Think Outside the Beach

January 10th, 2012

Whether you’re visiting from a place where you had to set your ADT Palm Beach before leaving home or you’re flying in from the rainy shores of Seattle, there’s something for everyone in Virginia Beach! If you’re looking for things to do, we’ve got you covered:
Rent a Bike: There are numerous rental shops along the boardwalk and you can ride around the area, too! With miles of trails and tons of safe places to let the kids roam biking is one of the favorite pasttimes at the beach.
Surf and Sand: Happened on one of those rare rainy days at the beach? Surf and Sand is the area’s newest remodeled movie theater and you can buy dinner and drinks with your movie to boot! It’s a novel concept and locals are loving it.
Downtown VA Beach: Most tourists never venture outside the sands but if you go a few miles inland you’ll come to the gleaming new downtown Virginia Beach. With restaurants, shops and tons of nightlife this is an area you won’t want to miss while you’re here.

Five Star Accomodations Near Virginia Beach

April 30th, 2011

Whether you are planning a vacation or a complete relocation, Virginia Beach is the right place for you and your family. There is so much to see and do that you will never hear anyone say that they are bored. You and your family can take a trip to the aquarium that not only entertains your sences, but also gives an educational experience that you will never forget. If you are more into the active type of entertainment styles, then slip on over to the water park. Here you will find 16 rip roaring water slides that Read the rest of this entry »

Relocating Your Family to Virginia Beach

April 15th, 2011

If you love beaches, then Virginia Beach is for you. Virginia Beach, Virginia has the reputation of being the most populated city in Hampton Roads with a population of 437,994. The beautiful city sits right at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay on the Virginian Coast of the Atlantic and is the easternmost city of the Hampton Roads region. The resort city of Virginia Beach consists of sandy beaches and hundreds of hotels and motels along the beach.

The city has a total area of 497.3 square miles and is located in the far southeastern corner of Virginia. Virginia Read the rest of this entry »

Finding Sun and Fun in Virginia Beach

April 1st, 2011

According to The Guiness Book of World Records, Virginia Beach, Virginia boasts the world’s longest recreational beach but if you’re looking for something to do besides dipping your feet into the Atlantic Ocean, there are lots of other things to do and see.

One of the most fantastic things to experience is a view of the unique Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel from a double decker Adventure Cruise ship. This bridge is a combination bridge and tunnel. As you drive across this span between the western shore and the eastern shore of Virginia, just when Read the rest of this entry »

Hit the Streets: The Yuengling Shamrock Marathon

January 20th, 2011

If you’ve been looking for a reason to get to Virginia Beach before the summer weather bears down from above you might want to hit the streets for the 2011 Yuengling Shamrock Marathon (or the less demanding Anthem Marathon, Townebank 8K, or Operation Smile Final Mile) which starts on Atlantic Avenue in Virginia Beach and ends on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.Highlights of the race include:

  • Over 24,000 participants with all 50 states being represented
  • Start times of 7am and 8am
  • Free concerts and everyone gets a medal
  • Scenic oceanfront course with an average temperature of 57 degrees
  • Since Yuengling is one of the sponsors, you know there’s going to be plenty of it!

Additionally, should you have your hopes and sights set on the Boston Marathon, the Shamrock serves as a qualifying race for the 2012 Boston event. Also, Runner’s World ranked the Shamrock Marathon as the “cream of the crop, the race to run” so you know it’s one of the best organized events available.Also, for those who truly want to turn a good day into a good deed, you can bring a non-perishable food item to the Sports and Fitness Expo to help fight hunger in Southeastern Virginia.Check out the Shamrock Marathon website for information on registration.

Visiting Jamestown

December 26th, 2010

If you’re visiting Virginia Beach you definitely need to plan time to visit nearby historic Jamestown situated on the banks of the James River. The site was home to the first permanent English settlement in North America and it is where Captain John Smith and Pocahontas walked. In the two hundred years following the arrival of the English, the island landscape evolved from a seat of government to large plantations owned by the Ambler and Travis families. From the island’s rim, Confederate forts guarded the river channel during the Civil War. Today, the Island Drive affords views of the island, James River, the marshlands, and regenerating forest. Jamestown can be explored in any number of ways. The three/five mile island loop drive of the island can be walked, ran, or biked and nature lovers will enjoy the wide assortment of species to be found like the bald eagle, raccoon, opossum, red tail fox, and mink (many of whom had ancestors who no doubt provided pelts for warmth to the early settlers). The park’s guided tours focus on America’s beginnings and visitors can learn Read the rest of this entry »

Parks

November 14th, 2010

Sure, the beach is a lot of fun. But sometimes it’s nice to run your toes in some grass instead of sand, and if you’ve got the urge to do just that, check out the following list of some nearby parks.Bayville Farms Park located at 4132 First Court Road is a 68-acre park established in 1978 through the cooperative efforts of the City of Virginia Beach, the National Park Service, and Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation. Of special interest is the 20-hole disc golf course, the first such course in Virginia Beach. Also of interest is the park’s fishing pond, horseshoe pits, shuffleboard courts, and walking trail.Great Neck Park was established in 1990 and is a 70-acre district park located along the banks of the Lynnhaven Bay at 2513 Shorehaven Drive. The gazebo and Lynnhaven Bay overlook are popular sites for weddings. You may also enjoy exploring the pathways through the wooded areas of the park as well as the volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, family picnic tables and the five large group shelters.Red Wing Park is a 97-acre park that was developed in 1966 by the City as a family, general use park and is located at 1398 General Booth Blvd. The property was acquired by the County in 1879 and was formerly known as the “Old City Poor Farm.” Red Wing Park is home to many gardens, including the Reba S. McClananFragrance Garden,established through the joint efforts of Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation and the Council of Garden Clubs of Virginia Beach, and the Miyazaki Japanese Garden. Also of interest is the park’s dog park, one of city’s two such canine parks (the other being located at Woodstock Community Park located at 5709 Providence Road).Mt. Trashmore Park encompasses 165 acres and is comprised of two man-made mountains, two lakes, two playgrounds, a skate park and vert ramp, and multi-use paths. The main mountain, Mount Trashmore, now 60 feet in height and 800 feet long, was created by compacting layers of solid waste and clean soil. Recognized for its environmental feat, this former land fill features a water-wise garden that boasts xeriscaping, where you can enjoy a beautiful garden that requires minimal water. Located at 310 Edwin Drive.False Cape State Park is a mile-wide barrier spit between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Access is limited to hiking, bicycling, or boating, and while it may not be “traditional” grass like park setting, the 4300 acres provides 15.3 miles of trails and extensive environmental education opportunities in one of the last undisturbed coastal environments on the East Coast. From Interstate 64, exit on to Indian River Road East. Go 13 miles, then turn left onto Newbridge Road, then right onto Sandbridge Road. Next, turn right onto Sandpiper Road to Little Island City Park. Parking fees required Memorial Day to Labor Day. Day use only parking also is available at Back Bay Wildlife Refuge. This is about a 40 minute drive from Virginia Beach’s oceanfront to the Little Island city parking lot.

Seafood Restaurants

November 11th, 2010

You’re at the beach and your mouth is probably watering for some delicious seafood, right? If so, here’s a selection for you to consider:The 22nd Street Raw Bar & Grille offers a full menu including fresh local seafood, pasta, and steaks. Known for their blackened tuna sandwich and pound burger, the restaurant also has a full selection of beer, wine, and liquor. Located at 101 22nd Street .Awful Arthur’s Oyster Bar has been in Virginia Beach for over 24 years. This family owned business strives to bring customers the best in atmosphere and great food, all at a reasonable price. Choose from favorites like Blackened Tuna Bites or Oysters “Awfuller” as appetizers and Fried Oysters or a Scallop Platter for entre options. And if salad is on your list, try the Awful’s Wedge Salad which his sure to delight. And yes, there is a full raw bar to choose from, too! Located at 1630 General Booth Blvd.Catch 31 Fish House and Bar is an exciting, multi-venue seafood dining experience and offers an extensive menu of fresh seafood and a variety of seating options. Interior dining sections and the raw bar feature views of the display kitchen’s hardwood grill. Outdoor terraces with firepits for cool weather overlook the Read the rest of this entry »

Cavalier

November 9th, 2010

If you want to experience some history in Virginia Beach during your next visit, then head on over to the Boardwalk for some fun-in-the-sun and also enjoy some memories from the past when you visit the Cavalier Hotel.The Cavalier was opened on Memorial Day in 1929 and has been used by seven US Presidents including Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and Richard Nixon as well as being a popular venue for big band greats such as Tommy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra, Glen Miller and Bing Crosby to name just a few.Also opened on the same date was Read the rest of this entry »