Virginia Beach
A pivot I'm good with
Our exploration of Richmond felt complete and so the question became, What next? Do we stay and drag out Richmond or explore another place unplanned? We decided on Virginia Beach since it’s on the path to the Outer Banks but with a different vibe.
The weather is predicted to be iffy at best but not a detractor for me to explore. We arrive and the first thing I notice is the wide sandy beach. The waves are strong and the breeze invigorating. We are staying on the northern part of Virginia Beach, which seems calmer and more residential. Pete rolls in the sand - as he always does. He is happy and so am I.
We walk the boardwalk. Yes, it’s kitschy but it’s also clean and controlled. We make the required stop at King Neptune. Picture taken…check!
The best thing, while at the beach, is to sleep with the patio door open. I hear the waves and smell the fresh breeze and salty air of the ocean. It’s wonderful. I fall asleep to the sea’s lull and wake up to the same sound. Perfection.
We stopped at the Cape Henry Lighthouse but it was closed to the public so we drove on to First Landing State Park. This was the site of the landing of the first English colonists in 1607. It was a quiet, clean, white sandy beach that was ideal for a walk and seashell hunting. The area is also where the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean meet.
After the park we continued driving and landed at the exit for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. I thought it was the bridge I drove daily when working in Annapolis and the Eastern Shore. But lo and behold, Virginia has an eastern shore too! The bridge is 17.6 miles and contains two underground tunnels.
We drove to Cape Charles - a pretty, walkable town on the water. We walked to the beach, strolled the main street of Mason Ave and ate lunch at The Shanty, with it’s beautiful Chesapeake views. The oysters, hushpuppies and fish and chips were tasty. Of course, ice cream was in order so we walked to Brown Dog Ice Cream. Their cookies ‘n cream was excellent (always my barometer for good ice cream). We returned over the bridge to our hotel - stuffed and satisfied. It was a stellar, unplanned, unscripted day.
Morning included an outdoor breakfast and beach walk. Pete scored with bacon and sausage from the restaurant staff. He may never eat plain dog food again! We will ramble along the coast as we make our way to Outer Banks for our 4 p.m. check-in.