Reservoir - Newport News, VA Area Guide

The recorded history of the Hampton Roads area stretches back to the nation's beginnings. From the English settlers at nearby Jamestown, through the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and the Civil War, significant events occurred around Reservoir neighborhood. The battle between the CSS Virginia and the USS Monitor took place here, the first one between ironclads.

The area’s coastal location along the waterways leading to the Atlantic Ocean created a diverse business economy, embracing shipbuilding, technological research, international commerce and a strong military presence. The effects of this industry is discussed and divulged at many regional historical sites, including the Mariners’ Museum and USS Monitor Center, the Virginia War Museum, and the U.S. Army Transportation Museum.

Restaurants in the Reservoir community, clustered along Warwick Boulevard, reflect the diversity of the Hampton Roads region with Asian, European, Caribbean, and Central American options at moderate prices.

The popular Mystic Jamaica highlights the flavors of the Caribbean, with jerk spices, curry, goat, ox tails, cabbage, yams, and other traditional ingredients. Local favorite dishes include the curry chicken roti, the jerk chicken, and sweet plantains. Locals also love the oxtail, which is seasoned to perfection and accompanied by flavorful gravy. If you're a fan of true Jamaican heat, be sure to ask for extra spice, as the meals are prepared for the American palate.

Chung Oak Korean Restaurant transports you to Korea. Regulars recommend the beef or pork bulgogi, a traditional dish of tangy barbecued meat and steamed rice. Other favorites include go-gi bokkeum, which combines stir-fried beef and vegetables over rice. Locals also enjoy the Yukgaejang, which features a famous spicy soup made with shredded beef, scallions and other vegetables, simmered to meld the flavors and served with steamed rice. Chung Oak Korean Restaurant also serves Japanese options, including sushi, sashimi and udon hot noodles.

Although nightlife is slow in the Reservoir neighborhood, other nearby areas present options. Catch live music every week at Craft 60 Ale House thanks to house bands on Sunday and Thursday nights, while open mic night occurs on Wednesdays. Touring acts and other local bands come in on the weekends. Watch the latest flicks at Regal Kiln Creek Stadium 20. Locals often head to nearby Yorktown for nightlife.

For most residents of the Reservoir neighborhood, automobiles provide the primary transportation. Hampton Roads Transit supplies easy, economical mass transportation throughout much of the region, with numerous bus stops along the Warwick Boulevard corridor. A phone call can summon a cab, and Uber also services the Reservoir and the surrounding Newport News region.

Sidewalks along Warwick Boulevard help make biking and walking safe. The residential neighborhoods are wide enough to accommodate cars, pedestrians and bikes.

The small shopping areas along the commercial corridor provide free public parking. The major Hampton Roads highway, Interstate 64, is accessible from the north end of the Reservoir neighborhood, from Warwick to Fort Eustis Boulevard.

The closest park to Reservoir is the large Newport News Park. In addition to plenty of natural beauty, the park features plenty of amenities for enjoyment. For camping, choose from the 188 campsites and lots of camping amenities. For hiking, jogging and biking, wander the 30 miles of trails. For picnicking, use the outdoor shelters, tables and grills. And for fishing and boating, explore the scenic lakes and inlets. The park also offers playgrounds, archery, disc golf; Civil War sites, two 18-hole public golf courses and more. There are no exercise-centric facilities but plenty of opportunities to be active. Park admission is free, though fees apply for some activities and for equipment rental. Pets must have an up-to-date rabies certificate.

Newport News Park has several annual events: the Children’s Festival of Friends in May, the Fall Festival of Folklife in October, and Celebration in Lights from Thanksgiving through New Year’s

The cost of living in the Reservoir neighborhood lies slightly below the national average and below nearby downtown Newport News. Average rental rates for a one-bedroom apartment sit around $687 a month.

A single trip on Hampton Roads Transit, which provides public transportation for the entire region, costs $1.75. The 1-day HRT GoPass costs $4, taking passengers to downtown Newport News as well as other regional stops.

The typical price of beer at a local pub ranges from $2 for domestics at happy hour to $4. Gas prices rest 7 percent below the national average

A few small retail stores along Warwick Boulevard serve residents of the Reservoir neighborhood, including Food Lion and Dollar General.

Heading southeast on Warwick, you find plenty of other shopping options. At the intersection of Warwick and Denbigh Boulevard, several strip malls host a Food Lion, Walgreens, Dollar Tree, Auto Zone, Burlington Coat Factory, North Carolina Furniture and Mattress, Staples and more.

Boutique shopping awaits at City Center at Oyster Point. Historic Hauser's Jewelers stocks an array of traditional and unique jewelry, such as Bellarri, Roberto Coin, Simon G., Swiss watches and even Faberge. The Perfect Setting helps you create the perfect tabletop: custom floral arrangements, Irish Waterford crystal, and Arte Italica dinnerware.

Besides the Food Lion grocery stores, you can look for your produce, meats and packaged food needs at several international food markets, including Far Eastern Food Store, Jung Hah Oriental Market and E-Mart International Food & Gift store, or upscale markets like Trader Joe's or the Fresh Market. Those who love fresh produce can visit Williamsburg for the farmers market there.