Living Here
Area Attractions and Activities
Family Entertainment - Other Adventures
Hampton Carousel: With the popularity of antique carousels at its peak, Hampton's restored 1920 merry-go-round has drawn thousands of visitors to the city's downtown waterfront. One of only 200 antique carousels still in the United States, the Hampton Carousel is a rare and beautiful example of American folk art. Its prancing steeds and stately chariots were painstakingly carved from fine-grained hardwood and painted by German, Italian and Russian immigrant artisans.
Housed in its own pavilion, Hampton's Carousel is a whirling tribute to the skill of its creators. It still boasts its original mirrors and oil paintings, as well as 48 intricately decorated horses. Rising and falling to the strains of the original band organ, many of these carousel horses are so finely carved that the veins in their necks and legs are visible.
Ocean Breeze Waterpark: A 19 acre water park, less than 2 miles south of the Oceanfront, where you will enjoy 16 Caribbean themed water slides, a one million gallon wave pool and a children's water playground
American Rover Tall Ship: Set sail with a tradition of excellence aboard the Tall Sailing Ship American Rover.
Since 1986, the American Rover’s red “tan bark” sails have been one of the signature sights of the Hampton Roads area. Cruises depart from Waterside in the heart of Downtown Norfolk, Virginia.
April through October she sails the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads Harbor on daily 1 ½ and 2 Hour Narrated Harbor and Sunset Cruises. On board guests can lend a hand with the sails, take a turn at the helm or just sit back, relax and enjoy the experience.
Miss Hampton II: Harbor Tour includes the Chesapeake Bay, a stop at the Civil War Island of Fort Wool, and an in-depth review of the mighty warships at the Norfolk Naval Base.
The Miss Hampton II has hosted thousands of satisfied guests in the past 20 years. In addition to Harbor Tours, they also offer:
- Private Charters
- Teen Party Cruises
- All-Day River Adventures
- Office Parties
- Military Reunions
Spirit of Norfolk: Festive yet affordable, the Spirit of Norfolk docked at The Waterside in downtown Norfolk is alive with vibrant dining and entertainment, day or night. Come aboard for a lunch or dinner cruise and let us engage you with our unique combination of dining, dancing, entertainment and views, including the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet. And it’s all included for one price. Welcome Aboard.
The Schooner Alliance: Join the Alliance and step back into history aboard this 105 foot gaff-rigged schooner. The Alliance sails from Yorktown, Virginia in the summer months and Caribbean Islands in the winter months. This is your opportunity to explore the Chesapeake Bay tidewaters for a few hours, or for the more adventurous soul, explore the emerald waters of the Caribbean on a 7 day cruise.
Alliance sails 3 times daily from Riverwalk Landing Pier in historic Yorktown from May thru October.
For those who love history, yearn for romance, or have dreamed of experiencing a true sailing adventure, your ship has just come in!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not: Our Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum and 4-D Theater is your destination for the amazing, unusual, and bizarre! Our Museum features eleven galleries with over 300 exhibits, including a 500 lb. gorilla made entirely from nails and our genuine shrunken head. For those who dare, take a walk through our incredible spinning Vortex Tunnel. Afterwards take a wild journey in our 4-D Theater. Watch amazing 3-D movies with multiple 4-D effects.
Robert Ripley was called "the modern Marco Polo" because of his lifelong obsession with travel. During his career, Ripley visited 198 countries, traveling a distance of 19 complete trips around the world. An artist, reporter, explorer and collector, Ripley was as unusual as the artifacts he gathered.
Ford's Colony First Choice Realty, One Ford's Colony Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23188, Licensed in VA
