Day trip

Hampton, Virginia, celebrates 400th anniversary

What: Hampton, Va., is celebrating its 400th anniversary with a weekend of festivities, including the 11th Annual Blackbeard Pirate Festival, complete with a Grand Pirates Ball. Also on tap is the Hampton Heat 200, a NASCAR event, at Langley Speedway. Enjoy a piece of Baltimore when an anniversary cake resembling the historic St. John's Church — the oldest English-speaking parish in the America — and prepared by Duff Goldman of Charm City's Ace of Cakes, is unveiled at the Virginia Air & Space Center.

Where: Downtown Hampton.

When: The pirates ball is Thursday, but most events take place Friday through July 11

How much: Most of the events this weekend are free, except for the pirates ball, which is $40.

What's nearby: While you're there, take a trip to the newly renovated Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. The Restless Planet exhibit features 6,000 new animals, including 367 species new to the aquarium.

Information: Go to hampton400.com and blackbeardpiratefestival.com.

Kayla Cross, The Baltimore Sun