Arnold Palmer is lending his expertise to a new course under construction in Virginia Beach. It is the only public TPC course on the East Coast. Besides golf, other favorite outdoor activities include fishing, boating and playing in the water at the beach. Virginia Beach alone has 38 miles of shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. The region has tourist-packed beaches like those along the boardwalk as well as more secluded spots.
Shopping also is a major diversion for visitors.
For years, James City County's Williamsburg Pottery has been ranked among Virginia's biggest tourist attractions. Nearby are several outlet centers that cater to visitors ready for a break from days of sightseeing. Both Norfolk and Virginia Beach also are vying for visitors. Norfolk's main shopping attraction is MacArthur Center, a three-story mall that opened downtown last year. Its tenants include the region's only Rainforest Caf and Nordstrom store.