Spring Experiences Await in Newport News

It's finally here, the first day of spring! While the temperatures are a bit chillier than most of us prefer, warm weather is on the horizon.

Spring is one of our favorite seasons in Newport News, as beautiful blooms and unique experiences abound in our waterfront city. Below are some ways you can shake off the winter blues and welcome spring!

• Marvel at the cherry blossoms in the Japanese Tea Garden at Newport News Park. Get a sneak peek thanks to WTKR-3 and then head to the park. While there, you can enjoy regular programs on animals in the park, including possums, bats, birds, snakes, beavers, and bugs. Visit the Parks and Recreation's Programs page and search Newport News Park for all the FREE sessions. Newport News Park also offers walking and hiking trails, bird watching, cycling and mountain biking, boating/paddleboating, archery, disc golf, and fishing. There are also numerous playgrounds so kids can run and parents can relax in the park's beautiful setting.
• Hop into spring during the Spring EGGstravaganza at beautiful King-Lincoln Park. This EGGciting event features the ALL-NEW Bunny Tail Trail (while supplies last), a petting zoo, flower planting activity, butterfly exhibit, t-shirt spin art, laser tag, live stage entertainment, hopping DJ tunes, fun inflatables, face painting, and visits from the ear-resistible Easter Bunny! Vendors will be on site with food and beverages available for sale and don't forget to find the Golden Egg while you're enjoying the event. Get all the details on this and other spring events on the Newport News Special Events website.
• Wander amongst the beauty of the Rose Garden at Huntington Park, which features more than 74 rose varieties in its 1,000-bush garden. Hybrid tea, grandiflora, floribunda, climber, shrub, and miniature roses are all represented. Complete with trellises, brick borders, and a gazebo, the rose garden bursts into a carnival of color by early May and remains in bloom until late October or November. And speaking of roses, did you know that Newport News was named an American Rose City by the American Rose Society? We were the first city in Virginia to earn that distinction! For information about tours and educational programs or if you'd like an individual consultation with a garden rosarian, call 757-591-4844.
• Shop from farm to table while enjoying the beauty of Historic Hilton Village. Local farmers, anglers, bakers, and artisans sell their goods nearly every Saturday year-round on Main Street. For details, visit the Hilton Village Main Street website.
• Stock your garden with an incredible array of unusual native plants during the Virginia Living Museum's (VLM) Spring Native Plant Sale April 20-21 and 27-28 (Member Preview Sale: April 18). Native plants are good choices for area gardeners because such plants tolerate the area's weather and serve as food and shelter for area wildlife, while also providing a good show in the garden (many attract butterflies and birds!). Check out the VLM website for details.
• If you miss the energy and excitement from the One City Marathon races and celebrations, mark another "marathon" on your calendar for Saturday, May 18. The 23^rd Street Marathon is the smallest marathon hosted in Virginia, clocking in at .081 miles. This run(ish) is a day jam packed with beer, bourbon, pizza, live music and so much more! Visit the event Facebook page for updates.
• For many students, Spring Break is coming soon! Newport News Tourism developed a list of five fun and seasonal things to do during the break. Visit their website for all the details.

Follow our City of Newport News Facebook and Instagram accounts to stay up to date on additional events and spring happenings!