Brittnee’s guidebook
Free Fun!!!
Here are some of the local favorite free fun. Something for everyone who maybe traveling with you!
Minutes from the Beach! Buckroe Beach and Park are along the borders of the Chesapeake Bay with three-quarters of a mile of clean beach. Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. They offered picnic shelters and grills available to rent. They also have a nautical-themed playground that will entertain the children for hours to come. There are large restroom facilities with outdoor showers next to the playground.
Watersports recreation
Hampton Watersports & Concessions rent jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards on the beach. Visit their website to reserve water equipment. They also offer hot food to go, cold beverages, ice cream, snacks, and bags of ice. Picnic tables are available for customers. They are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Tips from the locals; Bring a blanket or a chair on Sunday afternoons to enjoy live bands & music.
Fun Facts!
In 1619, the "Buck Roe" Plantation was designated for public use for the newly arrived English settlers of the Virginia Company of London. In 1620, the London Company sent Frenchmen there to teach the colonists grape and silkworm culture. By 1637, however, Buck Roe Plantation had joined the rest of the colony as a tobacco field.
Buckroe was used as a fishing camp until after the American Civil War. At the urging of community leader Harrison Phoebus, the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway built by Collis Huntington extended its tracks to the area in 1882. A boarding house for summer visitors was opened by Civil War widow of Joseph Bowers Herbert, Mrs. Mary Ann Dobbins Herbert, in 1883, and the next year a public bath house was built and tourists were brought in horse-drawn carriages. In 1897, a local entrepreneur extended his electric trolley car line to Buckroe, opened a hotel, a pavilion for dancing and an amusement park. In 1898, several businessmen purchased a beachfront for blacks next to Buckroe Beach, naming it Bay Shore Beach & Resort. This amusement park and vacation destination rivaled the popularity of Buckroe Beach while racial segregation was still in effect.
The amusement park and adjacent public beach were popular destinations for social outings in the late 19th and first half of the 20th centuries. Until World War II the C&O had summer excursion service to Buckroe, using its tracks and trolley tracks from Phoebus to Buckroe. Due to declining revenue because of competition from Busch Gardens Williamsburg and the developments in air conditioning the amusement park closed in 1985 and was torn down in 1991, however, the Buckroe Beach Carousel and its Bruder band organ, were preserved and relocated to the downtown Hampton waterfront area where it is a popular attraction. The only remaining relic from the amusement park that is still standing at Buckroe is the functioning lighthouse from the miniature golf course. The popular Buckroe Beach fishing pier was destroyed during Hurricane Isabel in 2003. The pier was rebuilt by the city of Hampton and opened for business on May 30, 2009. The pier is known for its cobia fishing, which has rivaled with the grandview fishing pier for the most catches. Many fishermen can be found here on a busy summer day.
Buckroe Beach was defined as a census-designated place (then termed an unincorporated place) at the 1950 United States Census with a population of 1,977.[1] In 1952 Hampton consolidated with Elizabeth City County (including Phoebus) thus making Buckroe Beach a neighborhood of the city.
110 místní doporučují
Buckroe Beach
Minutes from the Beach! Buckroe Beach and Park are along the borders of the Chesapeake Bay with three-quarters of a mile of clean beach. Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. They offered picnic shelters and grills available to rent. They also have a nautical-themed playground that will entertain the children for hours to come. There are large restroom facilities with outdoor showers next to the playground.
Watersports recreation
Hampton Watersports & Concessions rent jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards on the beach. Visit their website to reserve water equipment. They also offer hot food to go, cold beverages, ice cream, snacks, and bags of ice. Picnic tables are available for customers. They are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Tips from the locals; Bring a blanket or a chair on Sunday afternoons to enjoy live bands & music.
Fun Facts!
In 1619, the "Buck Roe" Plantation was designated for public use for the newly arrived English settlers of the Virginia Company of London. In 1620, the London Company sent Frenchmen there to teach the colonists grape and silkworm culture. By 1637, however, Buck Roe Plantation had joined the rest of the colony as a tobacco field.
Buckroe was used as a fishing camp until after the American Civil War. At the urging of community leader Harrison Phoebus, the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway built by Collis Huntington extended its tracks to the area in 1882. A boarding house for summer visitors was opened by Civil War widow of Joseph Bowers Herbert, Mrs. Mary Ann Dobbins Herbert, in 1883, and the next year a public bath house was built and tourists were brought in horse-drawn carriages. In 1897, a local entrepreneur extended his electric trolley car line to Buckroe, opened a hotel, a pavilion for dancing and an amusement park. In 1898, several businessmen purchased a beachfront for blacks next to Buckroe Beach, naming it Bay Shore Beach & Resort. This amusement park and vacation destination rivaled the popularity of Buckroe Beach while racial segregation was still in effect.
The amusement park and adjacent public beach were popular destinations for social outings in the late 19th and first half of the 20th centuries. Until World War II the C&O had summer excursion service to Buckroe, using its tracks and trolley tracks from Phoebus to Buckroe. Due to declining revenue because of competition from Busch Gardens Williamsburg and the developments in air conditioning the amusement park closed in 1985 and was torn down in 1991, however, the Buckroe Beach Carousel and its Bruder band organ, were preserved and relocated to the downtown Hampton waterfront area where it is a popular attraction. The only remaining relic from the amusement park that is still standing at Buckroe is the functioning lighthouse from the miniature golf course. The popular Buckroe Beach fishing pier was destroyed during Hurricane Isabel in 2003. The pier was rebuilt by the city of Hampton and opened for business on May 30, 2009. The pier is known for its cobia fishing, which has rivaled with the grandview fishing pier for the most catches. Many fishermen can be found here on a busy summer day.
Buckroe Beach was defined as a census-designated place (then termed an unincorporated place) at the 1950 United States Census with a population of 1,977.[1] In 1952 Hampton consolidated with Elizabeth City County (including Phoebus) thus making Buckroe Beach a neighborhood of the city.
Bluebird Gap Farm offers an exciting, family-oriented adventure and educational experience rarely seen in an urban environment. The 60-acre farm has around 150 domestic and wild animals. We have the usual farm animals such as horses, cows, pigs, goats, and chickens. We are also home to birds of prey, whitetail deer, llamas, alpacas, tortoises, peacocks, rabbits, and waterfowl!
The park features a covered pavilion with 18 picnic tables and a large charcoal grill. Other picnic tables and grills are placed throughout the farm for our guests' convenience. The antique display barn features a variety of both home and farm antique pieces from various time periods over the last couple of centuries. Snack and drink vending machines are also located in the antique barn. Animal feed machines are located in several locations for those wanting a more 'interactive' experience (don't forget your quarters!). Admission is free.
Features:
Powhatan Pavilion (large enough for 100 people.)
A large playground
The Azalea Trail (a nature path with a great view of Newmarket Creek)
A stage with seating for special events and activities
Picnic areas with charcoal grills
A large duck pond
The Hampton Master Gardeners' Display Garden and Arboretum
Local Tip:
Pack a lunch and your sneakers for all day fun for the family.
On some summer nights the play family friendly movies.
Don' t forget your quarters to get feed for the animals.
The turtles are on the right hand side behind the barn (Welcome Center).
Make sure your phone is charged for some really great pictures!
39 místní doporučují
Bluebird Gap Farm
60 Pine Chapel RdBluebird Gap Farm offers an exciting, family-oriented adventure and educational experience rarely seen in an urban environment. The 60-acre farm has around 150 domestic and wild animals. We have the usual farm animals such as horses, cows, pigs, goats, and chickens. We are also home to birds of prey, whitetail deer, llamas, alpacas, tortoises, peacocks, rabbits, and waterfowl!
The park features a covered pavilion with 18 picnic tables and a large charcoal grill. Other picnic tables and grills are placed throughout the farm for our guests' convenience. The antique display barn features a variety of both home and farm antique pieces from various time periods over the last couple of centuries. Snack and drink vending machines are also located in the antique barn. Animal feed machines are located in several locations for those wanting a more 'interactive' experience (don't forget your quarters!). Admission is free.
Features:
Powhatan Pavilion (large enough for 100 people.)
A large playground
The Azalea Trail (a nature path with a great view of Newmarket Creek)
A stage with seating for special events and activities
Picnic areas with charcoal grills
A large duck pond
The Hampton Master Gardeners' Display Garden and Arboretum
Local Tip:
Pack a lunch and your sneakers for all day fun for the family.
On some summer nights the play family friendly movies.
Don' t forget your quarters to get feed for the animals.
The turtles are on the right hand side behind the barn (Welcome Center).
Make sure your phone is charged for some really great pictures!
EXPLORE FORT MONROE’S HISTORY
Start your visit at the Fort Monroe Visitor and Education Center (VEC) where you can get information about the area, pick up guided maps for the walking tour and the Fort Monroe National Monument. You can also pick up your ticket for a FREE visit to the Casemate Museum, and learn about other visitor experience and special tours.
The Casemate Museum is located within the walls of the largest masonry fort constructed in the United States. The museum chronicles over 400 years of history of Point Comfort and Fort Monroe where many decisions were made that impact the foundation and future of the United States. Housed inside the original casemates where several of the fort’s large guns remain in place, exhibits and dioramas explain the construction of the fort, what daily life was like through the ages and tell the stories of the many famous, an infamous, people who were here. There is also a Museum Shop inside the museum.
THE VISITOR & EDUCATION CENTER AND CASEMATE MUSEUM–OPEN WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY
The Casemate Museum is now open to the public on Wednesday through Sunday. A timed ticketed entry to the museum is required. You can make a reservation on line or you can pick up same-day tickets, as available, at the Visitor & Education Center (VEC).
All visits begin at the Visitor & Education Center, 30 Ingalls Road, Fort Monroe, VA. Come early to explore the exhibits and take in the view from the rooftop terrace, but please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled reservation time for your museum visit. Staff at the VEC will check you in, orient you to Fort Monroe, give you your ticket and direct you to the Casemate Museum entrance. Free times tickets may be reserved here
The Visitor & Education Center is open 9:30am to 4:30pm. The Casemate Museum is open from 10:00am to 4:00pm, with last timed entry at 3:30pm. Both the Visitor & Education Center and the Casemate Museum are free of charge. There is ample parking in front of and behind the Visitor & Education Center. Accessible parking and entrances are behind the building.
If you need to cancel or change your reservation call 757-690-8181; staff will assist with re-scheduling or canceling your visit.
For GROUP TOURS and visits please contact staff at the Visitor & Education Center.
For more information and details call 757-690-8181 or email visit@fortmonroe.org
Check us out at www.fortmonroe.org and follow us on social media at Fort Monroe at Old Point Comfort on Facebook and Fort Monroe’s Casemate Museum Facebook page.
You can explore Fort Monroe and visit us virtually at Virtural Tour. You can also enjoy the outdoors and take a newly designed walking tour through the Old Fort. Pick up a guide at either site or access it here Walking Tour Guide.
We thank you for your understanding and look forward to welcoming you back to the Museum and Visitor Center.
19 místní doporučují
Muzeum Fort Monroe's Casemate
30 Bernard RdEXPLORE FORT MONROE’S HISTORY
Start your visit at the Fort Monroe Visitor and Education Center (VEC) where you can get information about the area, pick up guided maps for the walking tour and the Fort Monroe National Monument. You can also pick up your ticket for a FREE visit to the Casemate Museum, and learn about other visitor experience and special tours.
The Casemate Museum is located within the walls of the largest masonry fort constructed in the United States. The museum chronicles over 400 years of history of Point Comfort and Fort Monroe where many decisions were made that impact the foundation and future of the United States. Housed inside the original casemates where several of the fort’s large guns remain in place, exhibits and dioramas explain the construction of the fort, what daily life was like through the ages and tell the stories of the many famous, an infamous, people who were here. There is also a Museum Shop inside the museum.
THE VISITOR & EDUCATION CENTER AND CASEMATE MUSEUM–OPEN WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY
The Casemate Museum is now open to the public on Wednesday through Sunday. A timed ticketed entry to the museum is required. You can make a reservation on line or you can pick up same-day tickets, as available, at the Visitor & Education Center (VEC).
All visits begin at the Visitor & Education Center, 30 Ingalls Road, Fort Monroe, VA. Come early to explore the exhibits and take in the view from the rooftop terrace, but please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled reservation time for your museum visit. Staff at the VEC will check you in, orient you to Fort Monroe, give you your ticket and direct you to the Casemate Museum entrance. Free times tickets may be reserved here
The Visitor & Education Center is open 9:30am to 4:30pm. The Casemate Museum is open from 10:00am to 4:00pm, with last timed entry at 3:30pm. Both the Visitor & Education Center and the Casemate Museum are free of charge. There is ample parking in front of and behind the Visitor & Education Center. Accessible parking and entrances are behind the building.
If you need to cancel or change your reservation call 757-690-8181; staff will assist with re-scheduling or canceling your visit.
For GROUP TOURS and visits please contact staff at the Visitor & Education Center.
For more information and details call 757-690-8181 or email visit@fortmonroe.org
Check us out at www.fortmonroe.org and follow us on social media at Fort Monroe at Old Point Comfort on Facebook and Fort Monroe’s Casemate Museum Facebook page.
You can explore Fort Monroe and visit us virtually at Virtural Tour. You can also enjoy the outdoors and take a newly designed walking tour through the Old Fort. Pick up a guide at either site or access it here Walking Tour Guide.
We thank you for your understanding and look forward to welcoming you back to the Museum and Visitor Center.
The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center is one of the most familiar sites in downtown Hampton. Built in 1925, the building served as Hampton's public library for more than 60 years. After careful renovation and restoration, the building now presents changing exhibitions featuring some of the best local, regional, and national artists, as well as classes for children and adults. CTVAC is also the meeting space for the Hampton Arts League. Free Admission. Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM; Closed Sundays and Mondays.
Charles H. Taylor Art Center
4205 Victoria BlvdThe Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center is one of the most familiar sites in downtown Hampton. Built in 1925, the building served as Hampton's public library for more than 60 years. After careful renovation and restoration, the building now presents changing exhibitions featuring some of the best local, regional, and national artists, as well as classes for children and adults. CTVAC is also the meeting space for the Hampton Arts League. Free Admission. Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM; Closed Sundays and Mondays.
OUR MISSION
The purpose of the University Museum is to collect, preserve, study, exhibit, and interpret artifacts and works of traditional art which illustrate the cultures, heritages and histories of African, Native American, Oceanic and Asian peoples, as well as the works of contemporary African American, African and American Indian artists and three-dimensional objects which relate to the history and significance of Hampton University.
ADMISSION IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
COLLECTIONS
The Museum is composed of the world’s first collection of African American fine art, which began with the 1894 acquisition of two paintings by Henry O. Tanner. One of these paintings, The Banjo Lesson, is acknowledged as the most admired work by an African American artist. Hampton was the recipient of a gift of hundreds of artworks from the Harmon Foundation in 1967, which includes representation of most of the important artists from the Harlem Renaissance into the early 1960s. The museum also houses the Countee and Ida Cullen Art Collection; a group of 29 works of art acquired from the widow of the famed Harlem Renaissance poet. Among the most outstanding holdings are works by three important figures connected to the visual arts at Hampton: John T. Biggers, Elizabeth Catlett, and Samella S. Lewis. In addition to the African American Fine Art Collection, the Museum features African, Native American, and the Hampton History Galleries as permanent exhibitions. To learn more, please see our Collection History!
THE BANJO LESSON
The Banjo Lesson is Tanner’s most famous painting. It reflects Tanner’s conscious commitment to depicting African American in a compassionate manner. A favorite of visitors to the Museum today, the painting was also well received in its time. In 1894, The Banjo Lesson was admitted into the Paris Salon, the most prestigious annual juried exhibition in the city. Robert C. Ogden, a philanthropist and chair of the then Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute’s Board of Trustees, bought the painting and donated it to Hampton in November of 1894. The Banjo Lesson and another Tanner piece, The Lion’s Head (also owned by the Hampton University Museum), represent the first works of African Americans art to be collected by an American institution and form the cornerstone of Hampton’s outstanding fine arts collection.
museum-1-7
Henry O. Tanner
The Banjo Lesson, 1893 Oil on canvas Gift of Robert C. Ogden
9 místní doporučují
Hampton University Museum
14 Frissell AvenueOUR MISSION
The purpose of the University Museum is to collect, preserve, study, exhibit, and interpret artifacts and works of traditional art which illustrate the cultures, heritages and histories of African, Native American, Oceanic and Asian peoples, as well as the works of contemporary African American, African and American Indian artists and three-dimensional objects which relate to the history and significance of Hampton University.
ADMISSION IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
COLLECTIONS
The Museum is composed of the world’s first collection of African American fine art, which began with the 1894 acquisition of two paintings by Henry O. Tanner. One of these paintings, The Banjo Lesson, is acknowledged as the most admired work by an African American artist. Hampton was the recipient of a gift of hundreds of artworks from the Harmon Foundation in 1967, which includes representation of most of the important artists from the Harlem Renaissance into the early 1960s. The museum also houses the Countee and Ida Cullen Art Collection; a group of 29 works of art acquired from the widow of the famed Harlem Renaissance poet. Among the most outstanding holdings are works by three important figures connected to the visual arts at Hampton: John T. Biggers, Elizabeth Catlett, and Samella S. Lewis. In addition to the African American Fine Art Collection, the Museum features African, Native American, and the Hampton History Galleries as permanent exhibitions. To learn more, please see our Collection History!
THE BANJO LESSON
The Banjo Lesson is Tanner’s most famous painting. It reflects Tanner’s conscious commitment to depicting African American in a compassionate manner. A favorite of visitors to the Museum today, the painting was also well received in its time. In 1894, The Banjo Lesson was admitted into the Paris Salon, the most prestigious annual juried exhibition in the city. Robert C. Ogden, a philanthropist and chair of the then Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute’s Board of Trustees, bought the painting and donated it to Hampton in November of 1894. The Banjo Lesson and another Tanner piece, The Lion’s Head (also owned by the Hampton University Museum), represent the first works of African Americans art to be collected by an American institution and form the cornerstone of Hampton’s outstanding fine arts collection.
museum-1-7
Henry O. Tanner
The Banjo Lesson, 1893 Oil on canvas Gift of Robert C. Ogden
Sightseeing
Here are some of our favorite hidden gems that Hampton has to offer.
Enjoy the Historical Fort Monroe View & Beaches!
There are miles of pristine beaches at Fort Monroe. Surrounded by water on all sides, the Fort Monroe beaches are some of the best places in Hampton Roads to enjoy beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay. There is something for everyone at Fort Monroe. With approximately 89 species of birds, 9 species of trees and 249 species of flora, the nature lover will feel right at home.
The public beach, Outlook Beach, is the perfect place for swimming, sun bathing and relaxing. It is open from sunrise to sunset. Lifeguards, provided by the City of Hampton, are on duty from 10am – 6pm Memorial Day through Labor Day. Dogs are not allowed on Outlook Beach from May 15 through September 15.
North Beach, formally referred to as Dog Beach is closed to the public.
39 místní doporučují
Outlook Beach
Enjoy the Historical Fort Monroe View & Beaches!
There are miles of pristine beaches at Fort Monroe. Surrounded by water on all sides, the Fort Monroe beaches are some of the best places in Hampton Roads to enjoy beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay. There is something for everyone at Fort Monroe. With approximately 89 species of birds, 9 species of trees and 249 species of flora, the nature lover will feel right at home.
The public beach, Outlook Beach, is the perfect place for swimming, sun bathing and relaxing. It is open from sunrise to sunset. Lifeguards, provided by the City of Hampton, are on duty from 10am – 6pm Memorial Day through Labor Day. Dogs are not allowed on Outlook Beach from May 15 through September 15.
North Beach, formally referred to as Dog Beach is closed to the public.
Fort Monroe National Monument
Shhh! It's a local secret...
View all facilities
Grandview Nature Preserve and Factory Point
Grandview Nature Preserve and Factory Point
F
Features
Beach
Parking
There is only street parking, which is on the right side of State Park Drive.
Hours of Operation
The Nature Preserve is open year round from sunrise to sunset daily.
Rules
All city, state and federal laws apply to Grandview Nature Preserve. All laws are strictly enforced. This area is patrolled by city, state and federal law enforcement officers. Any violations observed will be enforced.
View Map of Keep Off Areas
The following activities are prohibited:
Alcohol
Camping or tents
Open fires
Grills
Hunting
Collection of plants, animals, or any parts of
Bicycle riding
Horses
Off-road vehicle or any type of wheeled
Entering dune areas
Entering into designated posted bird nesting areas
Pets
Pets are banned on the main beach May 15-Sept. 15 and on Factory Point April 1-Sept. 15. All other times, pets must remain on leash.
Features
Grandview Nature Preserve is open to the public free and forms the northeast corner of the city of Hampton. The Preserve covers over 475 acres of salt marsh, tidal creeks, and Chesapeake Bay beachfront. The Preserve is a great location to beach comb, observe the migratory birds, and photography. It is also a great place for fishing. You will need to obtain a saltwater fishing license from Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
Stranded Marine Animals
Marine animals are known to wash up on beaches when they are sick, injured, or dead. Please stay away from them as all marine mammals and sea turtles are federally protected, dead or alive. What you can do to help is identify the species if possible, note location of where is it (GPS points would be the best), description (dead, alive, injured, missing limbs, etc.), and if possible a photo. Next call the Virginia Stranding Team 24 hour hotline at 757-385-7576. If possible call the team while the animal is in sight. The stranding team rescues and rehabilitates live animals, collects data from dead specimens, and supports research on stranded marine animals found in Virginia.
Litter
Grandview Nature Preserve shall be maintained free of litter, pet waste and any other undesirable materials. There are no trash receptacles inside Grandview Nature Preserve. It is asked that whatever litter you bring in, you take out. Please help us keep this facility litter free.
31 místní doporučují
Přírodní rezervace Grandview
State Park Drive
Shhh! It's a local secret...
View all facilities
Grandview Nature Preserve and Factory Point
Grandview Nature Preserve and Factory Point
F
Features
Beach
Parking
There is only street parking, which is on the right side of State Park Drive.
Hours of Operation
The Nature Preserve is open year round from sunrise to sunset daily.
Rules
All city, state and federal laws apply to Grandview Nature Preserve. All laws are strictly enforced. This area is patrolled by city, state and federal law enforcement officers. Any violations observed will be enforced.
View Map of Keep Off Areas
The following activities are prohibited:
Alcohol
Camping or tents
Open fires
Grills
Hunting
Collection of plants, animals, or any parts of
Bicycle riding
Horses
Off-road vehicle or any type of wheeled
Entering dune areas
Entering into designated posted bird nesting areas
Pets
Pets are banned on the main beach May 15-Sept. 15 and on Factory Point April 1-Sept. 15. All other times, pets must remain on leash.
Features
Grandview Nature Preserve is open to the public free and forms the northeast corner of the city of Hampton. The Preserve covers over 475 acres of salt marsh, tidal creeks, and Chesapeake Bay beachfront. The Preserve is a great location to beach comb, observe the migratory birds, and photography. It is also a great place for fishing. You will need to obtain a saltwater fishing license from Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
Stranded Marine Animals
Marine animals are known to wash up on beaches when they are sick, injured, or dead. Please stay away from them as all marine mammals and sea turtles are federally protected, dead or alive. What you can do to help is identify the species if possible, note location of where is it (GPS points would be the best), description (dead, alive, injured, missing limbs, etc.), and if possible a photo. Next call the Virginia Stranding Team 24 hour hotline at 757-385-7576. If possible call the team while the animal is in sight. The stranding team rescues and rehabilitates live animals, collects data from dead specimens, and supports research on stranded marine animals found in Virginia.
Litter
Grandview Nature Preserve shall be maintained free of litter, pet waste and any other undesirable materials. There are no trash receptacles inside Grandview Nature Preserve. It is asked that whatever litter you bring in, you take out. Please help us keep this facility litter free.
Waterwalk Path
waterwalk 600Waterwalk is a 2¼-mile linear park that stretches through the heart of Coliseum Central from the Power Plant shopping area to historic Air Power Park.
View the map
This shared, multi-use path creates an exciting and safe experience for pedestrians and bicyclists. One end of the park is accessible at Coliseum Drive, running behind Hampton Coliseum and Coliseum Lake to help soothe shoppers, convention attendees and concert-goers, visitors to nearby Bluebird Gap Farm, area workers, and joggers.
At the other end, behind Air Power Park, a raised wooden walkway provides a quiet nature observation deck with views of Newmarket Creek, where wildlife abounds. Visitors may see herons, egrets, redwing blackbirds and various types of crabs.
Waterwalk at Central Park
Waterwalk Path
waterwalk 600Waterwalk is a 2¼-mile linear park that stretches through the heart of Coliseum Central from the Power Plant shopping area to historic Air Power Park.
View the map
This shared, multi-use path creates an exciting and safe experience for pedestrians and bicyclists. One end of the park is accessible at Coliseum Drive, running behind Hampton Coliseum and Coliseum Lake to help soothe shoppers, convention attendees and concert-goers, visitors to nearby Bluebird Gap Farm, area workers, and joggers.
At the other end, behind Air Power Park, a raised wooden walkway provides a quiet nature observation deck with views of Newmarket Creek, where wildlife abounds. Visitors may see herons, egrets, redwing blackbirds and various types of crabs.
Neighborhoods
Hampton Roads Hometown Celebrities!
Did you know that some of the World's most influential world leaders were born right here in the 757? Gold Medal Olympians, Musical and performing artist, Athletes, Writers and Producers, Politicians and even Presidents.
Fun Fact: In 2014 there was a statewide campaign to make Virginia Beaches' Pharrell Williams song "Happy" the official state song.
Here is a list of some of our hometown heroes!
Hampton
Ronald Curry (b. 1979) – professional football player for the Oakland Raiders
DRAM (b. 1988) – musician
Steve Earle (b. 1955) – popular country-rock musician and songwriter
Shaun Gayle (b. 1962) – professional football player with the San Diego Chargers
Chris Hanburger (b. 1941) – popular Washington Redskins player in the 1970s
Dwight Hollier (b. 1969) – professional football player with the Miami Dolphins and the Indianapolis Colts
Mike Husted (b. 1970) – former kicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Oakland Raiders, and Washington Redskins
Weldon Irvine (1943–2002) – musician
Allen Iverson (b. 1975) – professional basketball player, point guard for the Philadelphia 76ers
John P. Jumper (b. 1945) – former Chief of Staff of the US Air Force
Jerod Mayo (b. 1986) – professional football player with the New England Patriots drafted 10th overall in 2008
Francena McCorory (b. 1988) – member of 2012 gold medal Olympic women's 4x400 team
Dwight Stephenson (b. 1957) – professional football player for the Miami Dolphins and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Tyrod Taylor (b.1989) – quarterback for the Buffalo Bills
Dwight White (1949–2008) – defensive end on the Pittsburgh Steelers during their 1970s glory years
Jimmy F. Williams (b. 1984) – professional football player with the Atlanta Falcons
Steve Wilson – jazz musician, alto and soprano saxophones, flute; composer
Roy "Future Man" Wooten (b. 1957) – musician
Newport News
Willie Armstead (b. 1952) – former professional football player in the Canadian Football League
Pearl Bailey (1918–90) – Tony Award-winning actress and singer
Antoine Bethea (b. 1984) – professional football strong safety for the San Francisco 49ers
Larry Bethea (1956–1987) – late professional football player for the Dallas Cowboys
Darryl Blackstock (b. 1983) – professional football player for the Cincinnati Bengals
Blind Blake (1896–1934) – blues and ragtime musician (not officially confirmed he was born in Newport News)
Aaron Brooks (b. 1976) – former professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders; land developer
Elton Brown (b. 1982) – former professional football player for the Arizona Cardinals
Joyce Bulifant (b. 1937) – television actress
Robert Cray (b. 1953) – blues guitarist
Will Crutchfield (b. 1957) – opera conductor
Scott Darling (b. 1988) – professional ice hockey goaltender for the Carolina Hurricanes
Ben Edwards (b. 1992) – American football player
Frankie Faison (b. 1949) – film actor
Ella Fitzgerald (1917–1996) – jazz singer
The Five Keys – popular soul and doo-wop act in the 1950s; featuring Newport News locals Ripley Ingram, Bernie West, Dickie Threat and Rudy West
Johnny Gilbert (b. 1924) – announcer for the television quiz show Jeopardy!
Marques Hagans (b. 1982) – NFL player
Henry Jordan (1935–1977) – former professional football player for the Green Bay Packers; member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Richard Kelly (b. 1975) – film director and writer; films include Donnie Darko and Domino
Leroy Keyes (1947–2021) – professional football running back for the Philadelphia Eagles
J. J. Lankes (1884–1960) – woodcut artist, lived for many years in the Hilton Village neighborhood
Kwamie Lassiter (b. 1969) – former football safety for the Arizona Cardinals
David Macklin (b. 1978) – professional football player for the Washington Redskins
Michael Maguire (b. 1955) – Tony Award-winning actor
Queen Esther Marrow (b. 1941) – soul and gospel singer
Masego (musician) (b. 1993) - R&B and traphouse jazz artist
Lightfoot Solomon Michaux (1885–1969) – evangelist, early radio and television pioneer
J. Clyde Morris (1909-1987) – first executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel; former city manager of the City of Warwick
Hazel R. O'Leary (b. 1937) – former Secretary of Energy under President Bill Clinton and currently President of Fisk University
Tommy Reamon (b. 1952) – former pro football player and coach
Austin Roberts (b. 1945) – singer and songwriter
Norm Snead (b. 1939) – former professional football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles
Sonja Sohn (b. 1964) – actress, The Wire, Body of Proof
Jon St. John (b. 1960) – voice actor and singer, best known as the voice of Duke Nukem
William Styron (1925–2006) – author of The Confessions of Nat Turner and Sophie's Choice
Nick "The Goat" Thompson (b. 1981) – professional mixed martial arts fighter; Bodog Fight Welterweight Champion
Mike Tomlin (b. 1972) – head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers
Al Toon (b. 1963) – former professional football player for the New York Jets
Marcus Vick (b. 1984) – former NFL player, quarterback for Virginia Tech
Michael Vick (b. 1980) – NFL quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles
Victor Wooten (b. 1964) – musician
Norfolk
Adam Anderson – driver of the Taz and Grave Digger Monster Trucks, and son of Monster Truck driver
Dennis Anderson – driver of the Grave Digger Monster Truck in the Monster Jam series
Mason Andrews (1919–2006) – physician who delivered America's first in vitro baby; visionary leader of Norfolk's late 20th century renaissance
Anhayla (b. 1988) – singer and songwriter
Gordon Banks (b. 1955) – guitarist and music director for Marvin Gaye
Al Barks (b. 1936) – Negro league baseball player
Benny Blanco (b. 1988) – record producer, DJ, songwriter, and record executive
Gary "U.S." Bonds (b. 1939) – singer and songwriter
Plaxico Burress (b. 1977) – professional football wide receiver for the New York Jets
William Harvey Carney (1840–1908) – African-American soldier of the American Civil War; Medal of Honor recipient for his part in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry's assault on Fort Wagner, South Carolina
Kam Chancellor (b. 1988) – professional football safety for the Seattle Seahawks
Clarence Clemons – saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band
Alex Cosmidis – Minor League baseball player and manager and Major League scout
William Couper (1853–1942) – sculptor
Colgate Whitehead Darden, Jr. (1897–1981) – U.S. Representative; Governor of Virginia; Chancellor of the College of William and Mary; third President of the University of Virginia
Mike D'Orso (b. 1953) – author, journalist
Charles "Lefty" Driesell (b. 1931) – basketball coach at Davidson College, the University of Maryland, College Park, James Madison University, and Georgia State University
Rob Estes (b. 1963) – actor
Samuel Face (1923–2001) – inventor
Ryan Farish (b. 1974) – music composer, artist, publisher, and record executive of Rytone Entertainment
Florian-Ayala Fauna – artist musician[1]
William Fuller (b. 1962) – professional football defensive end for the Houston Oilers, Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears
Stephen Furst (1954–2017) – television actor
Grant Gustin (b. 1990) – television actor
Henry Howell (1920–97) – Independent Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
Lawrence "LoJo" Johnson (b. 1974) – Olympic pole vaulter, silver medalist in 2000
General Norman Johnson (b. 1943) – R&B musician
Kishi Bashi (b. 1975) – indie rock violinist; solo musician; tour member of Of Montreal and Regina Spektor
Naomi Long Madgett (b. 1923) – poet
Mae – indie rock band
Thomas W. Moss, Jr. (b. 1928) – Democratic Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, 1992–2000
Wayne Newton (b. 1942) – aka "Mr. Las Vegas"; singer and songwriter
Tim Reid (b. 1944) – television actor, director, and film executive
Jodi Rell (b. 1946) – Republican Governor of Connecticut, 2004–2011
Joseph Jenkins Roberts (1809–1876) – first President of Liberia
Larry Sabato (b. 1952) – political pundit and professor at the University of Virginia
Ed Schultz (1954–2018) – pundit and TV personality for MSNBC
Deborah Shelton (b. 1948) – actress; Miss USA 1970, first runner-up in Miss Universe contest
John Wesley Shipp (b. 1956) – television actor
Bruce Smith (b. 1963) – Pro Football Hall of Fame player for the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins
Joe Smith (b. 1975) – professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers
Keely Smith (b. 1932) – nightclub singer, wife and stage partner of Louis Prima
Margaret Sullavan (1909–1960) – actress and wife of Leland Hayward
Chuck Swirsky – Chicago Bulls radio play-by-play announcer, previously with Toronto Raptors
Littleton Waller Tazewell (1774–1860) – U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator and Governor of Virginia
Scott Travis (b. 1961) – drummer for rock band Judas Priest
John Paul Vann (1924–1972) – U.S. soldier and civilian active in Vietnam
Marc Vann (b. 1954) – actor
Brandon Vera (b. 1977) – mixed martial artist, currently signed to UFC
Gene Vincent (1935–1971) – rock-a-billy artist recorded the hit "Be-Bop-a-Lula"
Ben Watson (b. 1980) – football player for the New England Patriots
Ernie Watts (b. 1945) – composer, jazz saxophonist, and long-time touring member of The Rolling Stones
Joe Weatherly (1922–1964) – NASCAR driver
Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker (b. 1964) – boxer; 1984 Olympic gold medalist, professional champion in four weight classes
Thomas Wilkins (b. 1954) – orchestra conductor, music director of the Omaha Symphony Orchestra
Patrick Wilson (b. 1973) – actor
David Wright (b. 1982) – professional baseball player for the New York Mets[2]
Portsmouth
V. C. Andrews (1923–1986) – mystery and horror writer
Marty Brennaman (b. 1942) – sportscaster for the Cincinnati Reds
Karen Briggs (b. 1963) – violinist
Ruth Brown (1928–2006) – Grammy Award-winning singer and entertainer
Bebe Buell (b. 1953) – fashion model, famous groupie and mother of Liv Tyler
Mahlon Clark (1923–2007) – musician
LaTasha Colander (b. 1976) – track and field sprint star, 2000 Olympic gold medalist (4 × 400 m)
Jamin Elliott (b. 1979) – former NFL wide receiver for the Chicago Bears, New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons
Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott (b. 1971) – rapper
Perry Ellis (1940–1986) – fashion designer
John Facenda (1913–1984) – WCAU news anchor from 1948 to 1973; known as the "Voice of NFL Films" until his death in 1984
Clifton C. Garvin (b. 1922) – President and CEO of Exxon
Chandler Harper (1914–2004) – golfer
Chad Hugo (b. 1974) – musician and producer in the Neptunes and N.E.R.D.
Ben L. Jones (b. 1941) – actor and politician
T. J. Jordan (b. 1986) – basketball player
LaShawn Merritt (b. 1986) – 2008 Olympic gold medal-winning sprinter
George "Shadow" Morton (b. 1944) – record producer and songwriter
Bismarck Myrick (b. 1940) – U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Liberia, U.S. Ambassador to Lesotho
Tommy Newsom (1929–2007) – musician featured in Johnny Carson's The Tonight Show band with Doc Severinsen
Patton Oswalt (b. 1969) – comedian and television actor
Ace Parker (b. 1912) – Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback; also played baseball with the Philadelphia Athletics
William Russ (b. 1950) – actor
Bill Schneider (b. 1944) – political commentator for CNN
Wanda Sykes (b. 1964) – actress, comedian, and comedy writer
Ted Thomas, Sr. (b. 1935) – Pentecostal preacher and pastor of the New Community Temple Church of God in Christ; General board member of the Church of God in Christ, Inc. denomination
Mike Watt (b. 1957) – musician, founding member and bassist of SST hardcore punk band Minutemen; current bassist for recently reunited 60s band The Stooges
Nicole Wray (b. 1980) – rapper and protégé of Missy Elliott
Suffolk
James Avery (1955–2013) – actor best known for his portrayal of the patriarch and attorney (later judge) "Philip Banks", in the TV sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air[3]
Johnnie Barnes (b. 1968) – graduate of Hampton University; former football player for the San Diego Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers
Charlie Byrd (1925–99) – jazz guitarist
Mills Edwin Godwin, Jr. (1914–99) – two time Governor of Virginia
Lex Luger (b. 1991) – hip-hop music producer; produced tracks on Rick Ross's Teflon Don, Waka Flocka Flame's Flockaveli, Slim Thug's Tha Thug Show, and Kanye West and Jay-Z's Watch the Throne
Joe Maphis (1921–86) – country music singer and songwriter
Terrence Warren (b. 1969) – former NFL player and All-American sprinter at Hampton University
Virginia Beach
Arsis – technical death metal group
Corey Ashe (b. 1986) – professional soccer player for the Houston Dynamo
Ken Barefoot – former NFL tight end for the Washington Redskins
Wade Barrett (b. 1976) – professional soccer player for the Houston Dynamo
Kyle "K-Dogg" Benham – associate producer of Elliot in the Morning
BLACKstreet – R&B group
Rudy Boesch (1928-2019) – third place finalist on Survivor: Borneo (first season)
J. Evan Bonifant (b. 1985) – actor
Maria Boren – contestant on The Apprentice 2
Bill Bray (b. 1983) – graduate of Ocean Lakes High School; professional baseball player drafted in the 1st round 13th overall in the 2004 MLB draft by the Montreal Expos; currently playing for the Cincinnati Reds
Garrett Brown (b. 1985) – graduate of Kellam High School; Manager Carolina Restoration. Loves netting.
Paul "Cubby" Bryant (b. 1971) – national radio host
Curtis Bush (b. 1962) – world champion kickboxer and actor
Steve Cardenas (b. 1974) – martial artist and retired actor best known for portraying Rocky DeSantos in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Power Rangers Zeo
Charles Clark (b. 1987) – world-class athlete, sprinter
Clipse – rap group
Gabby Douglas (b. 1995) – Olympic gold-winning gymnast
Ryan Farish (b. 1974) – music composer, artist, publisher, record executive of Rytone Entertainment
John Fox (b. 1955) – Head Coach of the Chicago Bears
Jason George (b. 1972) – television actor
Percy Harvin (b. 1988) – former football player for the Seattle Seahawks
Chad Hugo (b. 1974) – hip hop artist, member of duo The Neptunes
Justin Hunter (b. May 20, 1991) – NFL player for the Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and Pittsburgh Steelers
Chyler Leigh (b. 1982) – actress, co-star of Not Another Teen Movie
Evan Marriott (b. 1974) – reality television star on Joe Millionaire
Ryan McGinness (b. 1972) – artist
Scott McKenzie (b. 1939) – singer and songwriter
Sean Murphy (b. 1984) – NASCAR driver
Juice Newton (b. 1952) – pop and country singer
Brandon Noble (b. 1974) – professional football player for the San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, and Washington Redskins
Shomi Patwary (b. 1982) – director and designer
Gerald P. Pulley (b. 1922) – naval photographer
Pusha T (b. 1977) – rapper
J.R. Reid (b. 1968) – former professional basketball player
Mark Reynolds (b. 1983) – professional baseball player
Teddy Riley (b. 1967) – musician and songwriter
Pat Robertson (b. 1930) – founder of Regent University and The 700 Club
Aaron Rouse (b. 1984) – professional football player for the Green Bay Packers
Mark Ruffalo (b. 1967) – film and television actor
Todd Schnitt (b. 1966) – syndicated radio shows, MJ Morning Show and Schnitt Show
Herbert Scott (b. 1953) – professional football player for the Dallas Cowboys, winner of Super Bowl XII
Grace Sherwood (1660–1740) – the so-called Witch of Pungo (now exonerated after 300 years)
Chris Taylor (b. 1990) – graduate of Frank W. Cox High School, professional baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers
Danny Tidwell (b. 1984) – professional dancer and finalist on So You Think You Can Dance
Kendra Todd (b. 1978) – winner of The Apprentice 3
Lil Tracy (b. 1995) – rap artist, member of the GothBoiClique collective
Travis Wall (b. 1987) – professional dancer and finalist on So You Think You Can Dance
Pharrell Williams (b. 1973) – hip hop artist, member of record producing duo The Neptunes
Ryan Zimmerman (b. 1984) – graduate of Kellam High School; professional baseball player for the Washington Nationals
Williamsburg
Jimmy Fortune (b. 1955) – vocalist with the Statler Brothers
Mel Gray (b. 1961) – professional football player and member of NFL all decade team of 1990s
Bruce Hornsby (b. 1954) – singer and songwriter
Linda Lavin (b. 1937) – actress
Seven Mary Three – alternative rock band
Canaan Smith (b. 1984) – country music artist
Ron Springs (b. 1956) – running back for the Dallas Cowboys and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Shawn Springs (b. 1975) – football player for the Washington Redskins
Lawrence Taylor (b. 1959) – former professional football player for the New York Giants; professional wrestler; member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
George Wythe (1726–1806) – first professor of law at William and Mary; taught future presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, and future Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Marshall; signer of the Declaration of Independence
York County
Terry Kirby (b. 1970) – professional football player for the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders
Wayne Kirby (b. 1964) – Major League Baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Indians
Thomas Nelson, Jr. (1738–1789) – signer of the Declaration of Independence
Bryan Randall (b. 1983) – 2005 ACC Football Player of the Year
Chris Slade (b. 1971) – professional football player for the New England Patriots
Sports
Soccer
Corey Ashe (b. 1986) – professional soccer player for the Houston Dynamo
Wade Barrett (b. 1976) – professional soccer player for the Houston Dynamo
Kharlton Belmar – professional soccer player for Portland Timbers 2
Jon Busch – Hampton Roads Mariner; Major League Soccer
Darren Caskey – Hampton Roads Mariner; Tottenham Hotspur; Reading
Trevor Francis – Hampton Roads Mariner; Birmingham City; Manchester City; Rangers; England National Team
Jay Hoffman – coached Hampton Roads Mariners; played professionally in the Canadian National Soccer League
Cornelius Huggins – Hampton Roads Mariner; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines National Team
Roy Lassiter – Hampton Roads Mariner; Major League Soccer; USA National Team
Darin Lewis – Hampton Roads Mariner; MLS New York MetroStars
Shane McFaul – Hampton Roads Mariner; Republic of Ireland U21
Baseball
Al Barks – Negro league baseball player
Bill Bray – graduate of Ocean Lakes High School; professional baseball player drafted in the 1st round 13th overall in the 2004 mlb draft by the Montreal Expos; currently playing for the Cincinnati Reds
Alex Cosmidis – Minor League baseball player and manager and Major League scout
Michael Cuddyer – left fielder for the New York Mets from Chesapeake; drafted in 1997 amateur draft by the Minnesota Twins in the 1st round (9th pick)
D.J. Dozier – football / baseball from Virginia Beach; Penn State All-American, first-round NFL draft 14th pick by Minnesota Vikings who was also drafted by major league baseball by the Detroit Tigers in the 18th round in 1983 (459th overall)
Hank Foiles – from Norfolk, Major league All-Star in 1957; played for seven teams; finished his career in 1964 with the expansion Los Angeles Angels
Wayne Kirby – Major League Baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Indians
Ace Parker – Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback; also played baseball with the Philadelphia Athletics
Mark Reynolds – third baseman/first baseman for the Baltimore Orioles from Virginia Beach; drafted in 2004 by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 16th round (476th overall)
Dave Robertson (1889–1970) – from Norfolk, two-time National League home run leader; hit .500 in 1917 World Series. He hit .287 over nine seasons with the Giants, Cubs and Pirates. A product of Norfolk Academy, he played four sports at Wake Forest and N.C. State and managed the minor league Norfolk Tars for several years in the 1920s.
Josh Rupe – professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers
Justin Upton – right fielder for the San Diego Padres; from Chesapeake, first overall draft pick by the Diamondbacks in the 2005 draft
Melvin Upton, Jr. – center fielder for the San Diego Padres; "Bossman Junior" Upton was drafted second overall in the 2002 Major League Baseball draft by Tampa Bay out of Greenbrier Christian Academy in Chesapeake, Virginia
David Wright – third baseman for the New York Mets from Chesapeake; drafted in 2001 by the New York Mets in the 1st round (38th overall pick)
Ryan Zimmerman – third baseman for the Washington Nationals from Virginia Beach; drafted in 2005 by the Washington Nationals in the 1st round (4th overall pick) out of University of Virginia
Basketball
Charles "Lefty" Driesell – basketball coach at Davidson College, the University of Maryland, College Park, James Madison University, and Georgia State University
Dorian Finney-Smith – basketball player for the University of Florida and Dallas Mavericks
La'Keshia Frett – professional basketball player and coach
Allen Iverson – guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, the Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons and the Memphis Grizzlies; represented the US at the 2004 Summer Olympics, winning the bronze medal
T.J. Jordan – basketball player
Alonzo Mourning – professional basketball player, played most of his 15-year NBA career for the Miami Heat
Joe Smith – professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers
J.R. Reid – former professional basketball player
Boxing
Dorin Spivey – NBA World and NABA Lightweight Boxing Champion
Pernell Whitaker – several time World Boxing Champion
Football
Xavier Adibi – linebacker with the Houston Texans
James Anderson – Carolina Panthers linebacker and 88th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft
Robert Banks – NFL linebacker, defensive end; chosen as national high school Player of the Year by the Columbus (Ohio) Touchdown Club in 1982; played five seasons in the NFL as a defensive end with the Houston Oilers and Cleveland Browns
Darryl Blackstock – linebacker for the Oakland Raiders; also played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Virginia Destroyers
Dre Bly – cornerback for the St. Louis Rams, Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers
Aaron Brooks – graduated from Ferguson High School and the University of Virginia; NFL quarterback with the Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints, and Oakland Raiders
Macey Brooks – wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears
Elton Brown – NFL offensive lineman of the Arizona Cardinals
Plaxico Burress – wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants and New York Jets
Chris Crocker – Atlanta Falcons safety and 2003 20th pick, Cleveland Browns
Ronald Curry – NFL receiver, USA national high school Player of the Year 1998
Ras-I Dowling – New England Patriots cornerback 2011–present
Deon Dyer – Miami Dolphins running back 2003–2004
Chris Ellis – practice team member for the Pittsburgh Steelers
William Fuller – defensive line Houston Oilers, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Diego Chargers
Shaun Gayle – captain of the 1985 Super Bowl Champion Chicago Bears football team
Marques Hagans – NFL quarterback/receiver with the Washington Redskins
DeAngelo Hall – Washington Redskins player and 8th pick in the 2004 NFL Draft
Chris Hanburger – 9-time Pro Bowl linebacker for the Washington Redskins, elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011
Dwight Hollier – linebacker for the Miami Dolphins
Michael Husted – NFL kicker who played nine seasons in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and other teams
Henry Jordan – former NFL player
Kwamie Lassiter – former NFL free safety, Arizona Cardinals, San Diego Chargers, St. Louis Rams
David Macklin – NFL cornerback, Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Redskins
EJ Manuel – NFL quarterback for the Oakland Raiders
Jerod Mayo – linebacker for the New England Patriots
Darren Perry – Oakland Raiders coach and former NFL player for 9 seasons
Herbert Scott – Kellam High School, Virginia Union University, Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman in NFL for 10 seasons, 3× Pro Bowl, 2× First-team All-Pro, winner of Super Bowl XII
Bruce Smith – defensive end for Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins; inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009, his first year of eligibility[4]
Norman Snead – former NFL player
Dwight Stephenson – NFL; played center for the Miami Dolphins; member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Darryl Tapp – Seattle Seahawks player and 63rd pick overall in the 2006 NFL Draft
Lawrence Taylor – Hall of Fame linebacker for the New York Giants 1981–1993
Tyrod Taylor – quarterback with the Buffalo Bills
Shamarko Thomas – Pittsburgh Steelers safety and 111th pick overall in the 2013 NFL Draft; starred at Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach
Antoine Thompson (American football) – cornerback with the St. Louis Rams
Mike Tomlin – named head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2007; has taken the Steelers to two Super Bowls during his time in Pittsburgh
Al Toon – former NFL wide receiver, New York Jets
Marcus Vick – NFL player 2006–2007
Michael Vick – six-season quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles; in the 2014 off-season Vick became a member of the New York Jets
Jimmy F. Williams – from Hampton; played for Hampton High and transferred his senior year to Bethel; played at Virginia Tech; drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2006
Antwoine Womack – drafted by New England Patriots in 2002
Gymnastics
Gabby Douglas (b. 1995) – Olympic gold-winning gymnast
Mixed martial arts
Brandon Vera (b. 1977) – Light Heavyweight fighter in UFC
Track and field
Francena McCorory – from Hampton (Bethel High) and Hampton University; won gold in the 2012 Olympics as part of the women's 4x400; placed 7th in the women's 400m individual
Chesapeake
Ed Beard (b. 1939) – professional football player for the San Francisco 49ers
Dré Bly (b. 1977) – professional football player with the Denver Broncos
Randy Blythe (b. 1971) – vocalist and lyricist for groove metal band Lamb of God
Michael Copon (b. 1982) – star of One Tree Hill and winner of VH1's But Can They Sing?
Chris Crocker (b. 1980) – professional football player with the Atlanta Falcons
Michael Cuddyer (b. 1979) – professional baseball right fielder for the New York Mets
Kenny Easley (b. 1959) – professional football player with the Seattle Seahawks and Pro-Football Hall of Fame Member
Jeff Falk – NASCAR driver
DeAngelo Hall (b. 1983) – professional football cornerback for the Washington Redskins
The Last Bison – indie folk group
Ashton Lewis (b. 1972) – NASCAR driver
Alonzo Mourning (b. 1970) – professional basketball player for the Miami Heat
Darren Perry (b. 1968) – football player with the Pittsburgh Steelers
Jay Pharoah (b. 1987) – actor, comedian, cast member of Saturday Night Live
Chris Richardson (b. 1984) – American Idol season 5 top 5 finalist
Ricky Rudd (b. 1956) – professional NASCAR race car driver
Josh Rupe (b. 1982) – professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers
Elton Sawyer (b. 1959) – NASCAR driver
Donald Spitz Controversial Christian anti-abortion activist
Eric Stanley (b. 1991) – violinist and composer
B. J. Upton (b. 1984) – professional baseball shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays; drafted #2 overall in 2002
Justin Upton (b. 1987) – professional baseball player drafted #1 overall in 2005 by the Arizona Diamondbacks
Adrienne Warren (b. 1987) – professional singer, actress and dancer. Portrays Lorrell Robinson in the 2010 National Tour of Dreamgirls; singer for Trans-Siberian Orchestra
David Wright (b. 1982) – professional baseball starting third baseman for the New York Mets
Hampton Roads
Hampton Roads Hometown Celebrities!
Did you know that some of the World's most influential world leaders were born right here in the 757? Gold Medal Olympians, Musical and performing artist, Athletes, Writers and Producers, Politicians and even Presidents.
Fun Fact: In 2014 there was a statewide campaign to make Virginia Beaches' Pharrell Williams song "Happy" the official state song.
Here is a list of some of our hometown heroes!
Hampton
Ronald Curry (b. 1979) – professional football player for the Oakland Raiders
DRAM (b. 1988) – musician
Steve Earle (b. 1955) – popular country-rock musician and songwriter
Shaun Gayle (b. 1962) – professional football player with the San Diego Chargers
Chris Hanburger (b. 1941) – popular Washington Redskins player in the 1970s
Dwight Hollier (b. 1969) – professional football player with the Miami Dolphins and the Indianapolis Colts
Mike Husted (b. 1970) – former kicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Oakland Raiders, and Washington Redskins
Weldon Irvine (1943–2002) – musician
Allen Iverson (b. 1975) – professional basketball player, point guard for the Philadelphia 76ers
John P. Jumper (b. 1945) – former Chief of Staff of the US Air Force
Jerod Mayo (b. 1986) – professional football player with the New England Patriots drafted 10th overall in 2008
Francena McCorory (b. 1988) – member of 2012 gold medal Olympic women's 4x400 team
Dwight Stephenson (b. 1957) – professional football player for the Miami Dolphins and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Tyrod Taylor (b.1989) – quarterback for the Buffalo Bills
Dwight White (1949–2008) – defensive end on the Pittsburgh Steelers during their 1970s glory years
Jimmy F. Williams (b. 1984) – professional football player with the Atlanta Falcons
Steve Wilson – jazz musician, alto and soprano saxophones, flute; composer
Roy "Future Man" Wooten (b. 1957) – musician
Newport News
Willie Armstead (b. 1952) – former professional football player in the Canadian Football League
Pearl Bailey (1918–90) – Tony Award-winning actress and singer
Antoine Bethea (b. 1984) – professional football strong safety for the San Francisco 49ers
Larry Bethea (1956–1987) – late professional football player for the Dallas Cowboys
Darryl Blackstock (b. 1983) – professional football player for the Cincinnati Bengals
Blind Blake (1896–1934) – blues and ragtime musician (not officially confirmed he was born in Newport News)
Aaron Brooks (b. 1976) – former professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders; land developer
Elton Brown (b. 1982) – former professional football player for the Arizona Cardinals
Joyce Bulifant (b. 1937) – television actress
Robert Cray (b. 1953) – blues guitarist
Will Crutchfield (b. 1957) – opera conductor
Scott Darling (b. 1988) – professional ice hockey goaltender for the Carolina Hurricanes
Ben Edwards (b. 1992) – American football player
Frankie Faison (b. 1949) – film actor
Ella Fitzgerald (1917–1996) – jazz singer
The Five Keys – popular soul and doo-wop act in the 1950s; featuring Newport News locals Ripley Ingram, Bernie West, Dickie Threat and Rudy West
Johnny Gilbert (b. 1924) – announcer for the television quiz show Jeopardy!
Marques Hagans (b. 1982) – NFL player
Henry Jordan (1935–1977) – former professional football player for the Green Bay Packers; member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Richard Kelly (b. 1975) – film director and writer; films include Donnie Darko and Domino
Leroy Keyes (1947–2021) – professional football running back for the Philadelphia Eagles
J. J. Lankes (1884–1960) – woodcut artist, lived for many years in the Hilton Village neighborhood
Kwamie Lassiter (b. 1969) – former football safety for the Arizona Cardinals
David Macklin (b. 1978) – professional football player for the Washington Redskins
Michael Maguire (b. 1955) – Tony Award-winning actor
Queen Esther Marrow (b. 1941) – soul and gospel singer
Masego (musician) (b. 1993) - R&B and traphouse jazz artist
Lightfoot Solomon Michaux (1885–1969) – evangelist, early radio and television pioneer
J. Clyde Morris (1909-1987) – first executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel; former city manager of the City of Warwick
Hazel R. O'Leary (b. 1937) – former Secretary of Energy under President Bill Clinton and currently President of Fisk University
Tommy Reamon (b. 1952) – former pro football player and coach
Austin Roberts (b. 1945) – singer and songwriter
Norm Snead (b. 1939) – former professional football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles
Sonja Sohn (b. 1964) – actress, The Wire, Body of Proof
Jon St. John (b. 1960) – voice actor and singer, best known as the voice of Duke Nukem
William Styron (1925–2006) – author of The Confessions of Nat Turner and Sophie's Choice
Nick "The Goat" Thompson (b. 1981) – professional mixed martial arts fighter; Bodog Fight Welterweight Champion
Mike Tomlin (b. 1972) – head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers
Al Toon (b. 1963) – former professional football player for the New York Jets
Marcus Vick (b. 1984) – former NFL player, quarterback for Virginia Tech
Michael Vick (b. 1980) – NFL quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles
Victor Wooten (b. 1964) – musician
Norfolk
Adam Anderson – driver of the Taz and Grave Digger Monster Trucks, and son of Monster Truck driver
Dennis Anderson – driver of the Grave Digger Monster Truck in the Monster Jam series
Mason Andrews (1919–2006) – physician who delivered America's first in vitro baby; visionary leader of Norfolk's late 20th century renaissance
Anhayla (b. 1988) – singer and songwriter
Gordon Banks (b. 1955) – guitarist and music director for Marvin Gaye
Al Barks (b. 1936) – Negro league baseball player
Benny Blanco (b. 1988) – record producer, DJ, songwriter, and record executive
Gary "U.S." Bonds (b. 1939) – singer and songwriter
Plaxico Burress (b. 1977) – professional football wide receiver for the New York Jets
William Harvey Carney (1840–1908) – African-American soldier of the American Civil War; Medal of Honor recipient for his part in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry's assault on Fort Wagner, South Carolina
Kam Chancellor (b. 1988) – professional football safety for the Seattle Seahawks
Clarence Clemons – saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band
Alex Cosmidis – Minor League baseball player and manager and Major League scout
William Couper (1853–1942) – sculptor
Colgate Whitehead Darden, Jr. (1897–1981) – U.S. Representative; Governor of Virginia; Chancellor of the College of William and Mary; third President of the University of Virginia
Mike D'Orso (b. 1953) – author, journalist
Charles "Lefty" Driesell (b. 1931) – basketball coach at Davidson College, the University of Maryland, College Park, James Madison University, and Georgia State University
Rob Estes (b. 1963) – actor
Samuel Face (1923–2001) – inventor
Ryan Farish (b. 1974) – music composer, artist, publisher, and record executive of Rytone Entertainment
Florian-Ayala Fauna – artist musician[1]
William Fuller (b. 1962) – professional football defensive end for the Houston Oilers, Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears
Stephen Furst (1954–2017) – television actor
Grant Gustin (b. 1990) – television actor
Henry Howell (1920–97) – Independent Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
Lawrence "LoJo" Johnson (b. 1974) – Olympic pole vaulter, silver medalist in 2000
General Norman Johnson (b. 1943) – R&B musician
Kishi Bashi (b. 1975) – indie rock violinist; solo musician; tour member of Of Montreal and Regina Spektor
Naomi Long Madgett (b. 1923) – poet
Mae – indie rock band
Thomas W. Moss, Jr. (b. 1928) – Democratic Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, 1992–2000
Wayne Newton (b. 1942) – aka "Mr. Las Vegas"; singer and songwriter
Tim Reid (b. 1944) – television actor, director, and film executive
Jodi Rell (b. 1946) – Republican Governor of Connecticut, 2004–2011
Joseph Jenkins Roberts (1809–1876) – first President of Liberia
Larry Sabato (b. 1952) – political pundit and professor at the University of Virginia
Ed Schultz (1954–2018) – pundit and TV personality for MSNBC
Deborah Shelton (b. 1948) – actress; Miss USA 1970, first runner-up in Miss Universe contest
John Wesley Shipp (b. 1956) – television actor
Bruce Smith (b. 1963) – Pro Football Hall of Fame player for the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins
Joe Smith (b. 1975) – professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers
Keely Smith (b. 1932) – nightclub singer, wife and stage partner of Louis Prima
Margaret Sullavan (1909–1960) – actress and wife of Leland Hayward
Chuck Swirsky – Chicago Bulls radio play-by-play announcer, previously with Toronto Raptors
Littleton Waller Tazewell (1774–1860) – U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator and Governor of Virginia
Scott Travis (b. 1961) – drummer for rock band Judas Priest
John Paul Vann (1924–1972) – U.S. soldier and civilian active in Vietnam
Marc Vann (b. 1954) – actor
Brandon Vera (b. 1977) – mixed martial artist, currently signed to UFC
Gene Vincent (1935–1971) – rock-a-billy artist recorded the hit "Be-Bop-a-Lula"
Ben Watson (b. 1980) – football player for the New England Patriots
Ernie Watts (b. 1945) – composer, jazz saxophonist, and long-time touring member of The Rolling Stones
Joe Weatherly (1922–1964) – NASCAR driver
Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker (b. 1964) – boxer; 1984 Olympic gold medalist, professional champion in four weight classes
Thomas Wilkins (b. 1954) – orchestra conductor, music director of the Omaha Symphony Orchestra
Patrick Wilson (b. 1973) – actor
David Wright (b. 1982) – professional baseball player for the New York Mets[2]
Portsmouth
V. C. Andrews (1923–1986) – mystery and horror writer
Marty Brennaman (b. 1942) – sportscaster for the Cincinnati Reds
Karen Briggs (b. 1963) – violinist
Ruth Brown (1928–2006) – Grammy Award-winning singer and entertainer
Bebe Buell (b. 1953) – fashion model, famous groupie and mother of Liv Tyler
Mahlon Clark (1923–2007) – musician
LaTasha Colander (b. 1976) – track and field sprint star, 2000 Olympic gold medalist (4 × 400 m)
Jamin Elliott (b. 1979) – former NFL wide receiver for the Chicago Bears, New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons
Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott (b. 1971) – rapper
Perry Ellis (1940–1986) – fashion designer
John Facenda (1913–1984) – WCAU news anchor from 1948 to 1973; known as the "Voice of NFL Films" until his death in 1984
Clifton C. Garvin (b. 1922) – President and CEO of Exxon
Chandler Harper (1914–2004) – golfer
Chad Hugo (b. 1974) – musician and producer in the Neptunes and N.E.R.D.
Ben L. Jones (b. 1941) – actor and politician
T. J. Jordan (b. 1986) – basketball player
LaShawn Merritt (b. 1986) – 2008 Olympic gold medal-winning sprinter
George "Shadow" Morton (b. 1944) – record producer and songwriter
Bismarck Myrick (b. 1940) – U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Liberia, U.S. Ambassador to Lesotho
Tommy Newsom (1929–2007) – musician featured in Johnny Carson's The Tonight Show band with Doc Severinsen
Patton Oswalt (b. 1969) – comedian and television actor
Ace Parker (b. 1912) – Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback; also played baseball with the Philadelphia Athletics
William Russ (b. 1950) – actor
Bill Schneider (b. 1944) – political commentator for CNN
Wanda Sykes (b. 1964) – actress, comedian, and comedy writer
Ted Thomas, Sr. (b. 1935) – Pentecostal preacher and pastor of the New Community Temple Church of God in Christ; General board member of the Church of God in Christ, Inc. denomination
Mike Watt (b. 1957) – musician, founding member and bassist of SST hardcore punk band Minutemen; current bassist for recently reunited 60s band The Stooges
Nicole Wray (b. 1980) – rapper and protégé of Missy Elliott
Suffolk
James Avery (1955–2013) – actor best known for his portrayal of the patriarch and attorney (later judge) "Philip Banks", in the TV sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air[3]
Johnnie Barnes (b. 1968) – graduate of Hampton University; former football player for the San Diego Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers
Charlie Byrd (1925–99) – jazz guitarist
Mills Edwin Godwin, Jr. (1914–99) – two time Governor of Virginia
Lex Luger (b. 1991) – hip-hop music producer; produced tracks on Rick Ross's Teflon Don, Waka Flocka Flame's Flockaveli, Slim Thug's Tha Thug Show, and Kanye West and Jay-Z's Watch the Throne
Joe Maphis (1921–86) – country music singer and songwriter
Terrence Warren (b. 1969) – former NFL player and All-American sprinter at Hampton University
Virginia Beach
Arsis – technical death metal group
Corey Ashe (b. 1986) – professional soccer player for the Houston Dynamo
Ken Barefoot – former NFL tight end for the Washington Redskins
Wade Barrett (b. 1976) – professional soccer player for the Houston Dynamo
Kyle "K-Dogg" Benham – associate producer of Elliot in the Morning
BLACKstreet – R&B group
Rudy Boesch (1928-2019) – third place finalist on Survivor: Borneo (first season)
J. Evan Bonifant (b. 1985) – actor
Maria Boren – contestant on The Apprentice 2
Bill Bray (b. 1983) – graduate of Ocean Lakes High School; professional baseball player drafted in the 1st round 13th overall in the 2004 MLB draft by the Montreal Expos; currently playing for the Cincinnati Reds
Garrett Brown (b. 1985) – graduate of Kellam High School; Manager Carolina Restoration. Loves netting.
Paul "Cubby" Bryant (b. 1971) – national radio host
Curtis Bush (b. 1962) – world champion kickboxer and actor
Steve Cardenas (b. 1974) – martial artist and retired actor best known for portraying Rocky DeSantos in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Power Rangers Zeo
Charles Clark (b. 1987) – world-class athlete, sprinter
Clipse – rap group
Gabby Douglas (b. 1995) – Olympic gold-winning gymnast
Ryan Farish (b. 1974) – music composer, artist, publisher, record executive of Rytone Entertainment
John Fox (b. 1955) – Head Coach of the Chicago Bears
Jason George (b. 1972) – television actor
Percy Harvin (b. 1988) – former football player for the Seattle Seahawks
Chad Hugo (b. 1974) – hip hop artist, member of duo The Neptunes
Justin Hunter (b. May 20, 1991) – NFL player for the Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and Pittsburgh Steelers
Chyler Leigh (b. 1982) – actress, co-star of Not Another Teen Movie
Evan Marriott (b. 1974) – reality television star on Joe Millionaire
Ryan McGinness (b. 1972) – artist
Scott McKenzie (b. 1939) – singer and songwriter
Sean Murphy (b. 1984) – NASCAR driver
Juice Newton (b. 1952) – pop and country singer
Brandon Noble (b. 1974) – professional football player for the San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, and Washington Redskins
Shomi Patwary (b. 1982) – director and designer
Gerald P. Pulley (b. 1922) – naval photographer
Pusha T (b. 1977) – rapper
J.R. Reid (b. 1968) – former professional basketball player
Mark Reynolds (b. 1983) – professional baseball player
Teddy Riley (b. 1967) – musician and songwriter
Pat Robertson (b. 1930) – founder of Regent University and The 700 Club
Aaron Rouse (b. 1984) – professional football player for the Green Bay Packers
Mark Ruffalo (b. 1967) – film and television actor
Todd Schnitt (b. 1966) – syndicated radio shows, MJ Morning Show and Schnitt Show
Herbert Scott (b. 1953) – professional football player for the Dallas Cowboys, winner of Super Bowl XII
Grace Sherwood (1660–1740) – the so-called Witch of Pungo (now exonerated after 300 years)
Chris Taylor (b. 1990) – graduate of Frank W. Cox High School, professional baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers
Danny Tidwell (b. 1984) – professional dancer and finalist on So You Think You Can Dance
Kendra Todd (b. 1978) – winner of The Apprentice 3
Lil Tracy (b. 1995) – rap artist, member of the GothBoiClique collective
Travis Wall (b. 1987) – professional dancer and finalist on So You Think You Can Dance
Pharrell Williams (b. 1973) – hip hop artist, member of record producing duo The Neptunes
Ryan Zimmerman (b. 1984) – graduate of Kellam High School; professional baseball player for the Washington Nationals
Williamsburg
Jimmy Fortune (b. 1955) – vocalist with the Statler Brothers
Mel Gray (b. 1961) – professional football player and member of NFL all decade team of 1990s
Bruce Hornsby (b. 1954) – singer and songwriter
Linda Lavin (b. 1937) – actress
Seven Mary Three – alternative rock band
Canaan Smith (b. 1984) – country music artist
Ron Springs (b. 1956) – running back for the Dallas Cowboys and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Shawn Springs (b. 1975) – football player for the Washington Redskins
Lawrence Taylor (b. 1959) – former professional football player for the New York Giants; professional wrestler; member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
George Wythe (1726–1806) – first professor of law at William and Mary; taught future presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, and future Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Marshall; signer of the Declaration of Independence
York County
Terry Kirby (b. 1970) – professional football player for the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders
Wayne Kirby (b. 1964) – Major League Baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Indians
Thomas Nelson, Jr. (1738–1789) – signer of the Declaration of Independence
Bryan Randall (b. 1983) – 2005 ACC Football Player of the Year
Chris Slade (b. 1971) – professional football player for the New England Patriots
Sports
Soccer
Corey Ashe (b. 1986) – professional soccer player for the Houston Dynamo
Wade Barrett (b. 1976) – professional soccer player for the Houston Dynamo
Kharlton Belmar – professional soccer player for Portland Timbers 2
Jon Busch – Hampton Roads Mariner; Major League Soccer
Darren Caskey – Hampton Roads Mariner; Tottenham Hotspur; Reading
Trevor Francis – Hampton Roads Mariner; Birmingham City; Manchester City; Rangers; England National Team
Jay Hoffman – coached Hampton Roads Mariners; played professionally in the Canadian National Soccer League
Cornelius Huggins – Hampton Roads Mariner; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines National Team
Roy Lassiter – Hampton Roads Mariner; Major League Soccer; USA National Team
Darin Lewis – Hampton Roads Mariner; MLS New York MetroStars
Shane McFaul – Hampton Roads Mariner; Republic of Ireland U21
Baseball
Al Barks – Negro league baseball player
Bill Bray – graduate of Ocean Lakes High School; professional baseball player drafted in the 1st round 13th overall in the 2004 mlb draft by the Montreal Expos; currently playing for the Cincinnati Reds
Alex Cosmidis – Minor League baseball player and manager and Major League scout
Michael Cuddyer – left fielder for the New York Mets from Chesapeake; drafted in 1997 amateur draft by the Minnesota Twins in the 1st round (9th pick)
D.J. Dozier – football / baseball from Virginia Beach; Penn State All-American, first-round NFL draft 14th pick by Minnesota Vikings who was also drafted by major league baseball by the Detroit Tigers in the 18th round in 1983 (459th overall)
Hank Foiles – from Norfolk, Major league All-Star in 1957; played for seven teams; finished his career in 1964 with the expansion Los Angeles Angels
Wayne Kirby – Major League Baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Indians
Ace Parker – Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback; also played baseball with the Philadelphia Athletics
Mark Reynolds – third baseman/first baseman for the Baltimore Orioles from Virginia Beach; drafted in 2004 by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 16th round (476th overall)
Dave Robertson (1889–1970) – from Norfolk, two-time National League home run leader; hit .500 in 1917 World Series. He hit .287 over nine seasons with the Giants, Cubs and Pirates. A product of Norfolk Academy, he played four sports at Wake Forest and N.C. State and managed the minor league Norfolk Tars for several years in the 1920s.
Josh Rupe – professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers
Justin Upton – right fielder for the San Diego Padres; from Chesapeake, first overall draft pick by the Diamondbacks in the 2005 draft
Melvin Upton, Jr. – center fielder for the San Diego Padres; "Bossman Junior" Upton was drafted second overall in the 2002 Major League Baseball draft by Tampa Bay out of Greenbrier Christian Academy in Chesapeake, Virginia
David Wright – third baseman for the New York Mets from Chesapeake; drafted in 2001 by the New York Mets in the 1st round (38th overall pick)
Ryan Zimmerman – third baseman for the Washington Nationals from Virginia Beach; drafted in 2005 by the Washington Nationals in the 1st round (4th overall pick) out of University of Virginia
Basketball
Charles "Lefty" Driesell – basketball coach at Davidson College, the University of Maryland, College Park, James Madison University, and Georgia State University
Dorian Finney-Smith – basketball player for the University of Florida and Dallas Mavericks
La'Keshia Frett – professional basketball player and coach
Allen Iverson – guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, the Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons and the Memphis Grizzlies; represented the US at the 2004 Summer Olympics, winning the bronze medal
T.J. Jordan – basketball player
Alonzo Mourning – professional basketball player, played most of his 15-year NBA career for the Miami Heat
Joe Smith – professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers
J.R. Reid – former professional basketball player
Boxing
Dorin Spivey – NBA World and NABA Lightweight Boxing Champion
Pernell Whitaker – several time World Boxing Champion
Football
Xavier Adibi – linebacker with the Houston Texans
James Anderson – Carolina Panthers linebacker and 88th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft
Robert Banks – NFL linebacker, defensive end; chosen as national high school Player of the Year by the Columbus (Ohio) Touchdown Club in 1982; played five seasons in the NFL as a defensive end with the Houston Oilers and Cleveland Browns
Darryl Blackstock – linebacker for the Oakland Raiders; also played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Virginia Destroyers
Dre Bly – cornerback for the St. Louis Rams, Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers
Aaron Brooks – graduated from Ferguson High School and the University of Virginia; NFL quarterback with the Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints, and Oakland Raiders
Macey Brooks – wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears
Elton Brown – NFL offensive lineman of the Arizona Cardinals
Plaxico Burress – wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants and New York Jets
Chris Crocker – Atlanta Falcons safety and 2003 20th pick, Cleveland Browns
Ronald Curry – NFL receiver, USA national high school Player of the Year 1998
Ras-I Dowling – New England Patriots cornerback 2011–present
Deon Dyer – Miami Dolphins running back 2003–2004
Chris Ellis – practice team member for the Pittsburgh Steelers
William Fuller – defensive line Houston Oilers, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Diego Chargers
Shaun Gayle – captain of the 1985 Super Bowl Champion Chicago Bears football team
Marques Hagans – NFL quarterback/receiver with the Washington Redskins
DeAngelo Hall – Washington Redskins player and 8th pick in the 2004 NFL Draft
Chris Hanburger – 9-time Pro Bowl linebacker for the Washington Redskins, elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011
Dwight Hollier – linebacker for the Miami Dolphins
Michael Husted – NFL kicker who played nine seasons in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and other teams
Henry Jordan – former NFL player
Kwamie Lassiter – former NFL free safety, Arizona Cardinals, San Diego Chargers, St. Louis Rams
David Macklin – NFL cornerback, Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Redskins
EJ Manuel – NFL quarterback for the Oakland Raiders
Jerod Mayo – linebacker for the New England Patriots
Darren Perry – Oakland Raiders coach and former NFL player for 9 seasons
Herbert Scott – Kellam High School, Virginia Union University, Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman in NFL for 10 seasons, 3× Pro Bowl, 2× First-team All-Pro, winner of Super Bowl XII
Bruce Smith – defensive end for Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins; inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009, his first year of eligibility[4]
Norman Snead – former NFL player
Dwight Stephenson – NFL; played center for the Miami Dolphins; member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Darryl Tapp – Seattle Seahawks player and 63rd pick overall in the 2006 NFL Draft
Lawrence Taylor – Hall of Fame linebacker for the New York Giants 1981–1993
Tyrod Taylor – quarterback with the Buffalo Bills
Shamarko Thomas – Pittsburgh Steelers safety and 111th pick overall in the 2013 NFL Draft; starred at Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach
Antoine Thompson (American football) – cornerback with the St. Louis Rams
Mike Tomlin – named head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2007; has taken the Steelers to two Super Bowls during his time in Pittsburgh
Al Toon – former NFL wide receiver, New York Jets
Marcus Vick – NFL player 2006–2007
Michael Vick – six-season quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles; in the 2014 off-season Vick became a member of the New York Jets
Jimmy F. Williams – from Hampton; played for Hampton High and transferred his senior year to Bethel; played at Virginia Tech; drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2006
Antwoine Womack – drafted by New England Patriots in 2002
Gymnastics
Gabby Douglas (b. 1995) – Olympic gold-winning gymnast
Mixed martial arts
Brandon Vera (b. 1977) – Light Heavyweight fighter in UFC
Track and field
Francena McCorory – from Hampton (Bethel High) and Hampton University; won gold in the 2012 Olympics as part of the women's 4x400; placed 7th in the women's 400m individual
Chesapeake
Ed Beard (b. 1939) – professional football player for the San Francisco 49ers
Dré Bly (b. 1977) – professional football player with the Denver Broncos
Randy Blythe (b. 1971) – vocalist and lyricist for groove metal band Lamb of God
Michael Copon (b. 1982) – star of One Tree Hill and winner of VH1's But Can They Sing?
Chris Crocker (b. 1980) – professional football player with the Atlanta Falcons
Michael Cuddyer (b. 1979) – professional baseball right fielder for the New York Mets
Kenny Easley (b. 1959) – professional football player with the Seattle Seahawks and Pro-Football Hall of Fame Member
Jeff Falk – NASCAR driver
DeAngelo Hall (b. 1983) – professional football cornerback for the Washington Redskins
The Last Bison – indie folk group
Ashton Lewis (b. 1972) – NASCAR driver
Alonzo Mourning (b. 1970) – professional basketball player for the Miami Heat
Darren Perry (b. 1968) – football player with the Pittsburgh Steelers
Jay Pharoah (b. 1987) – actor, comedian, cast member of Saturday Night Live
Chris Richardson (b. 1984) – American Idol season 5 top 5 finalist
Ricky Rudd (b. 1956) – professional NASCAR race car driver
Josh Rupe (b. 1982) – professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers
Elton Sawyer (b. 1959) – NASCAR driver
Donald Spitz Controversial Christian anti-abortion activist
Eric Stanley (b. 1991) – violinist and composer
B. J. Upton (b. 1984) – professional baseball shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays; drafted #2 overall in 2002
Justin Upton (b. 1987) – professional baseball player drafted #1 overall in 2005 by the Arizona Diamondbacks
Adrienne Warren (b. 1987) – professional singer, actress and dancer. Portrays Lorrell Robinson in the 2010 National Tour of Dreamgirls; singer for Trans-Siberian Orchestra
David Wright (b. 1982) – professional baseball starting third baseman for the New York Mets
Arts & Museums
The American Theatre. Dating to 1908, this restored vaudeville house is now a thriving performing arts center presenting year-round live performances ranging from family fun, dance, cabaret, jazz and world music to classical, symphony and theater. Call or visit our website for a performance schedule. Admission fee. I-64, exit 268.
Please check for Covid-19 delays, closings, and restrictions.
15 místní doporučují
The American Theatre
125 E Mellen StThe American Theatre. Dating to 1908, this restored vaudeville house is now a thriving performing arts center presenting year-round live performances ranging from family fun, dance, cabaret, jazz and world music to classical, symphony and theater. Call or visit our website for a performance schedule. Admission fee. I-64, exit 268.
Please check for Covid-19 delays, closings, and restrictions.
Explore over 400 years of the past in our galleries and view our special exhibit "Hampton One: Working, Building and Racing on the Water."
Admission:
Adults: $5
Children ages 4-12 $4
Children under 4: Free
Seniors (62+), Active Military, NASA: $4.
25 místní doporučují
Hampton History Museum
120 Old Hampton LnExplore over 400 years of the past in our galleries and view our special exhibit "Hampton One: Working, Building and Racing on the Water."
Admission:
Adults: $5
Children ages 4-12 $4
Children under 4: Free
Seniors (62+), Active Military, NASA: $4.
The Virginia Air and Space Science Center is a museum and educational facility in Hampton, Virginia that also serves as the visitors center for NASA's Langley Research Center and Langley Air Force Base. The museum also features an IMAX digital theater and offers summer aeronautic- and space-themed camps for children.
Collection
The museum's permanent collection is housed in a three-story glass atrium accessible from two exhibit floors with an additional catwalk level available for viewing suspended aircraft from above. Volunteers maintain an amateur radio exhibit displaying modern and historic radio equipment. The exhibit also participates in the Space Amateur Radio Experiment where visitors can periodically talk to astronauts aboard the International Space Station.[citation needed]
Adventures in Flight gallery
A YF-16 on display at the Virginia Air and Space Center.
The gallery emphasizes hands-on and immersive experiments on flight concepts such as control surfaces and propeller design, and experiences such as flight simulators. The gallery also features numerous aircraft suspended from the roof in the main gallery. Most are restored and have close ties to flight research performed at area NASA, Air Force and Naval installations.
A McDonnell Douglas DC-9-32 passenger aircraft donated by AirTran Airways dominates the gallery. Visitors can sit in cockpit, first class and coach seats, and try their hand at take off and landing of a Boeing 717 flight simulator on board. Computer monitors are mounted in the first class passenger windows displaying left and right views of the flight simulator.
B-24D "Liberator" heavy bomber which features an onboard film giving visitors the feeling that they are riding along with the pilots.
1903 Wright Flyer replica
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor cockpit replica
Grumman A-6 Intruder Nose Section
Bell P-39Q Airacobra
Convair F-106B Delta Dart
McDonnell-Douglas F-4E Phantom II
Lockheed F-104C Starfighter
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon Nose Section
F-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle "HARV"
Republic F-84F Thunderstreak
Grumman-American Yankee Aircraft
Hawker Siddeley Kestrel XV-6A
KITFOX Model 4 Speedster
Pershing II Missile
Piper J-3 Cub
Pitts Special
Rutan VariEze homebuilt light aircraft
Schleicher ASW 12 Glider
Stearman N2S-3 Trainer
UH-1M "Iroquois" Helicopter
YF-16 "Fighting Falcon"
Space Gallery
The Apollo 12 Command Module Yankee Clipper
Detail of Apollo 12 heat shield
Visitors enter through a room which simulates a manned launch to Mars, telling the story of a rendezvous with a Mars Transit Vehicle and arrival at the planet where doors open up into the gallery.
Apollo 12 Command Module Yankee Clipper, which completed 45 lunar orbits in 1969[4]
Apollo Lunar Excursion Module Simulator (LEMS), suspended by a huge gantry and used by astronauts at the Langley Research Center to practice landing on the lunar surface
Viking Lander full-scale replica
Gemini 10 hatch
Mercury XIV spacecraft
Sounding rockets similar to those launched at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility 90 miles north.
Lunar Orbiter full-scale replica
Rocks from Mars and the Moon
Lunar Landing simulator
Space Quest
Visitors can experience the hands-on space gallery, "Space Quest: Exploring the Moon, Mars & Beyond," presented by Langley Federal Credit Union. This gallery includes four different exhibits; Our Solar System, Living and Working in Space, Mars and the Moon, and Visions of Space Exploration.
Our Solar System
This permanent exhibit focuses on the planets within the Solar System and showcases planetary models in an array of sizes. Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune hang high above the second-floor, nearly 30 feet high. These four models are the largest in the country to be displayed inside a museum or science center.[citation needed] Jupiter, the largest of the models, weighs more than 750 pounds, has a diameter of 10 feet, and hangs approximately 22 feet in the air. Saturn is eight-and-a-half feet in diameter and weighs 450 pounds, with an additional 495 pounds of rings encircling the planet's body. Hanging more than 30 feet high, Saturn floats above Uranus and Neptune, which each weigh around 65 pounds. The models are composed of heavy-duty Styrofoam which is painted to resemble each of the planets. The Solar System is completed with smaller models of Earth, Mars, Venus, and Mercury mounted at the visitor's level. Created to be a scale model system, Earth is about the size as a soccer ball and Mercury the size of a baseball.
IMAX Theater
Out of 447 IMAX theaters worldwide and 256 in the US, the Riverside IMAX 3D Theater, is the first institutional theater in the world to have an IMAX Digital.
108 místní doporučují
Virginia Air & Space Center
600 Settlers Landing RdThe Virginia Air and Space Science Center is a museum and educational facility in Hampton, Virginia that also serves as the visitors center for NASA's Langley Research Center and Langley Air Force Base. The museum also features an IMAX digital theater and offers summer aeronautic- and space-themed camps for children.
Collection
The museum's permanent collection is housed in a three-story glass atrium accessible from two exhibit floors with an additional catwalk level available for viewing suspended aircraft from above. Volunteers maintain an amateur radio exhibit displaying modern and historic radio equipment. The exhibit also participates in the Space Amateur Radio Experiment where visitors can periodically talk to astronauts aboard the International Space Station.[citation needed]
Adventures in Flight gallery
A YF-16 on display at the Virginia Air and Space Center.
The gallery emphasizes hands-on and immersive experiments on flight concepts such as control surfaces and propeller design, and experiences such as flight simulators. The gallery also features numerous aircraft suspended from the roof in the main gallery. Most are restored and have close ties to flight research performed at area NASA, Air Force and Naval installations.
A McDonnell Douglas DC-9-32 passenger aircraft donated by AirTran Airways dominates the gallery. Visitors can sit in cockpit, first class and coach seats, and try their hand at take off and landing of a Boeing 717 flight simulator on board. Computer monitors are mounted in the first class passenger windows displaying left and right views of the flight simulator.
B-24D "Liberator" heavy bomber which features an onboard film giving visitors the feeling that they are riding along with the pilots.
1903 Wright Flyer replica
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor cockpit replica
Grumman A-6 Intruder Nose Section
Bell P-39Q Airacobra
Convair F-106B Delta Dart
McDonnell-Douglas F-4E Phantom II
Lockheed F-104C Starfighter
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon Nose Section
F-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle "HARV"
Republic F-84F Thunderstreak
Grumman-American Yankee Aircraft
Hawker Siddeley Kestrel XV-6A
KITFOX Model 4 Speedster
Pershing II Missile
Piper J-3 Cub
Pitts Special
Rutan VariEze homebuilt light aircraft
Schleicher ASW 12 Glider
Stearman N2S-3 Trainer
UH-1M "Iroquois" Helicopter
YF-16 "Fighting Falcon"
Space Gallery
The Apollo 12 Command Module Yankee Clipper
Detail of Apollo 12 heat shield
Visitors enter through a room which simulates a manned launch to Mars, telling the story of a rendezvous with a Mars Transit Vehicle and arrival at the planet where doors open up into the gallery.
Apollo 12 Command Module Yankee Clipper, which completed 45 lunar orbits in 1969[4]
Apollo Lunar Excursion Module Simulator (LEMS), suspended by a huge gantry and used by astronauts at the Langley Research Center to practice landing on the lunar surface
Viking Lander full-scale replica
Gemini 10 hatch
Mercury XIV spacecraft
Sounding rockets similar to those launched at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility 90 miles north.
Lunar Orbiter full-scale replica
Rocks from Mars and the Moon
Lunar Landing simulator
Space Quest
Visitors can experience the hands-on space gallery, "Space Quest: Exploring the Moon, Mars & Beyond," presented by Langley Federal Credit Union. This gallery includes four different exhibits; Our Solar System, Living and Working in Space, Mars and the Moon, and Visions of Space Exploration.
Our Solar System
This permanent exhibit focuses on the planets within the Solar System and showcases planetary models in an array of sizes. Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune hang high above the second-floor, nearly 30 feet high. These four models are the largest in the country to be displayed inside a museum or science center.[citation needed] Jupiter, the largest of the models, weighs more than 750 pounds, has a diameter of 10 feet, and hangs approximately 22 feet in the air. Saturn is eight-and-a-half feet in diameter and weighs 450 pounds, with an additional 495 pounds of rings encircling the planet's body. Hanging more than 30 feet high, Saturn floats above Uranus and Neptune, which each weigh around 65 pounds. The models are composed of heavy-duty Styrofoam which is painted to resemble each of the planets. The Solar System is completed with smaller models of Earth, Mars, Venus, and Mercury mounted at the visitor's level. Created to be a scale model system, Earth is about the size as a soccer ball and Mercury the size of a baseball.
IMAX Theater
Out of 447 IMAX theaters worldwide and 256 in the US, the Riverside IMAX 3D Theater, is the first institutional theater in the world to have an IMAX Digital.