When the English travelers aboard the Susan Constant in 1607 reached the mouth of what we now call the Chesapeake Bay, they came upon a stretch of sea that was steady and calm. They promptly named the spot “Point Comfort.”

Today the original Point Comfort lighthouse is situated on the historic army base, Fort Monroe. It is in the city of Hampton, Virginia. 

Hampton has endured since 1610 without interruption. It has been a strategic point of comfort—throughout battles to space exploration, since that first historic sighting aboard the Susan Constant.  

Growing up here, I recall being taught that Hampton is “the oldest continuously English speaking settlement in the New World.”

That was a mouthful then and it is a mouthful now. But nonetheless, it always gave me a sense of pride knowing we've been about progress a long while...since the original inhabitants called this area home.

So get comfortable...wipe the sand off your toes. If you're looking for the best place to find a crabcake sandwich, you'll find it here. Drop us a line if you have your own ideas. We look forward to hearing from you. You can  contact us at our e-mail address: editor@hamptonbythesea.com.

Come to Buckroe Beach and sit. Listen to the seagulls and pounding waves. Walk along the downtown Hampton pier and waterfront. Watch the tethered boats bob gently in the harbor. See how the Virginia Air and Space Museum seems poised for flight, like a giant seabird. Breathe in the smell of Hampton. Eat at a local coffee house, restaurant or diner. Go see an art show in Phoebus. There’s so much to do. Lots of lovely happenings are taking place.

©Point Comfort 2007