CHESAPEAKE
WELCOME TO CHESAPEAKE
Live in boroughs along the Atlantic seaboard and bays
Chesapeake is thought to be named after the original Native American tribe that settled in the area before the English settlers who landed near Virginia Beach. The land was originally part of Norfolk but became its own city in the 1960s. This city bears the rare title of having the largest deepwater canals in the United States. Settlers created the channels in the 18th Century to make trade between Virginia and North Carolina easier since it was easier to move goods over inlets. Now, the deep canals are considered part of the Intracoastal Waterway System, which contains famous locks, bridges, and channels to connect the seas of this region. Chesapeake has a nautical history, bounteous natural wildlife preservations, fantastic shopping, and is home to almost 250,000 individuals who live in a town divided into six boroughs.
WHAT TO LOVE
1. Birdwatching and kayaking along the wetlands
2 .Copious seafood restaurants with some local catches
3. Two 18-hole golf courses amidst scenic wetlands
4. Camping, cycling, and hiking through preserved natural forests
LOCAL LIFESTYLE
Chesapeake is a thriving suburban center with many amenities, sports adventure parks, and a nature preserve surrounding the south part of the enclave. Although many visit the area, it is less crowded than Virginia Beach during the summer season and quieter. People in this area love the spectacular natural scenery and corresponding outdoor activities.
DINING, ENTERTAINMENT, AND SHOPPING
This suburb is home to three main shopping malls, which include The Chesapeake Square Mall, The Greenbrier Mall, and The New Towne Place at Greenbrier. All three centers offer upscale clothing, movie theaters, and luxury home goods. The New Towne Place at Greenbrier is the largest and newest, coming in at 170,000 square feet in size, with walkways and an entertainment plaza. Near New Towne Place, The Geisha Japanese Steakhouse has a hibachi grill and sushi bar. The residents recommend Noodle Man for handmade noodles, Judy's Sichuan Cuisine for spicy dishes from Northern China, and Off The Hook Seafood Restaurant for locally caught seafood. The Egg Bistro is also worth mentioning since it allows restaurantgoers to choose between the breakfast menu during the day and a bistro at night.
THINGS TO DO
Citizens of Chesapeake cherish their heritage and recreate the Battle of Great Bridge each December at Great Bridge Battle Field & Waterways History Foundation. The Battle of Great Bridge event commemorates when the British left Virginia. However, the main region to really dive into outside is The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. This is the site of the massive nature preserve, and birders, hikers, and other outdoor sports fans find endless places to explore anywhere in this large park. They also offer visitors tours to help them find their way around and admire the land. The Chesapeake Arboretum is a 45-acre display of natural species and treasured plants. The Chesapeake City Park is a more traditional park in the downtown area with a playground, skate park, horseshoes, and pet-friendly zones. Lastly, DEFY Chesapeake is an indoor trampoline park with 50 trampolines and 10,000 square feet of recreational space.