Let the moments begin in Chesapeake.
The Greatest Outdoors
As the world moves at a blistering speed, it’s time to catch your breath in the great outdoors. All year long, you can unplug in Chesapeake and focus on the good stuff. Like 22 miles of windless water that provides some of the best of kayaking, paddle boarding and canoeing on the planet. Not to mention the best hiking, fishing, crabbing, birding, camping, shopping and more!
North West River Park and Campground – 763 acres of majestic parkland that includes a seven-trail system totaling nearly eight miles – the perfect place for hiking, cycling and horseback riding. There’s also stellar crabbing and a 40-acre-lake stocked with bass, trout and catfish. Bring your rods and reel in the memories.
The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge – is rich in history and activities. Recognized by Smithsonian Magazine and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, for thousands of years, this area was home to Native Americans and run-away slaves. Today, with over 112,000 acres of forest, thousands of visitors flock here each year to camp, fish, hike, boat, bird watch and cycle.
Wine, Dine, Shop, Repeat.
For the best of indoor activities, you can shop to your heart’s content and get your fill of a range of regional cuisines, by way of a food scene that appeals to every taste. And with an abundance of farmers’ markets, working farms and dairies you can also find a great selection of locally prepared foods and artisanal goods such as soups, ice cream, coffee and beer.
Spring is always an Event.
Chesapeake Eggstravaganza – Saturday, March 31, 2018
Free at Chesapeake City park, children 8-and-under can hunt for Easter eggs and join Peter Cottontail for a picture. For details, visit http://www.visitchesapeake.com/events/?action=displayDetail&EventID=8905
Dismal Swamp Stomp Running Festival – Saturday, April 14, 2018, 8AM
Runners take a 13.1-mile journey alongside the Dismal Swamp Canal – complete with forested wetlands and a peaceful paved pathway through the wilderness. Also returning this year is the Children’s Half-Mile Cub Run – a half-mile out-and-back fun run for kids 12 and under.
5K run/walk – If a half marathon is more then you want to tackle, try the 5K run/walk.
For details, visit http://www.visitchesapeake.com/things-to-do/sports-outdoor-recreation/dismal-swamp-half-marathon/
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Migration Celebration – Thursday – Saturday, April 26 – 28, 2018
Chesapeake has been a sanctuary for birds and bird watchers since the 17th century. Home to more than 200 species, the birding is superb all year round, but Springtime is particularly popular. Serious birdwatchers will delight in catching a glimpse of the Swainson’s Warbler and the Wayne’s Warbler, two of the most secretive and least observed of all of North American birds. Birders can also catch a peek of the White-throated Sparrow, the graceful Great Egret and even the regal Bald Eagle, to name a few. So grab your binoculars and make a plan to come on out to the Great Dismal Swamp Birding Festival. For details, visit http://www.visitchesapeake.com/things-to-do/events/
Chesapeake Visitor Center
1224 Progressive Drive
Chesapeake, Virginia 23320
