Happy Hampton New Year!

With the arrival of action-packed 2012, we pause to share our resolutions for the coming twelve months. They aren’t the sort of resolutions that relate to weight loss, going to bed earlier, exercising and such, but our commitment to you, the Hampton visitor, to make your Hampton experience the most positively memorable, exciting, relaxing, and profound it can possibly be. After all, the more familiar we are with Hampton visitor experiences, the better our recommendations to you. We invite you to join us!

We resolve...

To search out and share dining experiences that are truly unique in Hampton and to highlight the dishes that we think you’ll love.

To explore Hampton parks, blueways and hiking trails firsthand and soak in the wonder of Hampton’s Great Outdoors. With miles of waterway shoreline and sites like Grandview Nature Preserve, Sandy Bottom Nature Park, Newmarket Creek, and Buckroe, we can hardly wait to begin our exploration.

To appreciate Hampton’s fine art and artists at the Hampton University Museum, The Charles H. Taylor Art Center and at Halls of Art in the Hampton Roads Convention Center.

To cast a fishing line from Buckroe Pier and the recently-opened Fort Monroe Pier, experiencing the thrill of the catch and the thrill of release.

To take the Hampton Civil War Sites Guide and use it to visit each of the sites where monumental decisions that impacted our nation were made 150 years ago.

To tour Hampton University campus via Hampton smartphone app and to stand beneath the sheltering limbs of Emancipation Oak.

To catch as many shows possible at The American Theatre and appreciate the gift of performing art this early 1900’s former vaudeville house brings to Hampton on an annual basis.

To take the controls of a Boeing 717, wing-walk on a Curtiss Jenny, take a virtual trip to Mars, and explore the planets, all in an afternoon at the Virginia Air & Space Center.

To spend lunchtime outdoors at Hampton attractions like Carousel Park, Air Power Park, the Miss Hampton II, and Bluebird Gap Farm.

To dress in our finest and attend a community benefit fundraiser gala at the Hampton Roads Convention Center.

To shop until we drop in Downtown, Phoebus, Coliseum Central and at Peninsula Town Center and then treat ourselves at one of Hampton’s six spas.

To cheer for the Peninsula Pilots at War Memorial Stadium and for the Mid-Atlantic region’s best drivers at Langley Speedway.

To sample the latest award-winning brew at St. George Brewing Company.

To dress like a pirate, drink from a tankard and sneer “Aaarg” a lot during Blackbeard Pirate Festival, and throughout the year just for the fun of it.

To attend a fishing workshop at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World and then apply what we’ve learned aboard the Ocean Eagle, the Matty J, or one of Hampton’s other charter boats.

To learn how to golf and play rounds at The Hamptons and The Woodlands golf courses.

To rock out, marvel at ice racing and skating, groove to Jazz, cheer for the circus ringmaster, clowns, animals and acrobats, and generally be thankful for the shows and performances presented at Hampton Coliseum.

To sit a spell at Aberdeen Gardens Historic Museum and listen to stories from Claude Vann and Margaret Wilson about their childhoods in historic Aberdeen.

To take a picnic to Olde Wythe and spend time reading the historic markers scenic overlooks along Chesapeake Avenue and imagining Hampton days gone by.

To reflect on Hampton’s history at the Hampton History Museum, St. John’s Church, Fort Monroe, and other Hampton sites. To take in “An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia” exhibit, including both “Waging War” and “Surviving War” at the Hampton History Museum.

To meet with more people face to face. To shake hands, exchange smiles, build relationships and solidify friendships.

To provide excellent service to Hampton visitors, to our tourism stakeholders, to Hampton residents and to our Virginia tourism partners.

To continuously tell our visitors and tourism partners how much we value their business and partnership.

We sincerely do value our Hampton visitors and look forward to serving and welcoming you in 2012! Thank you for making Hampton part of your 2012 travel plans.

The Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau staff

OpSail 2012 Virginia™: The Star Spangled Sail

This year, for the first time ever, Operation Sail and the U.S. Navy have formed an official partnership. In celebration of the bicentennial of the Star-Spangled Banner and to commemorate the War of 1812, the parade will be called The Star-Spangled Sail.

The concept of Operation Sail, a parade of tall ships representing nations across the globe, began with a vision shared by late maritime historians Frank Braynard and IBMer Nils Hansell to bring the world’s remaining wind-ships together in an effort to foster global goodwill during an era of uncertainty. With dedication to their cause, this initiative received assistance from Sail Training International (then the British Sail Training Association). In the summer of 1964 this vision came to fruition as the first Operation Sail, becoming instantly iconic.

Today Operation Sail, or “OpSail,” is a non-profit organization dedicated to self-training and promoting goodwill among nations. Through the production of International tall ship events, OpSail strives to commemorate American maritime history. There have been four Operation Sails since the debut sail, each larger than the last and tied to an American historical event. They include the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976, the restoration of the Statue of Liberty in 1986, and the celebration of the Millennium in 2000.

In the course of several weeks, Class A tall ships will journey to ports along the Atlantic Coast. As the ships parade into Hampton Roads, Hampton will be a prime viewing spot for this international event sure to leave you impressed. On June 6, 2012, Fort Monroe will host a viewing of the “Virginia Sea and Air Parade,” which will showcase many International Navy warships and grey hulls. On the June 8, the International Tall Ships will enter Hampton Roads in the “Virginia Parade of Sail.”

Hampton and its surrounding waterfront cities are working together to make sure that visitors receive the full OpSail experience in the days that this event takes place. On June 12, 2012, all warships and tall ships will depart in the “Virginia Parade of Sail up the Chesapeake.” Fort Monroe will again be a prime viewing spot as the ships pass from Hampton Roads through the channel into the Chesapeake Bay and begin their journey up the Chesapeake.

On June 1-3, the week prior to the ships’ arrival, Hampton will host the Blackbeard Pirate Festival on the downtown Hampton waterfront. This raucous festival was first held during OpSail 2000 as a means to celebrate Hampton’s maritime heritage and relationship with the notorious menace, Blackbeard—aka Edward Teach. Living history and family fun go hand-in-hand as Hampton reenacts and celebrates the demise of Blackbeard, one of the fiercest pirates ever known. Visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in early 18th-century Hampton with live entertainment, pirate encampments, children’s activities, sea battles, and fireworks. Plus, the tall ship Unicorn will dock in Hampton and open for deck tours. As the only all-female-crewed tall ship in the world, Unicorn sails with proven on-board leadership programs for teenage girls and women.

From the lively Blackbeard Pirate Festival to the awe-inspiring experience of OpSail 2012 Virginia, visitors are encouraged to plan to stay for the duration of the festivities. Travel packages are available that combine the festivities you won’t want to miss.

For more information about Hampton activities, events and celebrations during OpSail 2012 Virginia please call 800-800-2202 or visit http://www.opsail2012virginia.com.

Fort Monroe National Monument. Yes, This is Hampton, Virginia.

Hampton is celebrating after President Obama officially proclaimed historic Fort Monroe a National Monument. Honoring Fort Monroe’s significance this way is a testament to Fort Monroe’s history, its influence on American Civil Rights, and serves as a shining example of conservation of our nation’s historic resources. Support has been expressed to the White House by many Hampton, Coastal Virginia and state representatives, all determined to see Fort Monroe succeed under the leadership of the National Park Service and the Fort Monroe Authority.

What’s the best way you can show your support during this transition? Visit!! Now that the Old Point Comfort Marina is open to all boaters, there is nothing stopping you from tying up and enjoying a walk-about!

There are many ways to explore the largest stone fort ever built in the U.S. and the 400-year history of the site traced since the first colonists’ arrival in 1607. Cross the stone fort’s sallieports to enter the 63 acres within the fort walls. Head to the Casemate Museum open daily from 10:30 am – 4:30 pm. It’s free and is a great showcase of the fort’s history. Take a walking tour with a brochure or via iPod Tour. The Discover Hampton iPod Tour provides a multimedia interpretation of Fort Monroe with historic images, entertaining interviews, and period music.

The Fort Monroe Geocache Hunt is a fun way to familiarize yourself with Old Point Comfort History and you get a prize when you complete the puzzle! Call the Hampton Visitor Center at 800-800-2202, 727-1102, or email visitor@hamptoncvb.com for information on the Fort Monroe Hunt. Stay tuned to www.visithampton.com and www.Facebook.com/BoatHampton for fun and fascinating ways to explore Hampton.

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/

Seeing red, white and blue in Hampton

I'm a patriotic girl, always have been, and summer in Hampton brings out the Proud American in me. First of all, American history is everywhere here. As you ply Hampton's waterways, you're exploring water trails that John Smith, Christopher Newport and Bartholomew Gosnold explored in 1607.

Step dockside on the downtown Hampton waterfront and within walking distance you can experience awe-inspiring exhibits and suspended aircraft at the Virginia Air & Space Center, visitor center for NASA Langley and Langley Air Force Base. The Apollo 12 Command Module is displayed here! You can walk Hampton University campus grounds where Booker T. Washington studied and where, beneath the embracing limbs of Emancipation Oak, President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation was read to enslaved and free members of the community. At the Hampton History Museum you can learn how Hampton's 400 year story aligns with the chapters of America's history book. And you can experience Americana at its best with a whirl on the Hampton Carousel, a 1920Philadelphia Toboggan Company antiquity that continues to entertain visitors on the downtown Hampton waterfront. All these, within a stroll of the pier!

But these are the immediate, obvious sites that introduce you to Hampton and let you know this is a special place. Sites that really have me singing the Star Spangled Banner are Fort Wool and Fort Monroe. Construction on both of these national treasures began in 1819, with construction of Fort Monroe complete in 1834. Fort Wool was never really complete, but that essence of what was and could have been adds to its mystique. The fort is located on a man-made island known as the Rip Raps in the middle of Hampton Roads. The Miss Hampton harbor tour docks at the island twice daily and a tour guide brilliantly relates its history. I'd rather dock and experience the site solo, so I am appreciative of the historic markers on display that share Fort Wool's remarkable history. There are eight markers for me to read and by the time I leave the island, this "sinking" garrison feels like a friend.

Fort Monroe is the largest stone fort ever constructed in the United States and the only moat-encircled fort in active use by the military. Presently a U.S. Army post, Fort Monroe will cease military operations on September 15, 2011. While the stone fort itself is nothing short of remarkable, essential American landmarks abound within the fort's walls and along its shoreline. Such sites include the Casemate Museum which celebrated its 40th anniversary this week and contains the cell in which Jefferson Davis was held following the Civil War. Lieutenant Robert E. Lee's quarters are across from the museum, and nearby are Quarters Number One, Chapel of the Centurion, and Old Point Comfort Light. This week in Hampton, Secretary of the Interior Salazar visited Fort Monroe to discern whether interest in making Fort Monroe a National Monument and/or a National Park was the general consensus of Virginians present when the military leaves. The question was answered with a resounding Y-E-S!

Celebrate Independence Day until your proud American heart bursts with pride at these Hampton festivities:

Tonight, July 1 Fireworks and All-American NASCAR Hometrack Racing at Langley Speedway

Saturday, July 2, Downtown Hampton Market Place A bounty of fresh vegetables, fruit, bread, seafood, cheese, wine and crafts all available for purchase on Queens Way.

Saturday, July 2 Streetfest on Downtown Hampton's Queens Way featuring local favorite performing artists Slapwater

Sunday, July 3 Hampton's Peninsula Pilots take on the Daredevils at War Memorial Stadium. Game time is 7:05pm.

July 4, Fourth at the Fort featuring 38 Special, games, food, rides and fireworks. And the best part, it's at Fort Monroe!