Check out these cool, local and fascinating facts about Chesapeake…..
1. One of the Seven Cities
Hampton Roads is also referred to as Seven Cities and is made up of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Newport News, and Hampton.
2. Eat Pie at a Petting Zoo
Bergey’s Bread Basket Bakery and More is a quaint old-timey country store that is not just a store, but also a bakery, deli, creamery and farm. Everything they make is made from scratch daily. Petting the animals on the farm is an added bonus to this tasty experience.
3. The Banana Pudding Man
A retired navy sailor used his mama’s incredible banana pudding recipe to start a business. Now known as, the Banana Pudding Man, Reggie Rogers owns and runs Rodgers’ Banana Pudding Sauce Retro Store in SoNo on Poindexter Street.
4. Chicken Crossing
Love small town charm and farm life? Chesapeake was the first city in Hampton Roads to change zoning to allow backyard chickens in residential neighborhoods. How cool is that!
5. Forest Fun Playground
Chesapeake City Park has the coolest children’s playground you will ever encounter. This park is on 3-acres of land and includes an imagination center and a family adventure area. You’re children, as well as yourself, will love this experience!
6. Is the Great Dismal Swamp Really Dismal?
By no means. Quite the contrary actually. The Great Dismal Swamp is a historic wildlife refuge in Chesapeake and was originally surveyed by George Washington. It is a great place for birding, kayaking and other outdoor activities.
7. Great Bridge Battlefield and the Revolutionary War
The Battle of Great Bridge played a critical role in the Revolutionary War and now provides a great historical site and park. Every December there are reenactments that will make you think you stepped back in time.
8. 50 Year Old Observatory
The Chesapeake Planetarium has been opening up the wonders of the universe to children and adults for over 50 years. This was the first planetarium ever constructed by a public school system and offers cool programs and classes.
9. Skate on Chilled Ponds
The Chilled Ponds Ice and Turf Sports Complex is a great place if you like hockey or skating, and even has tons of leagues, public skating sessions and lessons. Its a perfect place for the kids and is usually not very crowded. You can even host a unique birthday party.
14. A Wine Festival Minus the Vineyard
The Chesapeake Wine Festival brings together wineries from all over the state and ironically there are no wineries in sight. Thats right, Chesapeake had a vineyard-less wine festival.
15. Late-Night Shopping
You may not know this, but QVC is the sixth largest employer in Chesapeake. So now when you’re making those late night purchases you know where you’re calling.