Warwick - Newport News, VA Area Guide

The rich history of Newport News begins with the English settlers in the first decade of the 1600s. The region played important roles in America’s Revolutionary War and Civil War. During World War I and II, the region’s strategic location on the coastal waterways resulted in the development of numerous military installations. During World War I, when Camp Morrison became established in Warwick, locals called the neighborhood Morrison in the county of Warwick. The county became part of Newport News in the 1950s. The coastal location has also created a diverse business atmosphere, which includes scientific research, information technology, shipbuilding and international commerce. Area museums that illuminate the area’s natural, maritime and military history include the Virginia Living Museum, Mariners’ Museum and USS Monitor Center, the Virginia War Museum, and the Virginia Air and Space Center.

Warwick area restaurants, scattered along Warwick Boulevard, reflect the casual feel of the neighborhood and its Euro-American heritage. Smoke BBQ Restaurant and Bar uses fresh, local, natural ingredients and hardwood-smoked meats. Besides the delectable, tender and juicy barbecue, Smoke’s menu includes salads with mixed field greens, a vegetarian wrap and burgers. In addition to sampling the barbecue, check out the seared smoked pork belly appetizer; the Smokin’ Rachel house-smoked turkey breast sandwich on rye with thousand-island dressing, cole slaw and Swiss cheese; or the Hog Dog, a half-pound beef hot dog wrapped in bacon and topped with pulled pork and cole slaw. The restaurant’s daily specials include Monday’s 50-cent wings for the parents and a kids-eat-free deal as well as all-you-can-eat ribs night. Smoke also features a cozy, full-service bar with craft beers and specials such as Tini Tuesday. For sports bar atmosphere and live acoustic music on Saturdays, venture out to Schooners Grill near the Christopher Newport University campus. You can also treat yourself to better-than-average sports bar food and drinks, including some craft beers. At the Ferguson Center for the Arts theater and concert hall, you find a wide range of performances, from Motown to symphony, modern dance to musical revues and world music to chamber ensembles. With its diverse offerings, the center prides itself on reaching the largest possible number of people.

Residents of Warwick rely primarily on automobiles to get around the neighborhood and region, supplemented by public transportation through Hampton Roads Transit, which you can conveniently access at bus stops along Warwick Boulevard. Cabs, summoned by phone, and Uber are also available in Warwick and the surrounding Newport News region. Commercial areas, including strip malls and businesses, provide free parking. The closest exchange for Interstate 64, the region’s primary limited-access highway, lies about 4 miles from Warwick up Harpersville Road. Sidewalks along Warwick Boulevard make biking and walking safe, though other roads, including Gatewood Road, Harpersville Road and Museum Drive, do not have sidewalks. Neighborhood streets are wide enough to allow cars, pedestrians and bikers to share the road.

Surrounding Warwick, you'll find many natural spaces, including the James River, the sprawling Mariner’s Museum and Park, Causey’s Mill Park and its historic gristmill, and Lake Maury Natural Area. The small nature park at Lake Maury Natural Area includes a multi-use trail for biking and hiking. The park has minimal organized activities and facilities with no bathrooms or playgrounds. The natural area backs up to Deer Park, however, which features ball fields, picnic shelters, bathrooms and fishing in addition to trails. Deer Park also features Boundless Playground, an ADA-accessible playground for kids of all abilities. Children and pets are welcome at both parks, which cost nothing. Although part of The Mariners’ Museum, the 550-acre wooded park surrounding Lake Maury remains free and open to the public. The 5-mile Noland Trail circumnavigates Lake Maury, following the shoreline of the lake. This scenic trail has 14 bridges, including a long walk across Lake Maury beside Warwick Boulevard and the Lion’s Bridge dam walk beside the James River. Benches every half-mile await the visitor who wants to relax or simply soak in nature. The handicap-accessible trail also features picnic areas, mile markers and scattered statuary. Leashed dogs are welcome. The Mariners’ Museum and Park also hosts a craft beer festival in May, with music, food and beer and a 10K run along the Noland Trail each fall.

The cost of living in Warwick runs slightly lower than the Newport News city average. A single trip on a Hampton Roads Transit bus costs $1.75, while the 1-day HRT GoPass costs $4. HRT takes passengers to downtown Newport News as well as to other regional destinations. The average rental rate for a one-bedroom residence runs $655 per month. Beer prices at local pubs ranges from $2 for domestics at happy hour to $7 for a pint of craft beer. The average price for gas generally rests at 7 percent less than the national average.

The Warwick Avenue corridor hosts enough restaurants, retail and service businesses to meet residents' everyday needs. Value stores include CHKD Thrift Store and Tuesday Morning. For upscale and boutique shopping, stroll the historic streets of Old Hilton Village. At Primrose Gifts, Gallery and Gardens, browse the distinctive assortment of all-occasion gifts, local art and jewelry as well as home and garden decor. At The Magickal Attic, sift through crystals and minerals, pentacles and gemstone jewelry, craft supplies, and exclusive handcrafted incense, oils and ritual bath items exclusive to the shop. The pet-friendly store also stocks dog and cat jewelry, pet toys and natural fragrances for pets. Meet your regular grocery needs at the neighborhood Food Lion or the Tinee Giant convenience store. Health Trail Natural Foods provides fresh, natural and organic options plus supplements, cosmetics and beauty products. For the farmers market experience, head to family-owned Game's Farmers Market out on Harpersville Road. Game's has been serving the community since 1972, featuring locally grown meat and produce as well as bulk Amish-style products.