One thing we look for when my family of three visits an area is the “walkability.” We’ve got a few favorite spots that offer that in a downtown setting—Asheville in North Carolina, Hot Springs in Arkansas, and Gatlinburg in Tennessee immediately come to mind.
But what about additional modes of transportation? Options that get you from point A to point B when it’s too lengthy for foot traffic? Virginia’s coastal region has some incredible (and unique) options for that. So if you’re looking for a new way to get around, you’ll definitely enjoy today’s lead story—and I certainly hope you do because I’m so glad you’re here.
Looking for more fun things to do in the area? Check out these stories while you’re at it:
✅ 24 things to do in Virginia Beach this October
✅ 14 completely free things to do in Virginia Beach
✅ 5 Virginia Beach breweries every beer lover should visit
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Your thoughts about voting could inspire someone else. Tell us what’s motivating you in a short, selfie-style video, and we may feature it in our newsletter or on social.*
Tell us why you’re voting →
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Ride the Elizabeth River Ferry to go between Norfolk and Portsmouth. (Hampton Roads Transit)
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By Aila Boyd
Here’s what you need to know: From bike and kayak rentals to public trolleys and ferries, here’s your guide to coastal Virginia without using a car.
Our top picks:
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Cherie’s Bicycle & Beach Rentals has been helping people get around Virginia Beach without a car since 1984. Cherie’s has an impressive 11 locations along the Boardwalk. Available bikes include large family bikes, small family bikes, beach cruisers, tandems, and three-wheelers.
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The Hampton Roads Transit offers easy access to the area’s most popular destinations through the VB Wave Trolley and Bayfront Shuttle. It operates routes in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Hampton, Norfolk, Newport News, and Portsmouth.
- The Elizabeth River Ferry is a 150-passenger vessel that goes between Norfolk’s Waterside District in downtown and Portsmouth’s North Landing and High Street on the Elizabeth River. It offers a great way to take in views of the cities from the river’s unique vantage point.
Want more modes of transportation? We’ve got additional ideas at the link below.
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I like people with a plan, and Meredith D. messaged in with a good one earlier this week when we asked our readers about local issues.
“I wish every data center would be required to:
- Power itself sustainably, i.e. solar and wind energy
- Recycle the water they use 100% with the goal being zero drain on local water supply, with fines for overuse
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Plant a tree belt surrounding the center sufficient to reduce noise pollution to acceptable levels for the location
- Plant one tree for every tree they cut down to build.”
Meredith, we can’t thank you enough for sharing your ideas with us. It’s easy to complain; it’s a lot harder to come up with solutions—and we really love the ones you presented.
Have something to add? My inbox is always open to you.
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By Michael O’Connor
Barbara Anderson joined the crowd of No Kings demonstrators on South Washington Street in Alexandria on Oct. 17.
She told Dogwood that mass demonstrations worked in the 1960s to protect voting rights and they are needed again today.
“We’ll do this as often as we need to,” Anderson said. “It made a difference in the ’60s, and we’re hoping to make a difference now.”
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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Knowles. Amie is a lifelong Virginia resident and mom to a fantastic 8-year-old who loves Pokémon. This edition includes stories from Aila Boyd and Michael O’Connor. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.
Dogwood is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.
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NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOTING, REGISTERING TO VOTE, OR PROOF OF VOTING IS NOT REQUIRED. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. and D.C., 18+. Entry Period: 12:00 a.m. ET 10/19/26 – 11:59 p.m. ET 10/23/26. Void where prohibited. Subject to Official Rules. Sponsor: Courier Newsroom, Inc.
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