Newport News Virginia

This month's southeastern Virginia city blog is all about Newport News. Newport News is best known for the Newport News Shipbuilding, where a large portion of our Naval fleet is built. But if you take a little time, you will see this is also a great city to explore, visit, or a place to call home. City Center at Oyster Point is a great multi-use area, and there are shops, offices, restaurants, apartments, and condos. Fountain Plaza is a great spot to meet with friends, walk around, or enjoy lunch outside. It's the home to Ferguson Enterprises Headquarters 3, Langley Federal Credit Union. From the drone's perspective, Fountain Plaza is quite expansive. 

Port Warwick is close by and another multi-use area, with some of the best restaurants in the city. Whether it's baked goods, crepes, seafood, or steaks, they have it covered. I enjoyed dinner at Schlesinger's, a dry-aged strip, their signature potatoes, and a decadent chocolate dessert. The center of Port Warwick is a gazebo that has live music for everyone to enjoy. 

Historic Hilton Village is one of my favorite areas, and it's on the National Register of Historic Places. Quaint shops and cafes line the streets with artisan goods. The old architecture takes you back. An old theater that still hosts live productions. 

Because Newport News is not right on the bay or the ocean, many people think they have no waterfront. Huntington Park has a huge boat launch, beach, picnic, play area, tennis courts, a rose garden, and the Virginia War Museum. There is so much to do in one place. The views of the James River Bridge from there are pretty incredible too. 

The Ferguson Center for the Arts is on the campus of Christopher Newport University, a theater and concert hall that hosts a multitude of events. I've attended many concerts here, and the sound is phenomenal. But the building's architecture alone is stunning. 

Finally, the Mariner's Museum and Park it hosts is a wonderful museum, but what stands out is the Noland Trail, a 5-mile nature trail around Mariner's Lake. One section takes you to Lion's Bridge with views of the James River.

Let me know what you think of my view of Newport News. I think it is definitely worth the trip.