The Cape Henry Lighthouses sit at none other than the Cape Henry, guarding the Chesapeake Bay. Cape Henry is known as the “First Landing.” The first lighthouse was built in 1792 and is still standing tall. A visit to Cape Henry and the Cape Henry Lighthouses is a historical must see.
The Cape Henry Lighthouses guard the Chesapeake Bay and have been since 1792. The original construction was the first U.S. government authorized lighthouse after the Revolutionary War, standing as the fourth oldest lighthouse in the country. In 1881, the second lighthouse was built and is still in use today. Preservation Virginia owns and maintains the old Cape Henry Lighthouse, and the U.S. Coast Guard maintains and operates the new Cape Henry Lighthouse.
This destination is rich with history. Cape Henry, also known as the “First Landing,” can be further explored in First Landing State Park. The story of Willis Augustus Hodges is also rooted in Cape Henry’s history. “Willis Augustus Hodges served as the first African American lighththouse keeper at the Cape Henry Lighthouse from May 10 to July 26, 1870.” (Collins, Preservation Virginia, 2023). These stories continue to be preserved for generations to come as well as the lighthouses. Both lighthouses have been deemed National Historic Landmarks.
Hikes to the top of the original lighthouse are offered seasonally. The 191 steps to the top provide incredible panoramic views. This destination is only seven miles from our Virginia Beach location, where you can stock up on hydration, sunglasses, binoculars, and shoes before hand.
Expert Picks
Laura CooperThe Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack is my go-to bag from weekend getaways to overseas adventures. The zipper compartments provide the perfect amount of organization, and the hip belt is comfortable while walking through airports or cobblestone streets… once you travel without a roller bag once you’ll never look back!
Raleigh
Drew WilliamsThe 360 Fusion seat is a game changer! Being able to cast at any angle and turn around to manage gear is amazing. And even with a 4 years old behind and a 2 year old in front it paddled just fine.
Charlottesville
Stacy MurphyThis Outdoor Everyday Rain jacket is the perfect blend of a classic look with modern fabrics. I LOVE the look and feel of this completely waterproof jacket. I highly recommend this piece for anyone wanting a more casual style to go with any outfit.
Raleigh
Hailey ValdezThe Toad & Co Chaka Wide Leg Pants are the epitome of comfort and style all in one. Made from soft, sustainable fabric with just the right amount of stretch, they’re perfect for lounging, traveling, or dressing up for class. The wide-leg fit is trendy while being laid-back, thus perfect for any occasion.
Greenville
Swain LewisThe Men’s Light Cushion Crew Sock from Smartwool is my year-round go-to sock! Whether it’s 10 degrees or 100 degrees, it always keeps my feet free from cold, sweat and friction commonly causing blisters. They stay in place and fit the same whether i just put them on or I’m about to take them off.
Winston-Salem
Eric ShreenanEagle Creek’s Pack-it Isolate Compression Cubes kept me organized on my latest excursion overseas, allowing me to fit everything comfortably into my carry-on. They’re perfect for keeping clean and dirty laundry contained and took the frustration out of what can be a stressful element of travel.
Raleigh
Bill HoffmannYear 1999. I purchased my first Arc’teryx jacket for a Colorado ski trip. Sapphire Blue. Like a steamer chest, it journeyed with me on countless adventures…over the next 20 years. After two decades, it was finally replaced in 2019. Eden Green. Wonder what color I will choose for my next purchase in 2040. Fire Engine Red?
Greensboro
Chase ChristiansonI’ve become a lifelong fan of just about any Smith sunglass I’ve put my hands on. As long as the Guide’s Choice fit on your head, there isn’t a better fishing sunglass you could find. The color correction, tapered lenses, and clarity help me spot fish faster than anything else I’ve ever tried.
Virginia Beach
Bittu AliWith 22 lbs. of floatation, my immediate thought was the Indus would feel bulkier than the excellent GreenJacket. I could not have been more wrong. The secret sauce to the supremely flexible fit is Astral’s FoamTectonics (sliding foam plates). I can’t think of a downside to choosing the Indus as your go-to Class V WW/Rescue/Big Water PFD.
Raleigh
Stefka CoccarelliThe Front Range Harness is a great everyday harness for any dog owner. I love that it has two points of contact for a leash–one on the back, and one on the front (great for those dogs that tend to pull a little bit more). It’s also super quick to put on, which let’s you and your dog get out the door even faster to explore the world outside!
Raleigh
Amie ScottI love these shoes. I use them everytime I go kayaking. They are lightweight, allow my feet to have flexibility in my boat, dry quickly, and are machine washable. I have them in 3 different colors!
Chapel Hill
Evan ShaferThe Fishpond Nomad Net Series is an awesome range of durable, high quality nets ready for any trip, whether it be to your neighborhood pond chasing bass and carp or out to your favorite trout stream. They are sure to carry any size fish you can fit in them!
Charlottesville
Additional Resources
Photos By: Preservation Virginia