THE GREAT OUTDOORS

HERE’S A LOOK AT THE MYRIAD WAYS YOU CAN GET ACTIVE IN THE 757

Cycling

If you love the active outdoor lifestyle, the Peninsula offers plenty of opportunities for cycling enthusiasts.

Courses and trailways in the Tidewater region tend to be flat but are often scenic, offering meadow views and woodlands.

Many trails and courses are open to riders of all experience levels, and there are organizations to help find a ride that’s right for you.

GROUP RIDES

Peninsula Bicycling Association organizes group rides throughout the Peninsula for riders of all ages. Group meets monthly. P.O. Box 12115, Newport News, 23612-2115. pbabicycling.org

Williamsburg Area Bicyclists is a recreational biking club based in Williamsburg. Coordinates Bike Month during May. P.O. Box 2222, Williamsburg, 23187-2222. wabonline.org

Eastern Virginia Mountain Biking Association offers rides at New Quarter Park in Williamsburg, Freedom Park and York River State Park, among other places. evma.org

STATE-WIDE EVENTS

Bike Virginia hosts a six-day annual biking event in June. The 2019 tour will go through the Shenandoah Valley, from Woodstock to Harrisonburg. Visit bikevirginia.org for more information.

Golf

Hit the links. Golf is a favorite pastime in Hampton Roads. The PGA and LPGA have made stops at the area’s courses, some of which were designed by legendary golfers.

Fees can vary widely by season, day (even time of day), whether you’re walking or riding and other factors. Call ahead for tee times and prices.

Bide-A-Wee Golf Course. Public. Rates vary by season. 1 Bide-A-Wee Lane, Portsmouth. 393-8600. portsvagolf.com.

The Club at Viniterra. Semi-private championship 18-hole course designed by Rees Jones. Call for pricing and to schedule tee times. 8637 Angel’s Share Drive, New Kent .804-932-3888. viniterra.com/the-club-at-viniterra/.

Colonial Heritage Club, Williamsburg. Private. Open to the public. Rates vary by season, tee time. 6500 Arthur Hills Drive, Williamsburg .645-2000. colonialheritageclub.com.

Cypress Creek Golfers Club. DesiSemiprivate. Rates vary by season, tee time. 600 Cypress Creek Parkway, off Route 10 Bypass in Smithfield. 365-4774. cypresscreekgolfersclub.com.

Deer Cove Golf Course. Open to military members and civilians. Civilians must call the golf shop and request an access form to use the golf course only. 108 Sanda Avenue

at the end of Route 199 at Colonial Parkway in Williamsburg. 887-6539.

Eaglewood Golf Course. For military, Department of Defense employees, dependents and guests. Raptor course also has a driving range. Rates vary by military status, day and time of day. 630 Weyland Road, Hampton .764-4547. new.jbleforcesupport. com/ eaglewood-golf-course.

Ford’s Colony. Semiprivate. Various levels of membership available, and courses are also open to nonmembers. 54 holes (Marsh Hawk, Blackheath and Blue Heron courses). 240 Ford’s Colony Drive, Williamsburg. 258-4100. clubcorp.com/ Clubs/Ford-s-Colony-Country-Club.

Gloucester Country Club. Nine-hole public course. Weekday and weekend rates vary. Senior rates available on weekdays. 6731 Golf Club Road, off Route 17, Gloucester. 804-693-2662.

Golden Horseshoe Golf Club. Hosted the 2004 U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship and the 2007 NCAA Men’s Division I Championship. Features three courses: the Gold, the Green and the Spotswood. Contact the golf club about membership rates. 401 South England St., Williamsburg. 1-800-648-6653. colonialwilliamsburg hotels. com/ golf.

The Hamptons. 27 total holes: The Woods, The Lakes and The Links each have nine. Rates vary with cart fee. 320 Butler Farm Road, Hampton .766-9148. hampton.gov/index.aspx?NID=335.

Honey Bee Golf Club. Public. Weekday, weekend and holiday rates vary. Prices include tax and cart. Lower rates for associate members. Discounts for seniors, military and first responders on weekdays. 2500 S. Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach. 471-2768. honeybeegolf.com.

Kiln Creek Golf and Country Club.

Semiprivate. Contact golf course for rates. Head Professional Ed Collins. 1003 Brick Kiln Blvd., Newport News, 23602. 8742600. kilncreekgolf.com.

Kingsmill Golf Club. Private. Must be a member or resort guest to play. Championship courses designed by Pete Dye, Arnold Palmer, Tom Clark and Curtis Strange. River Course, Plantation Course, Woods Course. Has played host to the PGA and LPGA. 1010 Kings mill Road, Williamsburg ,23185.800-8 32-5665. kingsmill.com/golf.

Kiskiack Golf Club. Semiprivate. Rates vary by day, tee time, lower rates for members and guests. 8104 Club Drive, Williamsburg, just off the Croaker exit on I-64. 566-2200. kiskiackgc.com.

Lambert’s Point Golf Course. Public.

Nine holes near Old Dominion University. 4301 Powhatan Avenue, Norfolk. 498-1677. golfvb.com.

Nansemond River Golf Club. Call for rates. 1000 Hillpoint Blvd. Suffolk. 5394356. nansemondrivergolfclub.com.

Newport News Golf Club. Public facility with 36 holes. Deer Run and Cardinal Championship courses. Fees vary by course and time of day. 901 Clubhouse Way, Newport News. 886-7925. nngolfclub.com.

Ocean View Golf Course. Public. Military and senior discounts. 9610 Norfolk Ave., Norfolk. 480-2094. golfvb.com.

Piankatank River Golf Club. Semiprivate. 6198 Stormont Road, Hartsfield in Middlesex County. 804-776-6516. prgcgolf.com.

Pines Golf Course. 24 holes. Rates vary by military status, day and time of day. 3518 Mulberry Island Road, Fort Eustis. 8782252. jb le force support. com /fort-eustis/the-pines.

Riverfront Golf Club. Weekend and weekday rates. Discounts available to Virginia residents and active duty military. Twilight rates. 5200 River Club Drive, Suffolk. 484-2200. riverfrontgolf.com.

Sewells Point Golf Course. Located at Norfolk Naval Station. Open to military members and guests. Rates vary. 660 Ruthven Road, Norfolk. 444-5572.

Sleepy Hole Golf Course. Public. Rates vary. Senior and twilight rates. 4700 Sleepy Hole Road, Suffolk .538-4100. sleepyholegolfcourse.com.

Suffolk Golf Course. Public. Rates vary by day, tee time. Rates include cart. 1227 Holland Road, Suffolk. 539-6298. suffolkgolfcourse.org.

Traditions Golf Club at Royal New Kent.

Semi-private. Rates vary by day, tee time, includes cart. Memberships available. Interstate 64 to exit 214, Route 155, New Kent County. 804-966-7023. royalnewkent.com

Virginia Beach National. Call for rates, which include green and cart fees. Discounts for Virginia residents, military and seniors offered. Memberships available. Pete Dye and Curtis Strange designed the course, formerly known as the TPC of Virginia Beach. 2500 Tournament Drive, Virginia Beach. 563-9440. vbnational.com.

Williamsburg National. Rates vary by day, season. Two courses. Designed by Tom Clark. 3700 Centerville Road, Williamsburg. 258-9642. wngc.com.

The Woodlands Golf Course. Public. Weekday and weekend rates. Cart fee extra. Senior and student discounts available. 9 Woodland Road, Hampton. 727-1195. thewoodlandsva.com.

Hunting

Public hunting areas in Hampton Roads.

Chickahominy WMA. Deer, turkeys, squirrels, rabbits, doves and waterfowl can be hunted at Chickahominy. The area boasts abundant white-tailed deer, as well as turkeys that use the area extensively, and squirrels, which are plentiful most years. It also sustains fair quail and rabbit populations, and ducks are commonly seen in beaver ponds and tidal waters near the area. Hunters of waterfowl are allowed access on a first-come, first-served basis. They are allowed to use floating blinds, but not stationary blinds. 12510 Eagles Nest Road, Charles City. The area can be approached from U.S. Route 60 at Providence Forge by taking state Highway 155 south, then left onto Route 614, left on 615 and bear right onto623.dg if. virginia. gov/ blog/ wma/chickahominy/.

Hog Island WMA. On the Hog Island Tract, hunting with a gun is only allowed for waterfowl, which is strictly controlled. Those wishing to hunt there must submit an application through the agency quota hunt system, and a drawing takes place in mid-October. Hunters chosen through the drawing. Hunters who are chosen can use department-constructed blinds that accommodate three hunters each. The Carlisle Tract, where deer, dove, quail, squirrel, rabbit and turkey can be hunted, is open to the general public under general regulations, or as posted. 7938 Hog Island Road, Surry. The area is accessed from state Route 10, between the towns of Surry and Smithfield, north via Routes 650 or 617. dgif.virginia.gov/blog/wma/hog-island/.

Dismal Swamp Tract of Cavalier WMA.

Home to black bears, deer, quails, rabbits, squirrels and songbirds, firearms are not allowed on the Dismal Swamp tract, though they can be used on the 3,800-acre main tract of Cavalier WMA about six miles southeast. Archery tackle, including long bows, recurve bows, compound bows and crossbows, can be used to hunt any legal species in season. Hunters don’t need a lottery hunt authorizations to hunt on the Dismal Swamp tract. 51427 George Washington Hwy S, Chesapeake. Take Route 17 south to Ballahack Road. Go left on Ballahack for 1.5 miles, and the entrance to Cavalier WMA is on the right. dg if. virginia. gov/ blog/ wma / dismal-swamp/.

Ragged Island WMA. Deer can be found in the pine islands and other high ground. Raccoons, rabbits, foxes and squirrels are also in the area. Waterfowl, such as black ducks, mallards, scaup, gadwall, ruddy ducks, buffleheads and goldeneyes, can be hunted by jump-shooting the ponds and creeks, as well as using licensed blinds on the wider creeks or on the James River. The marshes are also places to spot clapper rails. No shotguns allowed. The area is bisected by U.S. Routes 17 and 258, and state Route 32, southwest of Newport News and Hampton at the southern end of the James River Bridge. dgif.virginia.gov/ blog/ wma/ragged-island/.

Gyms

Hampton Roads has a variety of health and fitness clubs, each with different resources. Most offer group classes, and if there is a pool, often the club will have swim lessons.

Curves For Women. With locations in Chesapeake, Hampton, James City County, Virginia Beach and Williamsburg, these facilities specialize in 30-minute workouts, three times a week, consisting of strength training and aerobics. For location information, visit curves.com/locations.

One Life Fitness. Located at 815 City Center Blvd. and 651 Hogan drive in Newport News, some of the amenities include racquetball and basketball courts and a theater that has cardio equipment instead of seats. You can watch movies on a projection screen while you work out. Group exercise classes and personal training are also available. For more information, call 599-1888 (City Center Blvd.), 599-5433 (Fountain Way) or visit onelifefitness.com. Additional locations in Chesapeake, Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

Pilates Training Center. A by-appointment studio at 502 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg, also offers group classes. Information :229-5002 or pilates-center.net.

Riverside Wellness and Fitness Centers.

With a Newport News location and one in Gloucester, Riverside offers a variety of facilities and classes, depending on the location. Some locations offer such amenities as tennis, racquetball, volleyball and basketball courts, as well as swimming lessons. Group exercise classes, personal training and fitness testing also are available. visit riversideonline.com/rwfc. Newport News location: 12650 Jefferson Ave., 875-7525. Gloucester location: 7516 Hospital Drive, 804-693-8888.

Total Fitness. A 24-hour location at 6120 Jefferson Ave. in Newport News provides personal training, sports strength camp and sports lifting. For membership and other information, call 827-0629 or totalfitnessclub.com.

YMCA. With locations in Newport News, Hampton, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Mathews, Smithfield, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Norfolk, Suffolk and Virginia Beach, these facilities offer more than just aerobic and strength training equipment. Swimming lessons and group exercises also are available at some locations. For phone numbers in your area, visit ymca.net.

Rowing

Give your arms a workout. Whether you want to row for fun or competitively, the choice is yours.

Hampton Roads Rowing Club. Rowing on the Lafayette River in Norfolk, dedicated to all levels of rowers. The group participates in local and national regattas. Rowing classes available. 1650 Willow Wood Road, Norfolk. 852-9644. hrrc.net.

Rugby

Newport News Rugby Football Club.

Practices at Crittenden Middle School, with games on Saturdays. Open to members all over the Peninsula. Information: newportnewsrugby.com.

Running

If you like the thrill of competing or training with others, the Colonial Road Runners and the Peninsula Track Club offer plenty of local opportunities.

Colonial Road Runners. Based in Williamsburg but serves runners from throughout southeastern Virginia. Organizes races, social events, daily group runs and weekly tempo run sessions at Warhill Trail and speed-work interval sessions Wednesdays at Walsingham Academy. Open to men and women of all ages. Races (each with run/walk between 5 and 10 kilometers, often along with 1-mile fun run) held annually in CRR Grand Prix 22-event series from February to December. P.O. Box 657, Williamsburg, 23187. Rick Platt 2297375 or rick platt1@juno.c om. colonialroadrunners.org.

Peninsula Track Club. Has about 35 races a year, ranging from 5-kilometer events to half-marathons, including many summer events, along with social events. P.O. Box 11116 , Newport News, 2 3 6 01. peninsulatrackclub.com.

Ft. Eustis Hash House Harriers. Group runs every other Saturday through trails in Newport News, Hampton, York County and Williamsburg, combined with social events. Join group at meetup.com/FEH3-Hash/.

Tidewater Hash House Harriers. Regular group events on the Peninsula and Southside. For more information, visit th3.org.

Sailing

If being on the water is your style, there are opportunities for you. There are boat rentals, charter and group tours, or if you have your own water craft, boat ramps. The Peninsula is sandwiched by many rivers, including the James, York and Hampton, and the Chesapeake Bay.

Hampton Yacht Club. Private club with docks on the Hampton River. Offers educational programs, monthly meetings, sailing training for adults and seniors, and hosts races. 4707 Victoria Blvd., Hampton. 722-0711. hamptonyc.com

Williamsburg Charter Sails. Three-hour cruises of the York River depart at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily. Couples, family and group rates. Reservations are first-come, first reserved. williamsburgchartersails.com.

Tennis

Back Creek Park. Public. Staffed April 1 through Oct. 25. Six lighted outdoor hard courts. $5 an hour before 5 p.m., $8 an hour after 5 p.m. Hours vary. 3000 Goodwin Neck Road. For more information, call York County Parks and Recreation 890-3850 or go online yorkcounty.gov/1838/Back-Creek-Park.

Hampton Tennis Center. Public. Open from April to October. 8:30 a.m. to noon and 3:30-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 8:30 a.m. to noon Friday and Saturday; and 4-7 p.m. Sunday. Seven lighted outdoor clay courts. Memberships available. Leagues, lessons, clinics, camps offered. 9 Woodland Road, Hampton. 7 2 7-119 3. hamptontenniscenter.com.

Huntington Park. Public. 20 hard outdoor courts with lights. Open from April through October. 3 to 8 p.m. MondayFriday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Leagues and private lessons available. Also offers racquet stringing, ball machine and backboard. 340 Hornet Circle, Newport News. 926-1507. nngov.com/1226/Hu ntington-Park-Tennis-Center.

Kingsmill. Private, available to members or resort guests only. 13 clay courts and two hard courts. Private/group lessons, junior clinics available. Reservations are not required but recommended. 931 Kingsmill Road, Williamsburg .253-3945. kingsmill.com/recreation/tennis.

Howard Mast Tennis Complex. Public. 10 hard courts, four lighted. Tennis ball machine available for rental, tennis lessons offered. 201 Holly Lawn Parkway, Suffolk. 514-7243. suffolk va. us /533/ Tennis . McCormack-Nagelsen Tennis Center.

Semiprivate. Six indoor courts. Hours and rates vary. Ball machine rental available. College of William and Mary, 705 S. Henry St ., Williamsburg .221-7378. wm.edu/offices/auxiliary/mntc.

Riverside Wellness and Fitness Center.

Private. Three indoor hard courts and six hydra-clay outdoor courts at Newport News location. Courts must be reserved in advance. 12650 Jefferson Ave., Newport News. 875-7525. Outdoor court at Gloucester location. 7516 Hospital Drive, Gloucester .693-8888. riversideonline.com/rwfc/index.cfm

Two Rivers Country Club. Private. Four hard courts (two lighted) and six clay courts (all lighted). 1400 Two Rivers Road, Williamsburg .258-4610. governorsland.com.

Williamsburg Inn. Semiprivate. Memberships available for families, individuals and juniors, and courts are available for hotel guests in Colonial Williamsburg. Six clay and two hard courts. Teaching pro available and pro shop. 136 East Francis Street, Williamsburg .220-7794. colonialwilliamsburg hotels. com/ thingsto-do/tennis/.

Baseball

Norfolk Tides. Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles and a member of the International League. Home games at Harbor Park Stadium, 150 Park Ave., Norfolk 23510. 622-2222. norfolktides.com

Hockey

Norfolk Admirals. ECHL. Play from October-April, with home games at Scope Arena, 201 East Brambleton Ave., Norfolk 23510. 640-1212. norfolkadmirals.com