Top Things to Do in Hopewell & the Tri-Cities This Summer.

Summer is in full swing here in Hopewell, and the Tri-Cities area is buzzing with activity from the Appomattox River to downtown Petersburg and all the way to Fort Gregg-Adams. Whether you have lived in Crescent Hills Annex for years or you are house-hunting and want to know what the neighborhood is really like in July and August, this curated guide covers the local restaurants, riverfront fun, family outings, and events that make summer 2026 one to remember.

Riverfront Dining That Defines the Season

Nothing says summer in Hopewell like a meal overlooking the Appomattox River. The Boathouse at City Point is the undisputed local favorite — set right on the water with an outdoor deck that catches every breeze off the river. Their seafood lineup and craft cocktails make it an ideal spot for date night or a family dinner after a day on the water. It is also one of the best places to catch the sunset over the river, so aim for a late reservation.

Over in Petersburg, Trapezium Brewing Co. brings a lively taproom and gastropub menu in a converted historic building on 3rd Street. Their outdoor seating area and rotating seasonal brews make it a great stop for a summer afternoon. A few blocks away, The Brickhouse Run on Cockade Alley serves elevated Southern comfort food in a cozy brick-walled setting with a popular rooftop bar.

Closer to home in Hopewell itself, Good Ship Brewing & Eatery on East Cawson Street offers a casual neighborhood brewpub vibe just a few minutes from the house. It is the kind of place where you can walk in, grab a local IPA, and chat with folks who have lived in the neighborhood for decades.

Can't-Miss Summer Events & Festivals

The Hopewell events calendar is packed from now through September. The signature event of the season was Hooray for Hopewell: History 250 Celebration (June 27), which brought thousands to downtown and Appomattox Manor for live music, food vendors, and fireworks over the river. But the summer fun is far from over.

The Beacon Theatre on N Main Street is also hosting an incredible summer lineup — from Stewart Copeland (The Police drummer, August 7) to Tommy Emmanuel (August 16) to the High Kings (August 14). It is an intimate venue where even the back rows feel close to the stage. I wrote a full events guide with the complete Beacon schedule through fall.

Outdoor Adventures on the River & Beyond

Living minutes from the Appomattox River means summer weekends are made for being outside. The Hopewell City Marina and its adjacent boat landing are a quick drive from Crescent Hills Annex — pack a cooler, launch the kayak or jon boat, and spend the afternoon exploring the river. If you do not have a boat, the Hopewell Riverwalk offers a scenic paved path along the riverbank, perfect for a morning jog, an evening stroll with the dog, or teaching the kids to ride a bike.

A 10-minute drive north takes you to R. Garland Dodd Park at Point of Rocks in Chester. This 80-acre park on the Appomattox features walking trails, a fishing pier, a playground, picnic shelters, and a boat launch — ideal for a full Saturday outing. For a more historic hike, the Petersburg National Battlefield trail system offers miles of walking and biking paths through Civil War earthworks and forest. The main trailhead is off Siege Road in Petersburg, about 15 minutes from the house.

If you are looking for a thrill, Tree Time Adventures in Prince George (just off Courthouse Road) is a high-ropes and zip-line course winding through the trees. It is a blast for kids and adults alike, and the summer hours mean you can book an evening session when the heat breaks.

Family-Friendly Summer Fun

Summer with kids in Hopewell is all about simplicity and outdoor time. City Point Playground on Allen Avenue is a well-maintained community playground with equipment for all ages — great for letting the little ones run off energy before or after a walk along the river. Atwater Park on Atwater Road offers open fields for soccer, frisbee, or a picnic under the shade trees.

The City of Hopewell runs summer camps through August with weekly themes covering art, sports, nature, and STEM. Day camps run Monday through Friday with extended care options for working parents — check the City of Hopewell website for availability.

For a day trip, head to Hanover Sports Park for mini golf or Sky Zone Richmond for indoor trampolines and climbing walls — both are about a 30-minute drive and save well for a scorching afternoon when you want air conditioning and active fun.

What's New Near Fort Gregg-Adams

This summer marks the Army's 250th Birthday celebration, and Fort Gregg-Adams has expanded public access to its museum enclave outside the main gate. The Quartermaster Museum and U.S. Army Women's Museum are both open to the public and offer fascinating exhibits on military history and the role of women in the armed forces. The Ordnance Training Support Facility, which houses historic vehicles and weapons from the former U.S. Army Ordnance Museum, has had increased visiting hours this year in honor of the anniversary.

On base, Battle Drive outdoor movies continue behind the Fort Gregg-Adams Club on select summer evenings — a relaxed way for military families to enjoy a movie night without leaving post. Check the Fort MWR page for the latest schedule.

For families in the middle of a PCS move, this area is one of the most family-friendly military relocation destinations on the East Coast. Hopewell's proximity to Fort Gregg-Adams — about 10 minutes from 204 Prince George Ave — means less windshield time and more time settling in and exploring your new community. I specialize in military relocations as an MRP-certified agent, and I know firsthand how much it helps to land in a neighborhood where summer actually feels like summer.

Listed by Shannon Russell | Licensed Realtor 804-803-1080 | www.Agent.ShannonsHomeList.com