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Thursday, June 27, 2013

4th of July in Hampton Roads


Here in the historically enriched areas of Coastal Virginia, we take the fourth of July very seriously. In Hampton Roads specifically, there are dozens of festivals and fireworks shows from Williamsburg to the border of North Carolina. Whether you are from the area, or you’re visiting from out town, you have surely heard of some of the patriotic celebrations in Hampton Roads. From Colonial Williamsburg’s Independence Day Celebration to Virginia Beach’s Stars and Stripes Explosion, you won’t fall short of entertainment for the 4th of July!
Below are just a handful of places in the area that put on a great show. Be sure to check out all of them here.
 

Williamsburg, July 4: Celebrate the nation's birth in Colonial Williamsburg's Revolutionary City for their Independence Day Celebration. You can listen to a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, enjoy a picnic with family and friends and a performance by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.  Of course you can’t miss the dazzling display of fireworks. Come early and stay late!

TIME: 10:00am-9:30pm FREE to the public


Yorktown, July 4: Starting at 9:00am on July 4th, History Yorktown will be honoring America along the waterfront with a patriotic parade followed by its Independence Day celebration that evening. Make sure to stay for the patriotic entertainment on Riverwalk Landing at 8pm which leads into a spectacular fireworks show.

TIME: 9:00am-10:00pm FREE to the public
http://www.visityorktown.org/


Newport News, July 4: Check out the Stars in the Sky celebration at Victory Landing Park starting at 6:00pm. With a variety of food vendors, children’s activities, and rides, this promises to be a fun filled evening for the whole family. There is free parking and plenty of spectacular views to light up your 4th of July.

TIME: 6:00pm-10:00pm FREE to the public


Norfolk, July 4: Relax by the Elizabeth River in Town Point Park and enjoy the sounds of the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command Band. There will be no shortage of All American Fare to eat so make sure to bring the entire family. And don’t miss their extraordinary fireworks show starting at 9:30pm.

TIME: 5:00pm-10:00pm FREE to the public


Virginia Beach, July 4: Starting in the evening, the oceanfront is the place to be! There will be multiple live performances on different stages at the oceanfront as well as a fireworks show that will light up the ocean for miles. Don’t miss this spectacular celebration of what America is!

TIME: 7:00pm (on some streets) - 10:00pm FREE to the public


 

 

Thursday, May 23, 2013

The Boardwalk Art Show

The Boardwalk Art Festival has a long history in Virginia Beach. The festival started in 1952 with a small group of artists presenting their work. Today the festival showcases over 300 artists work from across the country and world!

The Boardwalk Art Festival is produced by the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and is a proud tradition and an asset to the community. Christie Kelly, who is the MOCA’s Art Show Director said, “Virginia Beach is fortunate to have such a reputable art show that brings work of really talented people from across the country. It’s a wonderful history to keep up.”

The Festival is not just a fun event to attend it’s for a good cause. The event serves as MOCA’s primary fundraiser. The money raised will go into various programs at MOCA such as; educational programs, gallery maintenance, and other projects that couldn’t be accomplished without funding.

While you are browsing through 13 blocks of art work, you can fuel up on food at culinary row. 20 vendors will be on hand preparing delicious dishes. If you need to quench your thirst, the beer and wine garden is sure to have something for you.

If it’s your first time attending, Christie suggests to “give yourself time to enjoy the event and make a day of it.”

Whether it’s your 1st time or your 50th time, there is always something new to see!
Highlights

 · 300 Artists displaying their work
 · The Chrysler Museums Mobile Glass Blowing Hotshop will be on site doing demonstrations
 · Public Art Activity – Artist Trading Cards
 · Father’s Day Tea Dance
 · Board Walk Beach Club: $99 gets you VIP access to special events catered  lunch,  private bathrooms, private seating area.
 · Beer and Wine Garden
 · 20 Food Vendors
 · Live Performances by the Rhondels, The 2nd Wind Jazz Band and several others.

Art Show Hours:
Thursday, June 13th noon-8pm (New Thursday Hours for 2013!)
Friday, June 14th 10am-6pm
Saturday, June 15th 10am-6pm
Sunday, June 16th 10am-5pm

For more information visit http://virginiamoca.org/outdoor-art-shows/boardwalk-art-show

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Cinco De Mayo in Hampton Roads


Cinco De Mayo is a day many in the U.S and certain regions of Mexico spend celebrating with food, drinks, family, and friends.
 
Hampton Roads has a variety of restaurants that will help you celebrate with delicious Mexican dishes and flavorful drinks. Here are the Vacation Channels top 4 places to spend the 5th of May.
 
1.Ole! Restaurante Mexicano- Located at 5191 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach. They will be offering specials on drinks and other menu items.
 
2. Pelons Baja Grill- Located at 738 W. 22nd St., Suite 15 Norfolk. They are offering .99 cent tacos and 3.00 margaritas! 
 
3. Plaza Azteca- Has numerous locations throughout the Peninsula but our favorites are 12099 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News or 1430 High Street, Williamsburg, VA . There will be live entertainment, giveaways and more! 
 
4. 3 Amigo’s- 3120 R, Kiln Creek Parkway, Yorktown. Stop in to enjoy $2 coronas and some great food.
 
Feel like staying in and having your own celebration at home? Try this quick and easy recipe for Enchiladas de Gringo.
  • 1 Rotisserie Chicken (original seasoning)                                                                           
  • 1 can of Green Chilies
  • 3- 4 cans of Green Enchilada Sauce
  • 1 Large white onion (chopped)
  • 1 pound bag shredded Mexican Cheese
  • 12 -10inch Flour tortillas 
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a medium baking dish.
  2. Fill each tortilla with equal amounts of chicken, cheese, onion, and green chilies reserving 1/4 cup cheese for topping. Roll tortillas to form enchiladas. Arrange enchiladas in the prepared baking dish. Cover with the enchilada sauce.
  3. Bake enchiladas 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Top with reserved cheese, and continue baking 5 minutes, until cheese is melted.

For a drink we suggest, 1800 The Ultimate Margarita, which can be found pre mixed and ready to go at liquor stores.
 
 

Friday, April 26, 2013

Mother's Day, Hampton Roads




Each May we celebrate the women who gave us life. Many people search for that perfect gift or restaurant to make this day extra special. Here is our list of places located throughout Hampton Roads that will help make Mother’s Day magical for that very special mom in your life.

Gifts
Bridget’s: Located at 1911 Colley Avenue in historic Ghent of Norfolk is a unique gift gallery. If you want to buy your mother something special that she will have forever, then you need to make a trip to Bridget’s. They offer some of the area’s finest selections of unique gifts, paintings by Bridget, jewelry, ceramics, house wares, and décor. They also have Mother’s Day cards available and will even gift wrap your purchase for free. Please follow Bridget’s on Facebook for year round information.

Boutique She She: For those mothers with original style, Boutique She She is the perfect place to find something unique. Specializing in distinctive and funky clothing, they have something your loved one will enjoy for years to come.

Quirks of Art:  Located in the Shops at High Street, this local store has distinctive offerings including handmade jewelry, pottery, painted glass, local art, clothing, and products from the Life is Good "Good Karma" store. All pieces are passionately handmade in America and are sure to bring a smile to your mother's face.

Salt Spa: Williamsburg's Salt Spa  is a great gift for mothers who enjoy relaxing. Purchase a gift certificate that allows your mom to sit and enjoy the only salt spa in Hampton Roads. Known for its respiratory and other wellness capabilities, this spa is unlike anything she has ever experienced before.

Viccellio Goldsmith: Located at Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown, the store features a variety of handmade jewelry. Master Goldsmith, Hank Viccellio, is available to create custom made pieces if you have something special in mind. However, at Viccellio Goldsmith the selection is so great, you'll likely find just what you're looking for.

Dining
The Chamberlin: They are offering a delicious Mother’s Day brunch in an elegant dining room with waterfront views of the Chesapeake Bay. Located in Hampton on Historic Fort Monroe it is sure to make for a memorable day.

Captain Georges’: Located in Williamsburg and Virginia Beach, Captain George’s offers an amazing dining experience for mom and her most important people. At Captain George’s you can feast on their all-you-can-eat seafood buffet that features over 70 items. The food is prepared fresh daily on the premises including everything from the homemade salads and dressings, to their secret seafood casserole recipes, to­­­ freshly baked desserts and authentic Greek pastries.

Opus 9: A wonderful setting to enjoy brunch with mom in Williamburg. They have a wonderful selection of offerings including a special Mother’s Day Brunch. Opus 9 is located in the New Town Shops on Main, which allows the guest of honor to do some shopping at the stores located throughout the area.

Fin Seafood :  Offering fresh and equisitley crafted dishes for the mothers who enjoy seafood and fine dining. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious Mother’s Day meal. They are located in the Port Warwick area of Newport News.

Fun
If you are looking to make a day of it, we suggest taking a beautiful scenic drive across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and stopping in at the Chatham Vineyards for a wine tasting. The winery family owned and operated by the Whener family and they boast a variety of Chardonnay’s, Merlot’s, and Cabernet Franc’s for you to sample. If you really want to get adventurous, you can try your hands at the Expedition’s Winery Kayak Tour and travel the waterways of the Eastern Shore and it’s best wineries.







Thursday, March 28, 2013

Easter Events in Hampton Roads




Easter is quickly approaching and there are plenty of fun activities throughout Coastal Virginia for the whole family to enjoy. Easter Bunny pictures and egg-hunts are taking place in every city in Hampton Roads so before heading to church on Easter Sunday, check out one of these great events to take in the spirit of the season.

For those readers with children, Easter can be a memorable time of your child's younger years. What better way to commemorate their Easter than with a photo taken with the Easter Bunny. Here is a list of places throughout Coastal Virginia to capture that moment:
           
              Lynnhaven Mall (Virginia Beach)
              March 8-30, 2013
              701 Lynnhaven Parkway Virginia Beach, VA 23452


              MacArthur Center (Norfolk)

              March 8-30, 2013
              300 Monticello Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510

              Chesapeake Square (Chesapeake) 

              March 16-18, 22-25, 29-30, 2013
              Chesapeake Square Mall 4200 Portsmouth Blvd, Chesapeake VA

              Pembroke Mall (Virginia Beach) 

              March 16-30, 2013
              Pembroke Mall 4554 Virginia Beach Blvd Virginia Beach, VA 23462


When thinking back on your childhood memories of Easter, chances are the egg-hunts are right up at the top of most-memorable. This year there are many different Easter Egg hunts taking place on a variety of dates. With so many choices, there really is no excuse to take your children to enjoy one of these events taking place in Coastal Virginia. Here is a list of some of the Easter Egg Hunts taking place this year:

  Easter Egg Hunt at Nauticus (Norfolk) 
  March 30, 2013 from 8:30-9:30am
  Cost: $10 per family (up to 6 people). Nauticus members get in free!  
  Reservations are required
  One Waterside Drive, Norfolk VA 23510

  Children's Easter Egg Hunt (Suffolk) - at the Smithfield Gardens

  March 30, 2013 at 9am
  Cost: Free, while supplies last
  1869 Bridge Road Suffolk, VA 23433


  Easter Bunny & the Great Egg Hunt at LeeHall Mansion (Newport News) 

  March 30, 2013 at 10am
  Cost: $5.00 per child for children up to age 12.
  163 Yorktown Road Newport News, VA 23603 

              
Eggstravaganza (Chesapeake) - Chesapeake City Park

              March 30, 2013 from 10am-12pm
              Cost: Free event for kids ages 0-8, concessions available for purchase
              900 Greenbrier Parkway, Chesapeake, VA 23320



  "Eggstravaganza" at Sandy BottomNature Park (Hampton) - Sandy Bottom Nature Park
  March 30, 2013 from 10am-3pm
  Cost: $5 per child. There will be a total of 10 egg hunts for children ages 3-12 (Egg hunts occur  
  every 30 minutes) Children are seperated by ages 3-6 and 7-12.
  1255 Big Bethel Rd Hampton, VA 23666


  Breakfast With Easter Bunny & Egg Hunt at Peninsula Town Center (Hampton) - Bryant &
  Stratton

  March 30, 2013 at 10am
  Cost: Free event. Reservations required, limited spots available
  5100 Kilgore Ave, Hampton, VA 23666 


  6th Annual Hunt for the Golden Egg (Virginia Beach) - Boys & Girls Club 
  March 30, 2013 at 11:30am
  Cost: Free event, must be registered to win raffles
  1505 Competitor Court, Virginia Beach, VA


  Easter Egg Hunt at Bergey's Breadbasket (Chesapeake) 
  March 30, 2013 at 3pm
  Cost: Free, You must register IN THE STORE. Space is limited
  2207 Mount Pleasant Road Chesapeake, VA 23322


So, with so many opportunities to enjoy the Easter season, we suggest you head out and create some memories with your loved ones. If we missed any events, head over to our Facebook page or Twitter account and let us know, we'd love to share for you! For more great information on the best there is to see and do in Coastal Virginia, check out the rest of VacationChannels.com

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Taste Unlimited, A Coastal Virginia Tradition

Most people have a favorite specialty shop that makes or sells something you just can’t find anywhere else. It is the first place you eat at when you come home from being away and the last place you eat at before you leave again. For many, Taste Unlimited is that place.

We recently had the opportunity to host a Q & A with Amy Jordan, who is the Director of Marketing, Public Relations, and Events for Taste Unlimited. We learned that not only is their food special, but they also donate their time and resources back to the community.


How did Taste Unlimited become what it is today?

Taste Unlimited was founded in the fall of 1973 by Peter Coe and a childhood friend. The first location was a wine and cheese shop at the new Hilltop West shopping center in Virginia Beach. Back then, Hilltop was mostly undeveloped farm land, and Peter Coe was just beginning his pioneering journey to enhance the collective Tidewater palate. An inventory of specialty foods grew, as new products were introduced in the store. Sandwiches with the now-famous House Dressing were added a few years later, as well as a variety of prepared foods and catering services. The company eventually added locations in Norfolk and Chesapeake, as well as two additional locations in Virginia Beach. In October 2006, Peter Coe and his family (by then his daughter and son-in-law were very involved in the business) sold the company to the Pruden family, who also had a family tradition in the specialty food business, including three generations in the country ham curing business with Pruden Packing Co.. Soon after making the purchase, the Prudens added a location at City Center in Newport News. Peter Coe stayed on, working side by side with the Pruden family, right up until his untimely passing in 2011. He immersed himself in wine and cheese buying, recipe development, and his always-entertaining cooking classes, relishing his role as “chief cook and bottle washer.” Peter Coe’s larger than life presence is still missed here at the company, and the entire community owes him a debt of gratitude for creating a business that continues to be such a part of Tidewater family traditions.

When the torch was first passed from Peter, the Prudens knew their primary responsibility was that of caretakers of a community asset. Yet the Prudens and all of us on their management team continue to find opportunities to build upon the foundation that had been laid for us. Products and services have thoughtfully been added, there has been significant investment in improving customer service, and facilities have been upgraded. In the past few years, the company relocated its Norfolk store to Hampton Boulevard, where it now operates its flagship store location, as well as its kitchen, warehouse, fulfillment of online gift and product orders placed at www.tasteunlimited.com, and corporate offices. In 2011, the original Hilltop store was relocated to Hilltop East, a newer section of the shopping center, and seating was greatly expanded. The Oceanfront store was completely remodeled in 2012. The Greenbrier store in Chesapeake was relocated to North Eden Way, where the store is twice the size of the former location. Meanwhile, the company re-branded itself as “TASTE.”


What makes Taste Unlimited unique?
It’s my fifth year with TASTE, and I can tell you first-hand that one of the most unique things about this company is how much it is considered a local tradition. When I tell people I work for TASTE, their faces generally light up, and they share childhood memories of enjoying TASTE sandwiches on the beach. They tell me that when they came home on college breaks, the first thing they wanted was a sandwich from TASTE, as I did myself! More than one man has told me their wives craved House Dressing throughout their pregnancies. People tell me which location is “their” TASTE. And they just about always tell me their favorite sandwich! Some tell us that TASTE helped ignite their passion for food or wine, and how they discovered foods and ingredients that had never been available in Tidewater before. We even have one couple that met at our monthly “TASTE Uncorked” wine tasting events at our Oceanfront location, and now they’ve been married for years. People seem to feel personally “invested” in TASTE, and they consider it a home-grown success story.
 
What is something people should know about the Restaurant?

We love to share our love of food and wine with our customers through events! In fact, we host nearly 75 events each year! Patrick Evans-Hylton's Chefs' Table cooking classes bring you into the TASTE kitchen to watch local guest chefs prepare a sumptuous meal before your eyes. And you get to eat their homework! Taste Uncorked events will introduce you to new wines with a different monthly theme. Bottles & Bites, is a new wine tasting event starting this month, where the focus is more educational and geared toward pairing wines with foods. Bottles & Bites will be offered quarterly. 
 
Tell us a little about your charitable contributions.
TASTE supports the community through volunteerism and direct philanthropic efforts and has contributed to hundreds of worthy causes over the years. In order to have a more meaningful impact, we have recently narrowed our philanthropic focus to a few organizations and causes. At present, our primary focus is organizations and events that provide cancer support and fund cancer research. This cause is especially close to the hearts of many TASTE employees and customers who have been impacted directly or indirectly by this terrible disease that almost feels like an epidemic. In fact, it was cancer that took our company founder Peter Coe. In 2012, we hosted a tribute series of cooking classes in his honor, titled "Cooking For A Cause." Five well known guest chefs participated and hosted classes in the TASTE kitchen, and we raised over $10,000 for Lee's Friends, which has been supporting the local cancer community for 34 years. TASTE also has continuing relationships with ForKids, which helps homeless families get back on their feet, and with Horizons Hampton Roads, which helps underprivileged children with educational opportunities.   

If you haven't had a chance to savor one of their delicious sandwiches or share the taste of Coastal Virginia with a gift basket, its a must.

They have locations in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Newport News. 


 

Monday, February 11, 2013

Black History Hampton Roads


February marks Black History Month across the country. Here in Hampton Roads you can visit landmarks throughout the area. Many of these historical sites tell stories of determination and strength in overcoming social injustices and leave a lasting impression for generations to come. Here are some of the notable landmarks around the area.

 
Newport News

Newsome House Museum and Cultural Center- - 2803 Oak Avenue J.
Thomas J .Newsome was many things a respected attorney, journalist, churchman and civic leader . He served the community with dedication and fought against many social injustices faced by the African American community at the time. His home today serves as a museum and cultural center that is a lasting memorial to an inspiring human being.

James Fields House -617 27th Street
James Fields was born into slavery but escaped during the civil war. He ran his law practice out of his home and also allowed 4 doctors to use the 4thfloor as a hospital so the community would have a safe place to receive medical care. Before these wonderful men established the hospital the only place available for African Americans to recieve care was the City Jail.


Hampton

Aberdeen Gardens Historic District – 57 Mary Peak BLVD
In 1934 the process of building and planning Aberdeene Gardens  “ a neighborhood built by blacks for blacks”  began. This neighborhood was the first of its kind planned, built, and managed totally by African Americans.  When it was completed 154 homes were built on half acre lots. A Greenbelt was left for community farming and live stock, making the neighborhood totally self sustaining.

70 years later the homes still stand. Many of them house relatives of the original inhabitants. The community continues to work together to maintain the history.

Hampton University and Hampton University Museum
The University is more than a historically black campus it is the sight of many triumphs for the African American community. The emancipation Oak stands proudly today on the university grounds and was where the first southern reading of the emancipation proclamation was held.

The Hampton University Museum is the oldest African American Museum in the country and one of the oldest in Virginia. The museum houses over 9,000 objects.

Some notable Alumni

·         Booker T. Washington

·         Samuel Chapman Armstrong

·         Alberta Williams King

There are many more that can be found here

Little England Chapel – 4100 Kecoughtan Road
The Chapel was built in 1879 and is the only known African American missionary Chapel in Virginia. Today you can visit the chapel to glance into the lives of the post civil war congregation.

Chesapeake

 J. J. Moore Visitor, Archives & Family Life Center - 2216 Long Ridge Road
The only visitor center in the Commonwealth of Virginia with an Afro-Union and Afro-Virginian repository theme.

Norfolk  

The West Point Marker, African American Civil War Memorial
The monument depicts Sergeant William H. Carney, Carney a Norfolk native who while badly wounded saved the US flag from capture. He was one of the first black soldiers to receive the Medal of Honor. It is a lasting tribute to those brave men who fought and died for freedom.

Attucks Theatre - 1010 Church Street
Opened in 1919, it is one of the only theaters in Virginia to be financed, designed, and built exclusively by African Americans. It's named after Crispus Attucks, a black man killed in the Boston Massacre of 1770 who was the first casualty of the American Revolution.

Blyden Branch Library - 879 E. Princess Anne Road
The Blyden Branch library was the First Public Library for African Americans supported by a city in Virginia. It was not an easy task for those who worked relentlessly to open more doors for the black community but in 1921 the library opened.


 John T. West School - 1425 Bolton Street
The John T. West School was the first accredited African American high school in the south. It is the only remaining African American school in Norfolk and is one of the earliest reaming schools in the city

 Portsmouth

Emanuel A.M.E. Church - 637 North Street
Emanuel AME Church congregations has a long history dating back to 1772. It was not only a place to worship for African Americans but a stop on the Underground Railroad. The church is the second oldest church building in the city of Portsmouth

Fisher's Hill Cemetery - southern edge of I-264 off Deep Creek Boulevard
prominent local African Americans are in their final resting place here such as I.C. Norcom, Jeffry Wilson, Ida Barbour, and others. This is one of 3 all black adjoining cemeteries.

Medal of Honor Monument - at intersection of High Street and Water Street
This monument honors 11 African American soldiers who received the Medal of Honor during the civil war. These brave men rushed in to take control of the nations colors from one of  their dying comrades. 

Truxtun Historic District
The district was the nation’s first government funded housing district built exclusively for African Americans. Construction began in 1910 on 250 homes. A school was also built on these grounds but was demolished in 1990 .Today many of the decedents of the original owners live in the homes.

With so many historical landmarks Hampton Roads makes for the perfect place to celebrate Black History Month.