When we first began traveling with my husband’s job, we spent a week in Tennessee, before quickly moving on to Virginia Beach. We spent the next year and a half split between working in the Virginia Beach area and spending our time at home in Ohio. During our stay in the Historic Triangle, we visited as many free and low cost attractions that we could find. I stopped at every visitor’s center along our route and asked what attractions they had nearby that would appeal to a family interested in history and natural outings, not the typical commercial attractions they would normally recommend. I also asked the front desk employee's at every hotel we stayed at the same question. Often I was told to visit the mall, the zoo, the aquarium, etc. but occasionally, someone would recommend a real treasure to us and away we’d go, thrilled to have found something out of the ordinary. It’s not that we don’t like commercial attractions, it's just we weren't on vacation and like many families that live paycheck to paycheck, we had to watch every penny. Besides, I’ve found that the more money we spend on an activity, the higher the chances are that we will be disappointed. If it’s free and you had an awful time, oh well, what are you out? I can honestly say that I can’t remember ever having an awful time on any of our outings, but some have been, ummmm, interesting…
If you're planning a trip to the Tidewater area this summer, I've included some attractions that you may be interested in. But to start with, you may want to look over the Virginia Time Traveler website. The focus for this year's program is Stories of the Nation, famous authors and poets. The program started March 1st and runs until December 1, it is free to participate and easy to get started. Follow the link above, download your passport from the website and begin to visit attractions from the list provided. As you stop by each of the museums and historic site, tell them you are participating in the Time Traveler program and have them stamp the passport. When your child has accumulated six stamps, they will receive an official Time Traveler certificate signed by the governor of Virginia. If two of those sites happened to be on the Stories of the Nation list, your child will also receive an iron-on badge featuring the current year’s theme. Some destinations will even offer discounts when you present the passport so keep it in your glove box so you’ll be sure to have it on hand. Not planning a trip to the area but interested in the program? They now offer a virtual program. Just visit the websites, research the attraction and have your child write an essay that can be mailed in with the passport by Dec. 15th, 2009.
Here is a partial list of attractions that we visited while in the area. I haven’t included a ton of information about the attractions because if I did so, this post would be never ending. But, if you’re interested in something you see here, I’ve included links to the websites- just click on the larger black typed word- and feel free to post a comment or email me if you have any questions.
Bacon's Castle, Surry The home and grounds were the stage for Bacon’s Rebellion in the 1600’s, an uprising against the Colonial government. We all enjoyed this tour. Your admission to this Jacobean style home with an unusual triple staircase includes a guided tour of the home and self guided tour of the grounds. Unfortunately, it rained the day we were there so we didn’t spend any time outside. There was brief mention of ghosts and haunting but this was not lingered on.
Berkeley Plantation, Charles City One of the few plantations that have remained open for tours along the James River. Fee
Cape Henry Lighthouse, Virginia Beach We did not tour the lighthouse, but did drive on Fort Story military base which was exciting enough for the boys who were in awe of the soldiers. You will need ID to enter the base and your vehicle may be searched.
Cape Henry Memorial, Virginia Beach This is also on Fort Story. This is where the English settlers first landed on their way to Jamestown. There is a cross and several monuments as a memorial. Although this is listed on the National Parks pages, you won't find a visitors center or any facilities. We packed a lunch when we visited and flew kites on the beach.
First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach Very nice visitor’s center featuring both historic content and a science side focusing on the ocean. Ask about the scavenger hunt. They also offer free park programs in the summer that were really great. We learned how to go crabbing here. We spent a lot of time swimming here, it is more family friendly than VB plus, Chelsea found tons of beach glass for her collection. Across the street there is another visitor’s center and hiking/bike trails. Very nice. There is a parking fee and camping is available.
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel You will find the bridge either thrilling or terrifying, but you must see this famous landmark. In the middle of the bridge there is a stop with a restaurant where you can get out and enjoy the view, take pictures and smash a penny in the gift shop. If you homeschool, you may be interested to know that there is a video available on the construction of the bridge that my kids found fascinating, possibly by A&E or the History Channel. You can do a search at your library or try the interlibrary loan. It cost us around $20 to cross the bridge.
Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge, Northampton County Located on the Eastern Shore, right after you exit the bridge. Very nice.
Turner Sculpture, Onancock On the way to Assateague Island, This was one of our favorite impromptu stops, thanks to our questions at the visitor’s center. We asked for a tour and they gave us one that was amazing. The sculptures are magnificent! If you don't want to tour the factory, at least stop and view the gallery. Free.
Assateague Island National Seashore, Chincoteague Make sure you read Misty of Chincoteague before you go! You will see wild horses! Jr. Ranger program. An audio tour of Chincoteague is available in the Visitor’s Center.
Wallops Flight Facility Visitors Center, near Chincoteague Island Worth a visit. Ask about the scavenger hunt and if they have any programs for children (this varies). Free.
Hampton Roads Naval Museum, Norfolk Don't miss! Free! The museum is often manned by sailors serving in the US Navy.
USS Wisconsin, Norfolk Don't miss! Free! Some of the volunteers actually served on this ship in WWII.
MacArthur Memorial, Norfolk Don't miss! Free, donations accepted. This is an awesome memorial, start with the movie before moving on to the museum exhibits.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Norfolk Fun and Free. In 1776, Lord Dunmore fired his cannons on city of Norfolk from his ship in the bay. The cannonball lodged in the church was and is still visible today. Though we stopped to see the cannonball, we loved looking at the old tombstones. A word of caution, the crypts are cracking and you will be able to see bones if you look closely. Make sure you take the time to read to beautiful epitaphs and inscriptions. Free.
Historic St. Luke’s Church, Benn’s Church Quaint, historic, country church. Free.
Historic Jamestown We chose to go here vs. the more commercial Jamestown Settlement and we were not disappointed. We were there before the 400th anniversary, I know they have added exhibits since. A highlight for us was the glass blowing demonstration, don't miss it. I would suggest visiting the Cape Henry Memorial, First Landing and then Historic Jamestown. An easy Jr. Ranger program is offered. You may consider purchasing a National Parks pass if you are also planning to visit Yorktown and Assateague Island National Seashore. Fee.
Old Coast Guard Station, Virginia Beach We did a field trip here with another family and it was one of our favorites. We learned about ship wrecks and the Virginia Beach area during WWII. Very inexpensive and worth the visit. I have a funny story about this one.
Mt. Trashmore, Virginia Beach A fun stop to play. Our temporary apartment was only about a mile away so we enjoyed playing here.
False Cape State Park, Virginia Beach We participated in some of the park programs in the spring/summer for kids at Sandbridge beach (preferred over VB). We also went on a bus ride through the park and saw feral pigs and learned so much from the naturalist on board that I thought my head would explode. Cost was $8 each for the twilight wildlife tour, and it was one of my favorite activities in Virginia. Just make sure you don't scrimp on the tick spray!
Riddick's Folly, Suffolk Another of our favorite stops. We learned about the Civil War (the home was occupied by soldiers) and Planter's Peanuts (began in Suffolk). They have a collection of G.A. Henty books on display on one of the bookshelves that I'd love to have in my collection. What is it about a homeschool mom and books? I can't help but take notice of them wherever I go. Donations accepted.
Seaboard Station Railway Museum, Suffolk Another fun stop. The volunteers are awesome here! Ask about the scavenger hunt. Free.
Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suffolk My kids thought cemeteries were creepy until we went here on a self guided walking tour (this is available at the Suffolk Visitor's Center). Very neat place to visit. The brochure also talks about the symbolism on the monuments, etc. Most memorable was the unmarked grave in the potter’s field where a lion tamer, killed in the line of duty when the circus visited the area, was laid to rest. Free.
Great Dismal Swamp, Suffolk This was a neat stop where we wanted to see bears in their natural environment. We drove to Lake Drummond which is on the property, but you do need a pass (free, you can pick this up at the visitors center). Educational material on the Great Dismal Swamp is available if you ask. I personally would not go back without my husband. Although we went with another family, and it is a famous birding and naturalist trail, I was not comfortable here and after we arrived, I prayed all the way that we wouldn't encounter any bears. It is beautiful though, depending on the time of year that you go through. Other times you will see why it is named the Great Dismal Swamp. Free.
The Suffolk Museum, Suffolk Small art museum that offers awesome, inexpensive art classes for kids in the summer. Free.
The Virginia Air and Space Center, Newport News I was hesitant to visit this museum since we've been to many space museums, but it was free with our ASTC reciprocal membership, so we decided to stop in. I'm very glad we made the effort, the museum is very nice and they were in the process of adding several exhibits while we were there two years ago. Definitely worth the visit.
The Virginia Living Museum, Newport News Excellent! Very nice.
The Virginia War Museum, Newport News Not free, but wonderful. My boys (husband included) loved this destination in Virginia. If you have any interest at all in America’s military and the wars we’ve been involved with, this is a must see.
Yorktown Battlefield, Yorktown Jr. Ranger program is offered. An audio tour is available. Start with the movie, and inside exhibits before touring the battlefield. Although this was very nice, we do not have good memories of our visit thanks to the Jr. Ranger program!:) Fee.
Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg You may not realize that you can visit Colonial Williamsburg for free, though some buildings will be inaccessible and special events and programs are off limits if you aren't wearing a pass. We found plenty to do inside Colonial Williamsburg several times before we broke down and purchased tickets, which double as an annual pass. Be sure to ask about discounts and be specific, a reduced rate will not be offered. When we were there I found out that homeschooler teachers can receive a 50% discount off their ticket cost, but that discount doesn’t' apply to homeschool students. Other discounts available are AAA and military. If you dress up before your visit, you're also likely to be included in many of the programs. If you plan to visit, make sure you do a bit of research so you are familiar with the programs that are offered each day. Some events only happen once a day so you don't want to miss out.
There you have it, some of the attractions that we visited in the Virginia Beach area. I'll probably write more about the highlights of our travels in future posts for now....Happy Traveling!
© 2009 Tonya Prater/Live the Adventure
Comments
Jun. 4, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by knechtslodge
I am so jealous! You guys have been to some really great places. I have always wanted to visit Viriginia. Dd especially wanted to visit after we read the Misty book. I enjoy so much reading about your adventures.
Diane
Jun. 6, 2009 - Hi Diane
Posted by ohiomom
Thanks for posting your comment. I hope one day you are able to visit Chincoteague! In the meantime, I hope you enjoy exploring your neck of the woods, Northern Georgia is beautiful...I had no idea! I wish we could've spent more time in that area. Have you been to Tallulah Gorge? I heard that it's breathtaking.
Blessings,
Tonya
Jun. 17, 2009 - Virginia Beach
Posted by Edna Karnes
Hey Tonya, wish I would have read your blog on VB before we went in June. Next time we'll have more to see and do there that's not so expensive!
Jun. 20, 2009 - Re: Virginia Beach
Posted by ohiomom
Hi Edna,
I'm so glad that you found me! Hey,anytime you go anywhere let me know. We haven't been everywhere, but if we have been I'll be happy to share some tips.:)
Blessings,
Tonya