5 Don’t-Miss Museums in Newport News, Virginia

Newport News is known for its rich history and fascinating past, and there’s no better way to explore this Virginia city than through its museums. If you’re considering moving to Newport News, museums that bring the region’s past and present to life will help you get to know your new hometown.

Here are five favorite museums in Newport News, VA.

Mariners Museum and Park

Maritime history comes to life at the Mariners Museum and Park. Newport News has long been connected to the water, and this fascinating museum allows you to learn through a series of interactive exhibits and galleries.

After marveling at the model ships taking in a show in the Explorer Theater, you can head outside to explore the grounds. The museum is set on a 550-acre park crisscrossed with miles of trails through rolling woodlands, a 167-acre lake, and serene views.

Newsome House Museum and Cultural Center

Entering the Newsome House Museum and Cultural Center takes you back to the turn of the century. In 1899, this lovely home belonged to the prominent Newsome family, who led the fight for civil rights and social justice in Virginia.

Today, you can tour this loving restored Queen Anne home and learn about J. Thomas and Mary Newsome’s accomplishments. It’s a great way to get a glimpse of what life was like over 12 decades ago in the post-war South.

Virginia Living Museum

Newport News may be best known for its history, but it’s also a destination for those who love exploring the great outdoors. So get back to the wonders of nature at the Virginia Living Museum. Home to 250 species of animals, it’s the perfect way to get up close to the region’s biodiversity.

At this sanctuary for orphaned and rescued animals, you can watch them feed otters, alligators, and deer or relax in front of the aquarium displays. The Virginia Living Museum also offers a planetarium and star gazing on dark nights.

U.S. Army Transportation Museum

The only museum of its kind in the country, the U.S. Army Transportation Museum highlights the history of the U.S. Army’s transportation corps. Stretching back from horse-drawn carriages to today’s all-terrain vehicles, you’ll find an extensive collection of military vehicles.

Stroll through the indoor and outdoor pavilions to marvel at tugboats, planes, trains, hovercraft, landing craft, and even a flying car prototype. Admission is free, but since the museum is on base, be sure to check entry requirements.

Virginia War Museum

The Virginia War Museum provides a perspective on U.S. military history throughout the ages. Here you’ll find a robust collection of the tools of war dating back to 1775, from uniforms and weapons to posters and vehicles. These artifacts trace war and conflict through the decades.

Galleries include an extensive collection of propaganda posters and significant artifacts such as a piece of the Berlin Wall, Truman’s helmet, and a portion of the outer wall from the Dachau concentration camp. There’s also an exhibit on Newport News’s role in both World Wars.

There’s so much to see and do in Newport News, and exploring the area’s past is a great place to start. At Brooks Transfer & Storage, we know Newport News inside and out! For more ideas about fun activities, check out our blog.

And if you’re moving to Newport News, VA, Brooks Transfer & Storage can help with that, too! Contact us today to learn more.

 

5 Day Trips Near Newport News, VA

You already know that you’ll love your new home in Newport News, and once you get settled in, you’ll be excited about exploring your new area. So here are some fun day trips near Newport News.

1. Barboursville Ruins and Winery, 17655 Winery Road, Barboursville, VA

In 1884, Barboursville was Virginia’s most extensive and finest private residence. On Christmas Day, a devastating fire almost destroyed the home. Despite being left as ruins since that day, Barboursville remains one of Charlottesville’s most visited tourist attractions. The Landmark Ruins, located in Orange County, is the only building designed by Thomas Jefferson and is preserved in its original form. Discover the historic grounds of the landmark settlement, taste award-winning wines, and indulge in a delicious meal. Maybe even take in a play! Shakespeare in the Ruins is a local Shakespeare performing company that performs on the ruins of Barboursville in the summer.

2. Virginia Beach, VA

A day trip to the beach is the perfect way to get to know your new state. While you’ll undoubtedly love kicking back and relaxing on the gorgeous sand, you’ll also want to stroll through the town streets, enjoying all the boardwalk offers. You may also want to stop in. In addition, check out the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, especially if you’re traveling with little ones who love to learn.

3. Monticello–931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902

You’ll find that there are tons of things to do in Charlottesville, and when you’re in the area, check out Monticello, once the home of President Thomas Jefferson. In addition to visiting the sprawling residence that once housed one of the most famous founding fathers, you’ll also love strolling the area around Monticello, checking out antique shops, bookstores, and more. Feeling adventurous? Schedule a hot air balloon ride and soak up the sights of Monticello and the rest of Charlottesville from the sky.

4. Gordonsville, VA

Heralded as “The Fried Chicken Capital of the World” since the 1800s, Gordonsville is a small town with all the charm you’d expect. You’ll adore the scenery as you stroll through the gorgeous Southern streets. Be sure to take some time to stop in and check out the Exchange Hotel, which was a hospital during the Civil War.

5. Cape Henry Lighthouse, 583 Atlantic Ave, Fort Story, VA

Lighthouses are iconic structures along the sandy shores of select beach towns, and those in Virginia are no exception. The Cape Henry Lighthouse off of Virginia Beach is not only iconic, but it’s also historic. It’s one of the oldest lighthouses in the country and was commissioned by George Washington, with Alexander Hamilton supervising its construction. It was built near the first landing point of European immigrants before the establishment of the Jamestown colony. Spend your time exploring the historic lighthouse at Cape Henry. Tour the lighthouse, climb to the top, and explore the grounds.

Need Some Help Getting Ready For Your Move To Newport News? We’re Here for You.

Moving can be tricky, but we can help. If you’re getting ready to move to the  Newport News area, we’re here to help. Reach out to us today to learn more about how our moving services can help you settle in your new home.

5 Top Gyms In Newport News, VA

 

When you’re moving to a new area, creating a sense of community is critical to truly feeling at home. Joining a gym is a great way to stay healthy and get to know people in your area. Here, we’ve created a list of the top five gyms in Newport News to help you narrow down your options as you begin to get settled in your new Virginia home.

1. Onelife Fitness–815 City Center Blvd.

Clients sing the praises of the trainers at Onelife Fitness, for a good reason; the gym prioritizes safety while pushing clients to achieve. So whether you’re looking for free weights to work out on your own, studio classes, or personal training, you’ll love the inclusive, welcoming environment at Onelife.

2. Coastal Strength & Fitness–311 Bell King Road

At this gym, you’ll get everything you need to work toward your health and fitness goals. Coastal’s group fitness classes will balance cardio and strength, and your class coach will help you keep your form on point while motivating you to push harder. You’ll also have access to nutrition coaching and movement therapy to maximize your results.

3. American Iron Barbell Club–14346 Warwick Blvd #470

Have a work schedule that makes it hard for you to get to the gym? No worries—the American Iron Barbell Club has you covered. This 24-hour gym makes it easy for you to get the workout you need on a schedule that makes sense. Not sure whether you’re ready to join? Snag a day pass for just $10 to see if this gym is the right fit for you.

4. Fit Bodies Gym–135 Harpersville Road

Another 24-hour gym option, Fit Bodies Gym, has everything you need to get your workout in on your schedule. So whether you’re looking for a personal trainer to push you to the next level, coaching to help you clean up your nutrition, or free weights so that you can work out in your own way, Fit Bodies will help you meet your goals. Easy online signup makes it simple to get started at your new favorite gym.

5. Total Fitness–6120 Jefferson Avenue

When you become a client at Total Fitness, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to find the style of exercise that’s the right fit for your needs and goals. Whether you choose boot camp classes, sports training, one-on-one personal training, HIIT workouts, small group training, or you can sign your kiddos up for youth classes, you’ll get everything you need in one spot.

Are You Prepping for Your Move to Newport News?

Moving is stressful, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’re here to provide you with the moving services you need to make getting from Point A to Point B more manageable than ever. So reach out to us today to learn how our moving services can help you