29 Things To Know About Chesapeake Before You Move There

1. One Of The Seven Cities

Hampton Roads, also know as the Seven Cities, is made up of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Newport News, and Hampton.

2. Garden Ridge Rocks

The selection here is RIDICULOUS. From lawn furniture to every kind of home decor imaginable available for purchase, Garden Ridge is a huge warehouse and the largest garden store in the region. Even my husband who hates places like this can appreciate the selections available at Garden Ridge.

3. Pie And A Petting Zoo

Bergey’s Bread Basket Bakery and More is a quaint old timey country store that makes you feel like a member of the family as soon as you walk through the door. Try some of their…well everything! They have a deli, the creamiest ice cream made from scratch, and you simply can’t leave without some strawberry pie. Petting the animals on the farm is a bonus.

4. Macaroon Heaven

The Terebinth Patisserie and Bistro is a cute retro sweets retreat on Eden Way. Don’t let the crazy combinations of flavors scare you; get there early before they sell out. You must try the rosewater and the lavender passion fruit macaroons. And if you aren’t into macaroons, give their famous banoffee tart a whirl! Yummmm.

5. Even Vegans Eat Well

If you are a vegan and are moving to Chesapeake, you must check out Sage Organics natural food store. You can find gluten-free, raw food, vegan- and vegetarian-friendly products here.

6. Time Travel In Historic South Norfolk

Known to the locals as SoNo, this once quaint historic community is working on revitalization. Back in the day, streetcars ran from Ocean View in Norfolk to SoNo, then through the thriving town center. Now, a handful of businesses stand out as they try to capture some of area’s former glory.

7. The Banana Pudding Man

This sweet story starts with a retired navy sailor, his mama’s banana pudding recipe, and a daughter who suggested to her father that he start a banana pudding business. Reggie Rogers, the Banana Pudding Man, owns and runs Rodgers’ Banana Pudding Sauce Retro Store in SoNo on Poindexter Street. You’ve got to try their butter rum pudding shots.

8. Not A Selfish Bone In The Flea Market

The Flea Market at SONO is near and dear to many hearts because the owners, Robin and Tina, are two of the most giving people you’ll ever meet. They create and promote community and charity events on a regular basis from angel trees to charity BBQ’s. The unique assortment of vendors in the flea market has something for everyone.

9. Granma Had One

If you have a penchant for the old and unique then “Antique Alley” on Canal Drive and South Military Highway is chock full of stores that will appeal to you. With cute names like “We Had That” and “Granma Had One”, you can find all kinds of vintage glass, furniture, appliances and hidden treasures.

10. Why Did The Chicken Cross The Road?

Chesapeake was the first city in Hampton Roads to change zoning to allow backyard chickens (hens only) in residential neighborhoods.

11. The Stores Cost But The Music Is Free

You can find all the usual suspects and major department stores at Geenbrier Mall. Or hop on over to Towne Place at the Greenbrier for open-air shopping and outdoor entertainment. Don’t miss the free concerts in the summer.

12. How Could You Not Like A Fun Forest?

Chesapeake City Park is three acres of the coolest children’s playground you will ever encounter. This park has more than just a bunch of jungle gyms and includes an imagination center and a family adventure area. What makes me a kid again? The fossil dig!

13. A Hidden Gem In Nature

A slice of forest in Suburbia, the Chesapeake Arboretum is a certified Virginia Green Attraction woven with peaceful nature trails. With its soft wood paths, it’s a great place to run and experience nature.

14. Nothing Dismal About The Great Dismal Swamp

This wildlife refuge in Chesapeake is a great place for birding and kayaking, among other outdoor activities. Like much of Chesapeake, it has some history to it, too. It was originally surveyed by George Washington. Watch out for bears!

15. You Could Have A “Big Year”

If you’re a birder doing a Big Year, Great Dismal Swamp Birding Festival falls strategically during the tropical songbird migration. You could check a lot of species off your list and keep up with Owen Wilson, Jack Black and Steve Martin.

16. We Don’t Raise No Dummies Here

The Hickory and Great Bridge areas of Chesapeake have great schools and are very family oriented. If you are planning to raise a flock of children, or even just one, in the Hampton Roads Area, these are highly sought after school districts.

17. Great Bridge Battlefield And Waterways

The Battle of Great Bridge played a critical role in the Revolutionary War and now provides a great historical site and park. Don’t miss the battle reenactment in December. You’ll think you stepped back in time as you hear the blasting cannons and smell the gunpowder.

18. Have Fun Helping Children At The Shriner’s Annual Seafood Feast

This seafood festival is a big deal, but do you know what a Shriner is? Those burgundy-tasseled hats actually mark some very generous philanthropists who help crippled children and burn victims. It’s cool when you can let your hair down, enjoy some steamed shrimp, fried oysters, fish, clam strips and chowder while listening to some great music and helping people out at the same time.

19. For The Astronomy Buffs

For 50 years, The Chesapeake Planetarium has been introducing kids to the night sky and opening up the wonders of the universe. It was the first planetarium ever constructed by a public school system, and although also open to the public, it offers cool programs and classes for the schools. Many adults reflect fondly on the fact that it was here they first encountered the big dipper and other constellations that are now recognizable in the night sky.

20. Chill Out At Chilled Ponds

Fun for kids, this place is a blast! There are all levels of skaters at the Ponds and it’s not very crowded. The Chilled Ponds Ice and Turf Sports Complex is a pretty cool place if you like hockey or skating, it has tons of leagues and public skating sessions as well as lessons, and if you want to host a unique birthday party, this is the place.

21. Best Go-To Breakfast Place

The Broken Egg Bistro is a local, independently-owned restaurant in Greenbrier that offers the best breakfast in Chesapeake. Go here very, very hungry because the food is awesome and the portions are huge. Don’t forget to try the Bloody Mary….mmmmm spicy.

22. Where Salt Water Meets Fresh Water

Historic locks separate The Great Dismal Swamp from the salt water. See the locks from the observation towers, or grab a canoe and go discover a waterway trail at The Deep Creek Lock Park.

23. Sometimes You’ve Gotta Go Where Everybody Knows Your Name

The Grill at Great Bridge looks like a hole in the wall from the outside, but it’s super popular with locals. Owners Gary and Anne are super sweet and know all the regulars by name. No frills, nothing fancy; just some of the best food you’ll ever eat.

24. Is Main Street Main? No.

While Chesapeake is by no means a city with a main street, Battlefield Boulevard is the main drag connecting the older section south of Great Bridge to the newer areas of Greenbrier.

25. Western Branch Has Easy Commutes

The trick to living in Hampton Roads with all it’s bridges and tunnels is to find the easiest commute. This very residential area of Chesapeake provides easy access via route 664 and 64 to Suffolk, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Newport News and Hampton, allowing many pathways to avoid the rush hour backups.

26. Four O’Clock Tea Time

With Flair is a quaint little tea room in a cottage at the heart of Great Bridge. This place totally lived up to my expectations with great service and a nice selection. I’m partial to the raspberry spice tea, but you can get traditional Earl Grey or Darjeeling along with a wide variety of other teas. And they have a cute little shop where you can buy teapots and cosies.

27. A Winning Wine Festival Without A Vineyard

The Chesapeake Wine Festival brings together wineries from all over Virginia. Ironically, even with all that open space and farmland, there are no actual wineries in Chesapeake. Go figure.

28. We’re Your Late-Night Shopping Enabler

If you’ve ever wondered where you were calling when you were making those late night purchases on QVC, now you know. QVC is the sixth largest employer in Chesapeake.

29. For a Good Time Try Big Woody’s

This local bar and grill has two locations in Chesapeake and has quickly become my new favorite hangout. The food is good, the servers make you feel at home, we love the selection of local bands, and we can play cornhole. With live music and great wings, how can you go wrong?