Have you ever wondered what locals really think of tourists? What a tourist destination is like in the off-season? I first experienced this working in one of the, if not the, most well-known area of Hampton Roads – Virginia Beach. As a multiple award-winning beach tourist destination, this Southside locale draws about 3 million visitors each year, and, from first-hand experience, I can tell you the locals hate to love this source of economic wealth.
Favorite Virginia Beach Places
Fort Story
Now known as Joint Expeditionary Base East since the implementation of the controversial Congress-directed initiative Joint Basing, the former Army installation Fort Story is now connected to the Navy’s Little Creek Expeditionary Base to form Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.
Working for the Army and on this base from 2007 to 2009, I was fortunate enough to have a view of the Atlantic Ocean everyday at work as the installation is located along the coast. Several tourist sites are located within the borders of Fort Story, including a commemorative cross that marks where John Smith and company first landed on their maiden voyage to the nation, the site of the city’s annual Easter Sunrise Service, and the Cape Henry Lighthouse, one of the first public projects commissioned by the U.S. government. If you visit, though, be aware Fort Story is an active military installation and you will have to undergo a vehicle inspection to obtain a visitor’s pass to the sites.
The Oceanfront
Lined with your typical ice cream parlors, souvenir shops, old-time photo booths, bicycle rentals, and other nostalgic boardwalk boutiques, the Virginia Beach Oceanfront is annually in contention for the best oceanfront and boardwalk in the nation. In the summer months, performers from barber shop quartets to magicians can be found up and down the boardwalk, and each weekend is dedicated to a festival from sandcastles to monster trucks as part of the Beach Street USA program. In the off-season, you can enjoy the solitude of a walk down the boardwalk with few other guests and stop to admire the iconic King Neptune statue and other nautical sculptures.
Mount Trashmore
Built upon layers of solid waste, hence the name, Mount Trashmore is a famous city park offering plenty of green space, recreational activities and a full-size lake. During nice weather, this is a great place to spread out a picnic and watch the many families flying kites, playing horseshoes, and walking the many trails.
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Thousands of animals representing more than 300 species call the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center home. With exhibits such as Chesapeake Light Tower Aquarium where the most species of sea turtles co-habitat anywhere to the Blue Crab Corner featuring the mascot animal of the Tidwater region plus an IMAX theater and special events, the VAMSC offers an underwater adventure for all ages. Located along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the center also has an active rescue and rehabilitation program for sea animals washed upon shore. Annually, the Stranded Response Team assists more than 100 marine animals and 300 sea turtles who are found along Virginia’s coasts.
Virginia Beach Eats
As you can imagine, with the city’s proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, seafood, good seafood, is the staple. Most city restaurants also participate in Virginia Beach’s sustainable seafood program, developed by the VAMSC. Two award-winning restaurants that support the eco-friendly method of catching fresh fish are Catch 31 next to the oceanfront and Lynnhaven Fish House. Try one of the chef’s creative specials at the Catch, and don’t miss the popular regional favorite She-Crab Soup at the Fish House.
My absolute favorite breakfast joint ever is Citrus, a bit off the beaten path, which in Virginia Beach means not oceanside. This place has the best chocolate chip pancakes, grits and fresh-squeezed orange juice. Another unique offering is Taste Unlimited. Although this specialty store is a small chain, it originated in Virgina Beach and specializes in Virginia-grown delicacies, such as Smithfield ham and Williamsburg wine. Some of the best deli sandwiches are served fresh daily at these quaint stores.
Working in Virginia Beach
As the largest city in the Commonwealth, Virginia Beach offers an attractive set of economic resources to businesses. With above-average media household income and educational levels, the city sports a less than average unemployment rate.
For a closer look at the city’s thriving economy, we turn to native Christine Brantley, the community relations and development manager for Virginia Beach Public Library. Attending to the 10 libraries in the VBPL system, Christine travels through the city frequently. “… with every quick trip I find something scenic – from a field with deer in one section of the city to the beaches at the oceanfront or the Town Center skyline. Having lived in the DC area, where I commuted 30 miles to work and back, every day on I-95, I think Virginia Beach’s traffic is very manageable.”
Lunch hours during the work week are a treat with a wide variety of restaurants and shopping boutiques. For a great and quick lunch, Christine recommends Azar’s for terrific Mediterranean food and Bangkok Garden for wonderful Thai cuisine. Afterward, check out the shopping in Town Center or near the oceanfront.
For unwinding after work, Christine enjoys the many happy-hour spots the city has to offer. “You can find great happy hour food and drink specials at Bonefish Grill on Virginia Beach Boulevard. On a recent Tuesday night, I met my cousin at McCormick & Schmick at Town Center after work for happy hour and then we caught Fifty Shades!: The Musical at the Sandler Center.” For a typical date night, Christine suggests dinner at Croakers on Shore Drive (her favorite menu item is the She-Crab soup) followed by a show at the Funny Bone Comedy Club at Town Center.
In the summer, weekends are best spent on the beautiful beach front. Christine also recommends checking out the bike and hiking trails at the First Landing State Park. “From my perspective as a 40-something mom of a middle-schooler, Virginia Beach offers a great balance of outdoor activities, entertainment and fun, as well as lots of business and networking opportunities. I have great quality of life living and working in Virginia Beach.”
Rating Virginia Beach
I give Virginia Beach a 7+. What is your favorite beach town?
-Monica
