Enjoying Tidewater and Chesapeake Bay

Tidewater and Chesapeake Bay is the area of Virginia where you’ll find the historic places of Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown. Other historic cities such as Hampton, Newport News, Portsmouth and Norfolk can also be visited. It’s also a great region to enjoy plenty of water activities in Virginia Beach, the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay.

Loaded with History

First of all, there’s the historic Jamestown, where ongoing archaeological digs have already produced more than one million artifacts. As we all know, this is the site of the first permanent English settlement in America.

Today, at Jamestown Settlement, in the outdoor areas are costumed interpreters portraying the lives in the 17th century and through films. A 30,000-square foot gallery has new exhibits about the relationship of the Powhatan Indians and the first African Americans in the colony. They also feature the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, it traces the route he took and its America’s first all water National Historic Trail.

Chesapeake Arboretum

The Chesapeake Arboretum is a 47-acre garden with a number of themed and demonstration gardens and possesses one of Virginia’s finest trail systems. It is located at 624 Oak Grove Rd., Chesapeake. The Arboretum won two 1999 Chesapeake Environmental Awards: The Adult Community Organizational Award, and the Mayor’s Outstanding Service Award. For information call 757.382.7060.

Great Bridge Lock Park

The Great Bridge Lock Park is the site for the yearly re-enactment of the historic Battle of the Bridge. It is located along the Intracoastal Waterway, just off Battlefield Blvd. The 19-acre park features two-lane boat ramp, picnic shelter, a foot trail, a large play area as well as fishing, crabbing area and the new observation beam. For information call 757.382.6411.

Endview Plantation

The Endview Plantation was built in 1769, and has its own share of ordeals of the three wars. It is a museum nowadays, but was used as a training ground in 1812 and served as a confederate captain’s house and a hospital during the civil war. Open Monday thru Saturday, 10am - 4pm, and Sunday, 1pm - 5pm. Closed on major holidays. It is located at 362 Yorktown Rd., Newport News.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is situated on over 8,000-acres of natural habitat and wildlife. The refuge features a beach, dunes, woodland, farm fields and marsh. There is a number of threatened and endangered species in the area including Loggerhead sea turtles, piping plovers, peregrine falcons and bald eagles. Activities such as fishing, hunting, bicycling and hiking are also available. It is located near Virginia Beach at 4005 Sandpiper Road. For information call 757.721.2412.

Every town and city in Virginia tells a story. Whether it’s a park, museum or plantation, each one played a role in history. It is a real learning experience to visit Virginia.