No matter the season, Chesapeake, Virginia, is a wonderful place to live. Get your bearings and learn about the city’s highlights with this guide for new Chesapeake residents.
Start With the Essentials
Moving to a new place can be overwhelming, even if you’re just relocating from a nearby city like Norfolk or Hampton. Fortunately, Chesapeake makes it easy to get acclimated. Whether you need to update your driver’s license, apply for a business license, or license your pets, you’ll find all the information you need on the City of Chesapeake website. That’s also the most convenient place to find information about trash collection, public libraries, and local regulations.
Discover Coastal Virginia’s History
Coastal Virginia boasts some of the nation’s earliest history, and you can experience it right in the heart of Chesapeake. At Battlefield Park, you can learn about the Battle of Great Bridge through a number of facilities. Take your own self-guided tour along the interpretive historic pathway, see the 1775 recreation of the causeway, or catch a show at the outdoor auditorium. You can also enjoy an outdoor meal in the family picnic area or schedule a free docent-led tour.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Chesapeake has an impressive park system with spaces that are ideal for exercise, relaxation, and fun. Not sure where to start? Set your sights on Chesapeake City Park, a 90-acre park with 60 acres of open space and several amenities. Young kids will love exploring the Fun Forest playground, while older kids will have a blast at the skate park. Kids of all ages will appreciate the horseshoe courts, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch an event like the Chesapeake Jubilee.
Right off the Intracoastal Waterway, Great Bridge Lock Park is a 19-acre site with a walking trail, playground, boat ramp, and a fishing and crabbing area. This is the ideal place to spot boats, yachts, and other watercraft using this waterway, which spans the entire East Coast.
Shop Till You Drop
Whether you need to stock up on the basics or you’re seeking some retail therapy, great shopping options are a must. Hop in the car, and you’ll find plenty of shopping in the greater Chesapeake area. Both Chesapeake Square Mall and Greenbrier Mall have the department stores you love. Nearby, Towne Place at the Greenbrier features over 150,000 square feet of shops, restaurants, and outdoor recreation space, all of which is great for families.
Join Local Events
From festivals to concerts to markets, Chesapeake has no shortage of events. Meet your neighbors and buy local produce, herbs, eggs, meats, honey, and baked goods at the city’s farmers markets, which run from mid-June through Thanksgiving.
In October, the Chesapeake Wine Festival celebrates the region’s longstanding wine industry with a series of wine tastings and food pairings. Also in October, the Waterways Heritage Festival commemorates the rich heritage that lives in Chesapeake’s Intracoastal Waterway with a variety of demonstrations, interactive activities, and storytelling.
Mark your calendar, gas up the car, and get ready to enjoy all that Chesapeake has to offer.
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