No matter how far away I travel or where I settle down, Hampton Roads, VA will always be home to me. There are so many attractions and fun things to do all around the Hampton Roads area.

If you're traveling here for the first time below are some things to make your trip more entertaining, and if you live here go out and enjoy your home.

1. The beach.

There are so many different beaches to check out while you're here, but Virginia Beach is definitely the most lively. The locals usually steer clear of the main beach during the summer months and head to Sandbridge for a little more privacy and a lot less commotion.

2. Busch Gardens.

Location: Williamsburg.

https://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-williams...

I swear I have been to this amusement park so much I could walk it blind folded and it has/will never get old. The price is well worth it because you can use it as many times as you want until October.

Admission: (3+) $77

3. Country concerts at the Amphitheater.

Location: Virginia Beach.

http://www.eventticketscenter.com/veterans-united-...

Summer concerts are something I look forward to every year and they never disappoint, rain or shine.

4. The Virginia Aquarium.

Location: Virginia Beach.

https://www.virginiaaquarium.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwht...

Come see all of your favorite fishy friends at the Virginia Aquarium.

Admission: Adults (ages 12+)-$22, Child (3-11)- $15

5. Catch a Norfolk Tides game at Harbor Park.

Location: Norfolk.

http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t568

The Norfolk Tides are a triple-a affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The games are always a home run for the whole family.

6. The Virginia Beach Adventure park.

Location: Virginia Beach.

https://virginiabeachadventurepark.com/

I haven't personally been here yet, but I have only heard good things.

7. The Cinema Cafe.

Location: Chesapeake.

Rainy day in Chesapeake? There is a brand new movie theater in Edinburgh, and talk about luxury. Kick your feet up on their leather automatic recliner chairs and have your food brought straight to you.

8. Shopping at MacArthur Mall.

Location: Norfolk.

https://www.shopmacarthur.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwhtO7B...

All I have to say is; two story Forever 21.

9. Watch some fútbol.

Location: Virginia Beach.

http://www.vbcityfc.com/

Catch your local National Premier League Soccer team tear up some turf at the Sportsplex.

10. Bergey's Breadbasket.

Location: Chesapeake.

http://bergeysbreadbasket.letseat.at/

I love taking out of towners here because it's an experience. You can't beat eating ice cream while holding a baby goat.

11. The Williamsburg Premium Outlets.

Location: Williamsburg.

http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/williamsburg/...

On the way to Busch Gardens, swing by this up scale outlet mall. This mall has a lot more selections than most.

12. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk.

Location: Virginia Beach.

http://www.visitvirginiabeach.com/visitors/article.

There are constantly new events going on at the boardwalk, free concerts at the beach, festivals and great places to grab a bite to eat.

13. The Cape Henry Lighthouse.

Location: Virginia Beach.

http://preservationvirginia.org/visit/historic-pro...

The old, and the new. These lighthouses have pretty cool historic backgrounds and an amazing view.

14. Visit Ghent.

Location: Norfolk.

https://ghentnorfolk.org/

From artsy shops, street art and hole in the wall eateries, this quaint historic town is one to check out.

15. The Mermaid Factory.

Location: Norfolk.

http://www.mermaidfactory.com/

Paint and bejewel your own ceramic Norfolk mermaid. Norfolk is known for having over 130 mermaid sculptures scattered throughout the city, now you can have your own miniature version.

16. Explore.

There are so many other things to do than what I mentioned above, but it's a good start. Go out and explore this great state!