FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
Editors Note: This story is part of an ongoing series that covers many of the cities surrounding Langley Air Force Base and Fort Eustis.
It isn't often that a person gets the opportunity to walk the same streets as George Washington, enabling a glimpse into history.
Fortunately, for residents of York County, this unique experience is an everyday occurrence.
Located on the Virginia Peninsula between the James and York Rivers, the 108-square-mile county also boasts more than 200 miles of coastline.
"Our entire waterfront area was developed in 2005 to include both shopping and dining options for our guests," said Kristi Olsen, York County tourism development manger. "We also have events held year-round that are free to attend."
Waterfront visitors can participate in guided tours, as well as fishing or sailing charters - all of which are offered at a minimum 10 percent discount for military personnel and their families.
York County also includes miles of sandy beaches, perfect for a day in the sun with the family.
"If you are a beach lover, our beach is a gem that not many people know about," said James Noel, York County Office of Economic Development director. "It's got great amenities, and the opportunities are endless."
Visitors can also check out the Waterman's Museum, which showcases the lifestyle of those who make their living on the Yorktown waterfront.
The influence of those early watermen, featured by the museum, is still present, in the form of seafood processing, ship building and repair.
Just a few blocks from the waterfront sits the Yorktown Victory Center, Historic Yorktown and the Yorktown Battlefield.
Some history showcased at these museums include, how the port of Yorktown, which still remains the seat of government, was the site of the final battle of the American Revolution. Yorktown also played an important role during the Civil War, serving as a major port to supply both northern and southern towns, depending on who held the city at the time.
"Yorktown Victory Center and the Yorktown battlefield are both world-class museums," said Olsen. "They do a phenomenal job of bringing history alive."
Additionally, the Victory Center museum focuses on all aspects of the Civil War and is currently building a brand new museum, called "The American Revolution Museum," which will feature artifacts telling the whole story of the Revolutionary War.
According to the Yorktown tourism website, visitors wanting to tour Historic Yorktown should begin their visit inside The Gallery at York Hall, where they can pick up brochures, maps, coupons and hop on a free trolley to see points of interest, attractions and museums.
To show their appreciation for Service members and their families, York County offers military members get free admission on, July Fourth, Memorial Day, Yorktown day and Veterans Day.
"With so much history available, you can say that the military is built into the fabric of York County," Noel said. "We welcome and embrace the military; we have many citizens that live in York County that are prior military."
For those who love the outdoors, York County offers six parks spread throughout the county.
Two of the main parks in York County are Back Creek Park and New Quarter Park, which offer several things to do. Back Creek Park offers tennis courts, a tennis practice wall, picnic areas with grills and a boat launch with kayak access. New Quarter Park offers hiking trails, Segway tours, mountain-bike trails, geocaching and a disc-golf course.
If you love the outdoors but prefer to be a bit more active in sporting leagues check out the York County Sports Complex.
The complex features many different field types, including three lighted athletic fields, two for instructional soccer, four regulation soccer, five youth baseball/softball, one adult softball, and one adult baseball field. Additionally, park amenities include three concession and restroom buildings, playgrounds, 31 picnic shelters, vending machines, more than two miles of multi-purpose paths and a bike lane.
From fishing, dining, shopping, sports, biking to just spending the day at the beach, York County is sure to have something the whole family can enjoy.
For more information, visit
www.visityorktown.org. For a comprehensive list of all the businesses in York County and some of the specials, sales or unique offerings, visit
www.keepitinyorkcounty.com.