Fall for Downtown Hampton

When you think of fall, do you think pumpkins, cooking with apples, and nutmeg, or maybe just enjoying the great outdoors and the beauty of changing leaves? Many people consider fall their favorite time of the year. After all, it's a great season to celebrate.

Every Saturday, October 1, 8, 15 & 22, you can revel in the season of mums, crafts and cool breezes 9am-1pm at the Downtown Hampton Market Place. The Fall Market on Queens Way presents a bounty of fresh produce, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and gardening instruction. There's local art, specialty items, children's activities, and more.

October 1, enjoy live entertainment by Raymond & Kasey Meeks, the work of artist John Butler, and learn all about Butterflies from the Hampton Master Gardeners.

Market Place goes to the dogs October 8, so bring your pet pooch! Lots of canine friendly vendors and activities, live entertainment by Harold Glynn, a seminar on trees from the Hampton Master Gardeners, and the artistry of Claudia Cronenberger.

The apples, pumpkins, mums and squash will be plentiful October 15, as Wildfire takes the stage and the work of a Blue Skies Gallery artist is showcased.

Jacks are back October 22 with the Downtown Hampton Pumpkin Carving Contest. Enjoy live entertainment by River Gypsies, the featured art of Milyn King and fantastic door prizes. It's sure to be smashing!

150 years later we reflect on the American Civil War

This year marks the official beginning of the remembrance of the War Between the States. Hampton, a key settlement since its founding in 1610, played an integral role in the conflict that would permanently change our nation on so many levels. Few communities have such a wealth of sites that influenced the outcome of the Civil War. As Fort Monroe embarks on the transition from U.S. Army post to national park, we discover new opportunities to visit and explore.

There are many tools available to visitors who wish to stand where Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Butler, Jefferson Davis, Harriet Tubman, and Robert E. Lee once tread. Of course, the Hampton Visitor Guide highlights everything to see and do in Hampton, so the guide is a must! There's also a new Hampton Civil War Sites Guide available at the Hampton Visitor Center that brings the aspiring Civil War buff even closer to the Battle of Big Bethel, the Peninsula Campaign, Benjamin Butler's Contraband Decision, and the Battle of the Ironclads.

Once you're out and about exploring you may want to take advantage of a narrated tour. The Hampton History Museum and the Casemate Museum have entertaining and informative docents who help bring history to life. If you prefer a go-at-your-own pace walking experience, you may find the Discover Hampton Fort Monroe iPod Tour more to your liking. Download the tour to your iPod free here at visithampton.com. Hampton's Civil War heritage is also interpreted through Civil War Trails and heritage markers located throughout the city.

Whether visiting the casemate where Jefferson Davis was confined or standing atop Fort Wool's ramparts where President Abraham Lincoln once stood, Hampton's Civil War experience is filled with interpreted historic sites that prompt us to reflect and appreciate our great nation today.

Boat Hampton Deals

In light of the summer coming to a close, we decided it is only fair to reward you with a few deals to get you outdoors.

Captain Hogg's Charter Services is offering $50 off weekday charter service! Call 757/876-1590 or visit http://www.captainhoggscharters.com/ for your reservation

Pursuit Fishing is offering special pricing for military! Call 757/329-1372 or visit http://www.facebook.com/PursuitSportFishing/ for more information.

Book your next family reunion with Miss Hampton II! Group rates are available for 25 people or more and private charters are available in the evenings. Call 757/722-9102 or visit http://www.misshamptoncruises.com/ for more information.

Come visit us in the heart of Downtown at Customs House Marina! We are currently offering a 10% discount off an annual lease. Call 757/868-9357 or visit http://www.downtownhampton.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=101&Itemid=115/ for more information. Don't forget to look for us at the 29th Annual Bay Days taking place on September 9-11!

Sunset Boating Center is offering three amazing deals! $100 a month in building one for boats that are 20ft and under; this includes all leases. This offer is valid for new customers of the marina only. Also available is the option of getting 15 months for the price of 12 if pre-paid! For any boat measuring 22ft to 27ft, get the low price of $175 a month with a pre-paid contract for 3 month, 6 month, or 1 year leases. Call 757/722-3325 or visit http://www.sunsetboatingcenter.com/ for more information.

Ocean Eagle/Hampton Roads Charters is offering a 5 hour fishing trip for only $35 per person...it's the cheapest rate out there! They will even provide the rod and reel. Call 757/868-FISH or visit http://www.hamptonroadscharter.com/for reservations. Also visit our Hampton Roads Charters facebook page. Remember that striped bass season starts in October!

10% off your next boating experience with Sellfish! Call 757/288-1081 or visit http://www.jerryscharterfinshing.com/ for your reservation now!

Check out additional offers from Hampton:

Black Magic Sport Fishing http://www.blackmagicsportfishing.com/
Matty J Charters http://www.matty-j.com/
NevaQuit Charters http://www.nevaquitcharters.com/