Newtown/Crown Pointe - Hampton, VA

The neighborhoods' standing construction began prior to World War II, but Newtown and Crown Pointe share no small part of Hampton's deep historic roots. A marker west of Crowne Pointe on La Salle Avenue indicates where the first English church at Kecoughtan, erected around 1616, was, establishing Hampton as the first permanently-inhabited British colony in the Americas. The neighborhood acquired its current name in 1869. An enduring symbol of the community's heritage, the Little England Chapel still stands on Kecoughtan Road.

True history buffs will want to visit the special collections room at the Hampton Public Library a few blocks north in historic downtown. There, you can view maps chronicling the neighborhoods through the centuries.

Newtown/Crown Pointe's relaxed sea-side neighborhood vibe resonates at the local hot spots, where comfort food reigns. Vancosta's on Kecoughtan Road has been serving up no-frills Italian and Mediterranean cuisine for more than a decade. Don't let the shabby exterior and laminated menus fool you, food here like the Greek burger ranks highly with locals and wayward Argonauts alike.

Ole' Bay Seafood, just down the street, delivers on the name. Whether you choose fried soft shell crabs, croaker or speckled trout, this restaurant delivers old-fashioned Southern seafood without the fuss. Don't forget the hot sauce and namesake seasoning, and yes, the mac 'n cheese is made from scratch. This establishment even has an in-house saucier, adding a layer of sophistication to a seafood shack that doles its portions into foam takeout boxes.

If you seek a slightly more refined atmosphere, the Surf Rider, Blue Water on Marina Road serves a full dinner menu overlooking Sunset Creek. Enjoy a dozen locally-grown Chincoteague oysters to the gentle creaking of weathered skiffs rocking in their moorings out back for slow Southern living at its finest.

For nightlife, head toward the Peninsula Town Center, where you'll find a host of pubs and eateries. Festive chains like Abuelo's and Bar Louie abound, but home-grown options also await you nearby. The Comfort Zone on West Mercury Boulevard dishes out soul food and live entertainment six nights a week. Whether you crave karaoke, live jazz or homemade gumbo, you can get your fill here.

For some country-western fun, PBR on Power Plant Parkway has you covered. Wind your way through the spacious interior where a bar seems to greet you at every turn. After finding your courage at the bars, line dance your way over to the mechanical bull and become the star of the rodeo. You can also head upstairs for some billiards and watch your friends get tossed from a safe distance.

Like most cities throughout Hampton Roads, Newtown and Crown Pointe are commuter towns. You'll want a car to access the major shopping areas like Peninsula Town Center though those in need of public transportation will find themselves with friendlier options than elsewhere in the region. The 101 Bus Route runs along Kecoughtan Road/U.S. Route 60, connecting Downtown Hampton to neighboring Downtown Newport News. The stop at Kecoughtan and Sunset in Crown Pointe takes you to the public library and Charles H. Taylor Arts Center in just one more stop. In the other direction, buses connect with the Newport News Amtrak station, the end of the line for all points north: Richmond, Baltimore, D.C., Philadelphia, Newark, New York and Boston all lie just a bus token and a train ticket away.

For more localized travel within the neighborhoods themselves, a bike proves the best option for non-drivers. You'll be lucky to find a cab even along the major thoroughfares at most hours, and a relaxing cruise down Chesapeake Avenue might be just what's needed to put your mind at ease. Those with access to an automobile will find ample parking along the streets. Most local businesses have their own parking lots.

Nearby Eason Park provides ample space for a leisurely walk, game of catch or afternoon cookout. Designated picnic shelters and a newly renovated playground can be found at the southeast corner. Adjacent to Darling stadium, expect to find ample parking in the lot on non-game days. This park requires no admission fees and has no barriers to entry.

The cost of living throughout Newtown/Crown Pointe is on par with the area, and a one-bedroom apartment averages about $750 per month.

A single-trip bus fare from the neighborhoods to downtown costs $1.75, and a gallon of gas will usually cost between 5 and 7 percent less than the national average. Expect to pay about $5 for a draft beer at neighborhood pubs.

The newly constructed Peninsula Town Center features more than 70 major retailers specializing in everything from clothing to pet care. However, if you don't want to make the trek across town, several boutique options sit closer to the neighborhoods.

Benton-Knight, Limited caters to the dapper Southern gentleman-about-town. In business for more than half a century, historic downtown's signature haberdashery deals in tailored private-label men's fashions and select brands.

The Food Lion on Kecoughtan Road can be reached in under 10 minutes from most points in Newtown or Crown Pointe. Open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week, it carries all your staple grocery needs. A few minutes west, Dean and Don's Farmer's Market on LaSalle Avenue trades in seasonal produce and some terrific deals on freshly cut flowers. Be warned — the neighborhood harbors some of the most courteous grocers you'll ever meet.