Bland - Newport News, VA

The history of Newport News dates back to colonial times, when Jamestown settlers began to venture into adjacent lands. What started as a small Native American village eventually transformed into a major Virginia port, complete with a railroad and ship building facility. The Bland community grew during the 1950s, as the Jefferson Avenue corridor developed into a major thoroughfare. Residential neighborhoods followed an influx of commercial development. Nearby Fort Eustis Army Base provides a steady flow of diverse residents.

The Mariner's Museum features the history of Newport News and Bland and presents work from local artists. In November, the facility hosts a Battle of the Beers event, putting locally brewed beers from coastal Virginia against beers brewed in the Blue Ridge Mountain region. The Virginia Living Museum provides an adventure into the area's natural wonders. Each year, it celebrates Groundhog Day with an appearance from Chesapeake Chuck, the area groundhog.

Restaurants surround the Bland Boulevard community, giving residents a substantial choice of cuisine. Each of the shopping centers features dining establishments, and the Patrick Henry Mall maintains an impressive food court.

Belgian Waffle and Steak House serves up a mouth-watering breakfast and satisfying lunches. Order the Belgium waffles with pecans, chocolate chips or fruit toppings. The morning menu includes eight types of omelets and freshly made doughnuts. For lunch, try an open-faced turkey sandwich, and end your meal with a slice of homemade pie a la mode. During October, the staff participates in a costume contest to raise money for leukemia research.

Kyung Sung Restaurant serves up impressive Korean food that keeps the locals coming back for more. Try the dolsot bibimbap, veggies and rice in a hot stone bowl, topped with a fried egg. The dumpling appetizers also please, and they come to the table fried or steamed.

For some nightlife enjoyment, Cozzy's Comedy Club orders up laughs along with your food. Each weekend features new and established comedians for three shows. With a relaxing atmosphere, Cozzy's promises that patrons leave the establishment feeling good.

While Bland residents complete some errands on foot, a vehicle greatly improves the convenience factor of the area. Hampton Roads Transit provides bus service to the area, with several stops conveniently located within the community. For a fare of $1.75, riders travel anywhere within the city. Take advantage of unlimited rides all day by purchasing a $4 daily pass. Hailing a cab proves challenging, but call ahead and schedule a ride. Consider Uber as well, another reliable transportation option.

Driving residents value the proximity of the highway. The I64 exit sits only 5 miles away from Bland Boulevard. Parking is also readily available. Most shopping centers maintain large parking lots for customers to use free of charge. Biking lanes do not exist on the streets, although most areas of the Bland community include sidewalks for pedestrian safety.

Parks surround the Bland community. Stoney Run Athletic Complex gives the athletic enthusiast a variety of sporting choices. The free facility includes exercise stations and batting cages, along with five sporting fields. Facility managers ask that you leave your furry friends at home or keep them in the parking lot if you must bring them.

Children enjoy Riverview Farm Park and its 30,000-square foot playground. Trails along the Warwick River invite you to take a hike or leisurely bike ride. Pray for snow, when the park turns into a sledding wonderland. It costs nothing to visit the park, and dogs are welcome as long as they remain on a leash.

Living in the Bland area of Newport News costs more than residing in other areas of the city. Renting a one-bedroom in Bland costs $902 a month, substantially more than the $786 average one-bedroom rent for the remainder of the city. You spend $1.75 to travel downtown by public transportation. If you prefer driving your car, you are in luck, as gas prices in the Bland area fall below average prices state-wide and nationally. Use the money you save to buy a beer, as it costs about $6 in one of the many local pubs.

Shopping surrounds the Bland community. Patrick Henry Mall lies four miles down the road, anchored by Macy's, Dillard's, and JC Penney. Find your favorite chain stores inside, along with some locally owned gems. Near the intersection of Jefferson Avenue, shopping centers align both sides of Bland Boulevard with a mixture of high-end shops and high-value stores.

Lorena's Boutique, located in the Jefferson Commons shopping plaza, provides customers with a variety of gifts, such as jewelry and clothing. Stores here include Trader Joe's, Pier 1 Imports, TJ Maxx, and Shoe Carnival.

Bland residents have several options for grocery shopping. Open 24 hours a day, Super Walmart is around the corner for value shopping, and bulk buyers appreciate the close proximity of Sam's Club. Trader Joe's features foods and products from around the world. Take a short ride down to Port Warwick for a farmers market that runs from May through September.