Virginia Beach Attractions

I know a few people who would like to eat while they watch a movie, and when I say eat I do not mean popcorn and hotdogs, I am talking about eating real food like Shrimp or pizza. Maybe I would also like to eat my food while sitting down in a comfortable chair with a table. Now if you are like me, you might even go so far as to want to have an adult beverage while you enjoy that food with your movie.

No, this article is not about a dream, it is about a place called Cinema Cafe, and the one I managed to go to is the one located at Kemps River in Virginia Beach. There are four Cinema Cafe’s, the Kemps River and Hampton Cafe’s play movies as they come out, and the Pembroke and Greenbrier plays moves a little later at a discounted price.  

I was not sure what to expect from a theatre that is also a restaurant, I had a few concerns. One of them is how they deal with the noise of bringing food to the guest during the movie, now imagine watching the movie, then your waiter shows up as a distraction.  Thankfully at the theatre we went to that concern was put to rest quickly, as the waitress appeared and quickly and quietly placed our food.  The meal we ordered, in my opinion, was well put together and tasted as it should. Of course everyone’s experience will vary, that just happens to be human nature, but my wife and I were very satisfied with the service we received.

The facility was clean, and the theatre had comfortable leather chairs. They had two types of seating available at the Kemps River location when we went,  leather seats sitting behind a long marble table in the upper area, and near the screen they had leather seats with round wood tables. When I went to the Cinema Cafe in Hampton it had a different, but no less comfortable setup.  

With the menu containing everything from hot dogs to gyros to shrimp, finding what you want to eat should not be a problem,  and the drink selection was just as varied, offering traditional beverages as well as mixed and bottled adult beverages.  

If you would like to find out more just visit http://www.cinema-cafe.com/. You can find out movie times, prices, what is on the menu, and of course the location of each of the theatres.  

228 N. Lynnhaven Road, Suite 125
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
757-227-6680
www.delightfuldish.com

Close to the intersection of Virginia Beach Boulevard and Lynnhaven Parkway lies The Delightful Dish. This trendy food specialty shop is truly one of my favorite places, and a savior when I’m too tired to cook. The Delightful Dish was voted the 2008 Best of the Beach Gold Winner Food Specialty Store and Silver Winner Best Kept Secret!

Owner Antonica Welvaert offers a selection of mouth-watering original recipes every month in an easy-to-prepare format. You can call to schedule a session where you put all the ingredients together yourself, or you can ask for your selections to be prepared ahead of time for pick-up. The pick-up option was a true life-saver when I was a new mom struggling to fix healthy meals, and I highly recommend this shop as a healthy alternative to eating out. If you’re vacationing in a beach rental complete with kitchen, this is a great way to spend as little time possible cooking, have healthy, delicious meals, and only spend about as much as you would for a family’s worth of fast-food combos!

In addition to the main menu, The Delightful Dish carries a variety of ready-to-go entrees, side dishes, desserts, gelato, and Barefoot Contessa mixes. You can also purchase chic printed aprons, stylish platters and serve ware, handmade jewelry, and original artwork by local artists. A wine-tasting event every month affords you the chance to sample the menu paired with award-winning wines. Personal favorites include: chicken enchiladas, adobo flank steak with yellow rice, crab encrusted tilapia, chicken satay with peanut sauce, and chicken marsala.

When I found out about Rudee Tours I had to go and check it out, but with many choices of things to do it was difficult to come up with a plan. Rudee Tours offers six different types of tours with one of those operating with the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center.

You can hop on a two thousand horsepower speedboat from the Rudee inlet out to the sea to view the marine life and the spectacular view of the oceanfront beaches and properties while learning about it all on the way with the Rudee Rocket. 

For something slower paced but no less exciting you can take a tour with Rudee Flipper and Rudee Whaler, watch the dolphins with Rudee Flipper, or marvel at the size of humpback and fin whales with Rudee Whaler. 

If fishing is what you enjoy you can throw a line out with Rudee Deep Sea fishing, or you can take a tour with the Rudee Explorer that operates under the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center to explore the Virginia Marshland.

Last, but not least, end your day with a relaxing sunset cruise with Rudee Sunset Cruise’s, where you can enjoy the sights while enjoying some cold beverages and adult refreshments as you watch the sun go down.

I would like to try them all, especially the fast paced Rudy Rocket, but my wife and I decided to go on the Rudy Deep Sea Fishing. Now I rarely go fishing, but the setup was great, the boats were clean, and even though I did not personally catch anything, we both had a great time. The other guest managed to catch some fish, so even thought I did not have any luck, that does not mean it is not possible.

For more information you can check out http://rudeetours.com/index.htm or www.rudeeinletcharters.com

Whenever I ask anyone what there is to do in Virginia Beach I always get the typical response, “visit the oceanfront”, which is packed with entertainment and shopping, but what about those of us who want an outdoor adventure? Virginia Beach has the answer, First Landing State Park.

The park was built 1930 and dedicated on June 15, 1936, originally named Seashore state park but was changed to First Landing State park in 1997 to more accurately reflect its history as the initial point where members of the Virginia Company landed in 1607. 

This State park has boating, swimming, nature and history programs, hiking, biking, picnicking, a boat launch, cabins and 19 miles of trails on 2,888 acres.  The cabins are equipped with conventional power, dining areas, and appliances for your convenience. 

When I had went to the State park I only managed to go through the hiking trails, but with over 19 miles of them I barely scratched the surface. Needless to say, to just do the trails alone you would have to dedicate a few days, just imagine trying to do other activities as well.  The hiking trails we ventured through were great and very well preserved, offering plenty of sights as you make your way. For those of us who plan on staying overnight there are cabins readily available for rent, while my wife and I did not stay in any of them, we managed to catch a glimpse of some, and from what we had seen they were very nice and well maintained.

As well as taking care of your thirst for the outdoors, the park also has nature and history programs that educate you and your young ones. The park offers many various self-guided and guided programs that cover crabbing, junior rangers, beach walks, nature hikes and structured environmental education programs. The park also has an environmental education centre, which features a wet lab, and educational displays that focus on the First Landing by English settlers in 1607. 

In addition to all of the above, if you check out the official website, you can also plan to catch one of the events that take place at the park as well.

There are a multitude of things to do at First Colonial State Park, be sure to check out their website at http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/fir.shtml#generalinfo.

My wife and I drive by this place every time we head to the beach via Laskin Rd, but we never went in until now. I am glad we managed to finally check this place out.

Advertised as a place where you can find unusual furniture and accessories, we found that to be true. Cool couches, bed frames, and even statues of popular actors and actresses like Elvis and Marlyn Monroe. There was something in here to satisfy almost anyones hunt for “cool stuff”.  We picked out a couple of things we planned on buying, and with their sales we may end up getting what we want for a very reasonable price. The owner, John Estes, had personally greeted and helped us make some of our choices.  He made sure to mention that they ship everywhere, so if you are not from the area do not worry, you can still find what you want and have it shipped home.

If you have seen the TV advertisement they mention that they are closing down soon, but according to John Estes, they may not be closing as at all. Which is a good thing for those of us who have yet to visit this great store.

The store is located on 984 Laskin Blvd, Virginia Beach, Va. Only minutes away from the oceanfront. So if you happen to find yourself in the area, searching for something cool, or just need some furniture, make sure to check out Cool and Eclectic.

For more information you can visit the stores website at www.coolandeclectic.com.

620 19^th Street (In the parking lot of Croc’s 19^th Street Bistro)
Virginia Beach, VA  23451
757-428-5444
www.oldbeachfarmersmarket.com 

The Old Beach Farmers Market, located at the corner of Cypress and 19^th Street, is just a short walk from the Virginia Beach Convention Center.  Every Saturday, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, the award-winning Croc’s 19^th Street Bistro offers up its parking lot for local farmers, fishermen and artisans to sell their goods.  This is a wonderful, intimate market that really shows you the heart and soul of Virginia Beach.

The moment you enter, you’ll be charmed by the beautifully laid out displays of fresh seasonal produce, newly baked breads and cakes, handmade jewelry, fresh cut flowers, natural goats milk soaps, Virginia wines, potted herbs for planting, and more!  Croc’s offers a little Virginia wine tasting and education, plus delicious dips like baba ganoush, and herbs right from their own garden.  Come early though, because all the tastiest, most popular offerings are gone quickly! 

I walked away with a trio of beautifully packaged scented soaps, free recipes to pair with my Virginia wine, and a lovely little lavender plant to add to my herb garden.  My family and I fully intend to return next week and load myself down with everything we’ll need for an impromptu picnic on the beach! 

I had a wonderful time talking with the farmers, artists, and restaurateurs, all so friendly and willing to share their knowledge and expertise.  Both Croc’s and the Old Beach Farmers Market are certified “Virginia Green”, committed to protecting and promoting the environment by reducing the environmental impacts of tourism, so it’s an added bonus to know your shopping trip is helping sustain our environment.

608 Norfolk Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA  23451
757-425-6671
www.theartistsgallery.org

Just off the Virginia Beach Oceanfront lies a hidden treasure of original artwork.  The Artists Gallery, established over 20 years ago, boasts an eclectic collection of fine art by award-winning local artists.  Pieces range from vibrant seascapes, to detailed still-lifes, to funky and fun contemporary art.  Many of these artists regularly participate in the renowned Neptune and Boardwalk Art Festivals. 

The inviting, cheerful yellow foyer and bright white front rooms form a well-lit gallery with a new show on display nearly every month.  From the moment you enter, you are greeted by one of the artists moonlighting as a receptionist and sales clerk.  The gallery is a co-op run completely by the artists, and houses about a dozen studios where at any time during the week you are sure to see an artist at work.  Because the artists handle everything, you can walk away with an original work of art for a very reasonable price, instead of the inflated prices often associated with other art galleries.  Plus, every single artist you meet is talented and friendly, and happy to talk about their work with visitors. 

There’s not a trace of pretension in this laid-back art-lover’s haven.  Be sure to check out gallery director Constance Fahey’s vivid seascapes, Pete Labyak’s precious miniature oils, Jan Barco’s playful pottery, and Lynn Sites’ whimsical beach paintings. You won’t be able to resist taking home beautiful handmade jewelry or pottery, or even commissioning an artist to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece just for you!  For more information, call 757-425-6671 or visit http://www.theartistsgallery.org.

Rest and relaxation are not the only things you can find at the beach.

The Old Coast Guard station holds 1800 artifacts and 1000 photos of United States Life Saving and Coast Guard Services, along with a library filled with books, papers, and oral histories. When I went inside there were two floors housing all of this information, they called it the Upper and Lower Gallery.

The Lower Gallery exhibits all of the life saving equipment used and how each piece was used.

The Upper Gallery contains images and articles that tell the story of the shipwrecks that occurred in the past, it also tells the story of the Battle of the Atlantic in World War II. They had something called the TowerCam, unfortunately I did not know about it till after I left, but basically they have a setup in the Upper Gallery where you can actually control a camera viewing the beachfront from a touchscreen console.

During my trip there my wife and I managed to pick up some souvenirs from the gift shop, where you can find anything from T-Shirts to postcards.  We were informed we could receive discounts for admission and at the gift shop if you are a member.  Information about the museum, admission, and membership can be found at www.oldcoastguardstation.com

As we made our way outside we walked through a courtyard that had a small stage where they held events during the summer. A great end to a very informative trip through the Museum.

Located along the beach,  is the Virginia Beach oceanfront Fishing Pier. One of many fishing piers located in the state of Virginia, and the only pier accessible from the boardwalk.

If fishing is what you enjoy, here you will find croakers, pompano, kingfish, pigfish, trout, bluefish, red drum, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, rays and other fish. I personally can not tell you how half those fish look, but it seems like more than enough of a reason to grab your fishing pole and lure then head out and try your skill.

No popular fishing pier would be complete without a Pier Gift Shop, and of course a seafood restaurant. This gives some of us who do not fish a reason to take a trip down the pier. You can also take a look through the viewing binoculars for a great view of the boardwalk from the sea. The view from the end of the pier, looking back onto the boardwalk is fantastic, you can quite literally see the entire boardwalk and all of the hotels, stores, restaurants, and the sandy beach.

The price for the pier is $2 to take a walk down, and $8 to fish on the pier. The pier is open 24 hours from April through October and is located between 14th and 15th street on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

If you have any questions you can call Virginia Beach Fishing Pier tourist information (757) 428-2333.

400 years ago a small group of Englishmen settled along side the James River, these men and boys were sent by London originally to look for resources that could be profitable. Over time this group of men became known as the first English Colony in America, and the town became known as Jamestown.

The visitor center is the home to the Jamestown film and galleries, the film shows every 30 minutes and is all about the way the Jamestown Settlement evolved over the years.  The 30,000 square foot gallery shows how the settlement effect the Powhatan Indians and displays many items that have been discovered in Jamestown.

The Jamestown Settlement has been recreated, to look how it would have done back in the 1600’s. You can walk through a Powhatan village; this shows how the Powhatan’s lived at the time of the first colonization. You can see how they used the surroundings to create their homes, you can try out some of the techniques that they would use often too.

There are three replica ships for you to explore down in the bay, trying to imagine how it must have been living on one of those small wooden ships for over four months travelling across the ocean is very difficult. There are demonstrations at the dock, including the firing of a canon into the water.

The James fort with its thatched roofs reminds me of my home town in England, you can really see that this small settlement was built by the English. In the fort we stood and watched a couple of demonstrations, including a musket being fired, The man firing it answered questions from everyone who was watching. As with all of the staff at the Jamestown settlement he seemed very knowledgeable and was really helpful.

The whole Jamestown settlement area is easy access for everyone, the paths are wide, and even though on a hill they are not steep, it would not be strenuous work pushing a baby buggy or a wheelchair around the area.

If you would like more information about the Jamestown Settlement and directions from Virginia Beach visit: www.historyisfun.org

Colonial Williamsburg is one of my favourite places to visit in the Virginia Beach area, I love being surrounded by all the history, and the beautiful buildings and grounds. I like it so much that my husband and I have bought season passes for the last 2 years.

The park is the worlds largest living history museum at 301 acres with a large amount of fully restored furnished buildings, that are kept looking good by the tradesmen who work and specialise in the trade skills from the 18^th century.

The visitor’s center is modern, up to date and clean; there are a couple of great gift stores and the people on the customer service help desk are some of the friendliest people I have met. You continue through to the ticketing area, and onwards to the bridge that that takes you to the main town. If its your first time to Colonial Williamsburg, take time to watch one of the movies, that tell you all about the history in Colonial Williamsburg.

There are two main ways to travel around Colonial Williamsburg, one is to walk and the other is the bus, the bus is included in your admission ticket and stops at many of the main areas, it also takes a route through the main Williamsburg shopping district which sells all kinds of goodies and gifts.

If you visit Colonial Williamsburg one day of touring the area will not be enough, each day they have different plays, and re-enactments of events that happened in the 18^th century. Performances go on through out the day, and most days the program will vary. Revolutionary City is one of my favourite events to watch, it takes up the whole of the main street. The actors show the collapse of the royal government and is great to watch. It ends with the drum and Fyfe band marching down the street and then a firing of a canon.

If you get hungry walking around the town there is a great selection of food available. You can sample one of the delicious historical snacks, try a Virginia roll or delicious muffins, and wash it down with a root beer. If you’re looking for finer dining or a more fulfilling meal try out one of the town’s restaurants or pubs.

Stores within the museum sell traditional gifts and are staffed by traditionally dressed workers, actors also walk the streets in full 18^th century attire and they will stop and talk with you about the goings on of their day-although they don’t talk about the modern day, they may tell you how they feel about the current slavery issues or they may talk 18^th century politics with you, You can ask them question’s and they will happily spend time and answer you.

There are so many different things to do and see at Colonial Williamsburg I can not write about them all, all I can say is even though I am not the biggest history fan, I will keep returning and enjoying this great place.

If you would like more information visit: http://www.history.org/

If shopping and dining in an up scale environment is what you enjoy doing, 31OCEAN, located on Virginia Beach’s 31^st street, is where you want to be.

Whether you are driving or walking down the board walk, this shopping area is hard to miss. From the board walk, the walks large King Neptune statue greets newcomers while the live bands during the summer season provide entertainment.

As my wife and I drove up, we found valet parking available for those who want to expedite their dining and shopping experience. We did not use the valet for this visit, but parked at the smaller of the two indoor parking areas provided to shoppers instead; the one we parked at was complimentary with a two-hour limit. The larger indoor parking lot has a longer time limit, but for a small fee per hour.

Catch 31, a very ritzy but inviting sea food restaurant is located here. If you walked to 31OCEAN from the board walk, the first thing you would notice is the restaurant’s very comfortable outdoor area, complete with a live band playing during the summer and a view of Neptune Park. If you time it right you could enjoy one of the great bands that play at the park during the summer season, just visit http://www.31ocean.com/ and check out Neptune Park’s schedule to see when the bands will play next.

Along with Catch 31, 31OCEAN’s Hilton Hotel houses Salacia. This seafood and steak restaurant is located on the main floor of the ocean-front Hilton Hotel. Salacia is Virginia’s only AAA 4-Diamond Steakhouse.

With dining still in mind, I definitely do not want to forget about Sky Bar. Located 20 stories high, this member’s only top-floor bar should help you end the night well, although we have to mention it has limited membership available with prices ranging from $100-200 for visitors who are not guest at the Hilton, who can become members for free.

Dining is not the only thing to keep you occupied during your visit: 31OCEAN has various shopping stores as well. From travel shops to beach ware, you can find your needs well met with one trip to this very well kept and lively area of Virginia Beach ocean front.

While enjoying the views of the beach from the board walk it is difficult to miss the large statue of Neptune located on 31^st street, a titanic attraction standing guard over Neptune park. With the beach in the backdrop, and live music playing nearby, the park is a definite stopping point for photos and musical entertainment.

Paul DiPasquale creation, which was paid for with contributions gathered during Neptune Festivals, has been inviting onlookers since its dedication ceremony on September 30, 2005.

The large 34 foot statue does it’s best to avert the eyes , but after taking photos with friends and family try not to forget the about the live bands that play at Neptune Park along with daily cover bands playing for onlookers and guest of Hilton’s attached restaurant located next door.

If you are in Virginia Beach long enough, make sure to check out the Neptune Festival this summer as it kicks off its 35^th year, attracting thousands of tourists and locals. The festival is spread across the entire summer calendar, ending with the Boardwalk Weekend September 26-28.

Definitely not the only thing to do in Virginia Beach, a visit to Neptune Park should be on your things to do list this, and perhaps every year.

Close to the heart of Virginia Beach is a 165 acre park named Mount Trashmore. This unusually named park was once a landfill hence the name ‘Trashmore”. The old Landfill was filled with layers of soil and opened to the public in 1973, since then it has grown in to a place that allows adults to relax and children to use up excess energy

Mount Trashmore has sloping grasslands, two lakes filled with plants that naturally filter pollutants, a skate park, a children’s play area with volleyball courts and more.

There are three different hiking trails for you to follow at Mount Trashmore, the perimeter trail follows the edge of the park and is almost 2 miles long, the lake trail which follows the edge of lake Trashmore which is 1.45 miles and then the shortest trail at 1.35 is the Mountain trial which goes around the two huge hilly mounds. The trails are marked by mile markers so you can keep track of how far you have walked.

The skate park is an enclosed area of 24,000 square feet, skateboarders, inline skaters and BMX riders are all welcome to use the park which features a street course and a vert ramp, helmets are required at all times.

Parking is free and so is the use of the other amenities making this a nice cheap day out

For more information about Mount Trashmore visit: www.vbgov.com

  Thirty minutes west of Virginia Beach are The Norfolk Botanical Gardens. The Gardens are spread over 155 acres and divided up into about thirty themed sections. The garden has twelve miles of walking paths, a picnic area, the Garden Café, vending machines, water fountains and lots of benches.

As with many of the attractions in the Virginia Beach area the admission fee is reasonable, they offer discounts for military, seniors and large groups. Children also pay a reduced price. Free tram tours are available around the gardens, it makes several stops allowing you to hop on and hop off when something captures your eye.

The rose garden was the first garden we walked through, it was very impressive, with over 430 different verities the colours and smells that radiate from these flowers are beautiful.

For me the Bristow Butterfly Garden was a must see, I am fascinated with butterflies and the beautiful way they are marked. Even though we were at the garden early in the season there were still lots of butterfly’s basking in the sun and flittering from plant to plant.

With all the beautiful plants, flowers and trees butterflies are not the only insect or animal you are going to see, there are many birds, and small animals even a few reptiles, I spotted one non venomous snake slithering along the path in front of me. One of the gardens well known inhabitants is the pair of nesting Eagles. Depending on the time of year you visit the Botanical Gardens you may be lucky enough to see the nest with the parent birds near by. There are numerous telescopes surrounding the nest which ensure you get a good view.

For families visiting the gardens, be sure to stop at the World of Wonders, the garden takes up three acres and offers a fun and educational experience to youngsters. I would recommend you bring a towel and change of clothes when visiting this garden as your children have the opportunity to dig through dirt, climb up trees and run cool off through water fountains.

If you would like more information about the Norfolk Botanical Gardens you can visit: www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org