Kiln Creek Newport News, VA

Though a part of Newport News, Kiln Creek lies in a sweet spot of history between Newport News, Williamsburg and Yorktown. Recorded history of Newport News began in 1610, when settlers fled their original Jamestown home because of harsh conditions. They encountered Captain Christopher Newport, who gave them good news that reinforcements and supplies had arrived: “Newport’s News” inspired them to return to Jamestown. Williamsburg is recognized for the part it played in colonial history, while Yorktown is known as the location of the final major Revolutionary War battle.

This region played important roles in early American history, which can be explored at the Mariners’ Museum and USS Monitor Center, the Virginia War Museum, and the Virginia Air and Space Center. The area’s coastal location has created a diverse business atmosphere, embracing shipbuilding, technological research, international commerce and a strong military presence. The Kiln Creek development was launched in 1986.

Casual dining stands as the rule in Kiln Creek, and residents find most along Jefferson Avenue and Victory Boulevard.

For authentic food at a reasonable price, check out Thai Papaya. Locals prefer the drunken noodles, also called pad kee mao, a dish of stir-fried noodles with soy and fish sauces, garlic, meat of choice and vegetables. Also check out the traditional chicken pad Thai, made of noodles sautéed with eggs, ground peanuts, bean sprouts and green onions.

Hampton Roads resident David Dierberger brought Donatos Pizza to Newport News from Ohio after suffering taste-bud withdrawals following his move from Columbus. Many local diners agree: the fresh ingredients, golden, crispy, thin crust, plus tasty sauce, aged Provolone cheese and generous toppings make for some of the best pizza in the region. Whether you choose the basic cheese or Margherita pizza, the fancy toppings of the chicken mariachi pizza or edge-to-edge pepperoni, your palate leaves happy. For dessert, check out the Apple Crisp Timpano, a golden, hand-pinched crust filled with tender glazed apples and sprinkled with a sweet crisp topping, then baked and drizzled with caramel sauce.

The Kiln Creek neighborhood presents plenty of national restaurant and adult beverage options for when the mood strikes you: Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Moe's, and other recognized names. Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill offers up a creative selection of cocktails, from Fired Up Faves to the Timeless with a Twist.

Kiln Creek residents use automobiles as their primary transportation, supplemented by Hampton Roads Transit. Numerous bus stops along Jefferson Avenue, Denbigh Boulevard, Bland Boulevard and McManus Boulevard make public transit an easy option. A phone call can summon a cab. Uber also services Kiln Creek and the surrounding Newport News region.

Sidewalks along most main roads, especially Jefferson Avenue, Denbigh Boulevard and Victory Boulevard, help make biking and walking safe. The residential neighborhoods are wide enough to accommodate cars, pedestrians and bikes, and three miles of walking and biking trails in the Village of Kiln Creek make traversing the planned community easy and pleasant.

Parking is convenient and free throughout Kiln Creek. Interstate 64, the major Hampton Roads highway, can be easily accessed from Jefferson Avenue or Victory Boulevard at the south end of Kiln Creek.

Just 7 miles to the north, Newport News Park provides a magnificent 7,711-acre oasis to native wildlife such as white-tail deer, foxes, otter, raccoon and beaver, as well as to humans seeking escape to nature. In addition to its natural beauty, the park features 188 campsites and camping amenities; 30 miles of trails for hiking, jogging and biking; outdoor shelters, tables and grills for picnicking; scenic lakes and inlets for fishing, boating and canoeing; playgrounds for kids; and courses for archery, aeromodel flying and disc golf; and more. The park also hosts two 18-hole public golf courses.

Even history buffs enjoy exploring the Civil War fortifications, earthworks and redoubts in Newport News Park, which is a designated stop on the official Virginia Civil War Trails network.

Pets are welcome, but be prepared to provide an up-to-date rabies certificate. Park admission is free, though fees apply for select activities and for rental of boats, bicycles and other equipment.

Three special annual events highlight the seasons at Newport News Park. The Children’s Festival of Friends on the first Saturday in May features family-friendly entertainment, exhibits and hands-on activities. The Fall Festival of Folklife on the first weekend in October presents nationally known performers, arts and crafts, regional foods and folk entertainment. Celebration in Lights, from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, transforms Newport News Park with more than 450,000 lights, creating a sparkling 2-mile drive-through feast for the eyes.

In Kiln Creek, a neighborhood of Newport News, Virginia, the cost of living lies slightly below the national average and is nearly equivalent to that of nearby downtown Newport News. The average rental rate for a one-bedroom residence is $899.

Hampton Roads Transit provides economical and convenient public transportation for the region. A single trip costs $1.75, while the 1-day HRT GoPass costs $4. This fare takes passengers to downtown Newport News as well as other regional stops.

Beer prices at local restaurants generally range from $2 for domestics at happy hour to $4, with craft beers at a higher price as available. The gas average generally rests at 7 percent less than the national average.

Kiln Creek rests comfortably in the midst of plenty of big-box shopping, with recognized and high-value names clustered along Jefferson Avenue and Victory Boulevard. Jefferson Commons Shopping Center and Jefferson Marketplace host national names like Petco, Lane Bryant, Rue 21, Five Below, Pier 1 Imports, Lowe's, Michael's and many others.

Grocery shopping options include Walmart Supercenter and Farm Fresh (two of each, both west and east of the Villages of Kiln Creek) and Sam's Club, as well as more organic and upscale shopping at Trader Joe's and nearby Fresh Market. Northwest on Jefferson Avenue, Tindahan International Grocery in the Villages of Stoney Run specializes in Filipino products and M P International highlights Caribbean food products and serves as a restaurant. Games Farmers Market, on the way towards downtown Newport News, stocks an array of local meats and produce as well as bulk Amish-style products.

You can enjoy a multi-sensory shopping experience at DiscoverTEAS at Port Warwick: fresh tea sampling daily, a tea exploration station, a blend-your-own tea bar, Wi-Fi lounge for sipping and browsing the web, plus tea ware and accessories.

If boutique shopping is on your to-do list, visit the locally owned stores at nearby City Center at Oyster Point. Sisters Unique carries a curated collection of gifts, jewelry and hand-painted furnishings, featuring brands such as Theodore Alexander, Bella Notte Linens, Surya, Dash & Albert and Peel & Company. Hi-Ho Silver presents handmade sterling silver designs from all around the world, including exclusive designs as well as coveted names such as Alex and Ani or Chamilia.