From Biking To Basketball And A New Comedy Theater, Your Primear On What To Do This Season
Embrace The Cycle From Newbie To Spandex Mafia, Tips For Traversing Coastal Virginia On Two Wheels. Kayak Karma Find Yours Amid A Trio Of Eastern Shore Paddling Pleasures With Wild Ponies, Clamming, And A Waterfront Winery. Inventive Entertainment Museums Offer Inspired Summer Programs For Kids. A Home For Humor A Venue For The Pushers Comedy Troupe Is Set To Open This Summer. An Instrumental Collection The Virginia Musical Museum In Williamsburg Honors The Commonwealth’s Musical History And Acclaimed Artists. In the Coastal Spirit Excursions And Diversions Inspired By Nature. The Games Of Life Four Classic Sports To Learn Now. Relishing the Relics Explore History This Summer With A Walking Tour Of A Cold War-era missle Site. Hoop Dreams The ABA’s High-Flying Virginia Squires Return This Month For One More Tip-Off. Special Ad Section Writeups from local activities and destinations.
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n February 2013, 5 miles was a long ride for Seth Nelson of Norfolk. Then the stay-athome dad bought a bike trailer for his son and started riding in the Norfolk Botanical Garden.
“I didn’t consider myself confident enough to bike on the roads with my son,” Nelson says. By the end of last summer, Nelson had bought a road bike and a high-end bike seat, began biking to ODU and the grocery store, completed a 65-mile ride and lost 60 pounds. (See sidebar for biking with kids). Interested in making that transition? Members of the Spandex Mafia are happy to provide tips to newbie bikers.
Safety Accessories and Rules No matter where you’re riding or your age, you need a snugly fitting helmet sitting level on your head, says Nancy Carter, past president of the Williamsburg Area Bicyclists. If the helmet has been in an accident, replace it, Carter says. Accident or not, she recommends replacing your helmet after five years because the material it’s made of degrades over time. Another key safety accessory is a little rearview mirror for either your glasses or your handlebars, Carter says. “Otherwise you must learn to turn your head before you turn your bike,” she says. If you’re riding from dusk to dawn, state law requires you have a white light shining in front and a red light shining in back of your back, Carter says. That’s the minimum, she notes. Additional safety options for visibility include reflectors on your wheels and clothing, she says. Carter uses USB rechargeable LED lights with a flash pattern that makes her more noticeable to drivers. No matter what time you ride, wear clothing— white or international yellow or orange—that makes you easily visible to both car drivers and pedestrians, Carter says. Remember to obey traffic laws, says Wayne Wilcox, membership chairman of the Tidewater Bicycle Association and senior Virginia Beach planner. That means ride on the right side with
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traffic and stop at all stop signs and red lights, he says. Finally, another safety accessory is … other riders. “When you’re out by yourself it’s hard for people to see you,” says Sharon Bochman, president of the Peninsula Bicycling Association. Bochman, who lives in Poquoson, started riding with the PBA after a car mirror touched her arm as she drove by, almost knocking her off her bike. “It’s easier for drivers to see a group of eight or 10 people than a single cyclist,” she says. There are groups of bicyclists covering most Coastal Virginia localities—see end. Most offer rides graded A or even A+ + through D. A-level rides are about 20 mph or faster and riders who can’t keep up likely will be dropped, Bochman says. Contrast that with D-pace rides targeted at new/inexperienced riders with speeds a more leisurely 10-11 mph where riders stay together, there are frequent stops, lots of regrouping and no one is left behind. “Before you come out to a group ride, get used to sitting in the saddle,” Bochman says. “People think you have to have strong legs, but you really have to train your rear end to sit in the saddle.” If you’re picking a pace, be sure to ask whether the speed listed reflects moving speed—how fast you travel during the ride—or average riding speed—which factors stops into the speed, Bochman says. If the cited pace is average riding speed, the actual moving speed will be faster. So if you know you can ride 13 mph and pick a C pace ride listed at 13 mph, you may struggle to keep up with an average riding speed that’s faster than 13 mph.
Where to Ride Coastal Virginia offers plenty of multi-use trails and other places for beginning bikers to ride away from cars. Keep in mind that even as a beginning biker, you’ll likely be the fastest mover on these trails because your fellow trail users will be bikers, joggers, families and people walking dogs. Bike protocol is to pass on the left and make some noise such as ‘on your left’ to let pedestrians know you’re coming.
In Virginia Beach, the 8-mile South Beach Trail starts and finishes at Norfolk Avenue—running along Pacific Avenue, General Booth Boulevard and Birdneck Road, says Wilcox, who plans bikeways and trails for the city. The Cape Henry Trail at First Landing State Park is another option, and you can ride it out of the park through adjacent neighborhoods. Or, if you leave the park at the 64th Street entrance, you can pick up the Maritime Trail and either turn left to head over to Shore Drive or turn right and pick up the South Beach Trail or the bike path paralleling the boardwalk, Wilcox says. At the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, you can ride your bike from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through Oct. 14, garden spokeswoman Kelly Walsh says. “Riding in the gardens worked really well for me—going from not biking at all to biking,” says Nelson, communications director for Bike Norfolk. “As I was able to ride longer distances, I began doing several loops in the garden.” When Nelson felt more confident, he ventured onto Llewellyn Drive, which is parallel to Granby Street, to get downtown. This advice—finding a less-traveled road parallel to a main artery—works in any locale. On the Peninsula, Newport News Park has a 5.5-mile multi-use trail popular with beginning cyclists. Once you’re ready to ease into vehicle traffic, the tour roads around Yorktown Battlefield are a good option for beginners, Bochman says. In the Williamsburg area, riding options away from cars include a paved trail at Waller Mill Park, Duke of Gloucester Street—which is closed to vehicles—York River State Park, New Quarter Park and Freedom Park. New Quarter, York River and Freedom parks also offer mountain bike trails. The Virginia Capital Trail, which when complete in 2015 will link Williamsburg and Richmond, already offers a good ride. Start near Jamestown High School and continue past Chickahominy Riverfront Park and over the Chickahominy Bridge. Nearby neighborhoods and shopping centers also link to the trail, Carter says. The Colonial Parkway linking Jamestown to Williamsburg and Yorktown is another popular trip for bikers. Once a year, you can ride the parkway
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Pedaling Parents Options For Biking With Babies On Board For many new parents, a place for baby means the difference between biking and sitting it out on the sidelines. Seth Nelson started biking with his son when the boy was about 9 months old, once his son got good control of his head. “You don’t want the child’s head to be bobbing around to the point of potentially causing injury.” Nelson first got a bike trailer to pull his son, then early last summer switched to a basic bike seat. Later, he upgraded to a Yepp Maxi child bike seat. The seat was expensive, around $240, but Nelson likes it because he can position it exactly where he wants it on his bike rack. “I decided this was a way for me to be on the bike with my son, and I wanted to invest in the very best seat,” he says. Other options to consider are long tail bikes, which lengthen the bike for more cargo capacity over the rear wheel; Hoopties designed to hold up to three children behind the rider; and one-wheel bikes—with names such as co-pilot bike and trail-a-bike—that attach to an adult bike. Ideally, you should try one out before buying. “This is a rapidly growing, exciting area of cycling— bikes designed to be good at carrying kids and supporting families partially or entirely car free,” Nelson says. One big company to look at is Xtracycle, Nelson says.
Seth Nelson and his son get ready for a bike ride. from Williamsburg to Jamestown with no cars. This year’s event is May 3, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s free, but helmets and registration are required. Another good option, also with some car traffic, is to ride the 5-mile loop at Jamestown Island, Carter says. In Surry, a good option for intermediate riders is Chippokes Plantation State Park and the surrounding rural roads, Carter says.
Other Bike Accessories Although you can start out with a cheap bicycle, experienced bikers such as Carter recommend that you get fitted for the right size bike at a bike store. “If a bike shop is pushing you to buy a bike
without measuring you, you need to go to a different bike shop,” she says. Other accessories include a water bottle to mount to your bike, padded bike pants (around $50) and bike shoes that clip to your wheels (around $200), Bochman and Carter say. But you may save money by driving your car less. “We are not a one-car family at this time,” says Nelson, the former beginner. “But by the end of last summer, I was using my car very little. I really CoVa enjoyed it.” n
Resources: http://tbarides.org/ www.bikenorfolk.org http://www.pbabicycling.org/ www.wabonline.org http://virginiacapitaltrail.org/
You also will want a more stable kickstand for getting on and off the bike with the extra weight, Nelson says. “The bike wants to fall down—you have to be really careful of the child in the bike seat,” he warns. And even with a sturdier kickstand, you still can’t walk away from the bike with the child in it, he says. You also have to keep reminding yourself you have precious cargo, especially when taking corners. “Recently, I was taking my trailer without my son to get groceries and I took a turn and one wheel of the trailer went up on the curb,” he says. “If my son had been in there, he would have been OK with a helmet, but he would have toppled.” If you’re really uncertain, practice first without a child in the seat or trailer. n CoVa
—Karen Haywood Queen
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For more information: 757-331-2680 sekayak@gmail.com www.SouthEast Expeditions.com
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“typical” kayak scenario on Virginia’s Eastern Shore is following a summer breeze through miles of emerald green marsh, alive with the angelic wings of snowy egrets and soaring eagles. You can play in this pristine setting with themed kayak tours suited for both newbies and enthusiasts. With 15 years of Shore tides under their hull, SouthEast Expeditions has designed three distinct guided tours to help you find your karma on the currents. KAYAK WINERY TOUR Paddle Personality: Wine lovers who want to paddle their glass off For wine connoisseurs, it is the perfect “dangling the carrot” motivation, centering a kayak excursion on a wine tasting where you actually land at the winery. Billed as the county’s only authentic Kayak Winery Tour, uncork memories as you paddle a bay creek with panoramic views of farmland and forests. Unspoiled coastal coves teeming with wildlife enthrall as your compass is set on Chatham Vineyards. Located on land patented in 1640, the dock offers a view of Chatham, a stately Federal-period brick house named after William Pitt, the Earl of Chatham. Once at the vineyard enjoy the journey from vine to wine culminating in a tasting of Chatham’s award-winning vinos: two Chardonnays—steel fermented and an oak blend, along with a Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Dessert Wine and the Vintner’s Blend. Pick your favorite and take home a bottle as part of the tour package. On your return trip glide the tranquil waterway and observe a massive blue heron rookery on a minute island. To round out your excellent adventure, 20 minutes south of the launch site, savor fine dining at the historic Eastville Inn. Its wine list
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includes Chatham selections, and the menu serves up local seafood. Paddle Peeps: This tour is popular with couples of all ages, girls’ getaway weekends, and bridal parties. PADDLE WITH THE PONIES Paddle Personality: For collectors of National Geographic moments The romance of the wild Chincoteague Ponies has lured people for nearly a century to their namesake island and sister isle of Assateague, home to both the ponies and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The 1947 book Misty of Chincoteague made the ponies international superstars. Kayaking is an entertaining way to search for these sentimental favorites, while exploring a unique ecosystem. With the backdrop of the iconic candy-cane stripped Assateague Lighthouse, the two-hour tour meanders through lush marsh and the winding narrows that separate the islands. A splash signals the plummeting dive of an osprey. Spindle-legged egrets and herons stalk the shallows for their next meal. Around the bend, terns call with a harsh “keearrr” as they dart about the water’s edge. Not surprising it is a whirlwind of wings, since the refuge
and nearby areas shelter 90 species of birds. Your guide’s intimate knowledge of the natural wonders makes this trip a winner regardless if you see Misty’s heirs. If you do, chances are they are just a few feet away munching on saltmarsh cordgrass. A prelude or postscript to the tour is a visit to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center. Engaging displays will immerse you even further on local flora and fauna. Paddle Peeps: We are talking ponies here. Leaving your kids home would be criminal. [Children under 12 are half price.] KAYAK CLAMMING TOUR Paddle Personality: Seafood foodies with dash of hunter-gatherer It is the “You Pick Farm” of the tides. If the thought of steaming up fresh, succulent clams makes your mouth water, it’s time to get on the water and dig for your dinner. The Eastern Shore is a virtual “Clam Capital,” a $50 million business on the lower peninsula alone. Paddling the productive waters of Cherrystone Creek and a family owned clam farm, learn the intricate process of growing, caring for, and harvesting clams. Discover how well this type of aquaculture integrates with the natural environment. Then the dirty fun begins as you hop out of your boat and play in the mud. Learn the tricks of the trade, until you are clamming like generations of Eastern Shore folks. Keep your first dozen, as part of the trip. The rest are sold to you at market value after returning to the launch site to wash and count your bounty. Paddle Peeps: Load up foodie friends even if they aren’t avid kayakers. There is plenty to pique everyone’s interest. All tours begin with a brief kayak clinic. Prices range from $45 to $85 with discounts for children CoVa where applicable. n
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If you’ve been thinking of museums as rainy-day places, think again. They may have serious missions, but Coastal Virginia’s museums are also committed to serious fun. And they’re rolling out inventive summer programs for kids in everything from art to robotics. In short: they’re anything but stuffy.
The Children’s Museum of Virginia and The Virginia Living Museum are known for their kids’ programming year-round. Here are some additional offerings from local, one-of-a-kind institutions guaranteed to entertain and educate the kids while school’s out this summer: Virginia Air & Space Center If your child’s imagination is captured by the cosmos, the “Cool Science” summer camps at the Air & Space Center may be for him or her. With a mission to show how exiting the world of science can be, these camps seek to inspire kids from kindergarten through eighth grade to aim for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers. Kids can choose from programs in space detective work, “cool science” (informative adventures in chemistry, ecology, and other sciences), aviation, robotics, rockets, architecture, and more. There’s even a program with NASA to teach kids what they’ll need for a trip to Mars.
Hampton • 757-727-0900 • www.vasc.org The Chrysler Museum of Art Reopening just in time for summer, The Chrysler will be offering art camps that feature activities you’re not likely to find anywhere else in the area. Teens ages 13–15 can try their hands at glass-making, learning this challenging art form in the museum’s cuttingedge glass studio. They’ll practice a variety of techniques—including flameworking and glassblowing—and learn about the physical properties of glass. Tweens ages 10–12 can spend a week exploring the galleries and making art—a collaborative project with the Virginia Zoo will round out the camp. Young artists will be inspired by both the world-class art around them and the art of their own creation.
Norfolk • 757-664-6200, 757333-6239 • www.chrysler.org
Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center Art and music are on the schedule at several camps for ages 6–15 hosted by the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center in historic Olde Town. Older kids will construct a West African drum they’ll learn to tune and play. Young campers will have the opportunity to make their own artist books, explore a variety of mediums including collage and printmaking, learn about ancient Egypt, and study the artistic side of recycling while making treasure out of trash.
Portsmouth • 757-393-8543 • www.portsmouthartcenter.com The Mariners’ Museum In a nod to their newest exhibit, The Savage Ancient Seas: Dinosaurs of the Deep, The Mariners’ Museum is hosting paleontology-themed “PaleoCamps” this summer for kids ages 5–12 that introduce aspiring scientists to the study of prehistoric creatures. With themes like “Towering Tylosauruses,” “Mysterious Megalodons,” and “Astounding Archelons,” these camps will bring the ancient world to life for your kids.
Newport News • 757-591-7745 www.MarinersMuseum.org
Nauticus Exploration is the name of the game for ages 9–12 at the summer camps offered by Nauticus. Your kids will have the option of building remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to investigate watery depths or discovering more about the Chesapeake Bay and navigating our local watershed. They could also take a trip on board the “Leaning Barge,” billed as “America’s greenest vessel,” to learn more about the Elizabeth River in a partnership with the Elizabeth River Project. Either way, they’ll have a great time going beneath the surface of our waterways.
Norfolk • 757-664-1041 www.nauticus.org n CoVa
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fans. Weekly improv and sketch comedy shows are planned as well as original comedic one-acts and plays. Special events, like the upcoming Norfolk Comedy festival, will feature talent from Norfolk and beyond. “A lot of really great acts and groups from as far away as Canada have expressed interest in coming to Norfolk and performing with us this year,” says Carden. While their performances are generally not family-friendly, The Pushers take great care to give audiences something memorable. “I think we offer the unexpected. The four of us have distinct voices and styles of humor,” says Devereux, “so we can bounce from outrageous, to racy, to thought-provoking, to sweet, and back again. There’s something for everyone in our shows.” “There isn’t a lot of pretense with our humor,” adds Woolard, “so audiences can kind of kick back and just enjoy it.” Connecting with their audiences is both a pleasure and a priority. “We want everyone to be in on our jokes,” says Carden. “I think people appreciate that.” Judging by the support The Pushers have received from friends and fans, it’s clear people do appreciate them. Major investment in The Push came from Jim and Mary Veverka, and a Kickstarter fundraising campaign garnered pledges from hundreds of supporters in mere weeks. Everyone, it seems, wants to be part of The Push. For some, being involved includes going back to school. The Pushers, trained at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in New York, have taught improv and sketch classes at The Muse Writers Center for several years. Classes at The Push will include everything from improv, sketch and stand-up comedy to film production, all taught by dedicated professionals. The group takes pride in fostering new impro-
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mprov comedy is a cocktail of talent and chemistry. It’s about energy and wit, the unpredictable and the irreverent. Moving fast and thinking faster. Connecting with your audience. Saying yes. These are the things you learn when you spend time with local improv favorites The Pushers. For more than nine years, The Pushers—Ed Carden, Sean Devereux, Brad McMurran and Alba Woolard—have been teaching and performing improvisational and sketch comedy at a variety of locations. Now, with the opening of The Push Comedy Theater, a 90-seat venue set to become the destination for what’s funny in Coastal Virginia, they will have a home to call their own. The Push is scheduled to open this summer in the heart of Norfolk’s Arts District. Inspiration for the comedy theater—the first of its kind in the area—came by way of Theater 99 in Charleston, S.C. “We’ve always admired the supportive, inclusive community they’ve developed,” says Devereux. “We want everyone who walks through the door to feel welcome and part of the fun.” Fun is, of course, the name of the game. But the idea of community is one the group comes back to again and again. “We want people to feel like the theater is just as much theirs as it is ours,” says Devereux. The Push will boast a schedule of live entertainment to satisfy even the most ardent comedy
visers. “I love seeing the looks on their faces when they walk offstage after their first show,” says Carden. “I love seeing people get that rush that comes with performing in these two styles.” Their sketch and improv classes, geared toward teens and adults, routinely fill with students of all ages and backgrounds. And though they may begin as strangers, the students often end up as close friends. “Getting on stage can be very intimidating,” says Devereux. “Watching people break out of their shells and trust themselves and their fellow improvisers is very rewarding.” Building the local comedy scene is something The Pushers take seriously. “We love introducing the art we love to a whole new generation of people,” says McMurran. That’s another thing you’ll learn from The Pushers: they love what they do. They’re passionate about comedy, their students and audiences, and their community. And they’re throwing that passion behind The Push. “I like bringing people happiness,” says CoVa Woolard, “even if it’s only briefly.” n
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Buddy Parker and wife, Peggy
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uddy Parker brushes the back of his fingertips across graphs, organs and even an amusement park music room complete the pristine paint job of a 1978 Clenet Roadster once with a Laughing Sal. The piano gallery shows off keyboard instruowned by Wayne Newton. ments dating from 1760, showing the progressive development of “It’s all original,” he boasts of the car he bought on the instrument into what we see today. eBay, sight unseen. “Wayne called me once and wanted Parker owes a lot to pianos. After taking a side job tuning them to trade it for a Rolls Royce when he was going through some finan- as a young family man, he started to buy, restore and resell them, cial hardship, but I didn’t want to sell. It’s not about the money.” at first out of his Hampton garage in 1969. Eventually he worked up For Parker, it is about his passion for memorabilia—and music. to eight retail stores, with three still in business today throughout He had been collecting antique instruments, music boxes and Coastal Virginia. the personal items of Virginia musicians for years before finally His ever-growing interest in musical memorabilia coupled with opening a venue to display these prized possessions and share the prosperity of his business fueled the personal collection he them with other music lovers in June 2013. Before that, he parked now shares with museum patrons. But Parker says now that he’s Newton’s Clenet at his own home. been open for nearly a year, Virginia musicians are beginning to “I was pretty happy when he built this space and I could get hear about his endeavor and donate notable possessions. He called some real furniture again,” jokes his wife, Peggy, about a collec- Bruce Hornsby to acquire several gold records and wrote The tion that continued to expand throughout the 10 years her husband Statler Brothers to ask for some performing suits (now on display). talked about opening the Virginia Musical Museum. He plans to continue to expand the museum and add to Once he decided to make his daydreams a reality, it the collection, with hopes to eventually include a section took Parker three years to build and prep the space showcasing younger Virginia artists like Pharrell and Virginia Musical he added to the back of his Williamsburg piano store, Missy Elliott. Museum Parker Piano Outlet, to serve as the museum. Parker “I have always 6316 Richmond Rd., focused on the history of music in Virginia through dreamed bigger than I Williamsburg instruments and people. should,” he says. But 757-303-5907 “I don’t know of any other museums for Virginia museum visitors that www.VirginiaMusical music. I think we are the best music museum in now benefit from Parker’s Museum.com Virginia because we are the only music museum,” says devotion to his dreams may a modest Parker, downplaying the significance of what disagree. He says he is ready visitors will discover at his Virginia Musical Museum. for even more this summer, tourists He hopes people become familiar with the commonwealth’s rich and locals alike. musical past through items like a recording of the Virginia state “If a person likes any kind of music, song, “Carry Me Back to Old Virginny,” on phonograph; the scarf antiques or history, they would really of Ella Fitzgerald made by Pearl Bailey; the self-playing organ used enjoy this,” he says. for General MacArthur’s funeral in Norfolk; Patsy Cline’s perforThe Virginia Musical Museum is mance outfits; and exhibits detailing prominent Virginia artists like open for personal or self-guided audio June Carter and Ralph Stanley. tours. Admission is $8 for adults But besides honoring Virginia music, Parker’s longtime gen- and $5 for children. For more inforeral interest in the history of music is evident here. His museum mation visit www.VirginiaMusical CoVa includes rooms dedicated to his array of nickelodeons, phono- Museum.com n
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The Watermen’s Museum
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summer we’re highlighting coastal adventures inspired by land, sea and air. Each organization offers a broad range of reasonably priced classes, programs, camps and experiences appropriate for different age groups. Build a boat; unearth ancient fossils; send your kids to Pirate Camp; participate in a Chesapeake Bay Discovery Lab or Sail; go birding and biking along Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Many of these trips can be completed in a day or over a long weekend. Since our selected destinations are located near multiple nature-based attractions and important historic areas, you could easily combine touring possibilities to customize a vacation that’s not too far from home. Begin your own journey to everywhere by placing one of these enlightening excursions on your summer fun checklist—along the Virginia shoreline, the briefest day trip can develop into a lifechanging adventure.
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Yorktown: The Watermen’s Museum Located on the York River, at the foot of the Coleman Bridge, The Watermen’s Museum is a living tribute to the men and women who made (and in many cases still make) their living on the water. It is a non-profit museum and school focused on maritime history and the preservation of the York River and Chesapeake Bay. While lectures, on-site watercraft, and static displays fascinate adult visitors, the museum provides a scenic platform for young adventurers to deploy their creativity and curiosity through weeklong camps: Boat Building, Archeology and Nature Explorer Summer Camps take place over the period June–Aug. 29 and are targeted to grades 3 through 8. Students are dropped off at 8:45 a.m., and classes adjourn by 3:00 p.m. Students can learn the basics of woodworking through building a traditional rowing skiff, learn about artifact discovery and curating, or explore Blue Crab and oyster habitats. At Pirate Camp, daily activities are designed to let campers experience life as a colo-
nial pirate. A ship replica complete with performance stage is used to reenact scenes from pirate life. Campers will learn colonial games and songs, partake in a treasure hunt challenge, harvest seafood, and learn model ship and flag making. Students build sand forts, which they defend from attack, learning about working together as part of a crew, all in preparation for a pirate raid on the last day of class—canon fire included. Don’t forget to see the all-volunteer-crafted working windmill, and ask about how the museum’s historic buildings made their journey across the York River. Museum grounds include a small sandy beach, walking path, and sheltered picnic tables. Adults can enjoy the attractive dining and shopping opportunities along Riverwalk Landing, which is adjacent to the Watermen’s Museum. Relax over lunch, a glass of fruit wine, or a cone of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
309 Water St., Yorktown 757-887-2641 www.watermens.org
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Gloucester Point: Virginia Institute of Marine Science Summer Programs
James River/Stratford Hall: Mid-Atlantic Fossil & Nature Trips Discover ancient fossils and other artifacts in your home waters, or enjoy a geology lesson while plying local rivers via comfortable, open skiffs. These popular hands-on tours and field trips combine outdoor adventure with a casual, but scholarly twist. Trips are led by renowned scientists and naturalists in the fields of paleontology, botany and geology. Program Director Cathy Young organizes trips for adults, family groups, and young explorers. Cathy explains: “Many of the sites that we visit on the fossil trips are closed to the public. However, the paleontologists who lead the trips have special permission from the land owners to bring groups there to collect fossils. Many of the fossils that have been found on our trips have been ‘museum quality.’ It’s a fact that many new fossil specimens have been found by amateur explorers. One never knows what you will find on one of our adventures.” Upcoming summer events: Fossil Collecting Weekend Along the James River, Saturday, May 31–Sunday, June 1. Excursion led by Dr. Lauck Ward, curator emeritus, Virginia Museum of Natural History. Participants will explore the James River by boat, stopping to collect fossil specimens and different destinations. Most sites contain fossils from the Miocene and Pliocene ages. 2014 Paleontology Camp at Stratford Hall, Monday, July 28–Friday, Aug. 1. Children ages 7 through 17 will collect and identify fossils along with an expert paleontologist at historic Stratford Hall Plantation in Virginia. Camp includes a tour of the Great House of Stratford Hall, Gen. Robert E. Lee’s birthplace. Participants stay at a guest house on the plantation. Camp price includes all meals, lodging, boat rides, lectures and tours. Classes fill up quickly, so reserve your child’s spot now.
Director, Cathy Young 610-696-2295 cathy@fossilandnaturetrips.com www.fossilandnaturetrips.com
Chartered in 1940, The Virginia Institute of Marine Science, affectionately known to locals as ‘VIMS,’ is currently among the largest marine research and education centers in the United States. As part of their mission, VIMS and its federal partners serve the citizens of the mid-Atlantic region by offering numerous public programs, most of which are free to participants. After Hours Lecture Series public seminars explore hot topics and timely issues pertaining to the Chesapeake Bay region. Discovery Labs give adults and children a hands-on opportunity to explore aspects of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Science Under Sail is a two-hour sail aboard 105-foot schooner Alliance. Paid guests learn all about Bay marine life. 1.5-hour guided Public Tours cater to ages 9 and up. Tours include visits to the Visitors Center and Aquarium, a VIMS research laboratory, and the VIMS Teaching Marsh or Preserved Fish Collection. Reservations are required. For the full summer fun experience, VIMS Communications Director Susan Maples turns the spotlight on selected summer events held on the VIMS scenic Gloucester Point campus: Inside to Seaside, select dates, June–August. This handson program gives families an up-close look at animals that live in the Chesapeake Bay through a visit to the VIMS aquarium area followed by an educational collecting and seining adventure on the nearby beach. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Discovery Labs— June 10 – Horseshoe Crabs, July 15 – Turtles, Aug. 19 – Scallops—provide fun, family-friendly experiences and lifelong learning. Labs focus on a specific topic through a series of stations that provide hands-on activities for kids and adults. Participants look through microscopes, observe live animals, and partake in crafts and games. Both VIMS faculty and students participate as speakers, sharing their research with the general public in an intimate setting.
www.vims.edu (visit for full calendar of events and adventure opportunities) 804-684-7000 or 804-684-7846
The Eastern Shore Loop: Birding & Wildlife Trail Hike and bike the Eastern Shore Loop to experience some of the best wildlife habitat on the Eastern Seaboard. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) describes the Loop for visitors: “The seaside of the peninsula is an intricate mosaic of barrier islands that, as a wildlife habitat, is better represented here than virtually anywhere else in the world. All of these islands have been protected from development, and nature has thrived accordingly. The Eastern Shore Loop includes world-class wildlife watching at Chincoteague at its northern end, and world-class venues like the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, Kiptopeke State Park, and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel at its southern end.” For a longer vacation, Kerry Allison of the Eastern Virginia Tourism office recommends combining the Loop tour with a visit to one of the shore’s summer events and festivals: Tall Ships Festival, Pig Roast, Seafood Festival, and the Wallops Island Field Station Family Events. Visit their website for a full slate of event dates and to obtain dining and lodging suggestions. The Interactive Loop Trail Map on the DGIF site contains a wealth of detailed information and additional Eastern Shore resources. Highly CoVa recommended. n
www.esvatourism.org Interactive Loop trail map: www.dgif.virginia.gov/vbwt/ loop.asp?trail=1&loop=CES Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce: 757-787-2460 W ww . C o a s ta l V i r g i n i a m a g . c o m
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xtreme sports have their place. It’s exciting to watch Olympian Kelly Clark execute tricks above a frosty half-pipe, or marvel at Laird Hamilton’s humongous wave-challenging surfing, but chances are you won’t be pulling those tricks when you’re 65. This issue, we’ve headed back to basics, featuring four classic sports that will pay dividends for a lifetime, no matter the skill level to which the participant may rise: horseback riding, golf, sailing and tennis. We’re also highlighting select local venues and instructional resources around the region to help you get started.
In addition to the obvious physical and mental health benefits for participants of all ages, children who take up these traditional recreations also develop an appreciation for each sport’s required conventions of costume, etiquette and terminology. In the case of riding and sailing, youth are trained to utilize and care for very specialized gear; they must concentrate on unique safety issues and become responsible for the physical wellbeing and maintenance of the horse. These settings require complete focus and are definitely ‘no texting’ zones.
The training center is proud to be a part of the equestrian competitions for middle and secondary school students (public and private) across the country. Best of all, you do not need to own your own horse to be a part of their riding team. Students from grades 6–12 are eligible to compete. For a relaxing treat, guided rides along adjacent trails may be booked in advance.
Golf Featured Venues: The First Tee of Hampton Roads Youth Program, Virginia Beach; and Kiln Creek Golf Course & Resort, Newport News
Equestrian Featured Venue: East Coast Equestrian Training Center, Virginia Beach This large equine facility is located in the scenic Pungo borough of Virginia Beach and includes one of the Contact: largest attached indoor riding Director areas in the region. Susan Sharon Golesh and her dedicated Golesh trainers accept students of 757-270-5228 all levels: younger students www.east just beginning their athletic coast careers, returning students sport who wish to get their skills horses.com back up to speed, and new adult riders who are fulfilling a long-held dream. Bucket lists are definitely welcome here. Multiple services are available, and the facilities host a range of educational and competitive events: C o a s ta l V i r g i n i a M a g a z i n e
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The First Tee of Hampton Roads is celebrating its 15th anniversary. This youthdevelopment program is an active chapter of The National Organization of The First Tee, and locally a program of the YMCA. The 55-acre Virginia Beach learning facility includes a nine-hole walking course, driving range, putting green, short-game practice area and Learning Center/Clubhouse. The First Tee’s curriculum is based on The Nine Core Values™ and The Nine Healthy Habits™ representing positive ideals inherent in the game of golf, and instructors reinforce these values throughout the learning experience. Summer Fun at the Tee begins in June. Students learn golf and valuable life skills, participate in creative games, and have the opportunity to make new friends. (Classes and programs are available year round as well.) The organization’s goal is to provide accessible and affordable golf experiences for every child and family who desires to participate in The First Tee of Hampton Roads YMCA programs. Financial assistance is offered on the basis of eligibility and availability. Contact: The First Tee Hampton Roads firstteeinfo@ymcashr.org 757-563-8990 www.thefirstteehr.org
Kiln Creek Golf Club and Resort: ‘Get Golf Ready’ at this premier golf destination. Geared toward adults, this PGA program introduces the game of golf to new players and gets returning players back in the groove. Taught by PGA and LPGA professionals in a group setting, this affordContact: able series of five lessons The Pro Shop will teach you everyat Kiln Creek thing you’ll need to play 757-988-3212 golf by combining fun, www. friends and fitness. kilncreek Each session focuses golf.com on the basic golf skills you’ll use while playing. In addition to learning the basics, you’ll put your skills into action on the course in a casual, friendly setting. No equipment needed! Additional Resources: Instructor search: www.pga.com/golfinstruction/instructors/va Additional ‘Get Golf Ready’ destinations: http://www.pga.com/play-golf-america/get-golf-ready
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Sailing Featured ASA Certified Venues: SailTime, Norfolk/Virginia Beach; and Stingray Point Sailing School, Deltaville SailTime Simply learn to sail, or have all the benefits of boat access without the headaches by becoming a member, or owner-member. No prior sailing experience required. Even the youngest members of the instruction/sailing staff have a depth of knowledge that is enviable by any standard. Instructors are patient and Contact: encouraging, and their SailTime enthusiasm is catching. Norfolk/ Instruction taking place at Virginia Willoughby Marina is augBeach mented by hands-on learn757-480-7245 ing aboard a rotating fleet www. of gleaming boats that sail norfolk from Bay Point Marina. sailing.com/ SailTime has sailing courses and private instruction designed to meet multiple needs. Learn to sail aboard your own vessel, study coastal navigation, experience coastal cruising, or take your docking and sail trimming skills to the next level. Just curious, and would like to find out if sailing is for you? Book an affordable, two- or four-hour Discover Sail cruise. If you’re looking for boat ownership, or for access to professionally maintained vessels, you’re invited to explore surprisingly affordable and flexible options via SailTime’s Owner/Member programs. Lessons are primarily geared toward adults, but younger students who display ability to concentrate, and a desire to learn are welcome.
Stingray Point Sailing School Passionate sailors Bill and Cheryl Simpson have more Contact: than 35 years of sailing Capt. Bill experience. They invite Simpson you to make sailing your 804-909-2655 next great adventure. www.stingrayLocated in the heart of sail.com the Bay at the Deltaville bill@stingray Yacht Center complex, sail.com this Middle Peninsula destination at Stingray Point is a boating paradise. Deltaville’s historic maritime traditions make it the ‘Boatbuilding Capital of the Chesapeake Bay,’ and it is the place that Bill and Cheryl selected to house their ASAcertified school. The instruction is primarily focused on adults, and they provide Basic and Advanced options—from a two-hour introduction to sail to basic coastal cruising, bareboat chartering, challenge certification and basic keelboat sailing. They will also conduct private instruction on your own boat. “Sailing really is a lifestyle,” says Cheryl Simpson. “There is such joy and freedom when you’re out on the water in such a rewarding environment. Sailing can provide people with a lifetime of adventure, even in local waters. The Bay is full of quiet, secluded areas that seem a world away. You can see the grins on the faces of our students as they put what they’ve learned into practice out on the water.” Additional local resources for youth and adults: Norfolk - sailnauticus.org/kids-programs/ summer-camp 757-823-4242 Hampton Roads/Old Dominion University www.bigbluesailingacademy.com Irvington/Williamsburg - www.premiersailing.com www.asa.com/states/schools_virginia.html
Tennis Featured Venue: Newport News Huntington Park Tennis Affiliated with the Newport News Department of Parks and Recreation, the Huntington Park Tennis Center has 20 lighted courts, racquet stringing, ball machine and backboard. Harvey Robinson is the on-site tennis professional. Harvey and his trained staff conduct a range of classes and clinics for all ages, including the popular Quick Start Tennis Classes for youth. “Quick Start Tennis is a tennis instructional program designed for children 10 and under. The tennis equipment and playing surfaces are scaled down to help kids have fun while developing tennis skills. The racquets, balls and court fit the age of the child. It is a fun way for kids to learn the game without becoming frustrated by having to play on an adult size court with an adult size racquet. It is a great way to build confidence, develop hand/eye coordination and make friends.” —Newport News Dept. of Parks and Recreation Additional Resources: Play Your Court: Mobile Tennis Professionals – Have the Pro come to you! www.playyourcourt.com/ hampton-roads-tennisContact: lessons/VA Pro Harvey 877-600-1041 Robinson 757-247-8587 n CoVa www.nngov. com/parks -andrecreation
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sle of Wight County Historic Resources Division wants you to know that there’s more to the area than you realize when it comes to both American and World History. Like visiting a Cold War-era missile site, for example that’s located just across the James River Bridge from Newport News. The Cold War, as it was called because there was never large-scale fighting between opposing sides, was a period of sustained political and military tension between the Western Bloc and the Eastern bloc—primarily the United States and the Soviet Union—following World War II. This period of tension started roughly around 1947 and continued until 1991 when the former USSR was formally disbanded. However, during its escalation, both sides heavily fortified their nuclear armament capabilities in case there ever was an all-out attack. In 1945, three American B-29 bombers, the world’s first long-range intercontinental bombers, were flying over Japan when they ran out of fuel and had to land in the Soviet Union. The aircraft were impounded and the pilots and crew were imprisoned. The Soviets then dismantled two of the three bombers and reconstructed plans for their own long-range bomber, the TU-4, via reverse engineering. This meant that the U.S. no longer had a monopoly on long-range bombers capable of dropping nuclear payloads. To protect American borders from the threat of a nuclear bombing attack, the U.S. developed the first successful supersonic anti-aircraft missiles called the Nike-Ajax surface-to-air missile system, named after the Greek winged goddess of strength, speed and victory, and the Roman god of war. These missiles were then deployed them to over 200 launch sites across the U.S. One such site is located in Carrollton in Isle of Wight County near Smithfield. Since air attacks could potentially come from any direction, and because the Nike-Ajax missiles only had a range of 25 to 30 miles, the Carrollton base was one of eight sites circling Coastal Virginia to protect the military bases and port of Norfolk.
Originally designated Nike-Ajax Base N75L, the site operated from 1954 to 1961 but closed when a new generation of missile, the Nike-Hercules model, replaced the red fuming nitric acid missiles with a weapon that could carry a nuclear payload. Today, the site is open to visitors through monthly educational walking tours conducted by local historian Albert Burckard (and occasional guests who actually served at the site) and the Isle of Wight History Resources Division. The tour starts with a lecture describing the events that led up to the construction of the site and its importance in World History, then a walking tour to see the original barracks, mess hall, missile assembly station and where the three missile magazines are located. For safety reasons, you cannot go inside the actual magazines where the missiles were housed, but you will see photos of what they looked like then and what they look like now during the lecture. Other historical walking tours available For those interested in delving even further back into the area’s history, Isle of Wight History Resources Division also offers a number of other guided walking tours to provide an in-depth look and a hands-on experience of important and well-preserved properties. Some of those tours include the Isle of Wight Courthouse Complex, Historic Church Street in Smithfield, Historic Fort Huger, the Battle of Smithfield and Fort Boykin Historic Park. For additional information on these tours, including tour dates and times, visit HistoricIsleOfWight.com or call Jennifer Williams, historic resources manager, at 757-357-115. All tours are free and open to the public. Reservations are not necessary, but all events are subject to cancellation as well as date, time and admission changes. n CoVa
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Former Virginia Squires, who will appear at the Squires reunion: Mike Barr 1972–74 Mack Calvin 1975–76 Jim Eakins 1968–76 Julius “Dr. J” Erving 1971–73
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George “The Iceman” Gervin 1972–74 Lamar Green 1974–75 George Irvine 1970–75 Neil Johnson 1970–71 Doug Moe 1968–72
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Barry Parkhill 1973–75 Charlie Scott 1970–72 Ray Scott 1970–71 Fatty Taylor 1969–76 Dave Twardzik 1972–76
t wasn’t just a patriotic, psychedelic ball that distinguished the play of the American Basketball Association, that now-defunct 1970s “outlaw” pro league made famous in ESPN documentaries and Will Ferrell’s comedy, Semi-Pro. There was also the three-point field goal, the shot clock, an extra referee and a fast-breaking style that favored smaller players. And then there are the hoops legends that came out of the ABA, like Julius Erving a.k.a. “Dr. J —who revolutionized pro ball by introducing the high-flying style that is prevalent in today’s National Basketball Association—and George “Iceman” Gervin, one of the greatest shooters of all time. Both of those Hall of Fame players got their professional start on an ABA team known as the Virginia Squires, which barnstormed across the commonwealth for six rollercoaster seasons in the 1970s. The club played home games all across Virginia, but the Norfolk Scope was its home base. “You know what’s funny,” says Al Bianchi, who coached the Squires from 1970–1975. “They said that the ABA was a bunch of little guys running around shooting three pointers. But take a look at the NBA now—it’s a bunch of pee wee guards dribbling around running for three pointers.” The lovably gruff Bianchi will join former owner Earl Foreman and a long list of former Squires players in holding a Virginia Squires reunion on May 1 and 2. The gang will participate in a youth basketball clinic, be part of a charity dinner reception and then hit the links for the 7th annual Business Appreciation Charity Golf Classic in Virginia Beach. Organizers say it’s the first official reunion of any American Basketball Association squad. Many of the well-regarded stars will be on hand, including George Gervin, shooting phenom Charlie Scott and ODU hometown hero Dave Twardzik, but there will also be well-remembered journeymen such as Jim Eakins, George Irvine, Fatty Taylor and Neil Johnson. Proceeds from the reunion will benefit charities such as Wounded Warriors and the Sickle Cell Association as well as Virginia Beach public schools.
Photos courtesy of Jack Stace
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Summer Fun Guide
And, yes, Dr. J will be there too. Even after 40 years, it’s hard to forget the young, untamed Julius Erving. “Virginia was a wonderful, wonderful experience for me, the two years I was there,” he said in 2008. “Those two years were wonderful, it set the stage for everything, I was a single guy, and basketball was my life.” Today’s roundball fans look back fondly on the free-styling, Afro-flaunting ABA, but Bianchi, who is writing a book about his long career in basketball, says it was tough doing business in the financiallyshaky ABA. “It was a time when we were fighting for survival. And we did most anything to survive. We were looked down upon because we were that funny league. The intent was to eventually come into the NBA or merge with the NBA.” Sadly, owner Earl Foreman had to sell many of his great players, like Erving and Gervin, to keep the Squires afloat. Bianchi never begrudged Foreman for his decisions. “Earl and I are fine ... people laugh now and say, ‘he sold all of your players.’ I knew the reasons for it. We had to keep the team going, and that was one way to do it.” The Virginia Squires never did make it to the NBA—the club folded in June 1976, a month before the inevitable merger. But several ABA clubs did fold into the established league, like the Indiana Pacers, the San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets and the New York (now the Brooklyn) Nets. “The ABA brought the NBA more than just players,” Gervin, who went on to have a stellar career with the Spurs, says. “The ABA brought its own vision of what the future of this game might be. And they developed this All-Star Weekend, look at what that is now. It’s an event. And it was all really created from ABA guys, and they don’t get enough credit for it.” The Iceman, as a rookie, loved the Squires so much he didn’t want to leave. “I felt at home. I was a young guy, had all the girls and I was real comfortable. And not knowing the business part, I was a little disappointed [in being traded]. I didn’t want to go nowhere. I lived in Virginia Beach. I had my own apartment, just before the water. It was a good place for me.” Fondly remembered today but erratically supported at the time, the Virginia Squires’ tale is a cautionary one. Virginia hasn’t had a major league professional franchise since their buzzer sounded. But could a professional basketball team make it in Coastal Virginia today? “From what I see from all of the excitement surrounding this,” Bianchi says. “I think it would be a slam dunk.” The Virginia Squires Reunion in Virginia Beach will start Thursday, May 1 at 3 p.m. at a youth mini-basketball clinic at Williams Farm Recreational Center. A Virginia Squires Legends Reunion VIP reception will be held on May 1 at 7 p.m. at the Cavalier Beach Club. Virginia Squires players will also participate in the 7th Annual Business Appreciation Charity Golf Classic at the Virginia Beach National Gold Club. For tickets and more information, call 757-965-5027 or go to http:// CoVa sportsinsideandout.com/Home_Page.php n
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TAKE YOUR PICK! EITHER WAY, YOU’RE A WINNER! THE REWARD? A HEALTHY BODY, POSITIVE ATTITUDE, NEW FRIENDS, AND A GNARLY TAN.
An Army Ranger “Leads The Way” in a flat-water exercise during a Surf Camp with VB Surf Sessions, Inc.
For more info, or to schedule reservations online, visit: www.vbsurfsessions.com (enter Promo Code: “COASTAL” to apply discounts below) Please contact VB Surf Sessions directly if you have any questions. info@vbsurfsessions.com • (888) SURF-007
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Summer Fun Guide
Surf or Paddleboard
ut of all the summer activities available, surfing and stand up paddleboarding is in a class by itself. There’s a reason why so many locals are flocking to these fun outdoor sports. The main reason is because they’re just so much fun, but they also provide many physical and mental benefits as well. Including: • Increase in cardiovascular fitness • Increase in energy and endurance • Psychologically promotes positive up-beat feelings • Reduces stress and tension • Increases muscle tone and strength, particularly in the back, shoulders, legs, abs and core. Studies show that intense paddleboarding for one hour can burn anywhere from 700-1000 calories, while surfing has healing effects for certain conditions such as: autism, cystic fibrosis, depression, PTSD, and more. The results are unreal! The feeling you get when riding a wave is simply indescribable. It has a tendency to be addicting, but in a very good way. A surf school is fun for the entire family and offers a glimpse into this healthy, cool lifestyle. At the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Tony Pellino, owner of VB Surf Sessions, Inc, knows that lifestyle all too well. He’s a Professional Tandem Surfer who surfs when the waves are big and paddleboards when the water is flat. He offers educational services to the public, but beware… this isn’t your average summer school. They were voted “Top Virginia Summer Camp 2013” and TripAdvisor ranks them #3 out of 43 activities in Virginia Beach. They offer: surf lessons, paddleboard tours, 3- and 5-day surf camps, rentals, and hold a variety of surfboards and paddleboards for purchase. “We specialize in education first and retail second, but ultimately make customers happy on both ends.” Tony Pellino says, “My team of Professional Instructors truly enjoy helping people reach their goals. Whether a quick introduction or training for the East Coast Surfing Championships, we welcome all skill levels, ages 5-105. We also customize lesson plans for: charities, church groups, and corporate outings, with focus on team-building.” • The recommendation for adults is to try a 2-hour Surf or SUP Lesson to learn the basics. • The recommendation for kids (and adults who really want to excel) would be a 3- or 5-Day Surf Camp. After learning, you can rent, borrow, or buy a board to safely paddle the world and live the “Pure Life.”
VB Surf Sessions is extending these exclusive offers to Coastal Virginia Magazine readers
10% OFF any Surf Camp, Surf Lesson, or Paddleboard Tour $50 OFF any new Paddleboard $25 OFF any Softtop Surfboard 60
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Must schedule an appointment and mention Promo Code “Coastal” 2014
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“KNOT� YOUR AVERAGE SUMMER CAMP
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Sail Nauticus 1 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510 757-823-4242 info@sailnauticus.org
ooking for a summer camp experience like no other? Look no further than our offerings here at Sail Nauticus! Located behind Nauticus on the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront, Sail Nauticus is a brand new community sailing center. Our camps consist of water and land-based activities led by certified instructors. Your child will experience the water in a whole new way while learning the principles of sailing and water safety. Our Harbor 20s are safe and ideal performance sailboats that are perfect for any type of sailor. This year, we will be hosting three different and dynamic sailing camps, two of them brand new for the summer of 2014! Sail Quest: This is our inaugural camp from the summer of 2013. No sailing experience is required for this week long camp as we will be teaching campers the basics of sailing in the Elizabeth River. On land, campers will participate in maritime science activities, explore Nauticus and tour the Battleship Wisconsin. Sail Voyagers: This camp will be for kids who already have prior sailing experience and want to become better mariners. Activities for the week will consist of learning skills like being able to cruise safely in local waters and how to chart their own voyage. Campers will also refine their sailing essentials such as reefing, docking, anchoring, and man over board drills. Sail Tech: A blend of sailing and technology, campers will be able to learn the basics of sailing and construct a working underwater robot that will be used to explore the Elizabeth River. Campers will use their time on the water to explore different ecological zones not accessible by land and use their underwater robots to investigate what lives below the surface of our harbor.
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Chesapean Outdoors
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Chesapean Outdoors 757-961-0447 www.chesapean.com
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ounded in 1996 as Chesapean Kayak Tours, 19 years later, Chesapean Outdoors now boasts a reputation as one of the area’s best kayak touring companies for dolphin watching off the coastline of Virginia Beach. Besides specializing in guided dolphin eco-tours on kayaks or paddleboards, they also offer eco-tours of First Landing State Park on kayaks, bikes or paddleboards. A variety of other outdoor activities available through the adventure company includes surfing lessons or sunset tours on kayaks or paddleboards. If you prefer to tour on your own, kayak and paddleboard rentals are also an option. Dolphin tours run 7 days a week during the season and can include, along with regular scheduled tours, larger group outings for companies, birthdays, kids’ camps, family reunions and more. Chesapean Outdoors is pleased to be a small business providing big adventures and prides itself on creating meaningful experiences for all of its customers.
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NEWPORT NEWS PARK
13560 JEFFERSON AVE NEWPORT NEWS, VA 23603
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ewport News Park is home to a variety of native wildlife all found in a natural setting of lush woodlands, flowering meadows and shimmering lakes. Its unique natural beauty makes this Park a favorite destination for campers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a perfect retreat for hiking or bicycling on the Park’s many trails; picnicking in shelters with outdoor grills; fishing, boating and canoeing on the Park’s scenic lakes and inlets; enjoying sports such as archery, golf and disc golf; and camping in the 188 site campground. The Park even has a Ropes & Initiatives Course for organized groups wanting to take a special challenge. For history lovers, Newport News Park is the site of some of the best preserved Civil War fortifications, earthworks and redoubts in Virginia. Artifacts and park history can be found at the Discovery Center, where children of all ages can attend free nature and living history programs. Newport News Park, located midway between Richmond and Virginia Beach, is ideally situated in an area rich in historical attractions, theme parks, museums and entertainment. Call Newport News Park for additional information at 757-888-3333 or toll free at 1-800-203-8322. www.nngov.com.
Chesapeake Bay Adventures
C Chesapeake Bay Adventures To book a tour, call 757-871-6402 or 757-868-4532 100 Mingee St., Poquoson, VA 23662 (Minutes off I-64. Take exit 262B or 256B)
hesapeake Bay Adventures, based out of York Haven Marina in Poquoson, offers many types of excursions such as Airboat rides, Kayaking, and Fishing tours. Choose an adventure or create your own from our many options. You can relax on a sand bar, try catching a clam, crabbing, fishing, even pull in a net or crab pot as generations of watermen have done. Experience the beauty and dynamic ecosystem of the waters surrounding Chesapeake Bay’s largest contiguous Salt Marsh. Bird watch for ospreys, snowy egrets, great blue herons, American bald eagles and numerous other waterfowl. You may see dolphin, loggerhead sea turtles, diamond back terrapin or some of the many creatures that call the Chesapeake Bay home. Poquoson’s waterfront has some of the best sunrises and sunsets Virginia has to offer. Every day and tour is different! Our guides have a lifetime of experience on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, ensuring a safe but good time while you are with us. A little history and adventure awaits.
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Summer fun begins with us!
Event Planning & Production Tents, Catering, Theme Designs, Entertainment, Inflatable Amusements, Casino Nights, Deejays and more... 2858 Crusader Circle, Suite 102 & 104 (office) Virginia Beach, VA 23453
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(757) 340-2212 www.premiereventsinc.com C o a s ta l V i r g i n i a M a g a z i n e
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