Saunders - Newport News, VA

Newport News recorded history reaches back to 1610. Nearby settlers fled their original Jamestown home because of harsh conditions. They encountered Capt. Christopher Newport here on the Virginia Peninsula, however, and he gave them good news that reinforcements and supplies had arrived. “Newport’s News” inspired them to return to Jamestown.

The area’s coastal location along the James River, Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean has created a diverse business atmosphere. The economy embraces shipbuilding, technological research and international commerce, as well as a strong military presence.

While there are no museums located in Saunders, many museums sit nearby the neighborhood throughout Hampton Roads.

Casual dining predominates in the Saunders area, dotted along the Route 17 commercial corridor. At County Grill and Smokehouse, the regulars have a hard time deciding which of the dishes to recommend most. Favorite meats include sausage, ribs and brisket — take your pick of six sauces on the side — while the favorite sides are corn muffins and warm potato salad. If those don't please, check out the BBQ meatloaf, BBQ shrimp or pit-grilled tuna. When it comes to dessert, County Grill offers a hands-down favorite, the banana pudding, prepared to order for individuals or for the table. To pair with the foods, the craft beer selection is commendable.

For a selection of fine food and beverages accompanied by live music on Fridays and Saturdays, visit Vintner's Cellar. Vintner's Cellar features unique wines from its vineyard bottled on site. These are available for purchase by the glass or bottle. The menu rotates to keep your experience fresh.

For a finger-lickin'-good dining experience, check out Chic N Fish, featuring crispy, tender Korean and Southern fried chicken, worlds apart in origin but kindred spirits in crispy, juicy deliciousness. This small restaurant can also treat you to an out-of-this-world, hot and spicy wing experience — a happy heat, not overwhelming — best paired with pickled radish and a side order of kimchi. You can also choose from the chicken, beef and rice dinners, sandwiches, burgers, wraps and seafood. Notes from the regulars: Call at least 30 minutes ahead of time to pre-order the freshly prepared menu items.

Catch newly released movies at Regal Kiln Creek Stadium 20 at Kiln Creek or at Paragon City Center 12 at Oyster Point. Paragon also hosts Neo Kitchen + Bar. Neo's presents creative reinventions of classic comfort foods, in addition to 18 taps and assorted bottled beers and wine. You can dine in the restaurant or take your meal into the theater.

For energizing fun, head toward downtown Newport News to the Ferguson Center for the Arts, Cozzy's Comedy Club and Tavern, and the Ella Fitzgerald Theater.

Although automobiles are the primary means of transportation for most Saunders residents, Hampton Roads Transit provides a convenient and economical option. Bus stops sit throughout the neighborhood, especially along Route 17 and Harpersville and Saunders roads. Call ahead for a cab, as hailing a cab can be a challenge. Uber also services Saunders and the surrounding Newport News region.

Sidewalks along Route 17 in Newport News help make biking and walking safe; however, other main roads like Harpersville Road lack sidewalks and wide shoulders. Residential neighborhoods feature wide roads to accommodate cars, pedestrians and bikes.

Saunders small shopping areas provide free public parking. Interstate 64, the major Hampton Roads highway, is directly accessible from Route 17.

A favorite Newport News park, Deer Park features 13 acres of woodlands with hiking trails, ball fields, picnic shelters and freshwater fishing. Landscaped with camellia, azaleas and rhododendron, the park presents a breathtaking palette of color each spring. Deer Park’s proudest accomplishment is its Boundless Playground, designed with all children in mind, including children with disabilities. Park entrance and parking are free, and leashed pets are welcome.

At Bethel Park on the Big Bethel Reservoir in Hampton, you find fishing opportunities, pavilions, ball fields, paddle boats, volleyball courts, equipment rental and even a paintball park. Park entrance is free and leashed pets are welcome, but fees apply for rental and selected activities.

Although these parks don’t have exercise-centric facilities or regular festivals, nearby Port Warwick hosts annual festivities. The Port Warwick Art & Sculpture Festival presents the works of over 100 artists from all over the United States, plus live music, food vendors, and a children’s pavilion. The Summer Concert Series hosts a variety of musicians, such as jazz, blues, light rock and roll, samba and folk.

In Saunders, the cost of living is slightly lower than the national average and below nearby downtown Newport News. The average rental rate for a one-bedroom residence is $765 a month.

Hampton Roads Transit provides economical and convenient public transportation for the region. A single trip costs $1.75, while the one-day HRT GoPass costs $4. This fare takes passengers to downtown Newport News as well as other regional stops. The coverage ends, though, at bordering York County.

Beer prices at local pubs range from $1 for domestics at happy hour to $3.50 domestic bottled beers after happy hour. The gas average generally rests at seven percent less than the national average.

Although commercial zones in the neighborhood host only a smattering of retail, shopping centers with nationally known names surround Saunders: Patrick Henry Mall, Jefferson Commons Shopping Center, and Jefferson Marketplace. These complexes host a variety of retailers from budget to high-end, including Payless, Dollar Village, Five Below, Petco, Old Navy, Lane Bryant, Pier 1 Imports, Lowe's, Charlotte Russe, Christopher & Banks, and Journeys.

When boutique shopping is in order, head to City Center at Oyster Point. Step into Sisters Unique to discover unique accessories for your home that you won’t find anywhere else. At Hi-Ho Silver, browse its handmade sterling silver designs from all around the world, including some exclusive designs, as well as coveted names such as Alex and Ani or Chamilia. DiscoverTEAS at Port Warwick presents a multisensory shopping experience: fresh tea sampling, a tea exploration station, a blend-your-own tea bar, Wi-Fi lounge for sipping and browsing the web, tea ware, and accessories.

A Food Lion in the neighborhood makes grocery shopping convenient. Other options nearby include Walmart Supercenter and Farm Fresh as well as organic and upscale shopping at Trader Joe's and Fresh Market. Games Farmer's Market, a year-round enclosed grocery store, stocks an array of local meats and produce as well as bulk, Amish-style products.