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When it comes to areas of the United States that have a large military population, the Hampton Roads metropolitan area in central Coastal Virginia definitely ranks as one of the top on the list. The Hampton Roads city of Newport News is home to Joint Base Langley-Eustis which consists of the U.S. Army base Fort Eustis and Langley Air Force base.
Newport News is a vibrant city in easy proximity to Virginia Beach. If you’re currently stationed at Fort Eustis, Langley Air Force Base or one of the other military facilities in the area or have PCS orders to relocate here, you’ll find that you’ll have plenty of fun things to do during your downtime. Here are five things we recommend doing while you’re living on the Virginia Peninsula.
Camp at Newport News Park
At more than 7,500 acres, Newport News Park is one of the largest municipal parks east of the Mississippi River. The park is the perfect place to hike, bike, have a picnic, fish, enjoy the Japanese Peace Garden and much more. The park has an 18-hole championship disc golf course and The Discovery Center which features nature displays and hands-on activities. Year-round camping is also available, and most campsites have electrical hookups, grills and concrete pads.
Explore the history of U.S. Army transportation
According to its website, the U.S. Army Transportation Museum is “the only museum dedicated to preserving the history of U.S. Army transportation.” Through its extensive collection of items, props and artifacts including planes, helicopters, hovercraft and trains, visitors will learn about the role of U.S. Army transportation in shaping American history. The museum is located on the grounds of Joint Base Langley-Eustis and admission and parking are free.
Soak up sun and fun at Huntington Park
Huntington Park on the James River packs a lot of family-friendly fun into 60 acres. Cool off in the water, play tennis on one of 20 courts, walk through the beautiful Rose Garden and fish for trout at Lake Biggins. If you have kids, they will have the time of their lives at the 13,000-square foot Fort Fun playground. When you’re ready to take a break from the outdoors, head to The Virginia War Museum which is also located in the park.
Go back to the 18th century at Colonial Williamsburg
Take a walk through history at Colonial Williamsburg, the world’s largest history museum located about 30 miles from Newport News. Colonial Williamsburg is “living, breathing 18th-century city” that covers over 300 acres and features more than 40 historic sites, four historic taverns and two art museums. Colonial Williamsburg was designated by The New York Times as one of the 52 Places to Go in 2019. Whether you ride in a carriage, have a conversation with “Thomas Jefferson,” listen to the fifes and drums or take a spooky ghost tour, you’re sure to create lots of great memories.
Watch a show at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center
Indulge in your passion for the arts at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center. This multi-purpose cultural space in Newport News hosts art exhibits, workshops, concerts, theatrical productions, cultural arts summer camps and much more. The center is also the home of the Ella Fitzgerald Theater, a 276 seat auditorium dedicated to the Grammy-winning “First Lady of Song” who was born a few blocks from the theater.
Omni is also located in Newport News. Our office on Warwick Blvd. serves the following bases:
- Joint Base Langley – Eustis
- Cheatham Annex
- Langley Air Force Base
- Fort Eustis
- Naval Weapons Station Yorktown
- Yorktown Coast Guard Training Center
- Newport News Shipyard
If you need financial assistance, stop by our office and meet our team. We’re your Newport News neighbors and We Love to Say Yes!®
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