Spread across an area of 2,888 acres (1168.73 hectares), First Landing State Park is a regularly visited destination that entices visitors with its tranquil atmosphere. The beautiful park gets its name due to its proximity to the site where the first colonists landed in Virginia in 1607. It features a recreational space, picnic areas, and facilities for swimming, boating, and fishing. Apart from these leisurely activities, the park is also a popular destination among hikers and bikers. There is a sprawling campground on-site where cabin rental facilities and modern amenities are available. The First Landing State Park plays host to various local events on a regular basis.
Created in 1974 by compressing layers and layers of solid waste, Mount Trashmore is an exemplary park. Spread over 165 acres (66.77 hectares), the park was initially an abandoned landfill but now comprises of basketball and volleyball courts, playgrounds, picnic areas and paths in addition to lakes and two man made mountains. Visitors also have access to a skate park, vending machines and outdoor fitness stations. They can also rent wheelchairs, footballs, frisbees and various other items for free from the park authorities. Open daily, you know where to go if you are looking for a fun day out.
The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a freshwater refuge located in Virginia Beach, right on the Atlantic coast. The refuge provides a place for migratory birds to feed and rest during their long, seasonal journeys. Because of this, Back Bay is a bird-watcher's paradise. With over 9000 acres, there is more wildlife to be spotted than just birds, so grab your binoculars and head down for a day in the great outdoors.
Grommet Island Park is a fun park for both adults and kids. It is a great place for a family outing as it has play area along the beach, ice-cream parlours, boat ride, and many more activities to make your day fun and worth remembering.
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is one of the very few bridge-tunnels in the world. This fixed link is also one of the longest bridges with a grand length of 23 miles (37 kilometres)! Crossing Chesapeake Bay, it connects the cities of Virginia Beach and Cape Charles. This iconic bridge was inaugurated in 1964 and continues to be one of the top attractions in the area. A drive over it affords a panoramic view of the bay and the vista of a glorious sunset during evening hours. There are stops in between for tourists to get down from their vehicles and enjoy capturing the scenery in photographs. The toll rate is quite high but well worth for the marvelous views and the thrill of the drive.
Designated as a National Historic Landmark, the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse is a stunning lighthouse that dates back to 1792. This archaic structure boasts amazing architecture that makes it a worthwhile tourist attraction. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the spectacular views it affords. There is also an onsite museum store.
James Apostle Fields was born a slave in Hanover County, Virginia and found refuge at Fort Monroe during the Civil War in 1862 as "Contraband of War." Mr. Fields was one of the first twenty pupils to graduate from Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute (now Hampton University) in 1871. In 1881, Fields graduated from the School of Law at Howard University. In 1887, Fields served as the Commonwealth's Attorney for Warwick County (now Newport News). In 1889, Fields served in the Virginia General Assembly. In 1908, a team of four doctors pioneered the establishment of the first hospital for blacks in the city. Other than the city's jail infirmary, this institution was the only hospitalization outlet for blacks.
The L. Douglas Wilder Center at NSU, in Norfolk, stands as a beacon of education and community engagement. Named in honor of L. Douglas Wilder, the nation's first elected African American governor and a distinguished alumnus of Norfolk State University, the center embodies excellence in academic pursuits and leadership development. It serves as a hub for innovation, research, and cultural exchange, fostering collaboration among students, faculty, and the broader community. With state-of-the-art facilities and dynamic programming, the center empowers individuals to explore new frontiers of knowledge and contribute meaningfully to society. Through its commitment to excellence and inclusivity, the L. Douglas Wilder Center at NSU inspires generations to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.