Several defining features draw your attention as you get close to Hayes, Virginia -- the York River and Chesapeake Bay, as well as historical sites that mark the area's involvement in the settling and shaping of America, including roles in the Revolutionary and Civil wars. Hayes is an unincorporated community along U.S. Highway 17 in Gloucester County, located about 2 miles north of Gloucester Point, in eastern Virginia.
On the Water
- From the Crown Pointe Marina on the York River in Hayes, you can get to the wide water of Chesapeake Bay for fishing, boating, sightseeing or sailing. The small harbor offers services if you own a boat or if you want to hop on a charter for a day touring the historic bay. Another waterway to explore is Mobjack Bay, where you can watch for shorebirds and migrating waterfowl. The bay is across the peninsula, about 15 miles east of Hayes; public access is from White's Neck peninsula. Expect to see osprey, brown pelican, terns and gulls during summer, and in winter look for tundra swans, loons and ducks.
Park and Beach Play
- Combine a large, shady grass area with sand and a swimming beach and it adds up to Gloucester Point Beach Park, about 2 miles south of Hayes. In the park you can play volleyball or lawn games on the grass; at the beach you can swim, sunbathe, or fish from the pier. Bring food for a picnic or the charcoal grill; tables located throughout the park are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you'd rather not prepare food, check out the seasonal concession stand at the beach house where the restrooms and outdoor shower are located. For another beach destination, head across the George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge to 10-acre Yorktown Beach Park, 3 miles south of Hayes. There's room to walk on the 2-acre sandy beach, or swim, fish and boat where the York River meets the bay.
Historical Sites
- The self-guided interpretative trail at Tyndall's Point Park walks you through the park's history -- from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War -- and see where Confederate troops built earth works in 1861 to defend against attack. The park is less than 2 miles south of Hayes. Next, travel 1 mile south to Yorktown Battlefield, where you'll be immersed in the events of the Revolutionary War at the site of the last major battle for independence. The 7-mile battlefield tour road gives a close-up view of the 1781 siege. There are battlefields, heroes, cemeteries and events to become acquainted with throughout this history-rich region. Spend a day visiting Colonial Williamsburg, a restored and recreated village that takes you back in time and into the homes, taverns and shops of Virginia's 18th-century capital. There are daily guided and self-guided tours throughout Williamsburg, which is less than 20 miles west of Hayes.
Cultural Events
- So much of life in this region revolves around the water, and the methods and crafts of the area's watermen are the focus at Watermen’s Museum in Yorktown. You can participate in educational field trips, summer-camp programs and volunteer opportunities. Take time to browse Gloucester's antique shops and art galleries for a look at primitive, vintage and antique furniture and collectibles. If you can, plan your visit to the area around one of the free summer performances by the Fifes and Drums of York Town. The corps dates back to the Revolutionary War when the drummer and the fife -- or flute -- player set the cadence for soldiers marching into battle. Today, the group marches and performs dressed in authentic, colorful reproductions of Continental Army uniforms.
