Community Profiles: Hampton
Give in to Enticing Hampton
Downtown Hampton Waterfront
photos Courtesy of Hampton CVB
H
ampton, the 400-year old settlement located at Coastal Virginia’s geographic center, is rich in history, multicultural heritage, water recreation, and abounds with shopping and dining opportunities. The city scene seems to say, “slow down, relax, and enjoy.” Size2 52 sq. miles Population1 (2013 est.) 136,699 MEDIAN Household Income3 (2013 est.) $50,705 Government City Council and City Manager Major Industries Aerospace, Homeland Security and Defense, Medical, Communications, Manufacturing and Retail, Tourism City Information (757) 727-8311 www.hampton.gov School Information (757) 727-2000 visitor Information (757) 727-1102 or 800-800-2202
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The nation’s oldest, continuous, Englishspeaking settlement in North America is dotted with historic attractions that interpret its role in pivotal American decisions and milestones. The Hampton History Museum is a great place to begin your explorations. The museum introduces Hampton’s 400year history in its galleries, interpreting the city’s role in pivotal American decisions and milestones. The Hampton Visitor Center shares this location so you can gather great information on the sites you wish to explore and purchase money-saving admission tickets. The Sea to Stars Ticket, for example, combines admission to the Virginia Air & Space Center, an IMAX film, a ride on the Hampton Carousel, a cruise aboard the Miss Hampton II and admission to the Hampton History Museum for one low price. Buy adult tickets for $39 and youth tickets for $25. The Virginia Air & Space Center features more than 100 flight simulators and handson exhibits of air and space innovations. The Riverside 3D IMAX Theater presents digital feature films and documentaries on a fivestory screen. Next door, the Hampton Carousel spins visitors on hand-carved horses and chariots built in 1920 by European artisans. Fort Monroe visitors are encouraged to cross the moat encircling the stone fort to
explore the Casemate Museum and many historic landmarks and to climb the fort walls to enjoy the spectacular view of the harbor. See the cell where Jefferson Davis was held at the conclusion of the Civil War. A tour aboard the Miss Hampton II reveals Fort Monroe’s companion fortification, Fort Wool, located across the channel at Hampton Roads’ entrance. The Miss Hampton II harbor tour boat and the Ocean Eagle fishing boat are located nearby along the Hampton waterfront. Hampton University Museum, founded in 1868, has a collection of more than 9,000 works of contemporary art and artifacts spanning African, African-American, PanAmerican and Native-American cultures. You can explore the campus with one of several Smartphone tours available at VisitHampton.com or learn about the campus’ and city’s remarkable past through interpretive historic markers located on the campus and throughout Hampton. You are also sure to adore the unique dining and shopping in Downtown Hampton, Phoebus and in Coliseum Central. There’s no shortage of fun and adventure, but you’ll want to slow down and savor the experience. For visitor information call 800-800-2202, 757-727-1102 or come to VisitHampton.com.
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