Kaputt, I am also local and fly out of KCPK. I agree with USMC go on the road and see what there is to see. If you are out of KCPK or anywhere in the tidewater area for that matter you have to make a trip down to FFA. It is far enough to count as your long Xctry and then you can hit ECG on the way back to cover the towered airport.

As far as going up to RIC from here, pick up your flight following from ORF and they will hand you off to RIC. As mentioned before though have RIC's approach freq ready in case you get dropped and need to call on your own. RIC isn't super busy so don't stress and have fun.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions about flying local.