Heart & Soul, Your Guide to Black Virginia
Your Guide To

Black Hampton Roads Can't-Miss Experiences

Fort Monroe

Explore the great outdoors and reflect on history at this National Monument and park. Visitors gather in August to commemorate African Landing Day.

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Hampton Coliseum

This architectural standout hosts electrifying events year-round, including the landmark Hampton Jazz & Music Festival.

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Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Live music, ocean views, boardwalk energy, and endless dining make the Oceanfront a must-visit coastal experience.

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Hampton Roads, affectionately known as the 757, is a coastal region where Black culture is woven into every shoreline, street, and sound. The area has shaped the soul of hip-hop across the globe, from emerging artists to the beats of Pharrell, Missy Elliott, Timbaland, and Pusha T. A short drive away, the Hampton Coliseum is a mecca for musical experiences. It is home to the iconic Hampton Jazz & Music Festival, a tradition with over 50 years of history, that brings together the best names in music for every generation of music lovers. The family fun continues every Saturday in the summer at Hampton’s Block Party Unplugged. A short drive away, the Virginia Beach oceanfront is more than just a summer escape—it’s the spot to visit for views, coastal dining, and creative vibes.

In Hampton, history lives and breathes at Fort Monroe, a powerful site marking the 1619 arrival of the first enslaved Africans in English North America. Today, it stands as a place of remembrance, especially during African Landing Day, where communities gather to honor the past and celebrate resilience. Whether you’re learning, dancing, dining, or simply soaking up the sun, Hampton Roads is where Black history and Black joy flow together—rooted in legacy, driven by creativity, and shaped by something in the water.

Hampton Roads Heart & Soul Itinerary

Your coastal getaway can include a sprawling arts scene, landmark events, and seafood you won't soon forget.
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350 Grace

For more than 30 years Chef Moats, a native of Norfolk, has led the culinary team at some of the most successful restaurants in Hampton…

Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens® Williamsburg is an action-packed European-themed adventure park with 17th-century charm and 21st-century technology, boasting…

Cantina Laredo

Grab a drink at the bar, enjoy fresh guacamole made in front of you, and sample dishes inspired by the flavors of Mexico City.

Ceremony Dry Bottle Shop

This non-alcoholic bottle shop offers zero-proof spirits, mixers, and bar tools so you can make craft drinks even if you want a break from…

Charlotte’s: A Simply Panache Cafeteria

Keep an eye on the website of this cafeteria-style restaurant for special events and pop-ups.

Cobalt Grill

Located in Virginia Beach, VA, Executive Chef and Owner, Alvin W. Williams, has fashioned an exceptionally divine dining experience with…

Colonial Williamsburg

You're invited to discover the people who bring history to life at Colonial Williamsburg.Your admission ticket is your key to historic sites…

Corey’s Southern Kitchen & Catering

Corey’s Southern Kitchen & Catering is a family-owned restaurant located in Williamsburg that serves the best soul food and fried…

First Landing State Park

The park is where English colonists first landed in 1607. Native American canoes, Colonial settlers, 20th-century schooners and modern cargo…

Fort Monroe

Completed in 1834 and named in honor of President James Monroe, Fort Monroe is recognized as the largest stone fort ever built in the United…

Freedom Park

Rich in history, this park preserves one of the first free black settlements in America (1803), the Revolutionary War Battle of Spencer's…

Hampton Coliseum

In the 7,000 to 12,999-seat category, the Hampton Coliseum is one of two arenas in the Hampton Roads area. From the Ringling Brothers and…

Hampton History Museum & Emancipation Oak

Founded in 1868 as an institute of higher learning for newly freed people, Hampton University has grown into one of the nation's top-ranked…

Happy Cafe

Happy Cafe was established 2016 in Blackstone, Virginia. Blackstone is the home of the owner/ chef, Tomeka Wallace."I decided to open up on…

J&K Style Grill

Keona became interested in food at a very early age. She started making memories from the ezbake oven. Then grew into making baked desserts…

Kente's African American Cafe

Serving American and African foods, Kente's offers various options for a good budget.Tues-Thurs: 11am-7pmFri & Sat: 11am-9pm

Kingsmill Resort & Spa

Kingsmill Resort boasts 36 holes of championship golf. Located on 2,900 acres along the historic James River, the resort features 330 guest…

Magnolia House Inn

A warm welcome to business and vacationing guests. Only a few blocks away from the public piers, this B&B is convenient to boaters, as…

Mango Mangeaux

Our menu is crafted from flavor infusions of three distinct cuisines:French. Creole. NeoSoul.These cuisines are meaningful to us as they all…

Nauticus

Nauticus, a maritime science museum, celebrates the economic, naval, and natural power of the sea. It features hands-on exhibits, wide-screen…

Ocean View Pier

Overlooking the scenic Chesapeake Bay, the Ocean View Fishing Pier offers complete facilities and equipment for everyone who lives - and…

Rainbow Cactus

The Rainbow Cactus Company is Virginia Beach's Premier Gay Bar & Nightclub, offering the Best in Tidewater VA LGBT entertainment. We…

Russell's Music World

Find all things music at this instrument and supply store, from guitars and banjos to sheet music and accessories.

Scratch Bakery

Craving a cupcake? Scratch has you covered with nearly 20 flavors per day and specialty treats made to order.

Selden Market

This market features a rotating lineup of up-and-coming retail and food concepts, all out of a historic building.

Simply Panache Place

Simply Panache Place is a place of PEACE, HOPE, INSPIRATION, DREAMS and ADVENTURE.A place for our guests to Getaway, Retreat, Conduct…

Sneaker XChange

Shop streetwear including vintage apparel, footwear, and accessories from this 5,500-square-foot showroom.

Southern Pancake & Waffle House

Southern Pancake and Waffle House is one of the top five pancake houses in Williamsburg, Virginia. A family-owned restaurant located in the…

Sundae Scoop

As a community-focused small business, we'll be intuned with our neighbors' to help us shape how we serve you. We'll be the first job for…

The Cavalier

An iconic presence overlooking Virginia Beach’s exclusive north end, The Cavalier has stood as a luxurious symbol of the days of elegant…

The Chrysler Museum

The Chrysler Museum has 50 galleries, a growing collection of more than 30,000 objects, an interactive space for families, and the only…

The Elizabeth River Trail

The Elizabeth River Trail is a 10.5 Mile multi-modal urban waterfront trail in the heart of Norfolk, VA. Following the historic working…

The Fishin' Pig

Fill up on delicious seafood and slow-smoked barbecue at this Southern cooking spot.

The Virginia Zoo

The Virginia Zoo is home to more than 700 exceptional animals representing over 150 fascinating species. Founded in 1901 and residing on 53…

The Wave Nightclub

Dance and Nightclub in Norfolk, VA

Timbuktu Bookstore

Established in 2003, Timbuktu Bookstore is, according to its website, “dedicated to building the best you. We are mind-builders…

Tipsy Beans Cafe

This High Street spot can give you a boost of caffeine for your adventure or fuel your whole day with its menu of pastries, smoothie bowls…

ViBe Creative District

A hub for artists and spirits, roasters and restaurants, workouts and wares, museums and more, the ViBe is where our creative businesses have…

Virginia Air & Space Science Center

Located in Hampton, Virginia, the birthplace of America’s space program, the Virginia Air & Space Science Center features interactive…

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

With over 10,000 animals representing over 300 species, the Virginia Aquarium has an incredible amount of fun for anyone. Tour the Aquarium…

Virginia Beach Boardwalk

Where the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay meet, Virginia Beach promises visitors a unique chance to "Live the Life." With pristine…

Water Country USA

Whether on summer break or a family vacation, there are gallons of things to do at Water Country USA, Virginia's largest water park. With…

Waterways to Freedom Self Guided tour

This self-guided experiences focuses on the Underground Railroad and the role of local waterways in helping freedom seekers escape to the…

Wedmore Place

Enjoy romantic lodging and two locally-inspired restaurants, Virginia's most renowned winery - all in one place!Wedmore Place is part of the…

Coast Through YOUR TRIP

Uncover the wealth of experiences waiting for you with Newport News African American Cultural Experiences and the directory of 400 Years Forward in Hampton.

Newport News AACE

Discover cultural experiences including art, history, and events with this Newport News initiative.

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Hampton 400 Years Forward

Explore Black heritage sites in Hampton, plus where to eat and stay.

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Upcoming Events

June 27-29, 2025

Hampton Jazz Festival

Held at the iconic Hampton Coliseum, this legendary festival brings together the best names in music for every generation of music lovers. From smooth jazz to soulful R&B, it’s a weekend of timeless sound and good vibes.

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August 24-25, 2025

African Landing Day (250th)

Held each August at Fort Monroe, African Landing Day honors the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in 1619. The day features powerful speakers, music, African drumming, and cultural performances. It’s a moment of reflection, remembrance, and celebration. Pro tip: Arrive early for the commemorative ceremony.

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Saturdays in the Summer

Downtown Hampton Block Party

The Downtown Hampton Block Party is a lively community event filled with music, food vendors, local art, and family fun. Gather with neighbors to enjoy live entertainment, dance, and explore the vibrant culture of Hampton’s historic downtown. Perfect for a night of connection and celebration.

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