Few places offer the variety of things to see and do that you’ll find in the dynamic Hampton Roads metro area. And Chesapeake, Virginia sits in the center of it all, making it the perfect launch-point for your next getaway. Chesapeake has plenty of attractions, golf, history, waterways, and parks to fill your days. Chesapeake is centrally located within 20 minutes of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 15 minutes from downtown Norfolk, and 40 minutes from Colonial Williamsburg and the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

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Fun Forest

Spread over three acres of Chesapeake City Park, Fun Forest is the ultimate children’s playground, imagination center, and family adventure area. It was built by over 1,800 volunteers from the community. Fun Forest was the winner of the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society “Best New Facility in Virginia” award in 1996. The playground has an area for older children that features a dragon, three-way underground telephone, shaky bridge, dolphin tunnel slide, and many more challenges. The science and learning area teaches mathematics and science while children have fun playing with mirrors, whisper dishes, and a planet walk. The toddler playground invites little ones to steer a plane or truck, swing, slide and more. Fun Forest is truly a place for the entire family. More about the Fun Forest

Moonrise Bay Vineyard on Knotts Island

This vineyard covers 14 acres and is filled with luscious grapes – Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, Norton, and Chardonnay – just to name a few. You’ll be given a first hand tour of the winery itself from start to finish. Enjoy the wide variety of wines offered for tasting. You won’t be surprised to learn that the Moonrise Winery has won numerous gold medals at State Fairs. To name just a few winners – Merlot 2002 and a Chambourcin 2002. Don't forget to sample a few wonderful desserts offered by the staff at Moonrise Bay. More about the Moonrise Bay Vineyard on Knotts Island

Portlock Galleries at SoNo

Discover local art at this new collection of artist's working studios, shops and stores. Portlock Galleries will host local and traveling art exhibits, art education for area schools, summer art camps, and more. The galleries is housed in the historic Portlock School #5, which was originally built in 1908. Don't miss the unique opportunities found at the gallery for visitors and locals alike! More about Portlock Galleries at SoNo

Ghost Train at Northwest River Park

The Ghost Train is a half-hour ride through the haunted woods of Northwest River Park. Beginning in the Activity Building, the scene is set by an eerie introduction to the spooky adventure which awaits you in the dark of the park. Next you are boarded onto to Northwest River Park Ghost Train (hay carts, with built in benches), and the journey begins. As you wind deeper and deeper into the woods, a storyteller spins a ghoulish tale which unfolds in unexpected ways and in various locations. More about the Ghost Train at Northwest River Park

Chesapeake Birding Trails During Fall Migration

The sites in the South Chesapeake Loop offer a sample of habitats at the interface of pinewoods and the swampy bottom lands lining several rivers that drain the southeastern corner of the state. Visitors may encounter birds ranging from nuthatches flitting through the pines, to prothonotary warblers nesting in hollow swamp trees, to stealthy great blue herons hunting in the shallows. The City of Chesapeake is a starting point for this loop, which circles southward toward the North Carolina border and returns just south of the city. More about the Chesapeake Birding Trails During Fall Migration

Great Bridge Lock Park

Thousands of boats ply the Intracoastal Waterway passing through the Dismal Swamp Canal and the Albemarle Chesapeake Canal annually. The waterway links the Chesapeake Bay to North Carolina’s sounds providing a vital East Coast connection between Boston and Key West, Florida. Whether you are sailing or watching from the shore, you’ll enjoy the sights along this historic waterway. Parks at Deep Creek and Great Bridge provide excellent observation points. More about the Great Bridge Lock Park

33rd Annual U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships

The U.S.Open 9-Ball Championships is an event that can not be missed. This year marks the 33rd Annual U.S.Open. The Dates are October 19 - October 25, 2008. This event will be held again at the beautiful Chesapeake Conference Center, in Chesapeake Virginia. The U.S.Open is The Longest Run and Most Pretigious 9-Ball Event in the world. The field is limited to 256 Players. Entry is $600.00, Added Monies is $100,000 with full field of 256. More about the 33rd Annual U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships

Wood Chick’s BBQ

Award winning real pit BBQ restaurant recieved1st place in pork in the prestigious American Royal National Championship and winner of the North Carolina and Virginia State Barbeque championships. There’s a barbeque pit on the premises - primarily fueled by hickory and apple woods. If you’re not a pork eater – they’re serving up “pit-cooked” beef brisket and chicken too. More about Wood Chick’s BBQ

Antiquing at Antique Alley

Be it collectible or just quaint, find treasures of all sizes along Chesapeake’s “Antique Alley,” a collection of nearly a dozen antique and collectible shops located along a half-mile stretch of road. A consortium of shop owners promotes the eclectic group of stores offering antique collectibles, furnishings, glassware and stained glass, pottery, jewelry, tools, shabby chic and many more treasures. The area also hosts auctions and flea markets throughout the year. More about Antiquing at Antique Alley