Local Ways To Mark Labor Day In

Hampton Roads & Northeastern North Carolina

Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. It was created in the late 1800s by the labor movement to acknowledge and honor the efforts of workers who organized to protest poor working conditions, hours, and pay. As a military family, we know you work hard. Marking Labor Day with rest, relaxation, and family fun is a great way to acknowledge those workers' efforts of the past by enjoying our brighter futures.

Here are some fun things to do in and around some of our area bases.

Near Fort Eustis | Check out the Virginia Capital Trail, bring your bikes or you can rent some at Spoke & Art Provisions Company located on the trail in Williamsburg. While you are there, enjoy their sandwiches and lovely tree-covered deck. Or, you can hit the road and take the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry and explore the other side of the James River at Chippokes Plantation State Park or Hog Island Wildlife Management Area. 

Near Naval Air Station Oceana | Drive the backroads of Pungo to the Military Aviation Museum, and stop at one of the farm stands along the way to pick up some end of the season produce. Or, consider a leisurely beach day at Dam Neck Annex where you can rent your chairs, umbrellas and watersports equipment instead of lugging it yourself. 

Near Norfolk Naval Shipyard | Take in the Rod Wave Soul Fly Tour show this Saturday evening at the Portsmouth Pavilion, located right on the Portsmouth waterfront. Or, take the Elizabeth River Ferry over to downtown Norfolk to visit the MacArthur Memorial and enjoy lunch in one of the wonderful restaurants located along Granby Street. 

Near Langley Air Force Base | Tour the casemates and fortifications at Fort Monroe National Monument, then enjoy lunch and the private beach at the nearby Paradise Ocean Club. Or, stroll the streets of historic Phoebus, Virginia to shop for unique gift items and antiques. 

Next Stop Football Season | And, of course it is wonderful to spend this last long weekend of Summer relaxing at home, or with friends and family. There are a ton of college football games on television this weekend, and the NFL starts next week! Fire up your grill and enjoy burgers or how about some grilled pizza? Now that sounds like a party!

Let us know how you are celebrating Labor Day Weekend in the comments below. We love to hear from you.