Located in the easternmost region of the state and right at the confluence of the Nansemond, James, and Elizabeth rivers, the independent city of Chesapeake, VA is a wonderful spot for a vacation or a day trip with your loved ones. Part of one of the largest metropolitan areas in the region, Chesapeake is home to plenty of tourist attractions and local landmarks. Here are three spots you should definitely visit the next time you’re in town!
1. Norfolk Botanical Garden
Constructed in the late 1930s and boasting numerous themed gardens and an arboretum, the Norfolk Botanical Garden is one of the main attractions in the region and a fantastic spot to get away from the city frenzy. This botanical garden is located at 6700 Azalea Garden Road in the city of Norfolk, making it possible to reach it in a little over 20 minutes by car from the Chesapeake downtown area.
Open every day of the week between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, the Norfolk Botanical Garden is a place where you can spend hours walking around its trails and reading about the origins of the different plants, trees, and flowers on display. Some of the areas you should not miss include the conifer garden, the Japanese garden, and the rose garden.
2. Fort Monroe National Monument
Located about 30 miles north of downtown Chesapeake at 20 Bernard Road in the city of Hampton, Fort Monroe National Monument was established on the site of a former military installation and the largest bastion fort by area in the entire country. It was in this place that the landing of General George B. McClellan took place during the American Civil War in 1862.
Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966, Fort Monroe was entirely deactivated in 2011, when the National Park Service was tasked with maintaining and adapting the area for visitors. Although the planned grand opening was postponed because of the pandemic, this national monument is now open year-round and offers guided tours led by local history experts.
3. Town Point Park
A beautiful green space on the banks of the Elizabeth River, Town Point Park is another popular landmark you should check out while in the region. Located at 113 Waterside Drive in the city of Norfolk, this place hosts seasonal performances, festivals, and activities throughout the year. Open every day between 6:00 am and 7:30 pm, this park can be reached in a little over 10 minutes by car from downtown Chesapeake.
The next time you’re in our lovely city, be sure to check out some of our suggestions! Start making plans to visit one – or all! – of these incredible sites and gain some insightful history tidbits or enjoy the bounties of nature.
Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License
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