Next up in our “5 Things” series in Hampton Roads – specifically Chesapeake, Virginia! Chesapeake is a popular suburb for families (to read more on where to live in the 757, click here), and after six months I can say we really enjoy it here.
Here are five places I’m loving right now:
Everbowl
It might be the weather or just my pregnancy cravings, but Everbowl’s acai bowls are amazing. The California-chain recently opened a location along Greenbrier Parkway and it does not disappoint. They offer nearly a dozen acai bowl variations, along with smoothies, coffee and other health snacks. Everbowl is the ultimate treat on a hot day and they even deliver!
Historic Greenbrier Farms
So far this summer my family has ventured to the Historic Greenbrier Farms twice, and we plan to visit more. The farm sits on the edge of Chesapeake and offers something for everyone. We enjoyed picking wildflowers, visiting the farm animals and poking around their outdoor nursery. Our toddler loved jumping on the outdoor bouncy houses and climbing the playground and tire sand pit. The farm also houses a great outdoor restaurant, The Hive, which serves delicious brunch and lunch options (we loved the blueberry chipotle farm bar wings and freshly-squeezed lemonade). The afternoon we visited there was live music and an outdoor vendor market. Don’t miss their farm stand, either!
Rock The Spectrum Gym
I’ve mentioned this play gym in another post, but our family has since become members and make weekly trips! We Rock The Spectrum is for all children focused on exercising and stimulating the seven senses through positive physical, emotional and social development. The gym includes suspended equipment with swings, crash mats and crash pillows, zip line, trampoline, climbing structure, sensory-based toys, arts and crafts area, calming room and a retail shop. The gym offers open play, classes and camps. The gym is perfect for our son who is sensory-seeking and tends to get overwhelmed by larger play places.
Cinema Cafe
I recently saw Barbie with a friend and this movie theater was beyond. Cinema Cafe has five locations around Hampton Roads, we ventured to the Edinburgh location in Chesapeake. The cinema offers traditional movie theater snacks (popcorn, candy), but also a full bar and dinner menu you can order from your reserved seat. Tickets range from $5-$9 (military discount).
Oak Grove Lake Park
If Mt. Trashmore is too far of a trip for you, Oak Grove Lake Park is a great local option in Chesapeake. The park sits on 157 acres and has a 1.5 mi trail surrounding the lake, with scenic open space, a playground, hardwood forest and wetlands. Picnic tables and benches are scattered along the trail, which provide a mixture of panoramic views of the lake as well as forested areas and wildlife. This park is surprisingly shady on hot days and great if you want a little power walk. Take note – the small parking lot can be full most days (don’t worry, there’s other parking lots nearby) and there are only porta-potties.
For more Hampton Roads area resources, click here.