Downtown Hampton Farmer’s Market and Marketplace, Hampton, VA

Buy edible souvenirs to remember your vacation!

by Jennifer Mark | July 29, 2010

When I’m traveling, I think it’s always fun to find a farmer’s markets where local produce are for sale.  Whether it is fresh, handpicked berries, or some locally caught fish, shopping at a local farmer’s market is a way to enjoy and remember your vacation in a culinary fashion.  Who says souvenirs have to be something you can take home and sit somewhere to collect dust?  Some of my best souvenirs have been of the …

Anna’s Pizza, Poquoson, VA

Fast and friendly, a family owned pizzeria!

by Jennifer Mark | July 26, 2010

If you are looking for some tasty pizza that isn’t from a national pizza chain restaurant or takeout place, then you should try Anna’s Pizza in Poquoson, Virginia.  Anna’s Pizza restaurant is a locally owned family business that has been in operation since the 1970’s. 

There are several Anna’s Pizza restaurants on the Virginia Peninsula and they are all good a choice when you get the craving for some mouth-watering pizza.  However, pizza isn’t …

Annie’s Soulfood Kitchen, Hampton, VA

Collard Greens, Black-eyed Peas, and Chittlins are on the Menu!

by Jennifer Mark | July 23, 2010

The other day my husband and I were driving along the interstate, and since the roads signs indicated that there was heavy traffic up ahead going into the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, we decided to make a quick exit and drive on the regular roads to beat the traffic.  Well, just off the I-64 exit at LaSalle Avenue, and a quick left turn onto East Pembroke Avenue, we happened upon a roadside restaurant serving soul …

The Mariner’s Museum, Newport News, VA

Visit the largest maritime museum in North America!

by Jennifer Mark | July 19, 2010

The Mariner’s Museum is one of the premier attractions in Newport News and the Virginia Peninsula.  No visit to this area would be complete without a visit to this magnificent display of art and artifacts memorializing man’s relationship with the water.  The six collections alone consist of over 35,000 images and objects that document over 3,000 years of people working on the seas and waterways around the world.  There are also permanent and …

Bluebird Gap Farm, Hampton, VA

A wonderful and free place to spend a morning or afternoon with the kids!

by Jennifer Mark | July 16, 2010

When you are on vacation, don’t you just love it when you happen upon something that is off the beaten track, free, and adds a bit more fun to your trip?  Well, the Bluebird Gap Farm is that sort of place, especially if you have little ones.  Although Bluebird Gap Farm is situated right next to interstate I-64, it’s the sort of place you might not find if you weren’t looking for it …

Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News, VA

Get your tickets for the 2010-2011 season starting today!

by Jennifer Mark | July 12, 2010

Just six years ago, Christopher Newport University opened its Ferguson Center of the Arts.  In this short period of time, with its superb acoustics and elegant atmosphere, it has become one of the premiere locations in the entire Hampton Roads area to see live performances. 

The types of musical performances that you could see at the Ferguson Center of the Arts include jazz, country, pop, folk, and orchestras.   In addition, comedy, ballets, …

The Lunch Bell, Newport News, VA

Home cooking at its best in Newport News!

by Jennifer Mark | July 09, 2010

If you are looking for some good home cooking, then The Lunch Bell Restaurant at the Newport News City Center is the place to go!   This restaurant has been a main stay in the Newport News area for over 30 years.  Even before there was a Newport News City Center, the Lunch Bell was one of the best places to go for a home cooked meal. 

The lunch menu includes …

Lee Hall Reservoir at Newport News Park, Newport News, VA

Watch out for boarding dogs!

by Jennifer Mark | July 05, 2010

Newport News and the Virginia Peninsula aren’t really known for its lakes because they are  surrounded on three sides by water; the James River, York River, and Hampton Roads, a body of water at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.  However, there are reservoirs in this area that can be quite an enjoyable time for the whole family! 

One such reservoir is Lee Hall Reservoir that is encompassed by Newport News Park, …

Fridays at the Fountain, Newport News, VA

Start the weekend off right!

by Jennifer Mark | July 01, 2010

Now that summer is in full swing, Newport News is abounding with outdoor events such as Fridays at the Fountain.  This event, held at the Newport News City Center at Oyster Point, is a fantastic way to start the weekend fun! 

At Fridays at the Fountain, you will be able to hear some of the best regional bands.  The concerts start at 5:30pm and run until 8:30pm on Friday evenings …

2010 Pomoco Family Movie Series at Bluebird Gap Farm, Hampton, VA

Watch the Stars at Bluebird Gap Farm!

by Jennifer Mark | June 28, 2010

Do you remember growing up and going to drive-in movies with your folks?  My sister and I used to stretch out in the back of the station wagon with the seat folded down and eat popcorn.  I can’t even remember what movies we saw or whether or not I even stayed awake for them, but the memories of watching a movie outdoors have stayed with me throughout the years.

Although drive-in movies are a …

Blackbeard Pirate Festival 2010, Hampton, VA

Ahoy mateys, a-pirating we go to downtown Hampton!

by Jennifer Mark | June 24, 2010

Arrrr!  It’s that time of year again, mateys, to roam the streets of Hampton and plunder and wreck havoc at the festivities of the annual Blackbeard Pirate festival.  For just one weekend each year, time travels backwards and it’s 1718 again.  The legendary Blackbeard is with us once more (until he meets his demise once again!) and those unruly pirates reign in downtown Hampton, turning it back into a busy seaport of the …

Yorktown National Battlefield, Yorktown, VA

See where the British surrendered and independence was won!

by Jennifer Mark | June 21, 2010

Many people think of camping, picnics with family, and going to the beach as the best activities for celebrating the birth of this great nation.  However, as part of your 4^th of July celebration this year, instead of simply enjoying the freedoms that we have now, you might like to spend some time this year visiting the Yorktown National Battlefield and learning more about the decisive battle of the American revolutionary war.

…

Noland Trail, Newport News, VA

Refresh your soul with a walk in the woods!

by Jennifer Mark | June 18, 2010

When I’m vacationing somewhere I like to get outdoors and spend some time feeling the wind against my skin, and taking in the sights and smells of the natural beauty of the area I am in.  If you are like that too, then the Noland trail around Lake Maury is the perfect way to spend a few hours on a vacation in Newport News, or the surrounding areas.

The Noland Trail is …

Hampton Roads Charter, Hampton, VA

Don’t just talk about the one that got away, go out and catch it!

by Jennifer Mark | June 14, 2010

What could be better than actually spending some time with your Dad this year on Father’s Day?  So, if you are looking for something fun to do together, perhaps you should book a fishing trip with Hampton Roads Charter!  Operating from the Hampton public piers, Hampton Roads Charter runs morning and afternoon fishing trips on their 65 foot vessel, the Ocean Eagle.

The Ocean Eagle is equipped with the latest navigation and …

Icelandic Seafood Fest 8K Run, Newport News, VA

Ladies and Gentlemen, start your legs running!

by Jennifer Mark | June 11, 2010

This time of year is great for outdoor evening activities with the low temperatures staying in the 70’s these days.  So, if you are looking for something fun and rewarding to do on a Saturday evening, why not participate in the very first Icelandic Seafood Fest 8K Run held on June 19^th, 2010.  It’s an event for all levels of runners and walkers that the whole family can enjoy together.  The big prize …

The Hamptons Golf Course, Hampton, VA

Woods, Lakes, and Links, Oh My!

by Jennifer Mark | June 07, 2010

It’s close to that time of year again when people are starting to think of things to do with dear old Dad.  If he’s a lover of that frustrating, infuriating, unforgiving, but other than that, completely satisfying sport called golf, then he might just like The Hamptons Golf Course on his big day coming up on June 20th.

The Hamptons Golf Course has three nine-hole courses, the Woods, the …

Huntington Beach, Newport News, VA

One happening beach on the Virginia Peninsula!

by Jennifer Mark | June 04, 2010

The other day my family and I were coming back from an out of town camping trip and as we were nearing the end of the James River Bridge on the Newport News side of the river I could see that Huntington Beach, just at the foot of the bridge on our left, was one happening beach!  It was packed with people enjoying the sun and sand on the shores of the James River, …

The Chamberlin, Hampton, VA

Celebrate your marriage in the grand splendor of The Chamberlin!

by Jennifer Mark | May 31, 2010

Every girl dreams of her wedding day being an elegant and unforgettable event for not only the bride and groom, but for family members and guests as well.  So, the choice of where to get married and where to host the reception is of paramount importance to the wedding planning process.  It is almost as important as finding that perfect wedding dress!  The historic Chamberlin in Hampton, Virginia is the ideal location if you …

Hayashi Sushi and Grill, Newport News, VA

Enjoy an elegant evening and expand the horizons of your taste buds!

by Jennifer Mark | May 27, 2010

Much to my surprise, about the time my son turned ten he developed a taste for sushi without even the benefit of being in a family that served many Asian dishes, or anything that closely resembled sushi!  I’m not exactly sure how this happened since we had never been to any sushi restaurants either, but he wanted to get some sushi more than anything else.  So, we started trying out various sushi restaurants in Newport …

Virginia Living Museum, Newport News, VA

Explore Native Virginia Plants and Wildlife!

by Jennifer Mark | May 24, 2010

Any visit to Newport News or the surrounding area would not be complete without a visit to the Virginia Living Museum.  As its name suggests, there is nothing static about this museum at all.  There are a multitude of live exhibits featuring animals, sea creatures, and plant specimens at this museum representing the native animals and plants of Virginia. 

To showcase the diversity of Virginia from the mountains to the Atlantic coast, there …

Newport News Greek Festival Spring 2010, Newport News, VA

A taste of Greece right here in Newport News, VA!

by Jennifer Mark | May 20, 2010

Every spring I always look forward to the Newport News Greek Festival held at the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church.  The Greek food and dance performances at this festival are some of the best you will find this side of the Atlantic.   This year the festival is from June 3^rd- 6^th so it is not too early to start planning a visit to Newport News that includes a visit (or two!) to …

Yorktown Beach, Yorktown, VA

A Memorial Day Favorite – Summer Fun at the Yorktown Beach!

by Jennifer Mark | May 17, 2010

With Memorial Day just around the corner, thoughts of sandy beaches and sun-tanned bodies might be floating through your head.  If you are looking to get away from the bigger beach scene, but still want to enjoy the water and the warmth of the summer rays, the Yorktown Beach next to the RiverWalk Landing section of historic Yorktown might be just what you want. 

This is a small beach nestled on the …

Port Warwick Farmers’ Market, Newport News, VA

Get some fresh local produce at the Farmer’s Market in Newport News!

by Jennifer Mark | May 14, 2010

If you are visiting Newport News and you happen to be in town on a Wednesday morning, be sure to visit the Port Warwick Mid-Week Farmer’s Market.  The market is open from 8am to 1pm every Wednesday morning from mid May through December.  It is located at Styron Square in the Port Warwick area of Newport News, a relatively newer upscale area of Newport News centered on the square. Port Warwick is located …

Newport News Park, Newport News, VA

Go camping and be proud of it!

by Jennifer Mark | May 10, 2010

It’s that time of year again!  When the bugs come out again and so do the tents and RVs, except that RVs aren’t really susceptible to the bugs or the temperature, so maybe it’s just that time of year for camping!  What with Memorial Day just around the corner, it’s time to start planning a family camping trip and Newport News Park is the perfect place to go.

The Newport News Park campground …

The Pub, Hampton, VA

An English Pub on Steroids!

by Jennifer Mark | May 07, 2010

I’ve pub hopped my way into and out of many pubs in London and in various parts of Ireland, and I will have to say that The Pub in Hampton, VA has really captured the look and feel of a bloody genuine British pub!  In fact, the beer selection at The Pub surpasses most beer selections in the pubs I frequented in England and Ireland.  The “Beverage Bible” is quite extensive and includes …

Naya Spa Sanctuary, Newport News, VA

Invigorate your body and soul at this Newport News City Center Spa!

by Jennifer Mark | May 03, 2010

Soothe your soul and relax your spirit at the Naya Spa Sanctuary in Newport News. What better way is there to fully unwind and melt away the stresses of your everyday life than spending a day at the spa?  The Naya Spa Sanctuary is a perfect retreat for individuals and couples to rejuvenate their mind, body, and soul while on vacation. 

The Naya Spa Sanctuary is a holistic day spa where all …

Travel Guide to Newport News

Why you should visit Newport News!

by Jennifer Mark | April 29, 2010

Situated on the Virginia Peninsula, Newport News and the surrounding area is centrally located to many attractions, making it an ideal destination for any length of vacation, be it a short weekend getaway or a longer family vacation.  There are historic sites to visit, parks and nature trails to enjoy the splendor of the outdoors, and museums to quench your thirst for knowledge.  And, as you'd expect for any worthwhile travel destination, there is a …

Newport News Marriott at City Center, Newport News, VA

A hotel located at the heart of Newport News!

by Jennifer Mark | April 28, 2010

One of the best places to stay during any visit to Newport News is the Newport News Marriot at City Center. It's located in City Center at Oyster Point, a newly developed district comprised of retail shops, restaurants, apartments, condominiums, and office buildings. The Marriott is located just off the City Center Fountain Plaza, the centerpiece of this area of Newport News, and just a few steps away from a variety …

Smokin’ Joe’s Bar-B-Que, Yorktown, VA

Serving some of the tastiest BBQ on the Virginia Peninsula!

by Jennifer Mark | April 26, 2010

Are you craving something meaty and mouth-watering?  Well, look no further than Smokin’ Joe’s Bar-B-Que, which cooks its BBQ the old-fashioned way.  They start with fresh lean pork, beef, or poultry, apply their special rub to it, and slowly smoke it at a low temperature using hickory wood.  The result is luscious, smoke-flavored meat that will be sure to satisfy the hunger of anyone!

Smokin’ Joe’s also offers a variety of sauces …

Fort Fun in Huntington Park, Newport News, VA

A fantastic way to let your kids run free!

by Jennifer Mark | April 22, 2010

Update July 2010:  Fort Fun is currently being torn down and rebuilt.  It should be open again in the Fall of 2010.

Located on the shores of the James River, Fort Fun is the best place in town to let your kids run and scamper freely for as long as you like.  It is a wooden structure, reminiscent of colonial forts, that has all kinds of nooks and crannies in it for your child …

Langley Speedway, Hampton, VA

The roaring sounds of spring mean fun for the whole family on the Virginia Peninsula!

by Jennifer Mark | April 19, 2010

For most people, the signs of spring include flowers blooming in your yard, pollen covering your car, warmer temperatures, and thoughts of getting outdoors.  For me, one sign of spring has always been the sound of racecars roaring in the distance. It’s the men and women who race at the Langley Speedway, practicing before the official races that begin in early April.

The Langley Speedway is located in Hampton, Virginia, right across …

The CrabShack Seafood Restaurant, Newport News, VA

If you are hungry for some seafood, this is the place to go in Newport News!

by Jennifer Mark | April 16, 2010

Positioned on the shores of the James River, right next to the James River Bridge, is the CrabShack Seafood Restaurant.  It is a casual dining restaurant offering a myriad of fresh and delectable shellfish and seafood.   The menu includes raw bar items, a nice selection of appetizers, burgers and sandwiches, and an entrees section comprised of house specialties and fresh catch items.

I have tried many items on their menu and have …