| You can drive far and wide along the nation's | | | | Proximity to Jamestown will have its |
| interstates, but eventually you will have to | | | | advantages in 2007, too, when the four |
| admit that no other state on the Eastern | | | | hundredth anniversary of the founding of the |
| seaboard offers such diversity in culture and | | | | colony is celebrated. The entire state of |
| environment than Virginia. From the majestic | | | | Virginia switches to party mode in that time, |
| mountains cut by the Appalachian Trail to the | | | | but Hampton Roads will host the party, and |
| gentle coastline bordering the Atlantic | | | | residents have a front row seat. |
| Ocean, Virginia boasts many natural resources | | | | |
| and opportunities for prosperity. Anyone | | | | 3) Family Fun |
| considering a move from the sweltering Deep | | | | |
| South, the Great White North, or from Way Out | | | | Why pile the kids into a car and drive all |
| West ought to give the commonwealth a try. | | | | the way to Disney World, when fun and |
| | | | excitement are right in the backyard? The |
| Especially, one would do well to consider a | | | | Hampton Roads area boasts one of the top |
| move to the Hampton Roads area. This | | | | amusement parks in the county: Busch Garden |
| metropolitan region spans ten independent | | | | Europe. From early spring to late autumn, the |
| Virginia cities over twenty towns | | | | whole family can enjoy spine-tingling roller |
| (incorporated and unincorporated) among seven | | | | coasters and breathtaking 3-D rides at this |
| counties, plus parts of the Currituck Outer | | | | popular attraction. Summer offers more |
| Banks of North Carolina. It may seem crowded | | | | opportunities for fun with Water Country USA |
| to read about it, but the Hampton Roads area | | | | in Williamsburg and Ocean Breeze Waterpark in |
| stretches over much of Virginia's coastline | | | | Virginia Beach. |
| and attracts thousands of visitors annually. | | | | |
| Many who come are tempted to stay, and it is | | | | For a slower pace, but not necessarily a |
| no surprise why. Here are just ten reasons | | | | boring one, families may take advantage of |
| why you should come and stay, too. | | | | various attractions throughout the year, |
| | | | including the newly renovated Virginia Zoo, |
| 1) Cultural Diversity | | | | the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, President's |
| | | | Park in Williamsburg, and of course the |
| Hampton Roads is a veritable melting pot | | | | famous Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The |
| spilling into the Chesapeake Bay. Thanks to a | | | | advantage to being a resident is that such |
| strong military and governmental presence, | | | | places offer periodic discounts on admission |
| people of all ethnic backgrounds call the | | | | and gifts, so if you live close by you are |
| Tidewater area home. Residents in the | | | | always in the know. |
| northern part of the region may note a large | | | | |
| population of Mennonites, while descendents | | | | 4) Great Outdoors |
| of the Nansemond tribe are congregated in the | | | | |
| area. | | | | Think Hampton Roads is all beach? Think |
| | | | again! True, while it is the Oceanfront with |
| Such blending of the cultures is evident in | | | | its endless stretch of sand and sea that |
| annual festivities held in Norfolk: the | | | | attracts tourists and new residents alike, |
| Azalea Festival that pays tribute to all | | | | Hampton Roads offers more for the outdoorsman |
| nations represented in the area, and the | | | | with regards to activity. The southeastern |
| AfrAm Festival which celebrates the region's | | | | part of Virginia represents one of the |
| African American heritage. Annual festivals, | | | | healthiest regions of the state, and it's |
| regular markets and seminars allow everyone | | | | easy to see why. |
| to absorb and appreciate the diversity of the | | | | |
| people of Hampton Roads. | | | | First Landing State Park of Virginia Beach is |
| | | | a haven for runners, mountain bikers, and |
| 2) Rich History | | | | nature hikers. Waller Mill Park of |
| | | | Williamsburg is available for the extreme |
| It is no secret that Virginia is the seat of | | | | biker who enjoys a rough terrain and |
| American history, having fathered more US | | | | never-ending excitement. |
| Presidents than any state. It is on the | | | | |
| shores of modern day Virginia Beach where our | | | | Nature lovers will enjoy leisurely walks at |
| forefathers landed, and it is in Norfolk | | | | Sandy Bottom Nature Park in Hampton and False |
| where the might General MacArthur is laid to | | | | Cape State Park at the beach, both known for |
| rest. Deep in the bay that separates the | | | | beautiful flora and fauna. And, if you enjoy |
| beach from Newport News is where the famous | | | | your long walks in between shots of golf, |
| battle of the Monitor and Merrimac took | | | | Hampton Roads has many courses, including the |
| place. A history enthusiast's senses are | | | | Tournament Players Club at the Beach and |
| guaranteed to be overloaded here. | | | | Golden Horseshoe in Williamsburg. |
| | | | |
| Of course, mention of history and Hampton | | | | 5) Growing economy |
| Roads just would not be complete without a | | | | |
| tip of the quill to the Jamestown Settlement, | | | | Business is literally booming in Hampton |
| the first permanent colony established in | | | | Roads, offering many opportunities for small |
| this country! Each year thousands of visitors | | | | business to grow and larger businesses to |
| make the historic triangle of Jamestown, | | | | take in more employers. A strong military |
| Yorktown, and Colonial Williamsburg their | | | | presence helps boost regional economy, while |
| vacation destination. To live in Hampton | | | | corporations find many attractive qualities |
| Roads means one can explore these attractions | | | | in the Tidewater region. Proximity to |
| all year round, particularly in the winter | | | | Washington, DC, easy shipping access, and a |
| when the colonial homes and roads are | | | | growing downtown establishment in the |
| beautifully decorated for the holidays! | | | | Pembroke section of Virginia Beach indicate a |
| | | | prosperous future for Hampton Roads. |