Virginia Beach – eleven miles of sand and sea along the Atlantic coast. It’s a place known for family vacations, and the reputation is well deserved. The beach is made for broth – every night of the season, rarely after the disappearance of crowds. Restaurants are a world-class family affair. Jobs are full of all interest. We live on the southern edge of the ocean because it seems a little quieter. Here is a sample of our favorite resources in the area.
Since we live in Pennsylvania, fresh seafood is a siren song. We look forward to seafood. And the southern part of the ocean has four of the best restaurants in the area. Eat Laverne’s She-crab soup, with a selection of seafood available inland. The prime-rib-and-shrimp bowl is absolutely amazing! The ribs were very nice, and there were enough shrimp to share with my dinner friends. (Admittedly, the boy wouldn’t have finished it all, but I don’t want to get five pounds that I worked so hard to lose before we arrived!) Our whole team ordered a variety of seafood and none of us were disappointed with the food or service. It was a wonderful evening!
Outside of LaVerne’s there is the famous Mahi-Mah for more seafood … 3-6 p.m. Make dinner plans at Mah’s Tuesday night: special before 7 p.m. first rib or whole lobster! (The two of us are not enthusiasts of seafood, but their delicious salad and fresh bread was more than enough to satisfy us. Apple bread melts in your mouth, and omelet orders are perfect.
Just across the street is the Black Angus Steak House. Another great meal – try their one-on-one shopping. The shish-kabob was well-cooked, (peppers and onions are the best); add loaded baked potatoes. You won’t need a dessert, but a Chocolate cake will die for you! Order one with several forks!
Thursday night try Rockafeller at Rudee’s Inlet to get twin lobsters and crab soup! Other favorites are Waterman’s, Jewish Mother (only open for dinner) and Abbey Road. And … there is a very fine Mexican restaurant, El Tapatio, located just below the General Booth Boulevard for about ten minutes, just outside Holland Drive. It’s absolutely perfect for lunch or dinner! Hot cheese baskets, and filling drinks before you finish your glass. Try chimichanga.
Less than five miles from Turtle Cay is the Marine Science Museum, an amazing place with touch stingrays and otters to watch. Learn about the interaction of oceans, waves and Chesapeake in the development and future of Virginia. And nearby, visit the old Cape Henry Lighthouse. Posted by George Washington and built with the same stone as the White House.
Plan a day in Williamsburg, with one to explore the Jamestown Settlement (my favorite) and the Yorktown Center, or other museums, gardens and historic houses in this historic Virginia triangle. It is enough here to keep any history busy for decades. In less than an hour, visit the USN warship and explore American maritime history in Nauticus … visit botanical gardens … museums in Norfolk and Newport News … and enjoy some of the best shopping anywhere!
Laskin Road and Virginia Beach Boulevard have a standard collection of specialty shops, shopping centers and designer shops. Ragged Robin, Garden Art or Cool & Eclectic must-stops for fun gifts and decorations. The Pottery near Williamsburg offers hectares of furniture, gardens and art supplies at affordable prices.
Take your picture taken in front of King Neptune, a 32 ‘bronze statue of the city symbol. Drive to Sandbridge, a natural beach a few miles south – ready for hiking and photography. Allow time to explore the new Navy Air monument in 22nd and Atlantic manuscripts in US naval history, honoring men and women who have served in the NAF.
Virginia Beach has it all: miles of sand and surf, an excellent restaurant, family-friendly activities, and easy access to all of Tidewater’s historic land in Virginia. Come once, come back! And again!
