2018 Best of Gay HRVA Readers’ Poll Winners: Recreation & Leisure

Best of Gay HRVA 2018 QUICK LINKS
FOOD & DRINK | ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE | SHOPPING
RECREATION & LEISURE | COMMUNITY | PEOPLE

Best Place to Workout

OneLife FitnessOnelife Fitness operates nine gyms in the Hampton Roads area is dedicated to serving people of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels.

Favorite Athletic/Sports Group

Out-n-Fit

Out-N-Fit began last year in Hampton Roads as an idea to carve out a space within the LGBT+ community where individuals of all levels of athletic ability feel comfortable, appreciated and motivated to achieve, if not surpass, their personal fitness goals and pursue an active lifestyle.

Best Place for Sailing/Boating

Chesapeake Bay

Hampton Road’s location at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay makes it a natural place for sailing and other watersports.

Favorite Local Beach

Chic’s Beach

This beach and neighborhood at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay is a local favorite and is known for its relaxed vibe, nearby restaurants and location of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.

Best Boat Cruise

Spirit of Norfolk

The Spirit of Norfolk is stationed near the Waterside District in downtown Norfolk and offers cruisers a chance to dine, dance, and catch spectacular views of the mighty ships and submarines of the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet from its decks.  The Spirit also offers a monthly late night drag cabaret cruise.

Best Place for Biking

First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park is located on Cape Henry in North Virginia Beach. There are a total of nine trails in the park and they collectively cover more than 19 miles.  The Cape Henry Trail is the only shared hiking/biking trail.

Best Scenic Drive

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel

For over 50 years, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel has captured worldwide attention as a modern engineering wonder and an important East Coast travel convenience. Crossing over and under open waters where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, the Bridge-Tunnel provides a direct link between Southeastern Virginia and the Delmarva Peninsula.

Best Local Park

Norfolk Botanical Garden

Norfolk Botanical Garden is a non-profit museum for plants and our mission is to enrich life by promoting the enjoyment of plants and the environment through beautiful gardens and educational programs.  The Garden is also the venue for weddings and special events held throughout the year.

Best Place to take the Kids & Best Reason to Endure Tunnel Traffic to the Peninsula

Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Billing itself as the “world’s most beautiful theme park,” Busch Gardens Williamsburg offers visitors roller coasters, rides, family-friendly shows, world-class dining and unique seasonal offerings all year long.

Best Place to Take Out of Town Guests

Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg historic area is a world-class living museum that includes buildings from the 18th century (during part of which the city was the capital of Colonial Virginia), as well as 17th-century, 19th-century, and Colonial Revival structures and more recent reconstructions.

Best Reason to Endure Tunnel Traffic to the Southside

Downtown Norfolk

In the past twenty years, downtown Norfolk has undergone a renaissance to become the hub of the Hampton Roads area.  Downtown Norfolk is home to some of the area’s best hotels, eateries, shopping, parks and regional festivals.

Best Day Trip from Hampton Roads

Outer Banks of North Carolina

Best Long Weekend Destination

Washington, DC

The Nation’s Capital offers visitors world class museums, dining, sightseeing shopping and other activities.  DC also boasts a large, diverse and thriving LGBTQ community.

Best Lodging

Hilton Norfolk – The Main

Situated at the corner of Main and Granby Streets in downtown Norfolk, the Hilton Norfolk The Main set a new, high standard for stylish lodgings and dining when it opened in 2017.