ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS
Annual Charity Event
1st: Chesapeake Academy Community Oyster Roast
107 Steamboat Rd., Irvington, ChesapeakeAcademy.org, 804-438-5575
The proceeds from this all-inclusive, all-you-can-eat-event support financial assistance and programs for local students at Chesapeake Academy. You’ll find everything from raw oysters to hotdogs with music and a festival atmosphere at the event, and all members of the community are welcome.
2nd: The King’s Daughters’ Breakfast with Santa, Norfolk, KingsDaughters.org, 757-669-7098
3rd: Smithfield VA Bacon & Bourbon Fest, SmithfieldVAEvents.com, 757-357-5182
BOV20_Living_and_recreation
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Art Event
1st: An Occasion for the Arts
104 N. Boundary St., Williamsburg, AOFTA.org, 757-565-7585
Every October, more than 145 artists gather along two blocks of historic Duke of Gloucester Street for one of the largest art shows in the area. Showcasing visual, performing, and youth arts, the event attracts many local patrons, as well as people who travel to see it each year.
2nd: Boardwalk Art Show, Virginia Beach, VirginiaMOCA.org, 757-425-0000
3rd: Gloucester Arts Festival, GloucesterArtsFestival.com, 804-824-9401
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
Art Gallery
1st: RAL Art Center
19 N. Main St., Kilmarnock, RALArtCenter.com,
804-436-9309
The RAL Art Center began life as the Rappahannock Art League in 1949, when three friends decided to form a group that would bring creative opportunities and education to the rural Northern Neck. Now a nonprofit cooperative art center, RAL represents more than 50 local artists and offers educational workshops to the community.
2nd: Arts on Main, Gloucester, GloucesterArts.org, 804-824-9464
3rd: At Altitude Gallery, Cape Charles, AtAltitudeGallery.com, 757-394-9200
Museum
1st: Chrysler Museum of Art
1 Memorial Pl., Norfolk, Chrysler.org, 757-664-6200
The museum originally opened in 1933 as the Norfolk Museum of Arts and Sciences. An impactful gift from automotive heir Walter P. Chrysler of more than 10,000 works of art led to its new name. Modern and contemporary art can be found in the gallery alongside glass, photography, and decorative pieces.
2nd: Virginia Living Museum, Newport News, TheVLM.org, 757-595-1900
3rd: The Mariners’ Museum and Park, Newport News, MarinersMuseum.org, 757-596-2222
Historic Site
1st: Colonial Williamsburg
101 Visitors Center Dr., Williamsburg, ColonialWilliamsburg.org, 888-965-7254
Colonial Williamsburg was founded in 1926 when Rev. Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin asked John D. Rockefeller Jr. to help restore the town to its original state. It took six years to get the first building open to the public, and since then it has grown into the living museum that it is today.
2nd: Stratford Hall, Stratford, StratfordHall.org, 804-493-8038
3rd: Historic Jamestowne, Jamestown, HistoricJamestowne.org, 757-856-1250
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
Tourist Attraction
1st: Colonial Williamsburg
101 Visitors Center Dr., Williamsburg, ColonialWilliamsburg.org, 855-296-6627
With more than 600 reconstructed original buildings, two world-class museums, and an extensive educational outreach program, Colonial Williamsburg gives you many reasons to return. From historic taverns, lodging, and shopping to fife and drum drills and horse-drawn carriage rides, there is something for everyone in Virginia’s 18th-century capital.
2nd: Cape Charles Beach, Cape Charles, CapeCharlesVirginiasCape.com, 757-331-3259
3rd: Jamestown Settlement, Williamsburg, HistoryIsFun.org, 757-253-4838
Food or Drink Festival
1st: Urbanna Oyster Festival
45 Cross St., Urbanna, UrbannaOysterFestival.com, 804-758-0368
Founded 63 years ago, this annual event provides cultural, educational, and recreational events for the enjoyment of the community. While celebrating the bivalve, the festival also includes the coronation of the Queen and Little Miss Spat and their court, two parades, an antique auto show, and many local artists.
2nd: Norfolk Greek Festival, NorfolkGreekFestival.com, 757-440-0500
3rd: Stratford Hall Annual Wine & Oyster Festival, Stratford, StratfordHall.org, 804-493-8038
Non-Food Festival
1st: Neptune Festival
265 Kings Grant Rd., Virginia Beach, NeptuneFestival.com, 757-488-0215
Spread out over 32 blocks with more than 40 events planned for the weekend, the festival helps support the city of Virginia Beach and local nonprofits. Visitors can taste wine by the ocean, attend free concerts, watch the sand sculpture competition, and visit the vendors and food stands up and down the boardwalk.
2nd: Norfolk Harborfest, FestEvents.org, 757-441-2345
3rd: Boardwalk Art Show, Virginia Beach, VirginiaMOCA.org, 757-425-0000
Historic Theater
1st: Kimball Theater
428 W. Duke of Gloucester St., Williamsburg, Kimball.WM.edu, 800-249-0179
In 1933, the Kimball Theater opened with the help of John D. Rockefeller Jr., who had just finished construction on another theater, Radio City Music Hall. Although smaller than its New York counterpart, the Kimball Theater soon became a central hub for Williamsburg. The theater was recently acquired by the College of William & Mary.
2nd: Historic Palace Theater, Cape Charles, PalaceTheatreCapeCharles.com, 757-331-4327
3rd: Naro Expanded Cinema, Norfolk, NaroCinema.com, 757-625-6276
Music Venue
1st: Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
3550 Cellar Door Way, Virginia Beach, VirginiaBeachAmphitheater.com, 757-368-3000
With 7,500 seats and 12,500 general admission lawn seats, this amphitheater has hosted performers such as Bruce Springsteen, the Dave Matthews Band, and the Spice Girls and continues to provide quality entertainment. Upcoming shows include Kenny Chesney, Alanis Morissette, Hall and Oates, and the Backstreet Boys.
2nd: The NorVa, Norfolk, TheNorVa.com, 757-627-4547
3rd: Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News, FergusonCenter.org, 757-594-8752
Professional/Regional Performing Arts Company
1st: Lancaster Players
361 Chesapeake Dr., White Stone, LancasterPlayers.org, 804-435-3776
The Lancaster Players began in 1970 as a group of mothers who wanted to bring creative, educational fun to children in their community. Since then, the players—who are all strictly volunteers—have produced theater for the whole family, including three premier works written by members of their community.
2nd: The Westmoreland Players, Callao, WestmorelandPlayers.org, 804-529-9345
3rd: Williamsburg Players, Williamsburg, WilliamsburgPlayers.org, 757-229-0431
Entertainment Center for Adults
1st: Topgolf
5444 Greenwich Rd., Virginia Beach, Topgolf.com, 757-544-9217
Attracting both avid golfers and folks who have never even touched a club, Topgolf is the place to go for a unique blend of golf, food, drinks, and socialization. It features three floors of climate-controlled hitting bays so guests can play against their friends and family year-round.
2nd: Axe Republic, Williamsburg, AxeRepublic.com, 757-808-5397
3rd: Dave & Buster’s, Virginia Beach, DaveAndBusters.com, 757-785-3500
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
TRAVEL
Air Charter Service
1st: Martinair at Norfolk International Airport
6101 Burton Station Rd., Norfolk, FlyMartinair.com, 800-777-7401
With only one jet, Martinair began offering private air charter to the public in 1986. Over 34 years of business, its fleet grew to 15, and it now offers more flights than ever. With its unparalleled flight crew and master mechanics, the charter service also holds numerous safety records.
2nd: Coastal Sky Taxi, Topping, CoastalSkyTaxi.com, 804-436-3128
3rd: Jet Air Charter, Chesapeake, JetAirCharter.net, 757-630-7607
Bed & Breakfast
1st: Hope & Glory Inn
65 Tavern Rd., Irvington, HopeAndGlory.com, 804-438-6053
Located on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, this boarding school turned bed and breakfast offers guest beautiful landscapes and accommodations. It offers luxury rooms as well as individual cabins, and guests can enjoy massages and other treatments at the spa or sit by the pool.
2nd: Kilmarnock Inn, Kilmarnock, KilmarnockInn.com, 804-435-0034
3rd: Bay Haven Inn of Cape Charles, BayHavenInnBnB.com, 757-331-2838
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
Hotel
1st: Cavalier Hotel
4200 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach, CavalierHotel.com, 757-425-8555
Born of the Big Band era, this hotel has hosted 10 presidents and many local icons over the years. Set atop one of the highest hills overlooking the Atlantic, the Cavalier provides its guests with immaculate views as well as opulent amenities, including a spa and an in-house distillery.
2nd: Hotel Cape Charles, Cape Charles, HotelCapeCharles.com, 757-695-3854
3rd: Smithfield Station Hotel, Smithfield, SmithfieldStation.com, 877-703-7701
Resort
1st: The Tides Inn
480 King Carter Dr., Irvington, TidesInn.com, 877-665-5977
Since opening its doors in 1947, the Tides Inn has built a name for itself as the “Virginia Family Resort.” Atop its private peninsula, the inn provides beautiful views for its guest as they enjoy everything from spa treatments to kayaking on the Chesapeake Bay and some of the finest seafood in the state.
2nd: Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg, ColonialWilliamsburgHotels.com, 855-231-7240
3rd: Kingsmill Resort, Williamsburg, Kingsmill.com, 800-832-5665
PETS
Dog Park
1st: Town of Kilmarnock Scottie Yard Dog Park
105 N. Main St., Kilmarnock, KilmarnockVA.com, 804-436-1552
Open daily from dusk to dawn, this dog park offers pets and their owners a clean, safe place to run and play. The park has everything needed for a fun day, including separate yards for smaller and larger dogs, waste bags, and water.
2nd: Ironbound Park, Williamsburg, JamesCityCountyVa.gov, 757-259-5360
3rd: Windsor Castle Park, Smithfield, WindsorCastlePark.com, 757-542-3109
Dog Training Company
1st: Off Leash K9 Training
2044 Exploration Way, Hampton, VirginiaBeachDogTrainers.com, 888-909-6026
Off Leash K9 Training began as a passion project in the owner’s backyard. With a mission to develop the relationship between its clients and their dogs, the service continues to grow into one of the largest dog training companies in the nation. Its most popular service is its two-week board and train program.
2nd: Canine Obedience Training, Virginia Beach, Dog-School.biz, 757-427-2292
3rd: Endless Pawsibilities K9, Suffolk, EndlessPawsibilitiesK9.com, 757-342-0782
Pet Boarding/Day Care
1st: Bayside Pet Emporium
80 Whisk Dr., White Stone, BaysidePetEmporium.com, 804-435-3548
Founded alongside Bayside Animal Hospital by Dr. LaMance Joyce, the Bayside Pet Emporium offers day care, boarding, grooming, and retail items for the four-legged creatures in our lives. The caring atmosphere and the fact that the staff treats each furry visitor like they would their own keeps its community coming back for more.
2nd: 4 Leggers Daycare, Boarding and Grooming, Irvington, Facebook.com/4LeggersNnk, 804-577-4280
3rd: Great Neck Doggie Day Care, Virginia Beach, GreatNeckDoggieDayCare.com, 757-416-5289
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
Veterinary Hospital
1st: Hartfield Animal Hospital
10948 General Puller Hwy., Hartfield, HartfieldAnimalHospital.com, 804-776-9219
This group of highly trained, experienced animal lovers is devoted to giving their patients the best care possible. Its services include preventative medicine, acute and chronic disease treatment, parasite control, acupuncture, and an on-site laboratory for testing.
2nd: Bayside Animal Hospital, White Stone, AnimalHospitalBayside.com, 804-435-2896
3rd: Heathsville Animal Hospital, Facebook.com/HeathsvilleAnimalHospital, 804-580-5135
KIDS
Day Care or Preschool
1st: Northern Neck Family YMCA
39 William B. Graham Ct., Kilmarnock, YMCAVP.org, 804-435-0223
The staff at Northern Neck YMCA believes that early childhood should be a time of fun, warmth, security, exploring, and discovery. The preschool’s age-appropriate, play-based curriculum is built on those fundamentals, allowing children to explore and examine their world while offering challenging activities in all developmental areas.
2nd: Norfolk Collegiate, NorfolkCollegiate.org, 757-480-2885
3rd: The Kensington School, Williamsburg, TheKensingtonSchool.com, 757-645-2047
K-12 Independent School
1st: Chesapeake Academy
107 Steamboat Rd., Irvington, ChesapeakeAcademy.org, 804-438-5575
Serving a diverse population, this school provides a safe and nurturing environment for all students to develop academically, emotionally, and socially. It is a leader in pre-kindergarten to eighth grade education with an individualized, creative approach designed to engage students in their learning. The school opened a new Arts and Innovation Hub in September 2019.
2nd: Aylett Country Day School, Bruington, ACDSPatriots.net, 804-443-3214
3rd: St. Margaret’s School, Tappahannock, SMS.org, 804-443-3357
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
Summer Camp
1st: Chanco on the James
394 Floods Dr., Spring Grove, Chanco.org, 888-724-2626
More than 620 campers call Chanco home during the summer, excited to sail, tube, and kayak on the James River. While the waterfront location lends itself to water sports, campers can also practice their archery skills and swing on a ropes course, among many other exciting outdoor activities.
2nd: Chesapeake Academy Summer Camp, Irvington, ChesapeakeAcademy.org, 804-438-5575
3rd: YMCA/APYC Camp Kekoka, Kilmarnock, PeninsulaYMCA.org, 804-435-3616
Birthday Party Place
1st: Busch Gardens
1 Busch Gardens Blvd., Williamsburg, BuschGardens.com, 757-229-4386
Just a few miles away from Colonial Williamsburg lies a gateway across the Atlantic. Busch Gardens takes you on a trip to some of Europe’s most famous cities that is fun for the whole family. New for 2020, the park welcomes Pantheon, a coaster with two inversions, four launches, and a 95-degree drop.
2nd: Great Wolf Lodge, Williamsburg, GreatWolf.com, 757-229-9700
3rd: Rebounderz Adventure Park, Newport News, Rebounderz.com/City/Newport-News, 757-468-5867
Family Entertainment
1st: Busch Gardens
1 Busch Gardens Blvd., Williamsburg, BuschGardens.com, 757-229-4386
While known for its large coasters and fast rides, Busch Gardens has much more to offer. Take in a show or visit the park’s numerous animal exhibits. Even just walking around and taking in the scenery is worth the trip—Busch Gardens has been voted the one of the most beautiful theme parks year after year.
2nd: Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, ColonialWilliamsburg.org, 888-965-7254
3rd: Belle Isle State Park, Lancaster, DCR.Virginia.gov, 804-462-5030
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
Playground
1st: Kilmarnock Town Centre Park
150 N. Main St., Kilmarnock, KilmarnockVa.com, 804-435-1552
Built in 2017, this park is a place to gather and enjoy. Kids have plenty of room to run, and in the summer they can play in a splash pad, too. The park also offers picnic areas, a dog park, and free concerts during the warmer months.
2nd: Kidsburg, Williamsburg, JamesCityCountyVa.gov, 757-259-5360
3rd: Central Park, Cape Charles, CapeCharlesVirginiasCape.com, 757-331-3259
OUTDOORS & ACTIVE
Dance Studio
1st: Bayside Youth Ballet
6750 Main St., Gloucester, BaysideYouthBallet.com, 804-694-5900
Debbie Diggs founded this studio in the fall of 1992 to provide young dancers with enhanced instruction and performance opportunities. The studio performs full-length ballets as well as excerpts of the classics. A class called Danspiration helps build strength, confidence, and imagination in each dancer.
2nd: Diggs School of Dance, Gloucester, DiggsDance.com, 804-694-5900
3rd: Broadway Dance Arts, Williamsburg, BroadwayDanceWilliamsburg.com, 757-259-2253
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
Golf Course
1st: Bay Creek Resort & Club
1 Clubhouse Way, Cape Charles, BayCreek.net, 757-331-8620
Golfers get the unique chance to pick between playing on a Nicklaus or Palmer course each time they visit this club. Up to 27 fairways wind through some of the most scenic holes found in eastern Virginia. Golfers travel from around the state to play on these beautiful courses.
2nd: Golden Eagle Golf Course, Irvington, TidesInn.com, 804-438-4460
3rd: Piankatank River Golf Course, Hartfield, PRGCGolf.com, 804-776-6516
Gym or Fitness Studio
1st: Northern Neck Family YMCA
39 William B. Graham Ct., Kilmarnock, YMCAVP.org, 804-435-0223
With a large selection of group classes and a diverse assortment of equipment to ensure a well-rounded work out, Northern Neck YMCA provides everything you need to stay healthy and active. With low membership prices and friendly staff, this gym prides itself on being open to anyone.
2nd: Bodyfit, White Stone, BodyfitVa.com, 804-436-2214
3rd: InsideOut Yoga, White Stone, InsideOutYoga.org, 804-436-2204
Hiking or Biking Trail
1st: Kiptopeke State Park
3540 Kiptopeke Dr., Cape Charles, DCR.Virginia.gov, 757-331-2267
From its location on the Eastern Shore, this park offers recreational access to the Chesapeake Bay and the chance to explore a unique coastal habitat. Explored by Capt. John Smith in 1608, the park contains over five miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as amenities for overnight guests.
2nd: Noland Trail, Newport News, MarinersMuseum.org, 757-596-2222
3rd: Yorktown Battlefield Colonial National Park, Yorktown, NPS.gov, 757-898-2410
Park
1st: First Landing State Park
2500 Shore Dr., Virginia Beach, DCR.Virginia.gov, 757-412-2300
Built between 1933 and 1942, the park’s mission is to conserve the natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources of the Commonwealth. Explore one of the 10 trails throughout the park or swim along the beaches of the bay. Fishing and crabbing are allowed with a valid Virginia saltwater fishing license.
2nd: Belle Isle State Park, Lancaster, DCR.Virginia.gov, 804-462-5030
3rd: Westmoreland State Park, Montross, DCR.Virginia.gov, 804-493-8821
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
Marina
1st: Cape Charles Town Harbor & Marina,
11 Marina Rd., Cape Charles, CapeCharlesHarbor.com, 757-331-2357
Not only does this marina provide access to the water for boaters, kayakers, and fishermen, but it’s also a working harbor. With watermen who bring in fresh catches everyday and sell them to local restaurants, life in Cape Charles is made better by everything this marina has to offer.
2nd: The Tides Inn Chesapeake Bay Marina, Irvington, TidesInn.com, 804-438-5000
3rd: Merrimac Shores Marina, Hampton, Facebook.com/MerrimacShores, 757-285-5065
