In Hampton, VA there is a small island called Grandview which doubles as one of my favorite places on earth and the spot where my parents have decided to retire. Tucked away and private, islanders spend their time driving golf carts on the private beach, sailing sunfish boats, socializing, and frequenting the island restaurant.
Here is my parent’s home and the view from outback. My step-father Jamie built a 3-story lighthouse replica in our front yard based off the Back River Lighthouse that used to stand on the island’s northern beach. Getting into the water from the rocks is pretty treacherous, but luckily there are beaches both north and south of us only a few minutes away on the golf cart!
The Grandview island tree has withstood numerous hurricanes and is one of the most notable “symbols” of the island.
Above is Grandview Island Grill, which just recently opened on the island this labor day. It is one of the only restaurants in the whole area located directly on the water. They serve a wide variety of fresh seafood in a laid-back atmosphere. I highly recommend the scallop basket with sweet potato fries – the scallops are very lightly breaded and fried to perfection! All the island locals are regulars and eating there feels like dining at a large family home (See picture on the right – me with my Grandview Island family!). Something about the close-knit community makes even strangers feel at home!
Most weekends you catch numerous sailors racing on the beach. Jamie organizes a race for almost every single holiday of the year and takes it upon himself to ensure all Grandview residents know how to sail if they so desire!
The sense of community here is what makes this place so special. Since residents have to help each other battle mother nature many times a year whenever a hurricane or North-Easter storm comes through, everyone considers each other family!
Located only 3 hours from Raleigh with a bed and breakfast on the Island, I highly recommend a weekend get away to this Chesapeake Bay hidden treasure!