Lions and Wolves and Sheep, Oh My! Bluebird Gap Farm in Hampton.
In the middle of Hampton, off I-64 across from the Hampton Coliseum, lies a small farm where kids and adults can watch a mountain lion prowl or have a staring match with a gray wolf. The less-adventurous can pet a pony, sheep, or other friendly critter.
Bluebird Gap Farm is a rural oasis in the midst of Hampton Roads. The 60-acre City of Hampton park resembles a working farm, complete with barns, fields and barnyard animals. It's a great place to bring your kids or an animal-loving friend, even on a winter day (the farm is open all year).
The barnyard animals are used to visitors, and are quite friendly. Kids of all ages will enjoy petting the ponies or Charlie the Horse, who is blind from birth. Sheep are quick to crowd the fence, bleating for some animal feed from a nearby vending machine. There's even a roving sheep named Hannah who is allowed free range of the farm -- put a quarter in the feed dispenser and watch her go nuts! The cows and goats also welcome being petted. There are plenty of geese and ducks, and a very large pig who lays around a lot.
In nearby enclosures are the not-so-docile animals, including mountain lions, bobcats and a gray wolf, examples of current or past Virginia predators. One can only imagine the frustration they feel seeing all the barnyard animals so close, yet so unreachable.
In addition to the animals, Bluebird Gap Farm has a small museum with antique farm implements, a demonstration garden maintained by Hampton Master Gardeners, a playground, picnic tables and a pavilion (available for birthday parties). The farm is not an all-day affair; budget an hour or two to see the animals and exhibits. It's a nice diversion if you have "cabin fever," or if you need a break from shopping at the nearby Coliseum Mall. If you want to extend your visit a bit longer, there's a walking path that takes you past cotton fields and a small lake.
While in Hampton, you may want to take a short drive down Mercury Boulevard to Air Power Park, a small indoor and outdoor museum devoted to the history of aeronautics in Hampton. At Air Power Park you can see historical photos and displays, and browse the outdoor displays of vintage aircraft, missiles, and other aviation hardware. Don't miss the Mercury space capsule similar to the one John Glenn used on his first mission; you'll be amazed at how small it is. Air Power Park isn't very large, you can see it all in fifteen minutes to a half-hour.
Particulars:
Admission to Bluebird Gap Farm is free. The farm is located at 60 Pine Chapel Road in Hampton. To get there take exit 263B (Mercury Boulevard) off I-64. Turn right at the first light (Coliseum Drive), and turn right again at the next light (Pine Chapel Road). You'll cross a bridge over I-64; the farm's driveway will be immediately on your left. The farm is open 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. year-round, but is closed Mondays, Tuesdays and some holidays. For more information, call 757-727-6739.
Air Power Park is located at 413 West Mercury Boulevard in Hampton. Admission
and parking are free. Take I-64 exit 263B and stay on Mercury Boulevard.
The park will be on your right (just after you cross over John Glenn Bridge).
It is open all year, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed on Thanksgiving,
Christmas, and New Year's Day). For information, call 757-727-1163.
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© 1999 By Brian Wasson