Cavalier
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 the Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club, and in May of that same year the Cavalier hosted its first annual horse show. Quite a well-rounded venue, wouldn’t you agree?Other guests of note include F. Scott Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Will Rogers, Better Davis, Jean Harlow, Mary Pickford, and Betty Grable.On October 3, 1942 the Cavalier was used to house the U.S. Navy as they operated a Radar Training School on the hotel’s grounds. The stables (previously mentioned in conjunction with the hotel’s horse shows) were needed to house additional sailors and were converted to living quarters. During the WWII blackout the swimming pool water was drained and it was used as a classroom!In 1973 the Cavalier Oceanfront was opened and it was then decided that the original Cavalier (renamed Cavalier on the Hill) would be closed (which it was until it was reopened in 1976 due in part to popular demand).And so it is today that there are two Cavaliers: the original Cavalier on the Hill and the Cavalier Oceanfront, with a combined total occupancy of 400 rooms.The Cavalier on the Hill has an indoor pool, two clay tennis courts, a library, and a croquet lawn. The Cavalier Oceanfront has an outdoor pool that is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, half-court basketball, beach volleyball, and beach rentals.Dining options abound with options such as the Hunt Room Grill and the Dolphin Lounge as well as a Kid’s Caf.While staying at either of the Cavaliers guests are mere minutes from the Virginia Aquarium, the Contemporary Art Center of Virginia, and many other fun attractions that are sure to delight.So when you’re next visiting Virginia Beach, why not consider a stay at the historic Cavalier? If you can’t stay, maybe just drop by for a drink or a meal at one of the restaurants so you can get up-close-and-personal to some incredible history.