Best of VB (My Version)

This weekend is Memorial Day which happily is the unofficial start of summer.  Living in a beach town, summer is the hands down best time of the year.  Considering I have lived my entire life in Virginia Beach (well, except the 4 years I spent at UVA), I am a self-proclaimed VB expert.
 Admittedly, there are parts of Va. Beach that are tacky and trashy, but there are also parts that are classy, fun, and picturesque.  Hopefully, some of you are considering a trip to our lovely city (or maybe will after this post!), so I figured this would be a good time to let you in on some of the gems of this city.

Best Places to Visit:

1.  Chick's Beach: Obviously the best thing we have to offer in Va. Beach is the actual beach.  Chick's Beach is the local's choice of where to head.  Obviously, you can head to the Oceanfront as well, but remember we mentioned tacky and trashy...the Oceanfront can tend to lean that way sometimes.  Chick's Beach is fun and laid back.  Although there are no hotels along this beach, there is ample parking, so pack a cooler (open containers are technically illegal, but that's another great thing about Chick's Beach...in general, no one will bother you there unless you're totally making a scene) and go hang out for the day...trust me, you'll feel totally revived!


2.  The Boardwalk: One of my favorite places to walk in Va. Beach, the Boardwalk is great for a little exercise, a beautiful view, and some major people watching.  Plus, there are a few really nice restaurants along the way that you can stop and get a drink (or food too) in.




3.  Virginia Aquarium: In case you find yourself facing bad weather, the Virginia Aquarium is a pretty fun place to visit (assuming, of course, that you like fish and things).  It's not Atlanta's aquarium or anything, but it's nice option!  Plus, it's pretty close to the oceanfront, so if you're staying there you can get to it easily.



Best Places to Eat:
1.  Taste Unlimited: This is a must-stop for your beach cooler.  These sandwiches are famous in Va. Beach, and for good reason...they're delicious!!!  Make sure you get the House dressing (and maybe even an extra on the side for good measure).  Taste also offers unique sodas, chips, cookies, dips, etc. that you can add to that cooler.

2.  Waterfront Dining: One of the greatest things about living in Virginia Beach is how many places there are to eat on the water.  Even as a local, sitting outside with a drink and some food watching the boats go by makes you feel like you're on some exotic vacation.  There are many options, but honestly, a lot of them are total tourist traps.  Rudee's (on the inlet) and Chick's (off of Shore Drive) are my two favorite places for waterfront dining.  They both have a fun vibe, good food, and an awesome view.  For an added bonus, Rudee's has these wonderful glider tables that are totally addicting, but be warned people tend to stay for while, so you might have a wait.

3.  One Fish, Two Fish: If you want a little fancier meal while in VB, this place is probably my favorite.  Not only is the food delish, the view may actually be THE best in the whole area.  See?

via Tripadvisor

Best Places to take the Kiddos:

Let me start by saying that obviously the beach, boardwalk, and aquarium are all good options, but here are some more exclusively kid-friendly options.
1.  Grommet Island Park: This brand new park was built right on the sand on 1st street.  The park is 100% handicapped accessible and a playground for kids of all ages.






2.  Ocean Breeze Water Park: Now I hesitate to recommend this place because in my adult life, I was always a little horrified by the place.  But as a kid, I thought it was absolute heaven...I mean, what kid doesn't love a water park, especially one with a giant gorilla at the entrance?  Plus, it is under new management, and seems to have really cleaned up its act, so I'm going to trust them.  If water rides aren't your thing, they also have Motorworld at the same complex, a go-kart and kiddie ride paradise.
In the interest of full discolusure, Water Country USA is about an hour away, but is a much better water park and close to Busch Gardens if you want to hit that up too.
3.  Jungle Golf: a Va. Beach institution.  I grew up going here, Josh and I have had dates here, and I fully intend to take Colton for his first putt-putting experience.  Yes, there are plenty of other putt-putt courses at the beach, but in my humble opinion, this is THE place.


Now, sadly, I could probably list a ton more wonderful places to eat in VB cause...well cause I like to eat... or things to do, places to stay, but I won't bore you with that right now.  But seriously, if you are headed to this area (or are even considering it), please don't hesitate to ask for restaurant, hotel, or things to do recommendations.  Like I said, I have lived here my whole life, and while I did not always appreciate the place, I have grown very fond of it in my later years, so I would love to brag about it (or steer you away from the creepy places)!