Carver - Newport News, VA Area Guide

As part of Hampton Roads on the Virginia Peninsula, Carver history reaches back to the English settlers in the early 1600s. The area developed because of its coastal location, not merely along the American East Coast region on the Atlantic Ocean, but also because the James River and Chesapeake Bay lead to important commerce sites inland.

This location has created a diverse business atmosphere through the years, which includes commercial fishing, scientific research, information technology, and international commerce. It has also resulted in the establishment of numerous military installations, which have become an essential part of the region’s economy, culture and history. Nearby Hilton Village, for example, was built in the 1910s as wartime housing for workers at Newport News Shipbuilding.

Many area museums shed light on this history, including the Mariners’ Museum and USS Monitor Center, the Virginia War Museum and the Virginia Air and Space Center.

Most Carver restaurants reflect the casual atmosphere of the neighborhood, with one noteworthy, nearby exception. You also find plenty of fast food restaurants, when convenience is a priority, including KFC, Taco Bell, Popeye's Chicken and Biscuits, and WhataBurger.

To take your palate south, travel to Rocky Mount Bar-B-Q House, serving barbecue North Carolina-style: pit-cooked meat, primarily pork, in a vinegar-based sauce, served sliced, pulled or chopped or as spare ribs. Rocky Mount Bar-B-Q also serves barbecue chicken. Sides and other menu items transport you further down into the American South: chicken livers, chicken and dumplings, collard greens, corn pudding, deviled eggs and black-eyed peas along with rutabagas, banana pudding, and coconut cream pie.

If you're in the mood for fine dining with flair, head to Circa 1918 in the historic Hilton Village. Contemporary American cuisine, created by owner and chef Chad Martin, uses fresh, local products. As a farm-to-table restaurant, Circa features a menu that changes with what's available. Though you find plenty of meat and seafood on the menu, you also find delightful vegetarian and vegan options. The changing specials are always a safe bet, but if those don't tickle your fancy, look for the juicy lamb burger; the succulent meatloaf, made with bison or even duck; shrimp, served in many tasty ways; or salmon. Circa 1918 mixologists put together creative cocktails as well. Some tips: be sure to ask your server about new dishes, daily specials and unique chef creations; make reservations, especially for weekends; and know that this place is closed Sundays and Mondays.

As night sets in and your thoughts turn to evening entertainment, consider Cozzy's Comedy Club and Tavern, featuring performances to make you laugh. Since 1991, Cozzy's has been hosting well-known comedians, such as J.J. Walker from "Good Times," Darrell Hammond from "Saturday Night Live," Tommy Chong of "Cheech and Chong," and old-timers Nipsey Russel and Soupy Sales. Weekly performances include Sunday Funnies, music open-mic night, comedian open-mic night, and nationally known comedians on Fridays and Saturdays. Cozzy's also serves food and drinks.

Another option for nearby entertainment, Peninsula Community Theatre, puts on plays, musicals, and children's performances throughout the year.

Although automobiles provide the most common way to get around, public transportation and walking are frequent options for getting around the region and the neighborhood. Sidewalks along Mercury Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue make it safer to walk and bike these busy roads. Wide neighborhood streets permit pedestrians and bikers to share the road with cars.

All areas of commerce, as well as housing and apartment neighborhoods, provide free public parking. Carver lies four miles from I-64, the primary east-west highway, and four miles from I-664/Hampton Roads Beltway.

Hampton Roads Transit provides public transportation, with bus stops conveniently located throughout the region. In Carver, bus stops can be found along Jefferson Avenue and Mercury Boulevard. Uber is available throughout the region and cabs can be called to arrange a pickup.

The Newport News Amtrak Station here provides a link not merely to the greater region but ultimately to the rest of the U.S.

Huntington Park on the James River provides year-round fun for landlubbers along with seasonal beach fun.

You can fish from the James River Fishing Pier or at the children’s fishing pier in Lake Biggins freshwater lake, stocked with trout. There’s no charge to fish in Lake Biggins, but a Virginia fishing license is required for anyone age 16 and older.

The Huntington Park Beach opens to the public on Memorial Day weekend and closes on Labor Day. Lifeguards patrol the beachfront and vendors sell food and drinks during this time.

Other park features include a beautifully landscaped rose garden, two ball fields, pubic boat ramp, and Vietnam War and Holocaust Remembrance memorials. The park also hosts the Virginia War Museum, presenting military history from the Revolutionary War to the present and a 20-court tennis center. Kids enjoy playing at Fort Fun, a 14,000-square-foot playground on a bluff overlooking the James River.

Park admission is free, though fees apply for the Virginia War Museum, fishing licenses, and other specific activities. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Though there are no exercise-centric facilities at Huntington Park, nearby parks such as The Mariners’ Museum and Park, featuring the five-mile Noland Trail, provide safe places to walk or jog.

The cost of living in the Carver neighborhood is similar to that of the Newport News city average. A single trip to the city center or other regional destinations on a Hampton Roads Transit bus costs $1.75, while the one-day pass costs $4. The average rental rate for a one-bedroom residence is $747.

Beer prices at local pubs begin at happy hour prices of $1.50 for domestics and $5 for a craft beer on draft. Non-happy-hour prices generally range from $2.50 to $7.

The gas average rests at seven percent less than the national average.

Locals can provide for their everyday shopping needs along Jefferson Avenue and Mercury Boulevard. Value stores in the neighborhood include Cato, Roses, The Dump furniture store, Peninsula Rescue Mission Thrift Store and Jefferson Flea Market.

Deyong’s Work and Western Boots in Carver specializes in utilitarian and fashionable men’s and women’s boots, as well as Western wear, including shirts, jackets, pants, hats and belts. You can also browse bolo ties, oilskin dusters, leather vests and leather care products.

For upscale boutique shopping, head to historic Hilton Village. Browse The Fine Arts Shop, a family-run business since 1945, providing an intriguing array of pieces for home and fashion wear, including antique furniture, artwork and etchings, as well as gold, silver and gemstones and one-of-a-kind estate items. Find unique jewelry and ties at MLP Creations, for yourself or as a memorable gift. Jewelry includes pieces by local designers. Ties include both neckties and bowties. The business also repairs jewelry on site.

The neighborhood Walmart Supercenter can provide basic grocery shopping needs. If you’re in the market for natural and organic goods, including food, supplements and beauty products, head over to Health Trail Natural Foods. For a focus on locally sourced meats and produce, go to nearby Game’s Farmers Market.