Crystal Lakes/Powhatan Park - Hampton, VA

National monument Fort Monroe plays a large part in the area's history. When Captain John Smith came ashore near Fort Monroe in 1607, colonial settlers built Fort Algernourne, a wooden structure that held 50 men and seven mounted cannons. After the Civil War, more than 10,000 former slaves lived in large tent cities outside the fort. Many of them stayed in the area, starting businesses and rebuilding Hampton. Thousands of African-Americans today trace their heritage to the slaves who escaped to “Freedom’s Fortress.” Hampton History Museum serves to increase awareness and understanding of Hampton's history.

The Crystal Lakes/Powhatan Park area presents locals and visitors alike with an adequate selection of bars, restaurants, pizza places and more for a range of taste palates. Establishments are spread throughout town, allowing alternatives at almost every street.

One of the best bars in town, Park Lane Tavern has an extensive selections of draft and bottled beers from around the world, as well as a comprehensive list of single malt scotches, small batch and single barrel bourbons, wines and speciality cocktails. Begin with the "dill-licious" lightly breaded fried pickles served with creamy dill dressing. Follow up with German classic, Jagerschnitzel, a hand-flattened pork loin fried and topped with traditional mushroom gravy, served with kraut, warm potato salad and green beans. Pescatarians should try the crab and balsamic portabellas -- marinated portabella mushrooms with fresh crab meat and mozzarella, topped with balsamic reduction, served with asparagus and field greens. Top the night off with "tipsy" berries sautéed in brandy atop fried pound cake and authentic English custard.

Venture Kitchen & Bar serves an extensive menu of pizza and tapas, as well as salads and cocktails. Test out the Moscow Mule, formulated with Sobieski Vodka, Reed's Extra Ginger Beer, simple syrup and lime juice. The cocktail pairs nicely with the green apple & pork belly salad with candied walnuts, endive and shaved Parmesan, drizzled with clove-honey vinaigrette. For a spin on traditional pizza, try out the "BEET-ZA," which is made with roasted beets, fresh basil, roasted garlic, tomato sauce, mozzarella, goat cheese and fresh arugula.

For nightlife activity, Hampton Coliseum is a versatile facility that hosts a variety of events including concerts, family events (Ringling Circus, Disney on Ice), sporting events and more.

Hampton Roads Transit makes it easy to get around the area with multiple bus routes throughout the area. With its central mid-Atlantic location, easy access to Interstate 64 and two international airports, plus Amtrak, getting to Crystal Lakes/Powhatan Park in Hampton proves easy. Getting around while you’re in town turns out to be easy too. Taxi service, Uber and Hampton Roads Transit bus service are available if you choose to leave your car at home. Bike lanes and bike-friendly streets are available, as are walkable sidewalks around the neighborhood.

Hampton Roads Transit’s TRAFFIX program promotes many transportation alternatives to commuters, including carpool matching, van leasing, telecommuting and many more.

Crystal Lakes/Powhatan Park has many outdoor parks and beaches within short distance. Most of these facilities are free, including recreational activities (unless rentals are needed).

Buckroe Beach and Park is a bayfront park with nearly a mile of clean beach. For a great outdoor workout, kayaks and paddle boats are available for rental. The park has three shelters with two grills in each, a children's playground, a stage pavilion for community events, ample open space and restroom facilities. Dogs are allowed except in May through September.

Sandy Bottom Nature Park, Hampton's premier park, is a 456-acre environmental education and wildlife management facility. Born from borrow pits and garbage dumps, the park truly has been a success story of reclamation of natural resources. From the 10,000-square-foot nature center overlooking Sandy Bottom Lake to the elusive creatures that inhabit the wetland marshes, there will be something for everyone at Sandy Bottom Nature Park. You must keep pets on a leash. They can run free in the Bark Park with a paid membership.

Powhatan Creek Park & Blueway, part of the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network, has parking for about 20 cars but no other facilities. From the parking lot, a boat launch can be found about a hundred yards down a concrete path. The creek is tidal, and there can be a lot more flow the further downstream you get, so consult a tide chart and plan your trip accordingly.

The city's largest annual festival, Bay Days, educates the public on the importance of the Chesapeake Bay in the Hampton Roads region, as well as the rest of Virginia and Maryland.

The cost of living in Crystal Lakes/Powhatan Park is approximately 6 percent greater than the national average but 2.6 percent less than the Virginia average. Rental rates for one-bedroom apartments average $610 per month. The price of gas in Hampton is 2.4 percent lower than the national average.

Public transportation around town or to other parts of Hampton Roads will cost anywhere between $1 to $4 one-way. The price of gas in Crystal Lakes/Powhatan Park usually runs 2.4 percent lower than the national average.

Grab a drink around town for about $1.50 for well-known beers during happy hour. Local craft beer selections can range anywhere from $4 to $8 per bottle or pint.

An urban waterfront village on the Hampton River, Crystal Lakes/Powhatan Park features personal-touch shopping with collections of retail destinations. Support fair-trade, made in USA suppliers at Boutique She-She. This shop carries a unique selection of on-trend fashions, from classy or sassy to funky or vintage, alongside accessories, Judaica gifts and special keepsakes.

Platforms, a locally owned specialty shoe boutique, specializes in trendy, top-quality shoes for men and women that don't sacrifice comfort. The store shows support for the local community, with a community “Give-Back” program that supports several local charities throughout the year.

Local grocery chain Farm Fresh serves Crystal Lakes/Powhatan Park residents, as do smaller markets such as Miller Mart. Often referred to as "The Peach House," the family-owned and -operated Wood's Orchards Farm Market grows and sells seasonal fruits and vegetables. The option to pick your own makes for family-friendly fun.