The cities of Yorktown, Portsmouth, Norfolk, Suffolk and Newport News soon grew up around the deep, ice free natural harbor centrally located on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. This crossroads of history is where General Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington at Yorktown, ending the American Revolution.

The first naval battle of the War of 1812 between the British Empire and our new nation was fought in Hampton Roads. Several forts were built in the ensuing era to defend this strategic harbor. The region was hotly contested during the Civil War and was the site of the infamous battle between the warships the Monitor and the Merrimac. In late 1862, Hampton Roads fell to Union forces and became a staging area for several important campaigns aimed at taking the Confederate Capital at Richmond.

Today, this region encompasses nearly 30 miles of some of the nicest ocean beaches on the Atlantic seaboard.  It’s also home to renowned theme parks, wineries, museums and galleries. When you combine these with the intriguing historical attractions and the allure of the sand and surf, you have a vacation the entire family will long remember.

Developed as a planned suburb of Norfolk in the1890’s, its expanded trolley car routes, new bridges and modern city utility systems all attracted upper middle class families to build stately homes with lush lawns. The  European-styled buildings set on large lots along wide, tree-lined boulevards in an appealing waterfront location made it the favored place for lawyers, doctors, businessmen and the civic leaders of the day to live.

Ghent was-and still is-primarily a residential neighborhood. Although it deteriorated into a general state of disrepair after World War II, it has been revived, renewed and rehabilitated and has regained much of its previous character. It’s now a thriving community that’s pedestrian friendly and packed full of a diverse mix of revitalized homes, shops, restaurants and cultural experiences.

Lodging
The elegantly restored Page House Inn is an historic Norfolk Bed and Breakfast at 323 Fairfax Avenue smack in the middle of Ghent, making it a stylish home base for exploring and enjoying the neighborhood.

Shopping
Mystic Mermaid, in the popular Palace Shops on West 21st Street, is one of those funky little stores that you never want to leave. There’s something new and intriguing in every nook and cranny, including lots and lots of mermaids.

Quick Eats
Baker’s Crust on West 21st Street is perfect for grabbing a fast breakfast of fresh pastries and gourmet coffee, a specialty omelet for brunch or a juicy burger or healthy sandwich on fresh baked bread for lunch.

Culture
Chrysler Museum of Art at 245 West Olney Road is home to an extensive collection of world-renowned art. Their exhibitions are often wind history and current affairs together in a very interesting way. Stroll their beautiful grounds along the water for some peaceful realxation.

Fine Dining
Try The Painted Lady Tea Room on East 17th Street for a taste of old Ghent. The setting will take you back to Victorian times and the food is some of the most raved about in Norfolk. Don’t let the outside of the building scare you away-it’s very pink!

Nightlife
The Tap House Grill is a neighborhood brew pub known throughout the Hampton Roads area as one of the absolutely best places in Norfolk to see live bands and down chilled house microbrews. It’s friendly, inviting and fun.’