Glide through the warm waters of the Chesapeake Bay, visit the $32 million dollar Virginia Air and Space Center, or take a ride on a 1920 carousel located on the downtown waterfront. Or how about a pleasant, Sunday outdoor concert, or children's theater, or an exhibit on waterfowl paintings. And, for jazz, pop and rhythm and blues, the Hampton Jazz Festival features some of the finest acts in the business.

The City of Hampton, established in 1610, has its roots as America's first continuously occupied English-speaking settlement. That year, the settlers founded St. John's Episcopal Church, which remains the country's oldest Anglican church.

Hampton is well known as the home of NASA Langley Research Center, the Hampton Coliseum concert venue and Hampton University.

Regionally, the city provides shoppers with the Coliseum Mall, the Peninsula's largest; major entertainment events such as Hampton Bay Days and the Hampton Jazz Festival; and sports draws including NASCAR races at Langley Speedway and the Hampton Cup Regatta.

Locals know about the city's more subtle charms: several beaches that remain relatively uncrowded, the beautiful downtown waterfront, and the historic area of Phoebus, newly streetcaped to highlight the quaint shops.

On the Chesapeake Bay, Buckroe Beach is a local favorite for sunbathing, swimming, and fishing. The nearby Grandview Beach at the Grandview Nature Preserve has over two miles of beaches in a 578-acre preserve and estuary. Hampton has continued to focus on projects to revitalize its downtown area, where the Virginia Air and Space Center, draws about one-quarter million people each year. The historic Phoebus area boasts the 400-seat American Theatre. This venue was recently renovated to reflect its original 1912 décor - featuring internationally renowned performers. Virginia Town and City and Virginia Business.The city boasts a strong military and technology presence. Fort Monroe, established in 1819, is headquarters for the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. Langley Air Force Base is home of the First Fighter Wing. NASA Langley Research Center, where America's first astronauts were trained, is now a major center for aviation research. Technology centers of employment include companies such as Gateway 2000, Howmet Corporation, Computer Sciences Corporation and Nextel Communications.