Chesapeake: A Scenic Gem in Virginia

• HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya
  [see yuh]
• YesYup
  [yuhp]
• NoNah
  [nuh]
• Please/You're welcomePlease and thank ya
  [pleez an thangk yuh]
• Thank youMuch obliged
  [muhch uh-blahy-jed]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me
  [pahr-dn mee]
• How are you?How y'all doin'?
  [haw yawl doo-in]
• Fine. And you?Fine, how 'bout y'all?
  [fahyn, how bawt yawl]
• Do you speak English?Y'all speak English?
  [yawl speek Ing-glish]
• I don't understandI ain't catchin' on
  [ahy ent kach-in awn]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI reckon I'll take a gander at the menu, please
  [ahy rek-uhn ayl take uh gand-er at the menu, pleez]
• I don't eat meatI don't touch meat
  [ahy dohnt tuhch meet]
• Cheers!Bottoms up!
  [bah-tuhms up]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI'll settle up, please
  [ahyl set-l up, pleez]

• Help!Lord have mercy!
  [lord hav mur-see]
• Go away!Git!
  [git]
• Call the Police!Ring up the Law!
  [ring up thuh law]
• Call a doctor!Fetch a doc!
  [fetch uh dahk]
• I'm lostI'm turned around
  [ahym turnd uh-round]
• I'm illI ain't feelin' right
  [ahy ent feel-in ryte]

• I'd like to buy...I reckon I'll buy...
  [ahy rek-uhn ayl bahy...]
• I'm just lookingI'm just browsin'
  [ahym just brow-zin]
• How much is it?What's the damage?
  [wuts thuh dam-ij]
• That's too expensiveThat's highfalutin'
  [thats hahy-fuh-loo-tin]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya do me a solid on the price?
  [kan yuh doh mee uh sol-id awn thuh prahys]

• What time is it?What's the clock say?
  [wuts thuh klok say]
• It's one o'clockIt's one on the nose
  [its wuhn on thuh nohz]
• Half past (10)Half past (10)
  [haf past (10)]
• MorningMornin'
  [morn-in]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [af-ter-noon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [eev-nin]
• YesterdayYest'day
  [yest-day]
• TodayToday
  [toh-day]
• TomorrowTomorrah
  [tu-maw-rah]
• 1One
  [wuhn]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [for]
• 5Five
  [fahyv]
• 6Six
  [siks]
• 7Seven
  [sev-uhn]
• 8Eight
  [ayt]
• 9Nine
  [nahn]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...
  [wheres thuh]
• What's the address?What's the street?
  [whuts thuh street]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out?
  [kan yuh point it out]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [whens thuh nekst bus]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [a tik-it to]

Long before European settlers arrived, the Chesapeake area was inhabited by Native American tribes, most notably the Chesepian people. They lived in fortified villages and engaged in farming, fishing, and hunting. Their rich culture and advanced agricultural practices laid the groundwork for the area's future development.

The first European settlers arrived in the early 1600s, drawn by the fertile lands and strategic waterways. Chesapeake played a crucial role in the expansion of the Virginia Colony. These early settlements were often troubled by conflicts with Native American tribes, but they eventually established a thriving agricultural economy based on tobacco.

The mysterious and vast Great Dismal Swamp, which encompasses parts of Chesapeake, has a storied history. It served as a refuge for escaped enslaved people, known as maroons, during the 18th and 19th centuries. The swamp was also a site of extensive timber and agricultural operations in the 19th century.

Chesapeake's strategic location made it a significant site during the Civil War. The city saw multiple skirmishes and military movements. One notable event was the Battle of Great Bridge in 1775, where American forces secured a crucial victory against British troops, furthering the cause of independence.

In the early 19th century, Chesapeake became a hub of transportation and commerce with the construction of the Dismal Swamp Canal. This canal, one of the oldest in the United States, facilitated trade and movement between the Chesapeake Bay and Albemarle Sound, boosting the local economy.

Chesapeake experienced significant industrial growth in the 20th century. The establishment of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard and other military installations brought economic prosperity and population growth. The development of suburban neighborhoods transformed Chesapeake into a modern, bustling city.

Today, Chesapeake is a blend of rich cultural heritage and modern development. The city celebrates its history through various museums, historic sites, and annual events. The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge offers a glimpse into the area's natural beauty and historical significance.

Chesapeake, Virginia is accessible by several means. The nearest major airport is Norfolk International Airport (ORF), located about 15 miles northeast of Chesapeake. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use ride-sharing services to reach Chesapeake. If you prefer traveling by train, the nearest Amtrak station is in Norfolk, from where you can take a taxi or bus to Chesapeake. Interstate highways I-64 and I-464 also provide convenient access by car.

Chesapeake offers various transportation options. Renting a car is recommended for exploring the area, as public transportation can be limited. The Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) provides bus services that connect Chesapeake with neighboring cities like Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available. Biking is an option for local travel, especially along the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail.

The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available throughout the city for cash withdrawals. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or in rural areas where card payments might not be accepted.

Chesapeake is generally a safe destination for tourists, but it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Some neighborhoods have higher crime rates, so it's advisable to research or ask locals about which areas to avoid. Areas to be cautious in include parts of South Norfolk and certain sections of Deep Creek.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Chesapeake has several medical facilities, including Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, which provides comprehensive emergency services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and seasonally appropriate. Chesapeake has a casual dress code, but it’s good to dress slightly more formally when dining out in nicer restaurants. Religion: Do respect local religious customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people politely. A handshake is common in formal settings, while a simple 'hello' suffices in casual encounters. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood delicacies and accept hospitality graciously. Don’t be loud or disruptive in public places, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Chesapeake like a local, visit the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and bird watching. Enjoy the local seafood at one of the many waterfront restaurants. Engage with locals at community events like the Chesapeake Jubilee and the Virginia Wine Festival. For a unique experience, explore the historic sites along the Chesapeake African American Heritage Trail.