Nestled in the heart of Coastal Virginia, Chesapeake is the perfect spot to navigate attractions throughout the region.
Birding
While Chesapeake has always been a birder’s paradise, with hundreds of species calling the area home, the spring is an extra special time to a see a variety of rare birds. Thousands of birds will migrate through Chesapeake on their way further north while others will simply be returning to Chesapeake.
Hardcore birders journey to Chesapeake to complete their birding bucket list. It’s possible to glimpse the Swainson’s warbler, or the Wayne’s warbler. Both are a subspecies of the black–throated green warbler, shy birds, and rare to see. Of special note is the Prothonotary warbler, a gorgeous colorful bird. You can also see Prairie warblers, worm-eating warblers, and a whole lot more. There are about 35 different species. Now is the time to give it a try.
April begins the great migration but anytime through June can be a good time to go birding. It’s free and the terrain contains flat, easy walkways and even paved roadways. You will want to get to the parks early since that’s when the activity happens.
If you decide that you love birding, check out the Northwest River Park, Chesapeake City Park, and Great Bridge Lock Park where you can see the ground nesting ovenbird, red-eyed vireo, and nesting birds such as bluebirds, robins, great crested flycatchers, and peewees.
Strawberry Picking
If you are looking for family fun, take a trip to Chesapeake this May to celebrate strawberry season. Everyone loves strawberries fresh from the vine. U-pick and pre-picked strawberries are available at a number of our charming farms.
Brookdale Farm, Historic Greenbrier Farms, Hickory Ridge Farm, and Mount Pleasant Farms all offer u-pick as well as a number of yummy strawberry jams, muffins, and pies.
Bergey’s Breadbasket is known for its farm-to-table pie and while you can’t pick there, you can visit its petting zoo and enjoy freshly made strawberry ice cream in the outdoor dining area.
Paddle the Peake
April can be mild and if you’re itching to get back into the great outdoors, check out the Paddle the Peake program.
This is a type of passport program that entices visitors to visit Chesapeake. It invites visitors to explore and discover destinations they might not have previously known about. They can download the VisitChesapeake app and check in at each location via the app under Paddle the Peake.
Kayak, canoe, or paddleboard through Chesapeake’s breathtaking waterways and earn cool rewards along the way with Paddle the Peake. Rewards include a Paddle the Peake sticker, hat, dry bag, and Nalgene water bottle.
Launch your vessel of choice and paddle through the untamed Dismal Swamp Canal, home to river otters, foxes, black bears, and many other species of wildlife living among the calm amber lake and gorgeous bald Cyprus trees. Or, put in at Northwest River Park, which features 763 sprawling acres, canoe and kayak rentals. There are nine locations in total in the Paddle the Peake program.
Craft Beer
Chesapeake has a variety of tasting rooms and breweries to enjoy. All are dog-friendly and offer great eats. Big Ugly Brewing Company offers big bold flavors. The Garage Brewery, which features a garage-themed environment, is a seven-barrel microbrewery with sour and fruited options, ambers, pilsners, and more.
Wasserhund Brewing Company offers German beer and great pizza. Dine inside or on the patio and enjoy its ales and lagers.
Newcomer Studly Brewing offers delicious artisan pizzas and salads with craft brews inspired by the Tom Hennessey way of aging spirits in aged barrels. Choose from blonde ale, pale ale, stouts and even vanilla flavor porter.
Whether you like an activity filled weekend or just kicking back, Chesapeake, Virginia is the perfect spring getaway spot.
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