Norfolk, VA

Norfolk Botanical Garden
Discover brilliant floral displays among one of the largest collections of azaleas, camellias, roses and rhododendrons on the East Coast; features 25 themed gardens among its 155-acres, including a Bicentennial Rose Garden, Sara Lee Perennial Garden, and Bristow Butterfly Garden; explore it by tram or boat (seasonal); daily Apr 15–Oct 15 9a-7p, Oct 16-Apr 14 9a-5p; admissions Adults $6, Seniors $5, ages 6-18 $4, under age 5 FREE; 6700 Azalea Garden Road; 757-441-5830; http://www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org

Chesapeake, VA

Great Dismal Swamp
In the mid-Atlantic region there is no better place than this 106,000 acre national wildlife reserve to observe black bear, bobcat, river otters and loping cypress trees; on a historic tip, many people escaped slavery by fleeing into the Dismal Swamp; newcomers should stop at the visitor center along US 17 Hwy in or call 888-872-8562 for more information.

Virginia Beach, VA

24th Street Park
A quaint, scenic park next to the boardwalk; it popular with visitors and picnics, so get here early for the best places; 24th Street at Boardwalk

First Landing State Park
A 2,900-acre state park named after the settlers who landed at Cape Henry in 1607; salt-marsh habitat and surrounding grounds are home to 19 miles of bike and hiking trails, campsites, picnic areas and more; 2500 Shore Drive; 757-412-2300; http://www.state.va.us/~dcr

False Cape State Park
See white-tailed deer, wild boar and horses on six miles of unspoiled beaches and miles of hiking and interpretive trails at this 4,321-acre haven; most accessible when you travel through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge by foot, bike, tram or boat; 4001 Sandpiper Road; 757-426-7128

Back Bay National Wildlife Preserve
The 7,700 acres of barrier islands, maritime forests, marshes and beaches are home to red fox, mink, migratory birds and Virginia Beach's only nesting bald eagles. Simply a must-see for any coastal visitor; 4005 Sandpiper Road; 757-721-2412; http://www.baylink.org/bbnwr

 

 

NORFOLK, HAMPTON and VIRGINIA BEACH

GOLFING

 

Virginia Beach, VA

Hell's Point Golf Course
Architect Rees Jones designed this 6,766-yard, par 72 signature course, with devilish greens and sculptured bunkers; Hell's Point is one of the "100 Best Courses in the USA" according to Golf Digest; the Pro Shop was selected "one of America's best" four times by Golf Shop Operations; 2700 Atwoodtown Road; 866-485-5386

Heron Ridge Of Virginia Beach
A Fred Couples design, his latest masterpiece is a spectacular 7,010-yard, par 72 course that winds links-style through rolling hills, with strategically placed bunkers and natural water hazards; Heron Ridge is already drawing major attention in Golf and Travel magazine; five sets of tees make Heron Ridge challenging and playable for golfers of all skill levels; just 15 minutes from Virginia Beach Oceanfront; 2973 Heron Ridge Drive; 866-600-8747

Tournament Players Club of Virginia Beach
A premier golf club located among mature forests and rolling meadows, it was designed by architect Pete Dye in collaboration with Curtis Strange; certain to challenge your skills, this club features full-service locker rooms, a state-of-the-art practice facility, and dining areas designed to satisfy the most discriminating guests; just minutes from the beach; 2500 Tournament Drive; 877-552-3727

Red Wing Lake Municipal Golf Course
Sloping bent grass greens, wide Bermuda fairways and water on this long 7,080-yard, par-72 course with a driving range, putting green, practice bunker, pro shop and full-service snack bar. This public, 18-hole course was opened in 1971 on 288 acres; 1080 Prosperity Road; 877-586-9273
 
Norfolk, VA

Ocean View Golf Course
One of the most scenic courses in the region; with old growth woods, challenging greens and narrow fairways; sunrise to sunset; rates: vary; 9610 Norfolk Ave; 757-480-2094

Lake Wright Golf Course
18-hole public golf course off Interstate 64, built around beautiful Lake Wright; features well-maintained links, a driving range and full-service restaurant; sunrise to sunset. Rates: vary; 6280 Northampton Boulevard; 757-459-2255