Living in Hampton Roads

Food, events, the outdoors and everything else that makes Hampton Roads worth living in — written for people deciding where to put down roots.

12 posts · all topics
Dismal Swamp Historical Village Opens in Chesapeake — A New Way to Experience Hampton Roads History

Dismal Swamp Historical Village Opens in Chesapeake — A New Way to Experience Hampton Roads History

The Dismal Swamp Historical Village has officially opened in Chesapeake, giving Hampton Roads residents a new way to connect with the region's deep and layered history. It's the kind of cultural landmark that strengthens community identity and makes this area genuinely worth putting down roots in. Here's what it means for locals and for the region.

August 7, 2026
Virginia Beach Doctor Pushes for Better Parkinson's Protocols — What It Means for Local Healthcare

Virginia Beach Doctor Pushes for Better Parkinson's Protocols — What It Means for Local Healthcare

A Virginia Beach physician is advocating for hospitals to establish formal protocols for treating Parkinson's patients — a push that reflects the kind of community-driven healthcare advocacy that shapes quality of life across Hampton Roads. Here's why it matters for residents planning to age in place, and for anyone evaluating our region's long-term livability.

July 28, 2026
Bird Flu Is Devastating Coastal Virginia's Peregrine Falcons — What's Happening on Our Shoreline

Bird Flu Is Devastating Coastal Virginia's Peregrine Falcons — What's Happening on Our Shoreline

Bird flu is devastating coastal Virginia's peregrine falcons — a species that had made a remarkable comeback along our shoreline over the past few decades. WHRO News reported in June 2026 that the virus is hitting local falcon populations hard, and it's a story every Hampton Roads resident who loves this coast should know about. Here's what's happening and why it matters.

July 6, 2026
Summer 2026 in Norfolk: Concerts, Jazz, Wine Festivals and More at Town Point Park

Summer 2026 in Norfolk: Concerts, Jazz, Wine Festivals and More at Town Point Park

Norfolk's waterfront comes alive this summer with a lineup of signature Festevents — from the Virginia Symphony Orchestra to the Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival. Here's what's happening at Town Point Park and why it's one more reason Hampton Roads is a genuinely great place to live.

July 3, 2026
The Haunted Side of Hampton Roads: Local Legends, Ghost Stories, and the Places Behind Them

The Haunted Side of Hampton Roads: Local Legends, Ghost Stories, and the Places Behind Them

Hampton Roads has more than 400 years of history — and a few residents who never quite left. From colonial-era apparitions to Civil War echoes, here's a look at the ghost stories and haunted locations that make this region genuinely fascinating.

June 28, 2026
Norfolk's Expanded Juneteenth Celebration 2026: A Week of History, Culture, and Community

Norfolk's Expanded Juneteenth Celebration 2026: A Week of History, Culture, and Community

From June 19–23, 2026, Norfolk becomes the center of one of the most significant Juneteenth celebrations in the region. Here's what Hampton Roads residents need to know about this landmark week of history, culture, and community.

June 9, 2026
Your 2026 Virginia Beach Summer Events Guide: Festivals, Concerts, and Can't-Miss Weekends

Your 2026 Virginia Beach Summer Events Guide: Festivals, Concerts, and Can't-Miss Weekends

Virginia Beach comes alive every summer with free concerts, championship sports, and festivals that draw crowds from across the region. Here's your complete 2026 guide to the events locals look forward to all year — dates, details, and what to expect.

June 5, 2026
Two Hampton Roads Cold Cases Solved After 30+ Years: The Story Behind the Colonial Parkway Murders

Two Hampton Roads Cold Cases Solved After 30+ Years: The Story Behind the Colonial Parkway Murders

After more than 30 years, two cold case murders connected to the infamous Colonial Parkway Murders have finally been resolved. Virginia State Police, Hampton Police, and the FBI named Alan Wilmer Sr. as responsible for the deaths of David Knobling, Robin Edwards, and Teresa Howell — bringing long-awaited answers to families and a region that never stopped asking questions.

May 18, 2026
Virginia Beach Amphitheater Turns 30: A Look Back at Three Decades of Concerts at the Oceanfront

Virginia Beach Amphitheater Turns 30: A Look Back at Three Decades of Concerts at the Oceanfront

The Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach is celebrating 30 years as one of Hampton Roads' most beloved entertainment destinations. From its earliest seasons to the upcoming 2026 concert lineup, the venue has been woven into the fabric of this community in ways that go far beyond live music. Here's a look back — and a look ahead.

May 14, 2026
Norfolk Harborfest 2026: Your Complete Guide to America's Largest Free Maritime Festival

Norfolk Harborfest 2026: Your Complete Guide to America's Largest Free Maritime Festival

Norfolk Harborfest 2026 runs June 19–21 at Town Point Park on the Downtown Norfolk waterfront — and this year marks the festival's 50th anniversary. Here's everything families and newcomers need to know about tall ships, fireworks, live music, and three days of free waterfront celebration.

May 9, 2026
Sail250 Is Bringing 60+ Ships From 20 Countries to Norfolk — Here's Everything You Need to Know

Sail250 Is Bringing 60+ Ships From 20 Countries to Norfolk — Here's Everything You Need to Know

In June 2026, Norfolk and Hampton Roads will host Sail250 Virginia — an international fleet of 60+ ships from 20 countries commemorating America's 250th birthday. It's the biggest maritime event this region has ever seen, and if you live here, you'll want to know what's coming.

May 5, 2026
Your Guide to Celebrating America's 250th Birthday Right Here in Hampton Roads

Your Guide to Celebrating America's 250th Birthday Right Here in Hampton Roads

Hampton Roads is at the center of America's 250th anniversary celebration this summer — and the lineup is incredible. From tall ships and air shows to historical reenactments and the largest fireworks display in Williamsburg's history, here's everything locals need to know.

May 5, 2026