The city of Hampton, Virginia is home to approximately 137,746 residents, according to recent census figures. Located at the confluence of waterways and rich in American history, the region is known for its waterfront traditions, aerospace and military connections, and an enduring sense of place shaped by centuries of change.
As you wander through the streets and shoreline of this coastal hub, you’ll sense the blending of old maritime heritage and modern ingenuity. One of the lesser-told tales involves the arrival of early explorers at the mouth of the bay and how this locale became one of the earliest continuously inhabited English-settled sites in the United States. Folklore here speaks of river spirits or oyster boats returning by dusk among the marsh grasses, stories passed down over generations that remind you the tides and water have long shaped local life.
Food is a highlight in this community. At The Deadrise, diners enjoy fresh seafood plated with a view of the marina, a setting where the flicker of water and boats passing leaves a mellow after-taste with the meal. Then there is George Restaurant, where patrons have come to favor the signature Rasta Pasta alongside a welcoming interior and occasional live entertainment. It’s a modern place where food and community gathering meet. Still another local haunt, Brown Chicken, Brown Cow on Queens Way, has made waves for its grass-fed burgers, rotating specialty burgers weekly and an inviting patio setting for relaxed meals amid street-side energy.
Beyond dining, the area supports a thriving local business scene that complements daily life with personality and service. A mention must go to a popular local craft brewery-tavern that anchors the waterfront social scene with its own house-brewed ales and cider lineup: Bull Island Brewing Company. It draws people who come for the inventive beers and stay for the river-view ambiance. Meanwhile, community-minded services abound, with initiatives that help entrepreneurs start and grow businesses, reflecting a proactive and supportive local economy.
In terms of things to do and explore, there’s plenty that stretches beyond the usual tourist path. One should not miss visiting the outdoor aircraft and space exhibit park that honors the region’s role in aviation and aerospace research. Walking along the water’s edge at sunset offers a quiet reflection on the centuries of vessels, from sailing ships to modern aircraft carriers, that have passed this way. The community also celebrates its heritage and culture in festivals like the Blackbeard Pirate Festival, which brings the waterfront streets alive with costumed reenactors, music, and family-friendly fun near downtown. Each spring, the Hampton Mosaic Festival pays tribute to the many influences that shape this region’s identity through music, crafts, cultural displays, and interactive arts that invite visitors and locals to engage and celebrate together.
Local customs lean gently toward the water: sunrise strolls along the riverfront, oyster-roasting gatherings in late summer, and the tradition of boat-watching as the sun dips behind the horizon. Old stories persist about the original shoreline families who set out at dawn in boats, and you’ll sometimes hear long-time residents remark on the changing tides of both the sea and the community itself. Even small community events revolve around these rhythms, tying generations together through simple shared experiences.
As for us at Two Guys Wildlife, we understand the unique interplay between shoreline, wooded lots, and suburban areas that define Hampton. If you are noticing unwelcome wildlife in your home or business, or you’d like to prevent future incursions, we’re ready to assist.
Contact us for a professional assessment and tailored solution so you can continue to enjoy everything this city offers without unexpected wildlife interruptions.