Important harbor strategically located by the entrance to Chesapeake Bay, it has figured prominently in American history since the arrival of the first English settlers in 1607. It is also rich in history from both the colonial era and the American Civil War.

Regarded as one of the finest harbors in the world, Hampton Roads today accomodates even the largest ships including supercarriers and merchant ships. The combined navy and other military bases together make up one of the largest naval ports in the world.

Noteworthy landmarks:

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
Bridge Toll: $10 Cars / $13-$30 for trailers, etc.;

17.6 mile long stretch of highway US-13 as it traverses the mouth of Chesapeake Bay from Virginia Beach to Virginia's Cape Charles. Very unique combination sequence of tunnels, bridgies and four man-made islands on this route offers a panoramic view. It is notworthy for the number of different types of major structure included in one crossing. The southernmost island has fishing and restaurant facilities.

Merrimac-Monitor Battle Monument
Located in the harbor off Craney Island, to commemorate the great Civil War naval battle featuring the first two all iron-clad warships.

Fort Monroe / Casemate Museum
Fort Monroe (continuously occupied since 1823) was one of the few Union forts in the south not captured by the Confederates. Largest stone fort ever built in the US. It was an important base for the Union Army and Navy during the Civil War and also provided shelter to thousands of slave refugees. After the war Confederate president Jefferson Davis was confined here until 1867. Casemate Museum chronicles the histor of the fort and other important events of the Civil War. Also nearby is the Chapel of the Centurion. (757) 727-3391.

Foot Wool
Island fortress dating back to 1819. Played important roles in the Civil War and in both World Wars. Accessible only to pleasure boaters and harbor cruise boats.

Fort Eustis
Museum: Free;Open: Tues-Sun 9-4:30; (757) 878-1182;
Established during World War I as a school for Railway Artillery Fire. During World War II, it was the anti-aircraft artillery training center. Today it is home to the US Army Transportation Museum with hundreds of exhibits of actual military transport vehicles including helicopters, aircraft, trains, marine craft and more.

Fairfield Inn Hampton
1905 Coliseum Dr., Hampton VA 23666
Marriott's award winning economy hotel lodging chain features clean, convenient, quality accommodations and the peace of mind you get from Marriott consistency - all for a great value. The Fairfield Inn Hampton is located adjacent to the Hampton Coliseum, five miles from Buckroe Beach, downtown and Hampton Air & Space Museum, seven miles from Ft. Monroe, 15 miles from Norfolk Naval Base, 24 miles from Busch Gardens and 27 miles from Colonial Williamsburg. For more detailed location information and an area map see Area Info.

Virginia Adventure Guide
Including Chesapeake Bay, the Blue Ridge & Shenandoah Valley By Leonard Adkins
This highly detailed travel guide covers the entire state, from Virginia Beach to the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Great Dismal Swamp. All the best hikes, canoe trails, whitewater routes, from an author who has hiked the Appalachian Trail from start to finish three times!

.

Quality Inn and Suites Conference Center-Hampton
MainTour Special Online Rates Available Here!
Conveniently located between Virginia Beach, Colonial Williamsburg, Norfolk, Langley AFB, Newport News Shipbuilding. Walking distance to Hampton Colisum movie theater, mall and restaurants. GOLD AWARD Winner

American Rover - Tall Sailing Ship Cruises
2-hour cruise fare: $14 Adult / $7 Child (under 12); (757) 627-7245;
135-foot-long, three-masted topsail schooner departing from the Waterside in Norfolk. Guests get a chance to work the sails or man the helm at is cruises historic Hampton Roads. This ship is modeled after the cargo schooners that plied the waters of Chesapeake Bay during the 1800's. Food available.

• Two-hour na cruise departs daily at 3PM;
• Three-hour naval base cruise also available.
• (Call for additional tour times

Spirit of Norfolk - Harbor Cruise
Call for price and times; (757) 627-7771; Reservations recommended;
Departing daily from the Waterside in Norfolk. Features 2-hour na lunch cruise of Hampton Roads Harbor. Three-hour dinner and 2-hour moonlight cruises also are available.

Carrie B - Riverboat Harbor Cruise
Cruises Daily Apr - Oct; Call for price and times; (757) 393-4735;
Departing daily (Apr-Oct) from the Waterside in Norfolk. Na cruises (1.5 hours or 2.5 hours) aboard a 19th-century double-decked Mississippi riverboat past Hampton Roads Harbor's best points of interest.

Miss Hampton II - Harbor Cruise
764 Settlers Landing Rd, Hampton; (888) 757-2628;
Na harbor cruise departs daily from the Visitors Center in Hampton. Includes a stop at historic Fort Wool for a guided walking tour of the fort. Departs daily 10AM-2PM Memorial Day to Labor Day and at 10AM Apr-Oct.

Venture Inn II - Charter Cruises
766 Settlers Landing Rd, Hampton, VA; (800) 853-5002;
Year round cruises include fishing, whale-watching and scenic tours of the bay.

Omni Newport News Hotel
1000 OMNI BOULEVARD Newport News VA 23606
Located in Oyster Point Industrial Park. Directly off interstate Hwy 64, exit 258A, on Peninsula between historic Williamsburg and Virginia Beach. Where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean.



Tower Records - Your favorite music is always on sale at Tower!

Battlefields of the Civil War
An exciting revision of this combination travel/field guide to important Civil War battlefields in Virginia, Tennessee, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Mississippi and Georgia. Acclaimed for its full coverage and thoughtful organization, this is a guidebook you can carry with you as you tour the sites, and relive the action through Howard's vivid battle descriptions.

.

Norfolk Naval Base is homeport to over 100 ships serving in the Atlantic Fleet

Norfolk Naval Base Tours
Gate 5, 9079 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, VA; (757) 444-7955;
Tour Fare: $5 Adult / $2.50 Senior (60+) and Child (Under 12);
Call for tour time (Apr-Dec);
Free - Weekend Ship Tours;

45-minute bus tour originates at the tour office north of Gate 5. Na by navy personnel, you get to visit the navy base, naval air station, submarine piers and waterfront area.

Designated ships are open to visitors Sat-Sun 1PM-4:30PM and on some national holidays. Free to public.

MainTour Vacation Cruise Central
Planning your next getaway? Whether you are looking for a last-minute three-day cruise to the Bahamas or a 21-day cruise through the Orient several months from now, we can help with savings of up to 70%!

Shenandoah Valley Vacation Getaway
This special offer will save you more than $200 off the standard retail rate to stay at this scenic Central Virginia resort destination. Equestrian Center, nature trails, many historic sites, fine dining and much more adventure awaits. Many exciting outdoor experiences to choose from.


Entertainment.com - Big savings on area attractions, hotels, dining, theater and more.

Quality Suites Williamsburg
118 two-room suites, all interior corridors. Guests have access to indoor pool, whirlpool at Quality Inn next door. Access via covered walkway. Guest laundry. Gold Award winner.

Virginia Beach Vacation Getaway
Take a vacation to beautiful Virginia Beach. This special MainTour vacation package lets you stay right on the Atlantic Boardwalk. (Free Bonus gift included)