Editor's note: In the past couple of years Richmond.com has brought you the "One Tank Trip" series in the spring. This year is no different. Now through June we'll take you to places we've already been, as well as adding a couple of surprises along the way. As always, we welcome your comments, so if you have anything to say about the places we're visiting, leave a comment at the end of the story. Now, it's time to check out Virginia Beach.
If you're looking to escape for a day, a weekend or even a week, have no fear: Virginia Beach is near. While many people think of Virginia Beach as the beach and its fabulous boardwalk, but its much more than that, although simply sitting on the beach can be quite fun. From watching dolphins to wine festivals to shoppin g, there's plenty to do.
Annual events
For more details of the events below, and for more events, visit www.vbfun.com. Virginia Beach has something going on all the time, so this is only a sample of what the beach offers. And remember, all this is less than two hours from Richmond (depending on how you hit traffic).
Virginia Beach
Driving distance: 106 miles
Directions: Take 64 East, through the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel until you get to exit 284A, merging onto 264 East. Follow 264 East until reaching your desired Virginia Beach destination.
Population: 436,000
For more information, contact:
The Virginia Beach Convention & Visitor's Bureau at www.vbfun.com.
The City of Virginia Beach's official site at http://www.vbgov.com/. |
April 26-Sept. 1
Dolphin Watching boat trips
Join the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center for an educational 90-minute ride boat ride along the Atlantic coast. View bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat while learning about the Aquarium's extensive marine research. Boat trips depart daily from the Virginia Beach Fishing Center at Rudee Inlet. For tickets and times, call 757-385-FISH or visit www.virginiaaquarium.com for more information.
May 2-4
Atlantic Coast Kite Festival
From workshops to demonstrations to vendors, this is THE event for kite lovers. And it's free. The exhibit "Kites: A Tradition for All Ages," is currently on display at the Courthouse Galleries in Portsmouth. A "Kite Night" open house will be held at the Courthouse Galleries from 5 to 10 p.m. May 2; the festivities switch to the beach from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 3; and then Portsmouth City Park gets the action from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 4.
May 17
Fifth annual Neptune's International Spring Wine Festival, 24th Street Park
Taste products from Australia, France, Chile, Italy, South America, New Zealand and South African in addition to California, North Carolina and Virginia vintages Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the gate. For ticket information call 757-498-0215.
May 17-18
Redskins Beach Blitz
Virginia Beach will host former and current Washington Redskins' coaches, players and cheerleaders during the fan appreciation festival. Visit www.redskinsbeachblitz.com for more information.
May 24-25
25th annual Pungo Strawberry Festival
Held in the farming community, Virginia Beach celebrates the deliciousness of plump, fresh strawberries. All the strawberries you can eat are prepared in more than 50 different ways. Activities include a pie-eating contest, several racing car exhibits, a carnival, continuous entertainment on four stages, a parade, livestock sale and show, a military display, pig races, youth art show, and unique arts and crafts. Visit www.vbfun.com or www.pungostrawberryfestival.info for more information.
May 30-June 1
Patriotic Festival
This event at the Fifth Street stage is a tribute to armed forces personnel and their families. The festival will feature musical entertainment, military displays and demonstrations. Scheduled to perform are Sugarland (May 30), Brian McKnight (May 31) and Travis Tritt (June 1). Event site opens at 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free to all shows.
June 12-15
53rd annual Boardwalk Art Show & Festival
The festival is consistently ranked in the top 40 of Sunshine Artist Magazine's Top 200 Art Shows. With an average attendance each year of more than 300,000, this four-day festival is one of the most popular in Virginia, attracting collectors and artists from across the nation. The show runs along the Virginia Beach boardwalk from 17th Street to 32nd Street.
Aug. 29-31
Rock and Roll Half Marathon
This event will celebrate its eighth anniversary welcoming 20,000 participants. Festivities begin with a two-day Health & Fitness Expo at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on Aug. 29 and Aug. 30. A post-race concert has previously featured bands such as INXS and Counting Crows. For more information, visit www.rnrvb.com.