List: Hampton Roads Bakeries

Looking for some sweet treats? Want to do a food tour? Then Check out these local bakeries and see what they have to offer.  Bread, pies, cakes and more. You will not be disappointed. All located throughout Hampton Roads. Remember this list is not final it will be updated regularly.

Norfolk

Simply Sweets
1413 Westover Ave
Norfolk, VA 23507
(757) 627-9338

Sassi Cakes & Sweets
330 W 22nd St Ste 104
Norfolk, VA 23517
(757) 321-6759
www.sassicakesandsweets.com

French Bakery & Delicatessen
4108 Granby Street
Norfolk, VA 23504
(757) 625-4936 ‎

Naa's Bakery
3527 Tidewater Dr
Norfolk, VA 23509

Lew Lou's Sinsational Bakery
4515 Colley Ave
Norfolk, VA 23508

Portsmouth

Artisans Bakery & Cafe
711 Washington St
Portsmouth, VA 23704
(757) 321-6759

Silverspoon Bakery
4715 Portsmouth Boulevard
Portsmouth,VA
(757) 673-8431
www.silverspoonva.com

The Cake Place
132 Chowan Drive
Portsmouth,VA
(757) 488-8851
www.thecakeplace.net

Virginia Beach

Sugar Plum Bakery
1353 Laskin Road
Virginia Beach
(757) 422-3913
www.sugarplumbakery.org

Bliss Bakery
1496 Lynnhaven Parkway #102
Virginia Beach
(757) 368-2253
www.theblissbakery.com

Incerdible Edibles Desserts
1640 Donna Dr. Ste. 101
Virginia Beach
(757) 463-9980
www.incredibleediblesdesserts.net

Angie's Bakery
3501 Holland Road
Virginia Beach
(757) 431-2070
www.angiesbakery.net

Newport News

Bella Cakes
1405 - I Kiln Creek Parkway
Newport News
(757) 254-7814
www.bellacakes1.com/

Couture Cakes By Nika
10373 Warwick Boulevard
Newport News, VA 23601
www.couturecakesbynika.com/

Aromas Specialty Coffee & Gourmet Bakery
706 Towne Center Drive Suite 104
Newport News, VA 23606
www.aromasworld.com/

Williamsburg

Carrot Tree Kitchens 
1782 Jamestown Rd
Williamsburg, VA 23185
(757) 229-0957
www.carrottreekitchens.com

Raleigh Tavern Bakery
Duke of Gloucester St
Williamsburg, VA 23185
(757) 229-2141

Jamestown Pie Company 
1804 Jamestown Rd
Williamsburg, VA 23185
(757) 229-7775

Chesapeake

Bennetts Corner Bakery
1457 Mt Pleasant Rd Ste 111
Chesapeake, VA 23322
(757) 546-3320

Storybook Bakery
752 Dissdale Ln
Chesapeake, VA 23320
(757) 436-1249

Hampton

The Magic Cupboard
2115 Executive Drive
Hampton,VA
(757) 826-2160
www.themagicupboard.com/

Maria's Bakery
414 Rotary St
Hampton, VA 23661
(757) 827-7622

Chinatown Bus: Norfolk to New York City

If you've been in the Hampton Roads area for awhile then I'm sure you've heard about a cheap bus going to New York City called the (Not Greyhound) Chinatown Bus. The Chinatown bus runs all year round and is the same price even on HOLIDAYS. The usually start at $25.00 each way. It's always operating! This is perfect for anyone wanting a day trip (it can be done in a day) or a weekend getaway. It takes you straight to New York City's Chinatown district. From Chinatown, you can take the subway (which are conveniently right next to the bus stations) or bus to your destinations.

It's not a fabulous way to travel nor is it luxury but, it gets you to your destinations at an unbeatable price. Greyhound isn't even that cheap or efficient. I'm sure some of you have heard horror stories about these buses. I personally have never had any problems with the Norfolk - New York routes and, I taken this bus four times.  However, I recommend you proceed with caution and book with a good company. NOTE: If something does happen to your bus while in New York they will send another bus but, if things get rough just walk to another bus company and pay for a ride to Norfolk. Majority of the companies are located on Canal St. and Broadway.

You can order online or in person on day of your departure. If you choose the day of your departure, I recommend arriving an hour early. You can bring as many bags as you choose and pick any seat. Sometimes, they play movies and there is a bathroom available (bring tissue).

Currently, the only cities available are Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton & Newport News. Apex Bus is the only bus for Newport News to New York. Sprinter Bus is the only service city of Hampton. To book online I recommend the following:

Goto Bus
Apex Bus
New Everyday Bus
Sprinter - Drops off at Penn Station. Does not go to Chinatown.

For Detailed Information I highly recommend:

NYChinatown.Org: Chinatown Bus - This website has the most detailed information about buses, routes, and times.

Remember, once your in NYC it's easy to visit New Jersey and Phildelphia since they are so close. If you have time and up for the journey then visit these other states. Please be safe, plan accordingly, and enjoy your time in New York City.

The Club at Lynnhaven Mall

Lynnhaven Mall in Virginia Beach, Virginia is one of the best malls in the Hampton Roads area. It has the largest variety of retailers and restaurants. It is also surrounded by shopping plaza and business offices. This mall is definitely worth a stop if your in Virginia Beach.

The food court is one of the best which has international cuisine like sushi and noodles. I love "Jelly Ball" because it's the only place that serves milk tea with the pearls. Cold Stone's is also available if you're in the mood for a cold treat.

There are so many stores! Here's a list: Aeropostale, American Eagle Outfitters, Baker's, Banana Republic, Bath & Body Works, Cache, Build-A- Bear, Charlotte Russe, Claire's, Old Navy, Pacsun, Sephora, Spencer's,Swarovski, Torrid, Yankee Candle, & lots more.

A few others: 

"We Are Nuts" - You will smell this if you enter the mall through Macy's! Believe you will want some by the time you leave the mall.

"Spencer's" - This is a trendy store for teens or young adults. The sell novelty items. 

"Fedrick's of Hollywood" - Selling sexy and seductive lingerie. If you're in Virginia Beach for a special night with your partner and need some special attire then this is a good start.

"Jessica McClintock" -  Ladies if you need a party dress immediately this place is worth a try. They  supply party and prom dresses.

"Gymboree" - This is a cute children's store. Great for the little ones.

These are only a few stores and restaurants, please check the Official Website for more details and information.

TIP: Sign-Up for "The Club" special offers newsletter. I highly recommend it for anyone staying or living in the Hampton Roads area. The offer amazing coupons and discounts. I recently received a coupon for 20% off one item at H&M. The also offer free gift cards with your purchases. Sign Up Here!

Hampton Roads Shopping Malls

Hampton Roads Shopping Malls

Here is a quick list of malls, centers, and plazas in the Hampton Roads area for shopping. The two top mall in the area would be Lynnhaven Mall and MacArthur Mall. If you're in the mood for some outdoor shopping Williamsburg Premium Outlets is a great place to do your shopping. There will be more shopping facilities added to list so, please check back for more updates.

Shopping Stops:

Macarthur Center Norfolk,VA

Lynnhaven Mall Virginia Beach,VA

The Shoppes at Hilltop Shopping Center Virginia Beach,VA

Virginia Beach Town Center Virginia Beach,VA

Red Mills Commons Virginia Beach,VA

La Promenade Virginia Beach,VA

Others:

Military Circle Mall Norfolk,VA

Coliseum Shopping Mall Hampton,VA

Pembroke Mall Virginia Beach,VA

Greenbrier Mall Chesapeake,VA

Farmer's Market Virginia Beach,VA

Oceanfront Shopping Area Virginia Beach,VA

Janaf Shopping Center Norfolk,VA

Patrick Henry Mall Newport News,VA

Peninsula Town Center Hampton,VA

Guide: Hampton Roads Food Tours

Hampton Roads Food Tours

I have compiled a short list of companies offering food tours in the Hampton Roads area. Norfolk and Virginia Beach are the main focus of the tours. However, there is a company offer 2-3 day food tours in HR Region including the Easter Shore. The operate in small group going into popular areas like Ghent's Colley Ave. and Downtown Norfolk's Granby Street. The tours start at moderate prices and can accommodate a group of people. If I find anymore tours I will post them up.

Norfolk Walkabouts: Starting at $15.00 Website

They focus on Town Point & Freemason areas of Downtown Norfolk. Also, the Ghent area which is very close to Downtown Norfolk. Scheduling tours from Virginia Beach to Hampton Roads local Farm Market along with AM & PM tours.

Coastal Food Tours Of Virginia: Starts at 57.00 Website

This company not only offers food tours for the Hampton Roads areas but they service all parts of Virginia plus the DC metro area through a sister company. They also offer a motor coach food tour that's four days long!

Cloud9 Living: Starts at $85.00 Website

Cloud9 offers unique experiences for your loved ones. They cater to making memorable moments. One of their moments is private food tour in Norfolk. They also offer one for Virginia Beach at $79.00.

News: Hampton Roads Berry Farmers Seeing Red

 Hampton Roads Berry Farmers Seeing Red

Across the region, farmers are seeing red like never before.

"We're not even ready," said Carolyn Lilley, who manages her family's strawberry fields in Chesapeake and Suffolk. "Everything is ripening right in front of our eyes. All these berries!"

Southeastern Virginia farmers produce the bulk of the state's $7 million strawberry crop. Usually, the 50 acres of local U-pick fields open to the public in late April, but not this year. Many fields opened this week, and a few farmers sounded the call even earlier.

"This never, never, never happens," said Robbie Vaughan, who grows four varieties of berries on the Pungo farm that has been in his family for more than three centuries. "If someone had told me I'd have strawberries ready on Easter Sunday, I'd have said, 'There's no way possible.' "

But the early season has some farmers worried that perfectly ripened berries will rot on the ground because Tidewater residents are programmed to migrate to the fields around Mother's Day.

On Wednesday, about a dozen pickers bent over rows at the Flip Flop Farmer fields in Pungo, plunking crimson berries into plastic buckets and occasionally sampling the crop.

"We've been busy for the first of April, but not May busy," said Bruce Henley, the Flip Flop Farmer.

Perennial picker Nancy Hubbard was among the early birds. Wednesday marked her second day in the patch of Sweet Charlie berries, the earliest variety to ripen.

"They're awesome; they're all perfect," said the Virginia Beach resident, whose berries were destined for jam.

Henley even opened a few rows for picking in late March, an unheard-of feat that he accomplished by covering a swath of Sweet Charlies with immense lengths of a dryer-sheet-like fabric that allows sunlight to penetrate but traps moisture and heat.

He's also experimenting with a newer variety, Albion, which could extend the local season beyond June and into July, even August. Clusters of massive, perfectly shaped Albions were just starting to ripen, and Henley invited pickers to have a taste.

By next week, the Sweet Charlies are expected to give way to the Chandlers, a bigger berry that makes up the bulk of the local crop. Henley's father, Wink Henley, 72, the most veteran of the Virginia Beach strawberry farmers, bent down to inspect some Chandlers in his Virginia Beach field. He, too, is in awe of the season.

"I think this year is going to be first-class," he said. "If nothing happens to them."

Barring a late frost, hail or torrential rain, Bruce Henley agreed: "It's going to be one of those years when you say, 'Remember that year...?' "

Source:
By Lorraine Eaton
The Virginian-Pilot
© April 12, 2012

Monthly Events: Hampton Roads April 2012

Hampton Roads Events: April 2012 

Here is a list of Hampton Roads events happening in April. This list includes the Spring Fountain festival in Norfolk's Town Pointe Park. This festival celebrates the opening of the water fountain in the park. It will include food, fun, and games. Also, don't miss the International Tattoo Festival this month because it will be an amazing show.

A list of events for the month of April 2012:

Cherry Blossom Festival
Sunday April 1st, 2012
Virginia Beach,VA

Cruisin' Virginia Beach Car Show
April 14th, 2012

Virginia beach,VA

3rd Annual Spring Fountain Fair
Saturday, April 21, 2012
10am-3pm
TowneBank Fountain Park
Norfolk,VA

Virginia International Tattoo
Thursday, April 26, 2012-Friday, April 27, 2012
Norfolk,VA

American Indian Pow Wow
Saturday, April 28th, 2012
Virginia Beach,VA