Virginia Beach Press

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Picture, if you will, your perfect vacation spot. What do you see? Wide, white sand beaches? Warm sun? Luxurious oceanfront hotels? If your idea of the perfect place on earth is a broad, sunny beach, then you should book tickets to Virginia Beach right now. Never more popular, this seaside resort has been a favorite among those in the know for hundreds of years. In fact, even the first permanent settlers in the nation, the founders of Jamestown, commented on the beauty of the area, and regretted that it wasn't ideal for their needs.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the area as much as hard core beach bums. From sailing, to sea kayaking, to wild new sports like kite surfing, Virginia Beach has become a mecca for outdoor lovers. Of course, no one will hold it against you if you choose to spend your entire time here lounging on the beach. But if you think that sunbathing is the whole story here, you'll be pleasantly surprised at our variety of options for recreating.

As the most heavily populated metropolitan area in Virginia, and the 38th largest city in the country, it is clear that Virginia Beach has become an economic powerhouse. Being within a short drive of Washington D.C. secures our position as a prime business location. But regardless of the growth of commerce, Virginia Beach always has, and always will be, one of the best resort towns in the world. Our setting, nestled against the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, guarantees it.

Yet despite our longtime renown as a vacation spot, it is surprising at the number of people each year who discover Virginia Beach for the first time. Recently, we have become host to some exciting new events that bring thousands of new visitors yearly. From ESPN's X-Games, to the East Coast Surfing championships, Virginia Beach's stature is still growing. There is so much going on here that it is impossible to cover it all. A safe assumption is this: if what you love to do involves the outdoors, from golf to go carts, you can be sure that it is happening in Virginia Beach.

There's lots to do in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a popular summertime vacation spot. With over 5.4 millions visitors every year it offers individuals and families alike a wide number of activities and sights.

With over thirty area golf courses, golfing enthusiasts will feel as though they have arrived in paradise. Nature lovers likewise will appreciate the number of natural parks and reserves that are available for public exploration and enjoyment.

Dining opportunities in this oceanfront town are numerous and varied. Not surprisingly fish is the mainstay of most local menus and the Lynnhaven Fish House Restaurant, a family owned establishment on the Bay, serves fresh fish daily. Outside of seafood however the Beach also offers fine Italian dining at establishments such as Il Giardino, and French cuisine at Le Chambord.

When you are ready to go sightseeing set aside some time to see the Chrysler Museum Of Art.

Considered one of the region's finest art museums it is home to over 30,000 pieces. Amongst this diverse collection are ancient treasures from Greece, Rome, the Orient and pre-Columbian America. European and American paintings and sculptures, from the 12th century onwards, are also on display. Among the many artists represented are Edgar Degas, Paul Gaugin, Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso.

Another famous local museum, the Virginia Marine Science Museum, is the most popular museum in the state of Virginia! Offering individuals and families a glimpse into a world that few have seen first-hand the Museum includes over 300 hands-on exhibits and a 3D IMAX theater.

Virginia Beach is also home to historical sites like the Adam Thoroughgood House, one of the oldest brick homes in America, the Old Donation Church Lynnhaven House and the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse.

Take in a military air show at events such as the Neptune Festival Air Show, see a big-name act live at the Amphitheater, hike in a State Park or stroll along the 40-block boardwalk. However you decide to pass the time you will quickly realize that Virginia Beach has more than its fair share of attraction and diversions. Whether you're ultimately interested in history, golfing, watersports, art or entertainment, Virginia Beach offers everything you are looking for and more!

Outdoor entertainment around Virginia Beach

Since Virginia Beach is a resort town, you'd expect there to be lots to do in the way of outdoor entertainment, and your expectation is correct!

Beach-related activities are as beautiful, and varying, as any Virginia Beach sunset. Beyond the Atlantic Avenue boardwalk and its flash and color, you can go boating, kayaking, swimming, surfing, or even learn to scuba. You can fish from the shore or a boat, from the ocean or the Bay, by yourself or as part of one of the Beach's many summer fishing tourneys. In a boat or a kayak, you can take in whale and dolphin watching, or explore various locations in the area's nine parks with beach access, boat docks, or canoe launches.

If the beach is not your interest, there are plenty of other things to do in the Virginia Beach area. More than 130 miles of bicycle trails give you plenty of room to ride. Three municipal golf courses and complement other tournament-class courses if putting a green is more your interest; the whole family can enjoy miniature golf at a number of locations on the beach itself. Owl Creek Municipal Tennis Center offers tennis instruction and play. Nine beautiful city parks other than those connected to the seashore are available, as well as two state parks and a national wildlife refuge. Many area hotels offer eco-tours including bird watching, nature walks or hikes, and kayaking in these lovely locations.

Within the city there are historical and cultural offerings as well. The Virginia Marine Science Museum has an IMAX theater and many fish and mammals in its aquariums. You can spend the day at the Virginia Beach Farmer's Market, or take in art at the Contemporary Art Center, or see history at the Old Coast Guard Station Museum or Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum. Each July offers the "Cricket on the Hearth" craft show, and throughout the summer the city offers a Youth Enrichment series of cultural programs such as dances and plays at Virginia Beach's Convention Center. Whether it's on the beach or on a bike, walking in nature or walking the boardwalk, there's plenty to be done in this beautiful resort!

Virginia Beach Information : Schools

There are those of us who love school and those of us who absolutely hate it, but attending school in an ocean side city that boasts southern charm and typically warm temperatures year round can make attending school more bearable. After all, just imagine how it feels hearing that 3 o'clock bell ring knowing that your afternoon fun is about to begin at the beach! That is exactly what the students in Virginia Beach, Virginia experience.

These students attend either Virginia Beach public schools or one of the many private schools, some of which include: A World of Children, Academy of Early Learning, Anchor Military Ministries, Atlantic Shores Christian School, Barefoot Kids Inc., Baylake Pines School, Bayside Village Day School, Bellamy Manor School, Cape Henry Collegiate School, Chesapeake Bay Academy, Children's House of Galilee, Courthouse Preschool, Emmanuel Lutheran School, Forever Young Montessori School, Hebrew Academy of Tidewater, Hope Lutheran Pre-school, Independence Christian, Ivy League Academy, Kempsville Presbyterian Church, Kinder Care Learning Centers, Kings Grant Day School, Level Green Christian School, Montessori Children's House, New Light Baptist School of Excellence, Norfolk Christian School-chapel Campus, Open Door Christian Academy, Rainbow Christian Academy, Rainbow Preschool, Rock Church Academy, Saint Gregory The Great School, St. Matthews School, Star of The Sea Elementary School, Sunnybrook Day School Inc., and Tabernacle Baptist Academy.

The private schools cater to a variety of purposes from instilling a particular religion's values into the curriculum to offering special assistance to those with learning disabilities to providing advanced learning opportunities for gifted students. The variety of choices in education is amazing in Virginia Beach, which is a tremendous advantage to living in the state's largest city. Not only will students have exceptional hands-on-learning experiences, but they will also see diversity in their classrooms. Imagine taking a field trip to the beach to search for sea life! And even better, your kids will be enjoying the experience with a diverse group of children who each bring a unique background to the learning environment.

Of course having fantastic schools won't necessarily make kids love school more, but parents will appreciate the value, diversity and depth of a Virginia Beach education for their children. Just remember that when the 3 o'clock bell rings, the kids belong to the beach!