Oyster Point - Newport News, VA

Oyster Point, situated within the Virginia Peninsula along the Hampton Roads Harbor, was part of the rural farming and fishing villages that encircled this waterside community until the end of the Civil War. In 1881 a business man from California named Collis P. Huntington's help in financing the construction of the area's first railroad, coal piers and expansive shipyard transformed this area into a thriving global trade port.

Find out more about the history of this alluring area with a visit to the Virginia Living Museum on J Clyde Morris Boulevard. Housing a planetarium and revolving indoor and outdoor exhibits featuring 250 species of indigenous living creatures, this neighborhood gem provides a fun, education-filled day for every member of your family.

Sample craft beer at the annual Mariner's Craft Beer Festival. Held on the grounds of the Mariner's Museum and Park, this festival also provides local eats and live music.

City Center at Oyster Point, the neighborhood's restaurant hub, houses an abundance of unique eateries. Start your day off right at Aromas World. Providing a wide range of coffee and tea selections, this casual restaurant's breakfast menu features an oatmeal banana brulee that warms your heart as it fills your belly. The poached eggs over grits and Southwest omelettes are also perfectly cooked fuel-up-and-go menu items. When you want a home-like midday meal, check out Cove Tavern. The charming, upscale atmosphere, melt-in-your-mouth burgers and assortment of Southwest-themed entrees, wraps and sandwiches give everyone in your lunch party something to savor.

End your search for the ideal date night or family-friendly gathering at Hayashi Sushi & Grill. Bold, contemporary decor, highly trained Hibachi grill chefs and an extensive selection of house specialty sushi and sashimi make this place an impressive spot to wine and dine your loved ones.

Although you'll find a bar in almost every Oyster Point eatery, the dance floor at the Comfort Zone Restaurant & Lounge on Mercury Boulevard in nearby Hampton can't be beat. This spot's 30s and over crowd gets down to some of the best DJs and live bands in the area. When you just want a nightcap or the option to hang out with other sports lovers, go to the Brickhouse Tavern on Herman Melville Avenue in the neighborhood to end your night on a good note.

Since driving is the primary way to get around Oyster Point, the city hosts numerous bus stops – including ones on Jefferson Avenue, Oyster Point Road and Warwick Road – to help you get to your destinations without a lot of hassle. This neighborhood's close proximity to Interstate 64, U.S. Routes 17 and 60, and Virginia State Routes 306 and 312 gives you a lot of maneuvering room when you want to get out of town in your own car. Although Uber does not serve the area, hailing a cab from the City Center at Oyster Point is usually a breeze.

While biking is relatively safe everywhere in Oyster Point, the most cyclist-friendly lanes are found along U.S. Route 60, Boxley Boulevard and Menchville Road. Walking the neighborhood allows you to take in the scenic beauty of the area but does not generally provide you with the most efficient use of your shopping, dining or commuting time. Take your car and enjoy the abundance of free parking spots in front of or near most neighborhood businesses.

When you just want to soak up the sunshine or take your kids out to play, head out to Deer Park on Jefferson Avenue. Featuring a large, contemporary playground and lots of shade, this free community park allows you to get out and about in the neighborhood.

When you're looking for a more exercise-centric experience, venture over to Riverview Farm Park at the corner of Youngs Road and Menchville Road. This sprawling 30,000-square foot facility houses a skate park, a hike/bike trail and an off-leash dog park for your canine companions. During the warmer months, this free community park rents picnic shelters and operates a concession stand near the playground. Although this park does not host any annual events, many locals make their own yearly tradition out of snow sledding down the hill at the park during the winter months.

Residing in Oyster Point puts you in the middle of the action while still remaining in line with the area's typical cost of living. Residents pay an average rent of approximately $710 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. Luckily for you, grabbing a beer at a local watering hole only sets you back about $6. You'll also save on gas, with area gas prices hovering around 6 percent less than the national average. Grabbing the bus to the center of town is also a steal at roughly $1.50 a ride.

Head to City Center at Oyster Point to enjoy browsing the latest seasonal collections at high-end stores such as Hauser’s Jewelers and Ann Taylor Loft. However, when you want to find something a little more unique, head out to the other neighborhood shops and thrift stores.

The employees of the Disabled Veterans Thrift Store on Warwick Boulevard keep this local vintage mart immaculate. Expect to find a vast assortment of gently used clothing, shoes and accessories in addition to a few home decor and furnishings gems.

Jefferson Avenue on the east side of the neighborhood hosts Trader Joe's and the Fresh Market. While both stores house an ample supply of meats, locals in search of seafood and hard-to-find organic items go to Dean & Don's Farm Market on Warwick Boulevard. Featuring a wide variety of seasonal bounty and freshly made jams and jellies, this neighborhood market also sells seasonal candied pineapples that the locals swear by.