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Rose and Womble Realty


Virginia Beach Area Guide

Virginia Beach is an independent city located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. It is the most populous city in Virginia and the 40th largest city in the United States, with an approximate population of 440,415 in 2008.
Virginia Beach is the easternmost of the Seven Cities of Hampton Roads that make up the core of the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News. This area, known as “America’s First Region”, also includes the independent cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk, as well as other smaller cities, counties and towns of Hampton Roads.
Virginia Beach is a resort city with miles of beaches and hundreds of hotels, motels, and restaurants along its oceanfront. Every year the city hosts the East Coast Surfing Championship as well as the North American Sand Soccer Championship. It is also home to several state parks, several long-protected beach areas, three military bases, a number of large corporations, two universities, and numerous historic sites. Near the point where the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean meet, Cape Henry was the site of the first landing of the English colonists, who eventually settled in Jamestown, on April 26, 1607.
History
In 1607, three ships headed by Captain Christopher Newport carrying 105 men and boys made their first landfall in the New World where the Atlantic Ocean meets the southern mouth of the Chesapeake Bay in the northeastern part of the city. They named it Cape Henry, after the eldest son of King James I of England. However, these English colonists of the Virginia Company of London left the area, as they were under orders to seek a site further inland which would be more sheltered from ships of competing European countries. They created their first permanent settlement at Jamestown.
Adam Thoroughgood of King’s Lynn, Norfolk, England is one of the earliest Englishmen to settle in the area which became Virginia Beach. He earned his freedom and became a leading citizen of the area. In 1634, the Colony was divided into the original eight shires of Virginia, soon renamed as counties. Thoroughgood is credited with using the name of his home in England when helping name “New Norfolk County” in 1637.
In 1691, Lower Norfolk County was divided to form Norfolk County and Princess Anne County. Princess Anne, the easternmost county in South Hampton Roads, extended northward from the North Carolina border to Cape Henry at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, and included all of the area fronting the Atlantic Ocean. Princess Anne County was to last from 1691 to 1963, over 250 years.
The small resort area of Virginia Beach grew in Princess Anne County beginning in the late 19th century. The growing resort of became an incorporated town in 1906. Over the next 45 years, Virginia Beach continued to grow in popularity as a seasonal vacation spot, and casinos gave way to amusement parks and family-oriented attractions. Virginia Beach became politically independent of Princess Anne County as an independent city in 1952. In 1963, after approval by referendum of the voters of the City of Virginia Beach and Princess Anne County, and with the approval of the Virginia General Assembly, the two political subdivisions were consolidated as a new, much larger independent city, retaining the better-known name of the Virginia Beach resort.
Parks and Recreation
Virginia Beach is home to many excellent parks and recreational opportunities. The community is dedicated to providing a clean and safe place where residents and visitors alike can enjoy the beautiful outdoor sites of Virginia Beach.
Bayville Farms Park
Bayville Farms Park is a 68-acre park established in 1978 through the cooperative efforts of the City of Virginia Beach, the National Park Service, and Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation. Of special interest is the 20-hole disc golf course, the first such course in Virginia Beach, and the arboretum, which features many native trees and plants. The park features six lighted tennis courts, four lighted basketball courts, two lighted softball fields, picnic shelters, playgrounds and much more.

Great Neck Park
Great Neck Park is a 70-acre district park located along the banks of the Lynnhaven Bay. The park features five large group shelters, three playgrounds, three basketball courts, grills, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, walking trails, restrooms and more.

Little Island Park
Little Island Park is a 144-acre beach park located next to the Atlantic Ocean, north of the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge. The park has a 775 foot beach north of the 400 foot fishing pier for surfing and a 2,000 foot beach for swimming and fishing south of the pier. Back Bay, a brackish lake, provides excellent fishing and crabbing along the western border of this unique park. There are four picnic shelters, lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts and restrooms.

Mount Trashmore Park
Mount Trashmore Park encompasses 165 acres and is comprised of two man made mountains, two lakes, multiple playgrounds, a skate park and multi-use trails. There are also picnic shelters, volleyball courts, playgrounds, horseshoe pits and restrooms available.

Munden Point Park
Munden Point Park is a 100-acre park located on the North Landing River, a major leg of the Intercoastal Waterway. An 18-hole disc golf course meanders through the park with baskets positioned throughout, even on the finger piers along the North Landing River. There are also 2 additional practice baskets at the park.

For more information on parks in the area and the Parks and Recreation Department website click here http://www.vbgov.com/vgn.aspx?vgnextchannel=dfee54cf18ad9010VgnVCM100000870b640aRCRD

Events

There are many exciting events going on all year round in Virginia Beach. Come bring your family out to take part in the Atlantic Coast Kite Festival or the Virginia Beach Patriotic Festival. You definitely won’t want to miss out on the many great events that the Virginia Beach area has to offer.

Virginia Beach Neptune Festival http://www.neptunefestival.com
The Virginia Beach Neptune Festival is an annual celebration of the culture of Virginia Beach. The Neptune Festival has various events that reflect the lifestyle of Virginia Beach. Events throughout the month of September including the North American Sandsculpting Championship, the Atlantic Regatta, Neptune’s 5K Run, and the Surf Classic. The Neptune Festival also features a wine festival featuring Virginian wines held at Neptune Park. Neptune Park is the home to a 34-foot, cast bronze statue which stands at the gateway to the Atlantic Ocean.

Virginia Beach Patriotic Festival http://www.patrioticfestival.com
The Patriotic Festival celebrates our Armed Forces for two days of concerts and military displays at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Being home to one of the largest concentrations of military installations in the United States, Hampton Roads is proud of its military heritage. The festival opens on May 29, 2009 with a country twang in the air.
The Patriotic Festival ends with an Air and Sea Show on Sunday, May 31st, 2009. All events are free and open to the public with select reserved seating available of purchase for both nights of concerts.

Virginia Wine Festival http://www.festeventsva.org
The AT&T Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival is an annual event that no wine lover should miss. On Saturday, May 9, 2009, thousands will flock to the banks of the Elizabeth River in downtown Norfolk, Virginia to enjoy this festive event. This wine festival has become the premier event to welcome spring and feature great music, gourmet foods, specialty wares, and samplings of newly released vintages and past favorites from Virginia's premier wine-makers. Wineries from across the state set up their tasting tents along the river banks for many to come try chardonnays, merlots, and cabernets to name a few. Participants include Chateau Morrisette, Williamsburg Winery, Rockbridge Vineyard, and Prince Michel de Virginia.

Caribbean Music Festival http://www.beachstreetusa.com
The PANorama Caribbean Music Fest is a musical adventure set to the soothing sounds of steel pan music. The festival’s casual atmosphere appeals to the island community and people of all ages who are intrigued by the unique sounds and style of steel drum music! Fusing together the rhythm of steel bands, ocean breezes, and great Caribbean food, the breathtaking Virginia Beach oceanfront becomes an “island paradise” for the weekend of May 8-10, 2009.

Atlantic Coast Kite Festival
The Atlantic Coast Kite Festival is held May 1-3, 2009 and is an exciting weekend of high-flying kites and fun for families, participants, and spectators of all ages!
There are kite demonstrations to music and even kite building workshops! Great for children and adults, the workshops provide kite building materials, and participants are instructed on how to create the most aerodynamic kite. Kite-flying lessons are included, and safety rules are reinforced for all participants. Kite stores and manufacturers are on site with kites of all sizes and shapes for sale to the general public. “Big” kite fliers from across the country bring their giant kites to fill the sky at the event site.

For a complete list of events in the area click here http://www.vbfun.com/visitors/events.aspx

Attractions

Virginia Beach is home to many exciting attractions that are perfect for everyone in the family. Come visit the USS Wisconsin or Mystery Dinner Playhouse for a great time and memories you’ll never forget.

USS Wisconsin http://www.hrnm.navy.mil/wisconsin.html
In Norfolk you can tour the USS Wisconsin (BB-64), a World War II Iowa Class Battleship for free. A complete tour takes 45-60 minutes. USS Wisconsin (BB-64), an Iowa-class battleship, was the second ship of the United States Navy named in honor of the 30th state. Her keel was laid down on 25 January 1941 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. She was launched on 7 December 1943 sponsored by Mrs. Walter S. Goodland, and commissioned on 16 April 1944, with Captain Earl E. Stone in command. After her trials and initial training in the Chesapeake Bay, Wisconsin departed Norfolk, Virginia, on 7 July 1944, bound for the British West Indies. Following her shakedown, conducted out of Trinidad, the third Iowa-class battleship to join the Fleet returned to her builder’s yard for post-shakedown repairs and alterations. On 24 September 1944, Wisconsin sailed for the west coast, transited the Panama Canal, and reported for duty with the Pacific Fleet on 2 October. The battleship later moved to Hawaiian waters for training exercises and then headed for the Western Caroline Islands. Upon reaching Ulithi on 9 December, she joined Admiral William F. Halsey’s Third Fleet. Wisconsin earned five battle stars for her World War II service and one for the Korean War. The ship also received the Navy Unit Commendation for service during the first Gulf War.

Mystery Dinner Playhouse http://mysterydinner.com/vabeach.htm
The Mystery Dinner Playhouse has several locations to choose from. This place offers exciting fun as you enjoy solving murder mysteries while enjoying your meal. Each month they have a different show for you to watch and participate in. 

Animal Jungle http://animaljungle.com
If you’re an animal lover, you’ll love Animal Jungle. Animal Jungle sells aquatic, reptile, small animal, bird, dog, and cat supplies, as well as a variety of other animals.
Animal Jungle has a massive variety of fish, reptiles, and birds, but they also carry small mammals such as sugar gliders, chinchillas, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice and rats. Animal Jungle also offers a vast array of supplies, bedding, toys, food and other supplies for a reasonable price.

For a complete list of attractions in the area click here http://www.vbfun.com/visitors/theBeachLife.aspx

For more information on Virginia Beach VA visit the official website by clicking here http://www.vbgov.com

For the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau website click here http://www.vbfun.com/visitors

 

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