Pheobus - Hampton, VA

During the Civil War, Phoebus became a refuge for escaped slaves, leading the U.S. Army to establish a school and other services for this new population. Eventually, this school would become Hampton University, a historically black college that's still operating today.

In 1952, the town consolidated with the independent city of Hampton, Virginia.

The history and architecture of Phoebus are evident in its 86-acre national historic district, including landmarks such as the classic American Theatre, Hampton National Cemetery and Fort Monroe. The Hampton University Museum displays art and historical artifacts. Annual events in Phoebus include a fall festival and holiday illumination.

Most of the Phoebus area's fine dining can be found in the historic district. Other restaurants, scattered along East Pembroke Avenue and other main roads, feature casual dining and a laid-back nightlife.

Six Little Bar Bistro 's owners are experienced restaurateurs who have been demonstrating their skills in this posh tapas restaurant in the historic district. Six Little Bar Bistro serves traditional tapas, which are great for sharing; two plates per person is generally sufficient. For an additional $10, you can make almost any tapa into an entrée, which includes bread and a house salad. The menu at Six rotates seasonally, which keeps the ingredients and the selections fresh. Check the whiteboard in the back for specials.

Another historic district favorite, Olde Towne Tavern, has won awards for its seafood and as a favorite local hangout. The Olde Towne menu includes platters so that diners can enjoy several seafood options in one meal. Consider the drunken seafood, steamed in beer for added kick. This historic district hangout also provides some of the locals' favorite entertainment. Every Thursday, local acoustic rock musician Mik Trokel serenades customers, and country music buffs hang out on Honky Tonk Saturday Nights. This venue also has televisions, pool tables and dartboards.

If you're into sustainable farm-to-table dining, get to The Point. The kitchen sources from local farms and producers. Seafood is plentiful – scallops, shrimp, clams and oysters – as are sandwiches, salads and full-sized entrées, such as the chicken pot pie or the pork chop with potatoes, seasonal vegetables and an apple-vidalia chutney. The Point also offers live music and a variety of craft beverages, including Virginia brews such as Hardywood Park, Smartmouth, Alewerks and Starr Hill.

For a more refined atmosphere, check out Victorian Station, a fabulous teahouse on North Mallory Street. For the full experience, try some of the exotic teas with your food. Call ahead, since the opening hours can be irregular.

Besides the live music scene, locals can spend their nights in Phoebus enjoying upscale entertainment at The American Theatre. See a play, watch a film or attend a lecture series.

The majority of Phoebus residents drive to get around, but the Hampton Roads Transit bus service is another popular option. You can find numerous bus stops along North Mallory Street, East Pembroke Avenue, Woodland Road and around the Hampton University campus. It's easiest to get a cab by calling ahead, and Uber also services the Hampton Roads region.

There are no biking lanes in this neighborhood, but sidewalks along the main roads make walking safe. Because of the long distances between most residences and businesses, the neighborhood as a whole is not generally walkable.

Free public parking is plentiful around the area, especially in the residential areas and at the small shopping areas. A major Hampton Roads highway, Interstate 64, runs through Phoebus, easily accessible from Woodland Road and West County Street.

Kearney Park at the corner of County and Mallory Streets provides a tidy plot of land in the town with brick benches and pavers, landscaping and a memorial to Judge Frank Kearney.

At Jane Bryan Neighborhood Park at Bryan Elementary School, locals can use the facilities when school is not in session. The property hosts two basketball courts, softball and football fields, a playground and an asphalt-paved walking trail.

The Woodlands Golf Course, a favorite with locals, challenges golfers with an 18-hole course. Greens fees vary from weekend to weekday and include discounts for seniors and students. Carts and clubs can be rented.

Buckroe Beach and Park is about a mile from the eastern edge of Phoebus. This free and family-friendly park has a sandy beachfront on the sedate Chesapeake Bay, as well as grills, a playground and a fishing pier. Lifeguards patrol the beach seasonally, and kayaks and paddle boards are available for rent. The park’s stage pavilion also hosts summer festivities, such as the Annual Reggae Fest in May, Groovin’ by the Bay on Sundays and the POMOCO Family Movie Series on Tuesdays. Dogs are not allowed in the park during the summer months.

In Phoebus, the cost of living lies below the national average and below downtown Hampton's. The average rental rate for a one-bedroom residence is $598.

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) provides inexpensive public transportation for the entire region. A single trip costs $1.75, while the 1-day HRT GoPass costs $4. This fare takes you to downtown Hampton as well as other regional stops.

Beer at a local pub runs from $2 for domestics to $4 for craft beers. The price of gas generally rests at 7 percent less than the national average.

Creative shops in Phoebus are scattered around the historic old town area, which is the neighborhood’s major shopping area. Businesses include antique dealers, jewelers and florists. Given the neighborhood’s modest cost of living, these are high-value stores rather than high-end boutiques.

To find great lighting options for your home, stop by Cody’s Lighting and Repair. The specialty shop displays 3,600 table lamps, chandeliers, floor lamps and vintage lighting. Their vintage lighting is professionally restored to be like new.

At Brigitte’s Closet, Coffee & Consignment, you can browse the rotating selection of upscale men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories.

Locals do most of their food shopping at Farm Fresh, which has low prices and a wide selection of national and regional brands. There are no farmers markets in this area, but Woods’ Orchard Farm Market lets you pick your own produce and sells their products at a seasonal stand.