventurous, sign up for the paddleboard racing league.  More information is available at the company's website. Although paddle boarding got its start in Hawaii, the appeal has spread far beyond the Aloha State. Many celebrities have been seen gracefully floating along the water while getting a great core-muscle workout. Consider getting some inspiration of your own by going to these prime paddle boarding places. Image via Flickr by David_Kerwood | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

For the eco-friendly motorist, lowering emissions is a definite concern. While many of these people decide to buy a hybrid or an electric vehicle, others don't have the budget or means to go that route. However, there are several things you can still do to keep your vehicle's emissions at or below an acceptable level. By following a few simple tips, you can feel good knowing that you're saving the environment. 1. Drive Steady If you weren't aware, driving like a maniac isn't just unsafe, but also detrimental in terms of excessive exhaust. Accelerating rapidly or driving at high speeds actually burns through gas more quickly, spewing extra emissions into the air. To combat this problem, try slower acceleration, obey speed limits, and drive smoother in general. If you find yourself driving erratically when you're stressed or angry, pull over until you've got your emotions under control. Not only is it safer, but your wallet and the air will thank you. more 2. Do Proper Maintenance Whether its ignorance, forgetfulness, or something else, many drivers often overlook getting routine maintenance done on a regular basis. However, it's probably one of the most important tasks you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. If oil is left in the engine too long, it builds up sludge, which causes the engine to ignite improperly, as well as burn oil. Once your vehicle starts to burn oil, your car's emissions go up astronomically. In addition, air filters and fuel filters need a change about every 5,000 to 10,000 miles to keep your car running smoothly and preventing unnecessary and excessive exhaust. 3. Get an Emissions Test Numerous states and cities require older vehicles to undergo an emissions test once every year or two. However, newer vehicles, thanks to EPA guidelines, aren't held to the same standard. Nevertheless, if you suspect your car is giving off tons of smoke, it's in your best interest to take it in for an emissions test. Some mechanics or auto shops provide services to test your car as well. It's something that's inexpensive, yet makes a world of difference in the keeping your pollution to a minimum. 4. Keep Your Tires Inflated Keeping your tires inflated isn't only important in lowering emissions, but also maintaining an acceptable safety standard. Under-inflated tires don't grip the road nearly as well, causing the car to slip when turning or swerving to avoid an accident. From a pollution standpoint, under-inflated tires need more energy to move, causing the engine to work harder, and resulting in more emissions. Estimates show that the average driver needlessly burns an extra 144 gallons of gas a year as a result of improperly inflated tires. If you aren't sure how to fill your tires or what pounds per square inch (PSI) to fill them to, consult your vehicle owner's manual. With global warming and greenhouse gases severely impacting ocean levels and temperatures around the globe, it becomes increasingly important for you to become more environmentally responsible. By following these rules, you'll take your first steps towards reducing your carbon footprint, and providing a better tomorrow for everyone to enjoy. Image via Flickr by Adam Swank | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

The summer is the quintessential season to take the perfect road trip. You get to see new places, make new friends, and forget about the workaday world, even if it's only for a weekend. However, you also need a car that complements the trip, rather than detracts from it. The Toyota Sienna is just that vehicle. Don't let it's label as a minivan deter you. With surprisingly striking exterior styling and a plethora of features, the Sienna is an amazingly versatile vehicle that's ideal for your summer excursion. To prove this point, Toyota even took the opportunity to send two Sienna's on a road trip around the country, showcasing their abilities as the ultimate road trip vehicle. Here's just a few more reasons why the Sienna is the most awesome road trip car. 1. Efficiency and Performance Minivans of the past typically haven't been economic nor performance worthy, yet the Sienna provides both aspects in bulk. Under the hood, this minivan sports a peppy 266-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6, capable of a 7.6-second zero-to-60 time, as well as a top speed of 113 miles per hour. It's not that you need to go that fast or spin your tires, but just knowing that it's an option is a mental boon. From an efficiency standpoint, the Sienna churns out up to 25 miles per gallon (mpg) highway and up to 18 mpg in the city. With this surprising mix of performance and efficiency, the Sienna is in a category all its own. more 2. Amazing Interior Specs One thing that the Sienna does far better than any other minivan on the market provides an amazing amount of interior amenities. Some of these include a dual moonroof, leather seating, steering wheel-mounted controls, a visually stunning instrument cluster, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. If you're planning on packing tons of gear or bringing a crew, the Sienna holds up to eight passengers or carries up to 150 cubic feet of cargo space. With these specs and a roomy interior, you'll ride to your destination and back in absolute comfort. 3. Top-Notch Technology and Entertainment Although the journey is half the fun, sometimes there are long stretches of road with little in the way of entertainment. With the Sienna, however, this is far from problematic. By adding in the available Blu-Ray entertainment system, all passengers can watch a film over the audio system or by using their headphones. If music is more your thing, you can upgrade to the 10-speaker JBL premium audio system, which is even better with SiriusXM satellite radio. You won't have to worry about hearing the same song twice, and you can pick a station to personalize your trip. For the directionally challenged, the Sienna has an available navigation system which will keep you from wandering on a road to nowhere or prevent a detour through a rough part of town. Don't spend this summer's road trip in a car that lacks features, reliability, and versatility. Instead, hop into the driver's seat of a 2016 Sienna. With this minivan, you'll remember your next road trip forever. Photo by TimOve | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Whether you're a long-time resident of Chesapeake, Virginia, or just visiting, the city has a ton of quirky facts you may not know. Not only do these facts provide insight into some of the history of the town, but they also provide trivial knowledge that's possibly useful at your next quiz night. Here are just a few interesting tidbits about this southern Virginia city. 1. The Third Most Populous City According to census estimates as of 2015, Chesapeake has a population of 235,429 people, making it the third most populous city in the state. It trails only Virginia Beach and Norfolk in terms of population. Surprisingly, it's actually larger than Virginia's capital and most iconic city: Richmond. more 2. Animal Burials Perhaps one of the more bizarre facts about Chesapeake is that it's actually the burial place of dead animals from the Virginia Zoo in neighboring Norfolk. The burial ground is on the grounds of a tree farm within in the city, although the exact location is under wraps to prevent the theft of skulls and other precious animal parts like ivory. 3. The Crater In 1983, scientists discovered a mammoth 53-mile wide crater in Chesapeake Bay, within miles of the city limits. Estimates pinpoint the crater's age to 35 million years, and the impact, if it occurred today, would cause mass extinction including plant and animal life. Scientists also claim that the initial collision would have killed everything living thing within a 100-mile radius. 4. The Sister City To promote cultural and commercial ties, many cities around the world have a sister city. Chesapeake's is Joinville, Brazil. Located in southern Brazil in the Santa Catarina State, Joinville is a rare sight in the South American country because of its distinct German heritage. It's also regarded as one of the richest cities on the continent. 5. Bigger Than You Think Although Chesapeake is by no means one of the largest cities in the country per population, it's actually the 11th biggest in area. The city encompasses 353 square miles with over 100,000 people, making it one of the least densely populated cities in the country. 6. Don't Use Foul Language While profanity isn't acceptable in any public setting, it will actually get you into legal trouble in Chesapeake. As late as 2012, people have been charged with using profane, threatening, or indecent language over public airwaves. If you ever get heated about a political debate on talk radio, make sure you don't have a slip of the tongue if you decide to call in. 7. Super Safe and Great to Live Based on statistics of violent crime compiled by the FBI, Chesapeake is the fifth safest city in the country, meaning you won't have to worry about forgetting to lock the door to run a quick errand. On top of that, Money Magazine ranked Chesapeake as the sixth-most livable city in the United States. These are just a few of the facts you never knew about Chesapeake. Hopefully, you learned just a bit more about one of the coolest and most interesting cities in Virginia. Photo by DeveionPhotography | Licensed under cc BY-ND 2.0

Now that summer is officially underway many people will hit the highway for a family road trip. We don't want you to find yourself stranded on the side of the road, when you should be enjoying quality time with family, so follow these 5 essential summer road trip car care tips and it'll be smooth sailing to your summer destination! Squealing or vibrating brakes can not only be an annoyance, but that can also mean your braking capabilities are not optimal. Low tread on your tires can be dangerous in wet weather conditions, and no one wants to sit through a road trip without AC! And just like you, your engine needs to stay cool during the hot summer months and long hours on the road. You also want to be prepared in the event of an emergency, having an emergency kit, first aid kit and spare tire in your trunk is essential. Remember that at Priority Toyota Chesapeake, we are here for all of your vehicle service needs. Brakes, tires, AC system checks, engine coolant and much more. Give us a call today at 757-366-5000 and schedule an appointment today. You can also schedule your vehicle maintenance on our website by clicking here. As an added bonus we have a tire special going on right now - buy 3 tires and get the 4th tire for $1. Plus, eligible tires purchased at your Toyota dealership come with 24-month tire road hazard coverage. You just can't beat that. Check out all of our current service and parts specials today! *tire offer: Toyota and Scion vehicles only. Run flat tires excluded. Must present coupon when order is written. Plus tax & shop supplies. Not valid with any other offer Must be installed at time of purchase. Valid only at participating Toyota Tire Center dealers. Buy three tires at the Toyota suggested retail price. Get the fourth for $1.00. Fourth tire must be of equal or lesser value. Prior sales excluded.

If you haven't noticed already, Virginia is a state where there is an abundance of wildlife. In fact, you probably will see everything from foxes to bears to reptiles here. Although many of these creatures spend their days hiding and staying out of the spotlight, the birds in the area act much freer. They fly in the skies, hang out in trees, swim in the waterways, and even visit residents' homes. Therefore, if you have any interest in bird watching, you have come to the right state. Check out the best five places to go bird watching near Chesapeake. Dismal Swamp Canal Dismal Swamp in Chesapeake is an outstanding place for bird watching. This area is a unique habitat for many animals and numerous birds. You can choose to find a spot to sit in the outdoor recreation area or hike the 8 1/2 mile canal trail. Alternatively, if you really want to feel one with nature, launch a kayak or small boat and see the wildlife from out in the water. more Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel A favorite place for bird watching among locals is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. This site allows viewers to watch for birds from four artificial islands. The simple fact that this place is out on the water makes it perfect for seeing a large variety of waterfowl, including the Harlequin Duck and American White Pelican. It is also a popular stop during spring and fall migration for a variety of other birds. Norfolk Botanical Gardens Just as people enjoy seeing flowers and vegetation, so do birds, which is why it is a splendid idea to visit the Norfolk Botanical Gardens to not only see some impressive flowers but also to see birds. The gardens are open daily, and for $20 or less, you can spend your day exploring the beautiful surroundings. You will also find there is a butterfly house that everyone loves to explore. Northwest River Park The Northwest River Park is the perfect place to spend the day outdoors. Here you can hike trails, picnic, kayak the water, and even find a great camping spot. Birdwatchers will see birds coming and going to the water in search of water to drink, as well as fish to eat. Along the trails, they will see various birds flying above or hanging out in the trees. South Chesapeake Trail Loop The South Chesapeake Trail Loop is part of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail system. This loop starts in Chesapeake City and circles south towards the border. It runs through swamplands, forest areas, and rivers, and it offers a variety of bird habitats. Visitors here often report seeing Blue Herons, Prothonotary Warblers, and Nuthatches. There is so much to see here that you could spend the entire day exploring. With all these great places to go, there is no doubt you will see some amazing birds. All you have to do is grab a chair and a pair of binoculars and pick a spot to watch. Photo by Dirk Duckhorn | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

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

When you think about the beginning of summer here in Hampton Roads, the Chesapeake Jubilee is one of those traditions you do not want to miss out on.   From classic amusement rides to great food, music and fireworks, the Jubilee is one of the best festivals of the year. And this year will be no exception! The 2016 Chesapeake Jubilee officially kicks off Thursday, May 19th at Chesapeake City Park. The Jubilee will again host the Chesapeake Kiwanis Club Shrimp Feast and the BBQ Cook-off Competition, sanctioned by the world famous Kansas City Barbeque Society. The music lineup for the Jubilee this year has a little for everyone! Friday night’s main act is Black White Blues w/ Girls Night Out on the main stage. Saturday evening brings Third World to the main stage at 7:30PM. And, finishing out the weekend on Sunday Lonestar will take the stage at 4:30PM! To see the full music lineup for each day just click here. As always, you will not want to miss out on the Annual Fireworks Extravaganza produced by the world famous Zambelli Fireworks! The Jubilee firework show is widely acknowledged as of the region’s most spectacular fireworks displays. Fireworks are set to light up the sky on Saturday, May 21 st at 9PM (weather permitting). In addition to great Music and Food, Amusements of America will be on site with thrilling rides and games. We’ll also have numerous displays and exhibits from community and non-profit groups and our armed forces, as well as, the Jubilee Arts & Crafts Tent. The Arts & Crafts Tent will feature unique hand-made crafts from many of the area’s skilled artisans. Bring out the entire family for a weekend of fun times and great memories. Don’t forget to stop by and see your friends at the Priority Automotive tent. We are a proud long time sponsor of the Chesapeake Jubilee and look forward to celebrating yet another wonderful anniversary for the great City of Chesapeake, Virginia. We hope to see you there! The Chesapeake Jubilee is held in Chesapeake City Park - 900 City Park Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23320 | Parking: On-site parking is available & ranges from $5 – $10 | Some private lots are available for a fee.