Virginia Beach Fun Blog

Travelling by car to Virginia Beach? Don't be fooled: street parking has not suddenly become free.

The city recently installed new parking meters along the row of parking spaces between Atlantic and Pacific avenues (known as the 200 block). But instead of one parking meter per space, they're now governed by multi space meters in the middle of the street.

Many unsuspecting visitors, noting the absence of meters in front of their spot, have assumed that they can park for free...and end up with a ticket instead.

The new LCD-screen blue meters, on the 200 block from Rudee Loop to 40th Street, each handle multiple spaces. So here's what you do: 1) look for the meter; 2) figure out which space you parked in (spots have white numbers painted on the ground); 3) feed your number in the meter; and 4) pay.

Don't feed the right number in the meter and you'll pay for someone else's parking...and risk a ticket for your own.

Travel site www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com offers tips for free or inexpensive vacation ideas in the Virginia Beach area (like how to visit Colonial Williamsburg for "free"), ways to get discount tickets at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Kings Dominion, and Luray Caverns, and reviews of quirky but inexpensive restaurants and attractions.

For more information, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

Source: PilotOnline.com

July 1, 2007 09:45 - Virginia Beach Hosts July 4th Fireworks "Explosion"

The Virginia Beach oceanfront is hosting a free Stars & Stripes Explosion Wednesday, July 4. The event will feature fireworks, concerts, rock performances, and tribute bands at stages on the beach at 20th Street, as well as at the 17th, 24th and 31st Street Parks.

Features include concerts by Firefall, Bruce in the USA - Bruce Springsteen tribute show, and Revolution - A Beatles Tribute. Also playing: the Virginia Beach Symphony Orchestra, the Virginia Beach Chorale, and the Doorway Singers vocal ensemble.

Fireworks will take place at 9:30 pm and can be viewed anywhere along the Virginia Beach boardwalk.

The Virginia Beach oceanfront also hosts free fireworks shows every Wednesday and Sunday nights at 10:15 pm through August.

Travel site www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com offers tips for free or inexpensive vacation ideas in the Virginia Beach area (like how to visit Colonial Williamsburg for "free"), ways to get discount tickets at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Kings Dominion, and Luray Caverns, and reviews of quirky but inexpensive restaurants and attractions.

For more information, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

July 3, 2007 17:41 - Surf's Up for Discount Water Country USA Discount Tickets

Looking for Water Country USA discount tickets? How about Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg and Kings Dominion discount tickets?

Richmond's Landmark Theater is now selling discount tickets to major Virginia attractions, including Water Country USA, Busch Gardens, Paramount's Kings Dominion, and Colonial Williamsburg. Some group discounts are available.

The box office is located at 6 N. Laurel Street in Richmond. Hours are Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information, call (804) 646-4213 or (804) 646-4214.

Travel site www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com has gathered the details on exactly how much you'll save, as well as other places for getting discounts to these attractions.

For Water Country discount ticket secrets, click here.

For Busch Gardens discount ticket secrets, click here.

For Kings Dominion discount ticket secrets, click here.

For Colonial Williamsburg discount ticket secrets, click here.

Source: Richmond.com

July 10, 2007 17:55 - INXS to Perform at Virginia Beach American Music Festival

INXS, K.C. & the Sunshine Band, and the Steve Miller Band will be among the headline acts at the American Music Festival on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront August 31 through September 2.

The headliners at the 5th Street stage will require admission charges. All other shows-- including performances by
the Georgia Satellites, the Marshall Tucker Band, Carbon Leaf, Berlin and Dokken --will be free.

K.C. & the Sunshine Band (following an opening set by Tavares) will perform on Aug. 31 from 9-10:30 pm. Tickets are $10 in advance, and $15 on the day of the show. The Steve Miller Band will play from 8:30-10 pm on Sept. 1. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 on the day of the show. INXS will play from 8:45-11 p.m. on Sept. 2. Tickets are $20 advance, $25 on the day of the show.

You can get advance tickets through Tickemaster or by phone at 671-8100. A $25 "passport pin," good for admission to all concerts, is available at the Virginia Beach Visitor Information Center at the Oceanfront, at the Virginia Beach Amphitheater box office, through the Virginia Beach Hotel and Motel Association, and at David's Beach Shop.

For reviews of quirky but inexpensive Virginia Beach restaurants and attractions, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

Source: Daily Press

July 10, 2007 18:09 - Maps Available To Follow Captain John Smith's Trail

Want to follow in John Smith's footsteps? A set of state maps to help travelers follow Captain John Smith's journeys along the York, Mattaponi and Pamunkey rivers are now available for a nominal fee. The car and boat tours of the new John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail highlight 36 recreation sites in maps produced by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

John Smith traveled the James River between 1607 and 1609, exploring and trading with Indians to keep the settlers at Jamestown alive. In addition to showing Smith's routes along the rivers and telling about his travels, the maps provide information on local amenities, boat ramps, and early Indian settlements.

The maps are available at York River State Park, the Yorktown Victory Center, the York County Historical Museum the Gloucester Visitor Center, Virginia Welcome Centers and regional visitor centers.

Maps of the James River segment can also be obtained by going to www.dcr. Virginia.gov. The maps are $.25 per set of three. Due to popular demand, there is a limit of 4 maps per order.

For more information about John Smith and Jamestown, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

For free online maps of the state of Virginia, Virginia Beach, and other cities, click here.

Source: The Rural Virginian

July 12, 2007 16:43 - Virginia Among Top Five Wine Travel Destinations

Virginia has been named as one of the top five new wine destinations in the world by Travel & Leisure magazine. Virginia was the only American region to be featured in the Wine-Lover's Guide: 5 Wine Regions to Visit Now article, which showcases the world's hot new wine destinations.

"If you're a wine lover, you are going to love going to Virginia's wineries," said Bruce Schoenfeld, wine and spirits editor of Travel & Leisure. "It's not just the wineries but also new restaurants, B&Bs and inns that make Virginia such a great destination."

The article highlights Virginia's largest wine regions in Central and Northern Virginia, including Barboursville Vineyards near Charlottesville, Breaux Vineyards, and Linden Vineyards.

"Our wineries stretch across the state and are surrounded by unique places to enjoy local cuisine and excellent lodging choices, says Alisa Bailey, president of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. For example, she notes, "Virginia is one of the only wine destinations that offers a kayak trip to a winery or combines bluegrass with wine tastings."

Virginia has 130 wineries and ranks fifth in the nation for number of wine producers. August wine events include the Beach Party Wine Festival at James River Cellars near Richmond, Blackberry Days Wine Festival at Tarara Winery in Northern Virginia, and the Black Dog Wine and Music Festival at Chateau Morrisette in Southwest Virginia.

Wine tastings and tours are also delightful diversions for a romantic weekend getaway. Travel site www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com has information on romantic spots, spas, B&B's, and restaurants in the "Lover's" state. For details, including a "Make Me Blush" wine getaway, and a couples massage spa package, click here.

For more information about Virginia's wineries and to start planning a visit, go to www.Virginia.org/wine or call 1-800-932-5827 to request a 2007 Virginia Travel Guide.

Source: Yahoo

July 13, 2007 13:30 - Colonial Williamsburg Garden Tours Burst into Flower

Garden lovers: now you can combine your love of horticulture with history on Colonial Williamsburg's lovely and informative garden tours.

The guided tours, which emphasize the important role of gardens on colonists' daily lives, are offered weekly. The Gardens of Gentility Tour compares and contrasts the gardens of royalty, gentry and middle class colonists by exploring the elaborate gardens behind the Governor's Palace, as well as the simple ones near the Palace Green. Tour hours are 9:30 am Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The Garden History Walk--offered at 9:30 am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, gives a behind-the-scenes look at how Colonial Williamsburg re-creates gardens in the historic area.

The Meet the Gardener Tour shows you how landscape volunteers maintain and preserve the George Reid Garden. Tour hours are 10:30 am.Mondays and Thursdays.

Admission for any of the tours is a Colonial Williamsburg Freedom Pass, which allows you come and go without limit over multiple days and up to a full year at the museums and exhibitions. Price is $59 adults, $29 ages 6-17. Tickets may be purchased at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitors Center or by going to www.colonialwilliamsburg.org.

Want to go on the cheap? You can visit the Colonial Nursery on Duke of Gloucester Street for free. Garden historians there will demonstrate 18th-century gardening methods, plus you can purchase seeds, plants, and garden items.

For other tips for visiting Colonial Williamsburg without paying an arm and a leg, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com for their "Secrets of a Cheap Colonial Williamsburg Vacation." The free tips include how to see Colonial Williamsburg for "free," inexpensive places to eat and shop, and other money-saving ideas.

July 14, 2007 15:20 - Smithfield Inn is Perfect Spot for Romantic Weekend Getaway

It was our 15th wedding anniversary, so it HAD to be a special place. But of all the romantic inns, which one did we choose for our special night?

The Smithfield Inn, in Smithfield, Virginia.

I'd toured the rooms several years earlier, and I knew just which one we wanted: The Annie Mae Sykes Room. It's truly like spending the night in Versailles.

We started our evening with dinner in the dining room. The cuisine was delicious-- Beef Tenderloin, HUGE scallops and petite crab cakes (perhaps the best I've ever tasted--all crab!), accompanied by sweet potato fries. Delicious. Somehow, we managed to make room for "Heather's Chocolate Passion" for dessert...

After dinner, we sat on the veranda in front, relaxed in the comfy rockers, and watched the world go by.

The Smithfield Inn also serves a complimentary Traditional Country Breakfast or their famous Smithfield Ham rolls.

Lavishly furnished with antiques, this best of romantic inns dates back to 1752. George Washington slept here!

Smithfield is just down the pike and over the James River from Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, and the James River Plantations.

For more details, and the full review, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

July 15, 2007 11:11 - Free Tips & Discount Coupons for Virginia Beach Waterpark

Water, water, everywhere! And what a blast! The Ocean Breeze Water Park is the hottest (or coolest, depending on how you look at it) place to go in Virginia Beach.

Travel advisor Virginia Beach Family Fun recently visited the water park and offers these tips:

- Two places to get discount coupons for admission and save $$$
- what rental options (like inner tubes and lockers) are worth the cost
- the secret "signal" that tells you when to rush over to the Wave Pool

For the full review, plus links to get the discount admission coupons, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

July 15, 2007 11:46 - Virginia Offers Free Indian Heritage Trail Guide

Thanks to interest in Virginia's Indian tribes generated by Jamestown's 400th anniversary, the state is offering a free Indian Heritage Trail Guide. The 80-page interpretive guide leads visitors to trail spots important to local Indian history.

The Virginia Indian Heritage Trail guide contains photographs, a history of the eight state-recognized tribes, events such as the free American Indian Intertribal Cultural Festival at Hampton Coliseum on July 21-22, and 24 places to visit, including the Pamunkey Indian Museum on the Pamunkey Reservation near Jamestown and the Monacan Indian Living History Village at Natural Bridge.

The Virginia Indian Heritage Trail guide is available free of charge at any of the Welcome Centers, located at the major entry points around the state. For more information about the trail, click here.

For information about visiting Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg and other Virginia attractions, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

Source: Myrtle Beach Online.Com

July 19, 2007 13:16 - Rowenas Offers Fantastic Sale on Cakes and More

Now's the time to let them eat cake! For a limited time, Rowena's, the mail order arm of Norfolk, Virginia's Rowena's Tea Room, is offering a 20% discount off their entire site of delicious cakes and gourmet items.

You can take 20% off Rowena's famous Almond Pound Cake, Lemon Cake, Chocolate Pound Cake, Double-Delicious Chocolate Heart-Shaped Cake, authentic Lemon Curd Sauce, gift baskets, and more. The 20% discount is before tax and shipping.

Hurry--the offer is only good through July 31st. Visit Rowena's site at www.rowenas.com or call 1-800-627-8699. Or, visit Rowena's Tea Shop is person, at 758 West 22nd Street in Norfolk.

We love Rowena's Tea Room so much, we've voted it our #1 Girl's Spot! To read our review of their memorable high teas (including their special "Children's Tea") go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

July 19, 2007 13:27 - Free Indian Intertribal Cultural Festival Offered at Hampton Coliseum

The American Indian Intertribal Cultural Festival is intended--one of Jamestown 2007's 10 signature events--will take place this weekend at the Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, Virginia. The free festival will showcase 15 American Indian tribes and highlight Native American history and culture.

The Jamestown 2007 commemoration is an 18-month series of events marking the 400th anniversary of the New World's first permanent English settlement.

The festival will feature daily drum and dance demonstrations, storytelling, history exhibits on Virginia's tribes, kids' activities, and pottery and flute making, and Native American crafts.

For information about visiting Jamestown, Hampton and other Virginia attractions, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

Source: DailyPress.com

July 20, 2007 10:13 - Cruise Deals from Virginia to the Bahamas

Wow! They're doing it again. An 7 day/6 night Carnival cruise to the Bahamas for only $749? That's nearly 50% off! Thanks to the new Norfolk, Virginia cruise terminal, cruises to the Bahamas and Bermuda have never been cheaper for those living in the Mid-Atlantic region, and if you can travel last minute, your savings could be huge.

Vacations to Go, a travel site specializing in last minute cruise discounts, is advertising the week-long cruise departing from Norfolk, Virginia, on October 7 on Carnival's Carnival Victory. The cruise makes stops in Nassau and Freeport. Prices start at $749 for an inside cabin and $859 for an oceanview cabin.

As with the listed prices on most cruises, prices are US dollars per person, based on double occupancy, subject to availability, and do not include airfare or airport and government taxes or fees (if applicable). However, they do iinclude port charges.

Don't wait: these last minute deals are extremely limited.

For details, call 800-338-4962 or go to www.vacationstogo.com.

Before and after your cruise, why not take advantage of beautiful Norfolk, Virginia? Mermaids, Nauticus, USS Wisconsin, Virginia Beach, charming antique shops, fantastic restaurants, and more. For details on visiting Norfolk and Virginia Beach, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.