Monday, July 11, 2011

Oh To Be In Virginia Beach- Ten Reasons I'd Want to Visit

I went to the Virginia Beach web site to do some research for
 this article & this is what I found:

Outdoors

Well, suffice it to say. . .
 They Had Me At Hello!

It didn't take long for me to find
"Ten Reasons I'd Want to Visit Virginia Beach"
(by the way, I think you'd like it too!)


1. Besides the obvious, "great time at a beautiful beach"- did you know that Virginia Beach has a fireworks program that lasts throughout the summer months and up until the end of September?
I was thrilled to hear it. Twice a week, on Wednesday and Sunday evening, you can enjoy a spectacular fireworks display right from the beach. The best part of all is that it is free!

2. I would most definitely have to visit the Virginia Aquarium. We love aquariums and the
Virginia Aquarium is on our "to do" list! As home to more than 300 different species of animals, it is sure to entertain and educate the entire family. A day at the Aquarium includes a visit to both the
Bay & Ocean Pavilion, and the Marsh Pavilion, with a nature trail linking the two.
Adult admission is only $27.00 and includes an Imax film- child's admission
with the movie is just $21.00.


3. With our Aquarium ticket purchase we could get a discount on the "Rudee Explorer"
and for just $5.00 enjoy a 30 minute boat tour of Owl Creek Salt Marsh.

4. I am an art lover and although I sometimes have to drag my boys along- there is something
for everyone to enjoy at the Contemporary Art Center of Virginia. Even my boys would love
the Free Family Fest hosted by the Center with scavenger hunts and hands on activities.

5. The Discovery Channel (among others) touts the Virginia Beach boardwalk as one of America's
finest. Originally built in 1888, the boardwalk holds a significant place in the history of the area.
It now extends for 3 miles and includes a separate bike path. I can imagine our family biking and roller-blading along the quaint pathway, visiting local ice cream shops and stores.

6. We have recently taken up "paddle boarding". The boys have been practicing. Virginia Beach is the perfect place to enjoy  a day out on a paddle board!


7. The Cape Henry Lighthouse is a must see as it is the first federally funded lighthouse ever built. It is not only available for tours, but stands in an area rich with history. The waters surrounding the area mark the spot where 19 British ships were staved off by the French- thus ensuring the capture
of General Cornwallis and effectively ending the Revolutionary War.

8. The First Landing State Park holds both historical and recreational value for visitors. It is high on our list of priorities in Virgina. There is camping and cabin rental available. There are tours available and kayak rentals- right up our alley!

9. Hiking is a family favorite, and the First Landing State Park is home to about 19 miles of trails just ripe for exploring.

10. One word- Surfing!   


The most difficult part of writing this article was in limiting the "Reasons I'd Like to Visit"
down to just Ten! There is so much to do there; from exploring the rich history of the area to relaxing resort massages, from ice cream on the boardwalk to fine dining. I have limited my choices to a more "family friendly" affordable venue - and an active one that suits our family- but I believe there is truly something for EVERYONE in Virginia Beach.

The only problem I can think of with visiting the resort area - is that I might not want to return!

I'm off to do some more digging (and to figure out a way to fit a visit into our busy schedule) after all, with all that rich history- it would be good for the boys education.

 Any good mother would want that for her children.

 Family time is important.

Fresh air is really healthy for kids.

O.K., O.K.  - and, mama really does love her Adventurez In ChildRearing!




“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Virginia Beach Tourism blogging program, for a gift card worth $40. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

6 comments:

Jill said...

Great article, Kelli. It sure makes me want to visit Virginia Beach. I hope you make it there soon.

Unknown said...

Sounds perfect. We have never been there but you sell it well :)

Unknown said...

thank you ladies- I'm salivating myself - just an attempt to have another article published and win a $40 gift card- It was an assignment that was a good fit for our family adventures, so I went for it!

Little Homeschool Momma said...

Sounds like the perfect spot. The way you worded it made me feel like I was there. Fabulous article! Keep up the good work, and hope you and your family get there soon. :D

Baby By The Sea said...

Wow. I'm so ready to visit. I haven't been to Virginia Beach in so long, but now see it'd be so fabulous with kids in tow. Wish the east coast wasn't so far away.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great spot! I keep seeing all these great places on blog and just want to "hop" across the pond to go exploring!