Hotels With Ocean Views VA | "Ocean View Amusement Park"

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The dance card at left (click to enlarge) is an interesting one: rather than being for a private event, it is from a public dance hall, the Dance Pavilion at the Ocean View Amusement Park, Norfolk, Virginia, which was one of the first amusement parks in the United States.  Sadly, I do not own this card myself; it slipped by on eBay and is now in unknown hands.

Hotels With Ocean Views VA

The card is printed in monochrome, with a small picture of the Dance Pavilion.  No orchestra or dance leader is mentioned, only the name of the company that owned the amusement park and its owner, Otto Wells.  In keeping with its commercial nature, there is actually an advertisement on the inside.  On the back of the card is a note that "objectionable dancing" is "positively prohibited", an admonition which would be unnecessary at a private ball but a potential problem at an event open to the general public, and directions to the check room; ladies' retiring room; and gentlemen's smoking room.  The card is not for a specific evening's event, but instead is a generic dance program for any evening of the 1917 season. Written in pencil at the top of the front page is the date "Saturday, June 9, 1917".

According to Norfolk historian Amy Waters Yarsinske in Ocean View (Images of America: Virginia) (1998), the beachside Ocean View Hotel and Pavilion were originally built by the Norfolk and Ocean View Railroad Company as a beachside resort, then purchased in 1905 by Mr. Wells, an amusement park entrepreneur who added a roller coaster and other rides.  Though the Dance Pavilion was destroyed by fire in 1958, the image on the dance card is quite recognizable from the many surviving postcards that depict it lit for the evening's dancing, as in the postcard at left (click to enlarge) or as the backdrop for bathers on the beach.  The park itself, long past its heyday, appeared in the 1977 disaster-suspense film Rollercoaster, then was demolished in 1978 for a TV movie, The Death of Ocean View Park.

Unlike the dance cards I posted last month from a small Maine town, Ocean View's program reflects a more up-to-date, though conservative, mix of dances, probably sensibly chosen as the most generally accessible to most visitors.  All are for couples, and only the three most popular dances of the era are represented: thirteen one-steps, six foxtrots, three waltzes, and four unspecified extras.  There is nothing as exotic as a tango or any rarities like the maxixe or half-and-half.  It might seem a somewhat monotonous program, but I suspect that most attendees were only dropping in briefly between other amusements rather than spending an entire evening in the Dance Pavilion.  Bearing this speculation out, only five of the dances fairly late in the card (numbers 14, 15, 16, 18, and 20) are marked, and there is no intermission.  The marks are only X's, rather than the names or initials of partners, so the dancer may have been dancing with strangers, or used the card as a souvenir rather than to actually book dances in advance.

Hotels with Ocean Views VA | "Virginia Beach, Baby!"

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DC area residents have several options for beach vacations.  It seems like every family is heading north or south for a weeklong vacation home rental during the summer months.

Hotels with Ocean Views VA

We actually are one of those families (Kiawah Island being our favorite destination).  Now that the children are getting older, we have the added complexity of coordinating summer school, multiple camps and summer jobs along with our own work schedules. Finding a whole week when we can get away has been getting progressively more difficult. Not only that, but once you take the $3000+ family vacation, what is left to look forward to the rest of the summer?  This summer we decided to try taking  three day vacations every three or four weeks from May to September.  

We discovered a great gem in Virginia Beach.

It has a range of hotels right on the beach, a terrific boardwalk with entertainment and events all summer long, clean sandy beaches and best of all, it is only 3.5 hours away. I can load sleepy children into the car at 7 am and be tossing a Frisbee with my crew on the beach by 10:30!

Hotels

There is the typical range of hotels in Virginia Beach but, in my opinion, Holiday Inn Suites North is the best for families. Not only do all your children under the age of 12 eat for free all week long in a variety of restaurants and beachside grills, but a full service kids club with babysitting and a free movie theater are included in your hotel stay. The rooms are immaculate and are decorated with modern beachy greens and blues.  Our room had two queen beds in one room, a fold-out full sleeper and a mini kitchen with granite countertop.  Not to mention it featured the five pools, consisting of two lazy rivers, one beachside salt water pool and even some water slides.

Restaurants

The food is exquisitely prepared and is a welcome relief from the fried food and snacks that typically accompany beach vacations. I ordered this adorable little playful dish called "The Grand Slam, " which features  housemade brioche with smoked steelhead caviar, sunny side quail egg, neuske's bacon, blinis & maple creme fraiche. If you can, get a seat at the Open Kitchen bar where you can watch the chefs prepare the food while you eat.  The portions are not huge but they are more than adequate if you want to still look great in your new swimsuit!

Catch 31

It is located right on the beach, so you can walk to it from your hotel (after putting the children to bed under the watchful eyes of your babysitter/teenage children) via the boardwalk. We were lucky and nabbed an outdoor fire pit right on the boardwalk. The tables are big huge round granite tables surrounding a fire pit and multiple parties can seat themselves at the same table.The seafood is fresh and the atmosphere is fun!

The hotel has some great options too. If you are brave enough, you should  try Corey’s Rum Runner at the Holiday Inn Bar called "The Square Whale", or if you want to impress your children with what a cool parent you are, you might consider ordering them the kitchen sink sundae – it literally comes in a kitchen sink.

Entertainment

There are various entertainers on the boardwalk starting the middle of June and going through August, 7 nights a week. Everything from stilt- walkers, fire-dancers, scavenger hunts, street performers, magicians and more. Schedule of events can be found on Beachstreet USA. During the day you can rent bikes, roller blades or even a surrey.  There are two separate boardwalks one for walkers and one for people with wheels so you don't have to worry about the overzealous jogging mom with the double stroller hogging the lane.  (Yes, that is right no one had to worry about me!)
There are inflatable water slides right on the beach. There is a long dock right on the beach that has ice cream, fried seafood and the typical array of shops with salt water taffy and beach trinkets for sale. There are also boat and fishing tours and, of course, plenty of surfing.


My best advice would be to take it slow and try not to cram in too much, our lives are busy enough so sit back in your Tommy Bahamas chair, grab a drink and relax.   I bet you will head back there in a mere three weeks.

Hotels with Ocean Views VA | "Beaches, Hotels, and Excitement in Beautiful Myrtle Beach, SC"

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March is well under way and the warmer weather is making its way onto the east coast. Warmer weather of course means a better vacation! Come on out to Myrtle Beach and see all of the sights, sounds, and events that make this such a great travel destination. You’ll need somewhere to stay, and options abound. For beachfront properties, there are great options like the Westgate Myrtle Beach, 3 Palms Oceanfront Resort, or the Bluewater Resort.

Hotels with Ocean Views VA 

As far as keeping yourself entertained, you’ll be able to choose from multiple attractions, great food, or even just lying at the beach! Some of the more exciting options include Ripley’s Aquarium, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, or the Marvelous Mirror Maze.

Of course for the ultimate Myrtle Beach vacation, you should choose a vacation package! With all of our vacation packages you will receive lodging and at least one attraction. You can browse all of our pre-made packages or create your own! Here are just a few of the pre-made packages we offer.

Myrtle Beach Honeymoon Getaway

It’s no secret that Myrtle Beach is a very romantic place, and with this package, you and your love can head to the town and enjoy an amazing show as well. With the package, you will receive 2 night’s lodging at the property of your choice, and tickets to see the Carolina Opry. The Carolina Opry is a highly acclaimed show which combines musical and choreographic talent to create an excellent, award-winning show that has just the right amount of romance and glitz.

And with two night’s lodging, you’ll have plenty of time to lounge on the beach with the Myrtle Beach Honeymoon Getaway Package.

Myrtle Beach Attractions Vacation Package

The Myrtle Beach Attractions Vacation Package gives you plenty to do, and plenty of time to do it in. You’ll get three night’s lodging, tickets to Ripley’s Aquarium, the NASCAR Speedpark, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum. At Ripley’s Aquarium, you’ll see a variety of over 400 freshwater and saltwater creatures, including sharks and stingrays. The 750,000 gallon aquarium is amazing, and sure to be a highlight of your trip. The NASCAR Speedpark, on the other hand, will satisfy your need for speed. You’ll experience NASCAR themed events like bumper cars, mini golf, and racecars. And finally, at Ripley’s Believe It or Not, you will see tons of strange and fascinating artifacts that you have to see to believe. A six-legged cow, antiquated vampire killing kit, and genuine shrunken head are just a few of the amazing things you will see. This package is sure to give you the Myrtle Beach vacation you were hoping for.

Discount Hotels in Virginia Beach | "Wine tasting in the hills of Virginia"

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For a temporary escape from the bustle and activity during the holiday season, a day trip to one of Virginia’s stunning wineries is well within reach near the D.C. metro area. Virginia is home to almost 200 wineries that feature the variety and vast subtleties of the region, while showcasing the beauty of the state.  Not only are Virginia’s wines gaining popularity and becoming renown around the country, but they consistently compete handily with California vintages, as well as with international wines.

Discount Hotels in Virginia Beach

Boxwood Winery A brief drive through scenic Middleburg will take the wine-seeker to Boxwood Winery, approximately fifty miles west of Washington D.C.  Currently, the Boxwood lineup features only reds grown and harvested in the Bordeaux tradition. Their 2010 Topiary is a blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot with earthy undertones. The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon will remain unblended to preserve the integrity of the flavor. A new addition to the Boxwood lineup, the Trellis, is an accessibleblend of Merlot and Malbec that could be paired with a meal or enjoyed alone. Rachel Martin, the executive vice president of Boxwood, explained that Boxwood’s endeavor is to remain committed to quality. She opted for a selective micro harvest, which involved a “painstaking” hand sorting of clean fruit. This resulted in a lower yield for the season, but the effects of which can be tasted in the quality of the wine. Boxwood faced an enormous challenge during the 2011 season. The ideal climate for grapes is a summer that is hot and dry, whereas 2011 featured heavy rains from hurricanes. With too much rain the berries can split, causing rot.  Boxwood’s vineyard uses only environmentally-approved materials, and their bottling and tasting rooms have an open, contemporary feel. Tours and tastings are by appointment, and visitors can request excursion information to set up a trip. Boxwood Winery Telephone:  540-687-8778 http://www.boxwoodwinery.com/

Sunset Hills Vineyard Sunset Hills Vineyard, located in Purcellville, Virginia in Loudoun County, has arustic atmosphere with rolling hills that showcase their vineyards.  Vines with clustered fruit and a 1870s-era Amish barn repurposed and restored for their tasting room create a scene comparable to Italy’s Tuscany. Additionally, the roofs of their tasting room and storage buildings are installed with 154 solar panels,providing 100% electrical self-sufficiency. Sunset Hills’ employs only manual labor to hand tend, hand pick, and hand sort the grapes. Spent grape skins from the pressing process are repurposed as fertilizer.

As a relatively young vineyard – opening in 2008 – they continually adapt to the variances between seasons in order to create the highest quality of wines. A sampling of past season’s offerings includes two whites, a rose, three reds, and a dessert wine. Highlights include the 2010 Chardonnay, an unblended white wine with hints of white flower, apple, and peach. The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is a medium-bodied red, which has been aged 18 months with hints of oak and a spicy finish. The dessert wine is a blend of late-harvested grapes, left longer on the vine to increase the residual sugar in the flavor.

The result is a sweet, refreshing finish, perfect for any meal. Sunset Hills also offers a light fare menu with hand-crafted Amish cheeses, French bread, and Italian imported salami and pepperoni. Visitors are allowed to bring their own food, though it must be kept to the designated picnic areas. Reservations are not required except in cases of groups larger than 8.

Hotels in Virginia Beach | "A Mid-Atlantic Haven of History and Sunny Beaches"

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Hotels in Virginia Beach

Although Virginia is located on the East Coast of the United States, it is within reasonable driving distance of both New York and Washington, D.C. In addition to the amazing weather, beaches, and historical landmarks, Virginia is an astounding state for both first time and recurring visitors. The state is a highly trafficked tourism attraction during the spring and summer months.

Virginia visitors and natives appreciate the eye-catching scenery, the glorious food, satisfying accommodations, and historical sites which can be found throughout the area. Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Williamsburg are the most visited cities, where both singles and families are sure to find an extraordinary vacation experience.  A unique beach vacation can be had here, namely because Virginia Beach is conveniently located near practically anything a visitor could want or need.

Dining Central:

Chix Sea Grill and Bar has been a favorite among Virginians and yearly visitors since 1977. This upbeat restaurant is conveniently placed on the Ocean Front, and features “Happy Hour” and “Happy Food” from 3p.m. to 6p.m. Monday thru Friday where a festive atmosphere filled with signature drinks, remarkable food, and nightly entertainment flows freely.

The 501 City Grill is a distinguished restaurant that served its first customers in 1989. It’s a favorite among locals who crave a warm atmosphere, elegant wines, unforgettable foods, and pleasant service. Their Zen-inspired dining area contains a beautiful fireplace, comfortable couches, and live music. Its global flair on the food they serve keeps tourists happy enough to convince them to return the following year.

Lodging:

There are various hotels throughout the city, which provide quality service and delightful ocean views. Breakers Resort Inn is a popular selection among visitors and is exceptional in its style and amenities. The resort is on the Southern end of Virginia Beach and all rooms are provided with prime oceanfront views. The resort is conveniently located minutes from charming local restaurants, popular entertainment venues, and wonderful shopping locations.

Newcastle Hotel is yet another prime oceanfront mainstay and home away from home. With many different floor plans to choose from, Newcastle caters to families who have a variety of tastes.  Just minutes away from the beautiful ocean, ample retail shops and tantalizing restaurants, the hotel satisfies both children and adult’s tastes and needs.

Another option, for those adults who may want to have their own intimate and personal vacation, the Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast is the perfect property for adults only. Barclay Cottage has been serving the public since 1917 and has received rave reviews from local magazines and newspapers. There are only five rooms on the property, ensuring the visitors will have a private, romantic stay with no disruptions. This secluded cottage also offers an array of amenities including WIFI, business center, library, ceiling fans, and more than 300 cable channels. With beautiful views of nature’s greeneries, remarkable hiking trails, and nearby lakes, the Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast is a brilliant addition to any trip to Virginia.

Must See Attractions:
Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center

The Aquarium and Marine Science Center of Virginia Beach is unlike any other in the country. An amazing experience for both children and adults, the facility offers a much needed break from the summer sun and is a mixture of educational facts and beautiful sea life.

At the aquarium the fun begins before visitors walk through the doors. A large pool containing harbor seals is placed at the entrance of the Center. The seals are fed daily at 10a.m. and 3p.m. and are also trained during sessions which can be viewed by all visitors.

The facility holds more than 700,000 gallons of water and over 50 different types of fish.  Adventurous tourists, stick your hand into the Stingray tanks and allow these beautiful animals to brush up against their hand as they swim past. Moving forward to a deeper part of the Center, enjoy a 1/3 mile nature trail along the water’s edge providing families with a view of Owls Creek where numerous species of animals and plants reside. The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is a must see destination.

Nauticus

The Nauticus is just one of numerous historic and militant icons of Virginia State. It is conveniently located in Norfolk, just a 20 minute drive from Virginia Beach. The attraction is for both children and adults as it provides insight into World War II and is a mix of engineering science and technology. Tourists get a visual depiction of the historic BB-64, which is an original ship used in the Pacific in World War II in Operation Desert Storm, as well as the Korean War.  Visitors are encouraged to board the ship and have a hands-on experience.  The Nauticus is educational and may be the most thrilling museum in Virginia.

Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens is located in Williamsburg, a one hour drive from Virginia Beach.  The park offers unique attractions, scream at the top of your lungs rides, interactions with wild animals, and some of the most decadent and delicious foods from six countries. Children, teens, and adults will all be provided with activities and amusement that cannot be found anywhere else in Virginia. Busch Gardens is one of the only places in Virginia where families can enjoy the foods of Italy and walk into France and taste the glorious wine and music of the country.