Nov 12, 2015

blog 5When you visit Chesapeake, Virginia, you’ll never lack for entertainment and attractions. The city offers a host of venues and destinations to keep your schedule packed and your excitement level raised. When planning a trip to Chesapeake, gas up your Toyota and consider a couple of these five suggestions.

Dismal Swamp Canal

The name might not sound appealing, but the Dismal Swamp Canal is a national historic site and a great place to take the family for a day of natural excitement. Several hiking trails meander through the park that surrounds the Dismal Swamp Canal, and you’re sure to see your fair share of wildlife during your visit.

Rent a kayak to experience the water for yourself or bring your bicycles for a fast-paced trek through the park. Stop by the Visitor’s Center to learn about the canal’s history. It’s the oldest surviving man-made canal in the country, and it still exists as part of the Intercoastal Waterway that extends all the way to the Florida Keys.

Chesapeake Arboretum

The Chesapeake Arboretum is one of the most unique venues of its type in Virginia. There are no admission or parking fees, but the Chesapeake Arboretum accepts donations if you’re so inclined. You’ll enjoy learning about all the flowers, trees, shrubs, and other greenery that are native to the area, and the 40-acre venue contains plenty of hiking trails.

The Chesapeake Arboretum offers free classes for people who want to learn more about horticulture and the venue in general. Plenty of birds and other wildlife make their homes in the arboretum, so don’t forget your camera.

Glazenfyre

If you’re interested in creating a unique experience in Chesapeake, Glazenfyre offers the perfect opportunity. It’s a chance to release your inner artist, even if you don’t possess sufficient talent to draw a proportionate stick figure. The venue offers three distinct crafts for visitors of all ages: pottery painting, glass fusing, and canvas painting

Costs range from $6 to $8 depending on your age. It’s a great place to bring kids who love expressing themselves creatively, but it also provides a creative outlet for adults. Just keep in mind that you’ll only want to try the pottery and glass crafts if you live in the general area because you can’t pick up your masterpiece for a week. If you paint on canvas, however, you can walk out the door with it.

Greenbriar Mall

If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, Greenbriar Mall in Chesapeake provides you with a different kind of shopping experience. The two floors of shops, restaurants, and other venues provide you with hours of entertainment, whether you’re looking for a gift for a friend or something for yourself.

Oak Grove Lake Park

Interested in some good old-fashioned outdoor fun? Oak Grove Lake Park provides you with wide open outdoor spaces and secluded hiking trails. Park your Toyota in the generous lot and take a stroll, plan a picnic, or toss your lure in the lake with the hope of catching dinner.

As you can see, Chesapeake, Virginia, offers plenty of places to go in your Toyota.

Image via Pixabay