Aye Aye, Captain!

So many visitors travel from all over the world to the Tidewater Virginia area in search of some of the most inspiring tales of history ever told. With a location so rich in history, it is not surprising that not only is the ground we walk on full of rich history, but our food as well. And if you are looking for an historic American tale of the most inspiring, Captain George's Seafood Restaurant is just that. For over forty years, the restaurant has been a true show of American dreams and has done so with absolute perfection.

Beyond the strong history, the popularity has grown impressively. The restaurant itself has been visited by thousands of patrons from all over the world and they have helped spread the word of the phenomenal menu that Captain George's offers. Now Captain George's boasts an incredible sales average of one million pounds of crab legs per year.

If you haven't had a chance to visit this phenomenal local landmark and culinary delight, please be sure to stop into one of their four locations. Our location in the Tidewater Virginia area is home to two of those great locations - Virginia Beach and Williamsburg. Find out the great story of Captain George and try the amazing seafood items offered. Also, if you are going to be trying some of those famous crab legs, check out our video before you go!

Swinging Into Some Summer Fun

If you are in the area or are local and looking for some fun, Thursday marks the opening of a great new opportunity  for entertainment! Swingtime Salute: An On-Deck Revue opens at Nauticus! Nauticus is a wonderful, contemporary museum set right in the harbor of Norfolk that provides engaging and interactive experiences to showcase maritime history and education to all who visit. They have outdone themselves this time with a phenomenal display of engaging experience via their new production.


Premiering this week, get a new historical perspective on Navy life by experiencing a 40's era variety show created to be reminiscent of the show that our military members would have experienced during deployments from a time now gone. There will be retro-inspired numbers complete with glamorous performers accompanied by a live, on-stage band. A great experience for the whole family.


For more information including on ticketing, check out the Nauticus website. You can start by planning your visit the phenomenal museum including the Battleship Wisconsin, one of the largest battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy,  that is docked at the museum and which you are welcome to explore. Then, starting on Thursday, come on down and experience a little vintage fun with the Nauticus presentation of Swingtime Salute: An On-Deck Revue. 

Off to the Races!

Happy Derby Day! For those of you not celebrating Cinco de Mayo or looking for something to celebrate in addition to it, you are in luck! For some, Derby Day is just a day that a horse race occurs on. But for a good chunk of the country, it is a major holiday! 

So what makes it so special? Well, there is more to the race than just "the greatest two minutes in sports." The Kentucky Derby is the kick off and first of three races composing what is known as the Triple Crown. For horse racing fans, it's a pretty big deal. For the city of Louisville, Kentucky, Derby Day is the close of a nearly month long celebration that kicks includes the largest annual firework show in North America. Overall, its a huge event for sports fans, horse lovers, Kentuckians, and just fun loving citizens... 

Viewers of the race know that horse racing isn't the only draw. A substantial number of followers tune in just to see the hats worn by the attendees. For decades, wearing a Derby hat has been a huge part of the fun in attending the Derby. High fashion, giant hats, small fascinators, fun, traditional, and some just plain bizarre - these can all be found at Churchill Downs on race day. 

Enjoying the Derby isn't just for locals either. On Derby Day, towns and cities all across the country are home to hundreds of Derby parties. Whether restaurants or homes or other fun locations, Derby is a reason to celebrate and host a traditional Derby party. Although the degrees of formality vary from party to party, there are some things that are staples to celebrating. There are dozens of other specialty foods, games and other things that have been created over the years that chosen to be included in the Derby party agenda. But you will find that every party done right includes hats, mint juleps, and Derby Pie.

Sports, fashion, food and drink, and general festivities... How could anyone not love Derby! There is something for everyone! Feeling inspired to get in on the fun? Our very own, local Colonial Downs has a variety of activities going on today to participate in. Or you can throw your own Derby Party. For other upcoming race events and activities, check the Colonial Downs facebook page and website. There is plenty of fun still to be had this summer! 

Virginia is for Lovers... of History!

It's time for a little local pride, friends! Although lovers of vacation in general, our particular favorite is vacation to our own stomping ground aka the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. We also have great connections to Richmond and the DC area. According to US News, all three made the list of the 12 best U.S. Historic Destinations! Williamsburg (part of the Hampton Roads area) came in second, Washington, D.C. - third, and Richmond at eighth. So basically, that means not only is the state of Virginia generally as awesome as you can get, be we are a pinnacle in the story of our country. Now we are not saying Virginia is the best state ever, but... if you want to say that we would not disagree.

Now, while the list gives a good, concise description of each location, we want to take a minute to talk about how not only are the listed locations great, but some of the surrounding offering for historical greatness that can also be great stops on your history-charged vacation...

Williamsburg... Of course the name of the town is synonymous for visitors with the destination that is Colonial Williamsburg, but the town also offers a plethora of history right across the street at William & Mary. The university and its history plays a big role and will frequent conversation on your tour of Colonial Williamsburg. 

Just a dash up the road is also the historical treasure that is Jamestowne. Visit the reconstructed ships, wander through the replica village, check out the latest discoveries from the archeological dig, and visit the wonderful educational center. Rounding out the Historic Triangle is another quick jaunt to Yorktown. As well as another wonderful visitor center offering, see another great living history interpretation. 

Travel a bit west to #8 on their list and hit the great state capital, Richmond. But keep going a bit up the road and you are in Charlottesville and utopia for any fans of Thomas Jefferson. It is not only home to the University of Virginia, but also Jefferson's own house and architectural masterpiece Monticello. It is open for tours and a awe-inspiring experience. 

We know that technically we don't have any claim to D.C., but a) it is a convenient destination and close to other important destinations that technically qualify as Northern Virginia, but even saying that, we are at the epicenter of historical greatness and we are pretty proud. That leads us to mention the gem of a destination that is Alexandria. This city offers not only great hotels and shopping, but is home to the house George Washington as well as several other important historical houses and establishments. If you are going to spend time in the great capital of our nation, be sure to take a day to enjoy the delightful stop just across the river. 

Do you live in a destination that has a lot of history to offer? Do you have something you want to add to the list of great Virginia destinations? Let us know in the comments!