Cover

Advertisement
Superior Small Lodging
Colonial Williamsburg

Printable version Send this page to a friend... Share this page

Travel Report: Virginia’s Historic Peninsula

WILLIAMSBURG | NEWPORT NEWS | HAMPTON
June 2010

Published in :: On the Town

Local Faces

There’s a lot to love about Virginia’s Historic Peninsula—just ask these area residents.

BY PEGGY SIJSWERDA

Oris Key III


U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/SENIOR
AIRMAN DANA HILL STAFF SERGEANT, LANGLEY AFB, HAMPTON
NUMBER OF MEDALS AWARDED: THREE

You’ve been deployed overseas to the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Korea. What did you miss most about Hampton while you were away? “I missed the water and the smell of the ocean. I love the nature and the history. There are a lot of war museums and Civil War reenactments, and just the sight of Colonial Williamsburg is beautiful.”

Where do you take your family to celebrate when you come home? “One place is Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse. They cook all the food right in front of you. My daughters get a kick out of it. The other is called Ward’s Soul Food Kitchen. I love the yams.”

What activities do you enjoy doing with your daughters in the summer? “My daughters like the Virginia Living Museum’s nature walk, where you see all the wild animals. And they love the IMAX theater at the Virginia Air & Space Center. We usually get lunch when we’re out. They like the Cinema Cafe; they can sit there and eat this enormous sundae and watch a movie.”

 

Cathy Power Pattisall


ADAM EWING OWNER, THE CHEESE SHOP, WILLIAMSBURG
FAVORITE PAIRING: MANAKINTOWNE GREENS AND GOAT CHEESE WITH A NEW ZEALAND SAUVIGNON BLANC

How has the cheese industry evolved since your parents first opened The Cheese Shop in 1971? “We have dozens of artisanal cheesemakers who are producing outstanding cheese, compared with only one or two in 1971. It’s been very exciting to watch.”

What are some top-notch Virginia cheeses? “Meadow Creek Dairy in southwest Virginia makes Grayson. It’s like an Italian Taleggio, a full-bodied cow’s milk cheese. Also, Marshall Farms in Unionville makes an organic cheddar with great flavor.”

Your family also owns Fat Canary, a restaurant adjoined to The Cheese Shop. What’s your favorite dish there? “The beef carpaccio is so good. It’s sliced really thin, very slightly seasoned and served with a poached quail egg and toasted brioche.”

Where do you go to escape? “One of my favorite places to go is Seasons of Williamsburg. It’s a florist and home décor emporium. The two guys who own it have great taste.”

 

Le’Royce Bratsveen


ADAM EWINGOWNER/ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, IRON STREET PRODUCTIONS, HAMPTON
FAVORITE PLAY OF ALL TIME: THE WIZ

When you started Iron Street Productions in 2007, your goal was to increase theatrical opportunities for African-American women. In what ways are you achieving this goal? “We offer seminars and are launching a youth program this summer. When we select plays, we try to expand African-Americans’ opportunities. I have a rule for myself as an actor: I don’t play slaves or maids—and I wouldn’t ask anyone to do something I wouldn’t do.”

Your next show, August Wilson’s award-winning Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (June 25-July 3), is described as a portrayal of rage and racism. Why did you choose this play? “Racism is always the elephant in the room, but we have to learn where we’re all coming from. And you start by being open about the conversation.”

When you take a break from work, where do you like to grab a bite to eat? “My favorite restaurant is Harpoon Larry’s on the corner of North Armistead and Mercury Boulevard. They have great seafood. And I really like picnicking in Bethel Park. It’s close to my house, but feels removed from everything. I like standing on the pier and just watching the lake. It’s very peaceful.”

 

Michael Poplawski


ADAM EWING DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND TOURISM, NEWPORT NEWS
FAVORITE TRAIL: WHITE OAK NATURE TRAIL IN NEWPORT NEWS PARK

Describe an ideal day in Newport News. “It would involve spending time in any of the city’s 32 parks—hiking, biking, mountain biking, canoeing, fishing, playing disc golf, flying kites, picnicking, watching wildlife, watching a historical reenactment, going on a ranger-guided nature walk, paddle boating or going on a nighttime hike. If I were a golfer, I’d probably add playing golf on one of our two 18-hole courses.”

What makes Newport News a great place for families? “I’ve raised three kids here and hardly a weekend has gone by that we didn’t go visit a park, a playground or a museum. One of my favorites is the Virginia Living Museum. It’s very interactive.”

What are some of your favorite places to dine, with or without the kids? “It depends on what I’m in the mood for. I like to have sushi at Hayashi in City Center, steak at Schlesinger’s Chop House at Port Warwick and seafood at Bonefish Grill. The variety of restaurants here is terrific.”

Page 3 of 6
‹ Previous123456Next ›

Published in :: On the Town

Related features

Recent features


Browse Go Features: