South Morrison - Newport News, VA Area Guide

As part of Hampton Roads, South Morrison developed because of the region's location along strategic waterways: the James River, leading inland to Richmond, Virginia, and beyond; the Chesapeake Bay, providing a rich heritage of fishing and other maritime industries; and the Atlantic Ocean.

The importance of this location dates back to the English settlers who arrived in the area in the early 1600s and continued through the American Revolution and America's Civil War. In World War I and II, the location resulted in the establishment of numerous military installations. These have become essential to the region's economy and culture.

Other outcomes of this maritime location include the establishment of important industries based on shipbuilding, international commerce, scientific research and information technology.

Local museums that communicate the importance of the region's history include the Virginia Living Museum, the Mariners' Museum and the Virginia War Museum.

Fast food makes up most of the restaurant scene along Jefferson Avenue in South Morrison, including Taco Bell, Gus's Hot Dog King, and Burger King, but an amazing diversity of restaurant options awaits nearby.

You find creative American fare at its best at Midtown Eats. Although the atmosphere says diner, the fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparations from breakfast through dinner say haute cuisine. You can start your day with a creation like the Redneck Benedict, a poached egg atop pork tenderloin atop sweet cheese cornbread and smothered with chorizo sausage gravy, an inspired mix of sweet and savory. For a Southwest-style lunch, go for the chicken tortilla salad, a masterful blend of beans, corn, salsa, dressing and perfectly grilled tender chicken, with jalapeños as an added option. The regular dinner menu is filled with delectable options, but the specials are even better. Carnivores can hope for The Moo as the special of the day, a sandwich on fresh-baked bread that features juicy, rare London broil with tangy horseradish, onions and gouda.

Cosmopolitan cuisine fans can rejoice at the occasional Thai noodle soup, made of spiced peanut broth with hand-pulled stewed chicken, roasted corn, peanuts, pickled radishes, cilantro and lime over locally made yok a mein noodles with fried wontons.

For a taste of the region's international diversity, feast on Nawab Indian Cuisine. The authentic, freshly prepared food ranges from simple, clean flavors to spicy dishes swimming with tastes from the kitchen's house-toasted spices. Local favorite dishes include the classic chicken tikka masala in a creamy tomato-fenugreek sauce; palak paneer, a vegetarian specialty with cream-style spinach and homemade Indian cheese; the subz samosa appetizer, hearty vegetable turnovers with a filling of spiced potatoes and green peas; and the classic chicken curry.

When you're looking for fine dining with flair, head to Circa 1918. Since this contemporary restaurant uses fresh local products, the menu changes frequently. Local favorites include the succulent bison meatloaf; the juicy lamb burger; shrimp, served in a variety of creative ways; and salmon. The mixologists at Circa 1918 create memorable cocktails that tickle your palate at the outset and produce waves of relaxation as you sip. Reservations are recommended, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

As evening sets in and your thoughts turn to entertainment, consider making your way down to Pockets Billiards. This family-friendly pool hall doesn't serve alcohol, just sodas and snacks, so parents can feel comfortable bringing kids. Pockets features eight pool tables, affordable prices, cue repair services, and a fun selection of vintage and modern cues and accessories for sale.

At City Center at Oyster Point, Aromas World Specialty Coffees & Gourmet Bakery not only serves soups, sandwiches, pastries and smoothies but also presents live music and karaoke on Friday evenings.

The Ferguson Center for the Arts theater and concert hall at Christopher Newport University features a diversity of musical performances to please a diversity of people: River Dance and Dancing with the Stars, Motown and symphony, world music and chamber ensembles, and much more.

Sidewalks on Jefferson Avenue, Harpersville Road and Hampton Roads Center Parkway help make the roads safe for pedestrians and bikers, and neighborhood streets are wide enough to accommodate cars and foot traffic. However, automobiles provide the locals' primary means of transportation.

Public transportation through Hampton Roads Transit is also a convenient and affordable option, with several bus stops along Jefferson Avenue. Cabs can be arranged by phone. Uber is available for the region as well. All South Morrison public parking is free, whether at local businesses or in the neighborhoods.

Access to Interstate 64, the region's primary highway, lies about three miles from South Morrison.

Along the northeast border of South Morrison on Hampton Roads Center Parkway, Sandy Bottom Nature Park provides trails, fishing, camping, picnic shelters and boat rentals. The 12 miles of trail are appropriate for hiking, jogging and biking and provide plenty of natural scenery. Park entrance is free, although fees apply for value-added services. Pets are welcome. They can run free in Bark Park with paid membership but should be kept on leash elsewhere in the park.

Sandy Bottom does not have specific exercise facilities, but the 12 miles of trails provide sufficient opportunity for heart-pumping fitness.

You can enjoy annual festivals nearby at Port Warwick. The Summer Concert Series hosts a variety of musicians on Wednesday evenings from May through August at Port Warwick's Styron Square. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and food and drink, including beer and wine, or to purchase food from the fine local restaurants. Music includes jazz, blues, light rock and roll, samba, and folk. The Port Warwick Art & Sculpture Festival in October invites more than 100 artists who can present innovative and original fine art. The festival also includes live music, food vendors and a children's pavilion.

The South Morrison cost of living is on par with the overall city average. Expect to pay $656 o average for a one-bedroom apartment. The cost of a single trip to city center via Hampton Roads Transit runs at $1.75, while a one-day pass costs $4. Because the neighborhood consists of single-family houses rather than apartments, the median rent for a one-bedroom residence is unavailable.

Restaurant prices for beer begin at happy hour prices of $1.50 for domestics and generally range up to $7 for craft beers.

The average price of gas hovers around seven percent less than the national average.

Shopping in South Morrison includes retail options such as Advance Auto Parts, Party Station party supply store, CVS and American Enterprise Pawn Shop along Jefferson Avenue, but many more shopping options await nearby.

Walmart Neighborhood Market is along Jefferson, allowing residents to meet basic food needs. Game's Farmers Market on Hampton Roads Center Parkway can provide you with a greater selection of local meats and produce as well as bulk, Amish-style products. Game's, a year-round enclosed market, has been serving the neighborhood since 1972.

For high-end shopping, head to City Center at Oyster Point, featuring national names such as Ann Taylor Loft as well as independent boutiques and specialty shops. At The Mole Hole, you can outfit yourself with women's clothing and shoes, handbags, jewelry, and accessories and your home with home decor and furniture.