400 Years Forward in Hampton, Virginia

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400 Years Forward

During a girls’ trip, weekend four friends got to immerse and experience the history in Hampton, Virginia. In 1619 20 and odd Africans arrived at Point Comfort. After a journey on a Dutch vessel called the White Lion, Africans were brought to shore. The 20 and odd were the first Africans brought to English North America. Four hundred years forward, Hampton celebrates the 20 and odd Africans’ legacy and how they helped shape America’s African-American History.

Simply Panache

Four friends set out to examine Hampton’s African-American history and also to enjoy a long weekend. We were not disappointed. We arrived on a Thursday afternoon via Southwest Airlines in Norfolk, VA. After renting a car from Enterprise, we had a twenty-minute drive to our hotel in Hampton. Simply Panache Place is a boutique hotel located in the National Historic District, Phoebus. The hotel has two suites, and guests will feel like they are home. Each suite consists of two bedrooms, a living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, and beautiful decor. It was four of us, so we asked for rollaway beds to accommodate us all. Street parking is available, and the hotel is easily accessible for guests. 

Check-in for Simply Panache is across the street at the Mango Mangeux Restaurant. The Simply Panache Groupe owns the hotel and the restaurant. The sister businesses include Simply Panache Pedi and Medi Spa, Noir Night Club, The Hampton, Charlottes Cafeteria, and Mangeux. Lakesha Brown-Renfro, Tanecia Willis, and Nzinga Teule-Hekima, the three African-American women owners, were on Shark Tank a few years ago. There they featured their mango preserves; however, they did not get a deal with a shark. Instead, they began to build their empire.

After checking in and decompressing for a couple of hours, it’s time for dinner. Our first dinner in Hampton was at Mango Mangeux. We were not disappointed at all. The drinks and food were delicious. Not only did we start our food coma at Mango Mangeux for dinner, but we also ate breakfast for the next two days. The beignets with the mango cream oozing out of the warmth are heavenly!

Later that evening, we walked to Noir, a Simply Panache Lounge. It is a members-only lounge, but the general manager gave us a pass for the evening. Noir’s ambiance is sleek yet comfortable. We were a part of the over 55 crowd in the house, but the music had us moving to the beat. We still have some pep in our step. It was a fun time!

Fort Monroe

Our day began with breakfast at Mango Mangeux. After filling our bellies, we drove to Fort Monroe. From the hotel, it was a very short drive. It is a walkable distance. The building of the fort began in 1819 and was completed in 1834. It was decommissioned in 2011 and became a unit of the National Park System the same year. During our excursion to the Fort Monroe grounds, we visited the Visitors Center and the Casemate Museum. Tours are self-led due to the pandemic, and you must receive timed entry tickets. 

On tour through the Casemate Museum, we chronicled the military history of Fort Monroe. We learned that Fort Algernourne was constructed in 1609 and eventually replaced. The fascinating history is the African-American historical experience. As previously stated, 20 and odd enslaved Africans arrived at Point Comfort in Virginia, where Fort Monroe now stands. Their arrival marked the beginning of over 200 years of slavery in America. 

Fort Monroe also played an important historical role during the Civil War. The fort’s nickname was Freedom’s Fortress; It gained the nickname because, in May 1861, three runaway slaves made their way to Fort Monroe. The men were deemed “contraband of war” by Major General Benjamin F. Butler and not returned to the slave owners. The names of the three men were Shepherd Mallory, Frank Baker, and James Townsend.

Butler refused to uphold the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850. He also claimed as slaves; slave owners used the men to enhance the enemy’s military strength. By definition, the three men fit the definition of contraband and could be confiscated. It is a fascinating story, and because of Butler’s decision, word spread quickly. Soon over 900 slaves escaped to Fort Monroe within a couple of months. 

Freedom’s Fortress

Along the ground of Fort Monroe are 21 sites of interest. We visited almost all of the points of interest. Still, our primary focus was on the ones that were representative of 400 Years Forward.

We found the African Landing Memorial and the First Africans in Virginia State Historical Marker. Also, the Main Gate of Fort Monroe symbolized Freedom’s Fortress, where thousands of enslaved people found freedom during the Civil War.

When visiting the grounds, you can also explore three miles of beaches, a fishing pier and marina, walking or jogging, and beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay. Watch naval ships and planes and then have a snack, ice cream, or a smoothie at the Firehouse Coffee 1881. Other dining options are The Deadrise at the Old Point Marina, Paradise Ocean Club, The Chesapeake Dining Room, and The Channel Bistro. 

Leaving Fort Monroe, the ladies and I drove to the Emancipation Oak and the Little Red Schoolhouse. Both are on the Hampton University Campus. Like many states, it was illegal to teach reading and writing skills to blacks before the Civil War. However, in Hampton, a woman named Mary Peake taught enslaved persons in her home. She was a free-born black woman and educator. She taught adults and children, and her classes were held under the limbs of the Emancipation Oak. The tree is now a National Historic Landmark and is a sight to see. A red schoolhouse sits adjacent to the tree and is one of six one-room schoolhouses that was built in 1863. 

Emancipation Oak and Hampton University

After viewing the Emancipation Oak, we explored the Hampton University Campus. One of my friends is a Hampton alumna so it was interesting getting her perspective during our visit. Hampton University opened in 1868. Originally it opened as the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute. Later in 1930, the name was changed to Hampton Institute and then Hampton University in 1984. Today, the university serves over 6,000 students from over 50 countries. 

After a long day of learning and walking, we ventured to the Grey Goose, a restaurant near downtown Hampton. We needed food and refreshments! Close by were both the Hampton History Museum and the Virginia Air and Space Center. We were unable to visit due to the late hour. The Hampton History Museum has an exhibit on Black Beach Towns, but unfortunately, I could not view it. We had a delicious meal and gained more knowledge about 400 Years Forward.

Buckroe Beach

Again, we started with breakfast at Mango Mangeux. The food is good, and it’s a quick walk across the street from Simply Panache Place. Our adventure led us to Buckroe Beach. We had perfect weather throughout our visit to Hampton, and Day Three was no exception. After driving a couple of miles to Buckroe Beach, immediately we noticed a farmers market and decided to visit before walking along the beach. 

The farmers’ market had a variety of vendors with food, jewelry, health care products, artwork, and clothing. We bought some teas, herbal supplements, and other items to support vendors.

Afterward, we walked along the beach, took photos, and visited the Engineer Pier and James T. Wilson Pier. We watched and talked to the many fishermen who filled the James T. Wilson Pier.

While walking along the beach, we sat and chatted in some of the comfortable wooden lounge chairs along the path. Being outdoors and feeling the breeze along the water was medicinal. The fresh air is also suitable for an afternoon nap!

More Food and Wine

On our last night in Hampton, we ate dinner at the Fox Trail Wine Bar. The food and wine experience were fantastic. I had a flight of wines to taste and was quite pleased with the selection. All of us left the restaurant full and happy.

While returning to the hotel, we crashed a wedding reception at The Hampton Venue. We were in the process of walking to our hotel suite when a young man invited us into the reception hall. It was pure southern hospitality, and we had an opportunity to toast the bride and groom.

400 Years of Reflection

Say it’s not over yet! Sunday morning came quickly. Our final meal was brunch at the Baker’s Wife in Hampton. The restaurant was bustling. Having brunch at the Baker’s Wife also thanked my contact at Hampton Contact and Visitors Bureau for the collaboration opportunity.

Leaving the restaurant full as ticks, we headed to the airport in Norfolk. While waiting on our flight, we reflected on all of the fun things we did during our Hampton visit. More, importantly we mused about 400 Years Forward and the priceless historical facts we learned over the weekend. Plan a trip to Hampton, Virginia soon!

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