Since the fall of 2020, Fort Gregg Adams, Virginia, has been my home. As a military spouse, I’ve navigated the ins and outs of this base and the surrounding community, learning firsthand what it takes to settle into life here. Fort Gregg Adams sits in a prime spot, close to some fantastic parks, quaint small towns, and a rich blend of historical sites. Whether it’s a peaceful hike, a trip to a local café, or exploring nearby museums, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this unique part of Virginia. I’m excited to share a few of my favorite places and tips that make living here feel like home.
Side Note, when we first arrived here it was still named Fort Lee and so if there is ever a discrepancy of what your mailing address is sometimes it is still Fort Lee in the system … just a little factoid to help you out.
I’m keeping it simple with a few quick suggestions for things to see, do, and eat in the area. These are just a handful of ideas to get you started, but there’s so much more to explore once you get used to the area.
The small towns that surround Fort Gregg Adams are Colonial Heights, Prince George, Hopewell and Chester. Richmond is a close drive away. The historic triangle of Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown are a short drive as well and make sure to take The Colonial Parkway that is a twenty-three mile scenic roadway stretching from the York River at Yorktown to the James River at Jamestown when you visit all 3 areas.
Let’s kick things off with what’s most essential… the food! Here are a few top picks that come to mind, and in no particular order.
Richmond Area
- Shyndigz is a popular dessert-focused restaurant in Richmond, Virginia, known for its incredible, oversized desserts
- Nate’s Bagles is a beloved bagel shop in Richmond, Virginia, known for its freshly made, hand-rolled bagels and creative spreads.
- Secret Sandwich Society in Richmond, Virginia, was known for its creative and high-quality sandwiches with names inspired by U.S. presidents and historical figures.
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Grandstaff and Stein is a unique speakeasy-style bar and restaurant in Richmond, Virginia, known for its Prohibition-era ambiance and inventive cocktails. To enter, guests would give a “password” at the door (available via their social media or website), which added to the secrecy and charm of the place.
In Petersburg, Colonial Heights, Hopewell, and Prince George area
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Vincenzo’s Italian Restaurant & Pizza in Colonial Heights, VA, is a well-loved, family-owned spot serving classic Italian dishes with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. My favorite pizza from this place is their white pizza and you must have the garlic knots!!
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Keystone Grill, located within the Keystone Truck & Tractor Museum in Colonial Heights, VA, is a cozy American-style diner that serves breakfast and lunch all day. Our family routinely goes here for breakfast on Sunday Mornings and the tractor museum is neat to through to walk off your breakfast. The waitresses know us at this point.
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Buttermilk Bake Shop in Petersburg, VA, is a charming, from-scratch bakery located in the heart of Old Town. Known for its wide variety of freshly baked goods
- Demolition Coffee in Petersburg, VA, is a trendy coffee spot known for its creative, cozy vibe and eclectic menu. Located in Old Town at 215 East Bank Street, it features an industrial, artsy decor with recycled plywood tables, giving it a warm yet modern feel. We often go here as a spot where my daughter can do some school work and have a cup of coffee.
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Holy Mackerel is a riverside restaurant and brewery in Hopewell, VA, offering scenic views of the James River, a range of seafood, burgers, and craft beers.
- Old Towne’s Alibi in Petersburg, VA, is a welcoming pub known for its American and Southern comfort food.
- Adriana’s Mini Market & Taqueria has some awesome authentic Mexican food. I Love their tacos.
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The Boathouse at City Point is Located in Hopewell on the waterfront, this restaurant offers stunning views of the Appomattox and James Rivers. Known for its fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients.
Local things to do close to Fort Gregg Adams
Richmond Area
- Maymont is a 100-acre historic estate and park in Richmond, Virginia, featuring stunning gardens, a Victorian mansion, a petting zoo, and a nature center. I have gone on photography walks around here and it’s such a beautiful way to get exercise.
- The Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond offers interactive exhibits, hands-on labs, and immersive experiences focused on everything from space and electricity to health and the environment. Housed in a former train station.
- The Children’s Museum of Richmond provides interactive, hands-on exhibits for young children, focusing on creativity, STEM, and active play. It’s a family favorite, offering educational experiences and seasonal events across multiple locations.
- The Metro Richmond Zoo, located in Moseley, Virginia, is a popular family-friendly attraction featuring over 2,000 animals from around the world.
- Richmond has an excellent running community! There are so many running groups all over the city. There’s also a very well-developed training team for the Richmond marathon and half. I am not the runner, but my husband is and he enjoyed doing the Richmond Marathon.
- The Poe Museum in Richmond, Virginia, celebrates Edgar Allan Poe’s life with exhibits of his personal items, manuscripts, and early editions of his work.
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Carytown is a lively Richmond district with unique shops, diverse dining, and the historic Byrd Theatre. It’s known for its walkable vibe and the popular annual Watermelon Festival.Located in Carytown is my daughters favorite record store Plan 9 Records is an independent music store offering a vast selection of vinyl, CDs, and rare finds. Known for both new and used records, it’s a popular destination for music lovers and collectors.
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Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, VA, is a historic site with Gothic architecture and scenic views of the James River. It’s the burial place of notable figures, including Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler. Known for its Civil War graves and unique monuments.
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Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, VA, spans 50 acres with themed gardens, a conservatory, and seasonal displays. It’s ideal for plant lovers and family outings, with highlights like the Rose Garden and Japanese Garden.
- Chesterfield Towncenter is the mall we love to go to.
- River City tattoo is where my daughter and I have both got tattoos and they are great
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Wegmans is a “bougie” grocery store. You walk in, and it feels like a mix of a fancy market and a high-end food hall. They have everything from artisanal cheeses and fresh sushi to an incredible bakery and prepared foods that are honestly restaurant-quality.
- Kings Dominion, located in Doswell, Virginia, is a sprawling amusement park with a wide range of attractions, including roller coasters, family rides, live entertainment, and a water park called Soak City.
In Petersburg, Colonial Heights, Hopewell, and Prince George, Chester area
- Prince George parks n rec events sign up for their newletter
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Petersburg National Battlefield is very close to Fort Gregg-Adams, with a trail beginning right across from the post hotel that leads directly to part of the battlefield. This historic site offers walking trails and exhibits that reveal the story of the Civil War’s longest siege, making it a nice walk away from post.
- River Street Market in Petersburg, VA, is a year-round market featuring local produce, arts, and handmade goods. Located in Old Towne near the historic Farmer’s Market Building and beneath the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge.
- The Prince George Farmers’ Market in Prince George, VA, held every Saturday from May to October, running from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Located at Scott Memorial Park next to the County Library. This is very close to post.
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Frisbee Golf course right on Fort Gregg Adams 11810 Adams Ave, Fort Gregg-Adams, VA 23801
- R. Garland Dodd Park at Point of Rocks in Chester, VA, features 176 acres of athletic fields, picnic areas, and scenic trails, including a floating boardwalk through a tidal marsh along the Appomattox River. Known for birdwatching and its Civil War earthworks from the Bermuda Hundred Campaign, it’s a beautiful spot for both history and nature enthusiasts.
- On Gregg Adams- we have a super active Spouses Club with 13 active clubs like Outdoor Adventures and Toddler/ Teen Groups.
- Peaceful sage massage is where I go for massage therapy
- Manicure and pedicure, my daughter says to ask for a lady named Money TL Nails & Glamour Spa
- Venus Time Trap, located in Chester, VA, is a funky vintage shop that offers an eclectic mix of unique items. My daughter and I love to browse there to see what new things they have
- Henricus Historical Park, located in Chester, VA, is a living history museum that re-creates life in Virginia’s second English settlement, established in 1611. The park features 14 reconstructed colonial and Indigenous structures, including a fort and an American Indian village where interpreters in period dress demonstrate 17th-century daily life, from blacksmithing to farming.
The historic triangle of Colonial Williamsburg area
- Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a European-themed amusement park known for thrilling roller coasters, live entertainment, and animal encounters. Our family had season passes for a year when we first got here and Howl-o-scream is my favorite event that they have! The whole park turns into a haunted house after 6pm. The Christmas Town is absolutely beautiful as well.
- Yorktown Battlefield is the historic site of the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War, where General Washington’s army defeated British forces in 1781. There is a car drive tour and it was really neat to see the exact site we won our independence from the British.
- Colonial Williamsburg is like stepping straight into the 1700s. It’s a huge, open-air museum with actors in full colonial dress, working in authentic shops, government buildings, and homes. You can walk through the old streets, check out places like the Governor’s Palace, watch blacksmiths and carpenters at work, and even join in on historical reenactments. It’s really hands-on and gives you a feel for what life was like back then
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The Jamestown Settlement is a living history museum that recreates America’s first permanent English colony. You can explore replicas of the original ships, a colonial fort, and a Powhatan Indian village. Costumed guides demonstrate colonial life, giving a hands-on look at early American history.
These are just a few spots that come to mind, but there’s so much more to discover here. Fort Gregg Adams Area and the Richmond area is a place rich with history, creativity, and unique places to explore.
One tip—if you’re moving here, splurge on a dash cam for your car! The drivers can be a little intense, and, while everyone says that about their area, after driving across the U.S. and living in many places both large cities and small towns, I can honestly say Richmond area ranks high on the “crazy drivers” scale. And the closer you get to D.C. the crazier it gets.
Check out another Military Mom Collective article 10 reasons to love Fort Lee Virginia.
