A beach boardwalk evokes many a summertime image – blue skies and foaming waves, sand as far as the eye can see, and beachgoers enjoying a terrific vacation. Often we tend to associate comfort foods and treats with such holidays, because let's face it, calories shouldn't have to count when you're on vacation! If you have a sweet tooth in particular, you can satisfy it in Virginia Beach if you know where to go.

Close to the pier, a large, circular Dairy Queen with multiple service windows means little time to wait for ice cream cones, sundaes, and other favorites. Of course, if soft serve isn't your style, the Oceanfront has two seasonal Ben and Jerry's scoop shops (see their store locator at http://www.benjerry.com/scoop_shops/store_locator/index.cfm) and a Bruster's, a newer chain offering different feature flavors by the month (http://www.brusters.com/findus/findus.asp). Nothing beat a cold cone on a hot day, so be sure to keep plenty of napkins with you.

For a special gourmet treat, head over to Jody's Popcorn on 31^st Street (http://www.jodyspopcorn.com) and indulge in a bag of caramel corn or other sweet, candied flavors like cinnamon toast or Jody's special recipe corn. You can also stock up on some fudge or your favorite "penny" candies, buying in bulk. This one of a kind store is new to Virginia Beach and has fast become a favorite among locals and tourists.

Chocolate lovers will soon discover Virginia Beach is a haven which offers some of the creamiest, most delicious gourmet nibbles and confections this side of Belgium. Shakolad Chocolate Factory on Great Neck Road (http://www.schakolad.com) sells handmade truffles and assorted novelties…you can mix and match favorites or just buy a solid bar and munch away. In the new downtown area, The Royal Chocolate (http://www.theroyalchocolate.com/) further tempts your taste buds with chocolate and caramel dipped apples, homemade drinking chocolate, and imported Belgian treats. If you're having a party, you can rent a chocolate fountain and dip everything in sight!

Next time you're in Virginia Beach, watch the waves, not your weight! Indulge in a chocolate-covered treat or a cool concoction to combat the summer heat. Yomorrow, you diet.