| Sandbridge Beach

Thanksgiving in Sandbridge

If your family is anything like mine, by the time August comes along and the school year approaches, an unspoken question lingers in the air: Who will host Thanksgiving this year? As the family member with the smallest house, but likely the one who enjoys hosting most, I always struggle to figure out the dynamics of hosting a holiday. However, this past year, I discovered a solution to the lingering question at hand: let’s have Thanksgiving in Sandbridge.

As soon as I started throwing the idea around, it didn’t take long to get the rest of my family members on board. This solution offered both a vacation and a “get out of jail free” pass on hosting Thanksgiving at any one person’s home. We rented a home with a hot tub and plenty of sleeping space so we could spend the week as a family, enjoying each other’s company and the luxury of being in a neutral space at the beach. Win-win!

The unpredictable Virginia weather performed in our favor with warm sunshine afternoons perfect for walks on the beach and chasing crabs with the kiddos on the beach. At night, we enjoyed themed family meals, each family taking turns on who was responsible for dinner that evening. The hot tub and game room provided late night entertainment and friendly family competition. At the end of the night, no one had to worry about driving home as we had ample room to accommodate grandmothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins alike.

On Thanksgiving day, the younger generation of Thanksgiving hostesses awoke early in an attempt to time each item on our Thanksgiving menu just right. The three refrigerators and two dishwashers in the house really came in handy (of course, with family, we had one completely full of beer, wine, and juice boxes!). My brother in law and nephew fried a turkey by the pool and grilled beef tenderloin on the grill, while the hosting ladies enjoyed charcuterie and wine in between baking, mixing, and inquiries such as “what do these potatoes need?” and “did you bring extra butter?”

When our Thanksgiving meal was ready, the tables in the home provided enough seating for us all to enjoy our meal together and the dual dishwashers allowed for easy clean-up. My family was so pleased with the new tradition on the horizon. Everyone has been talking about it since and we are already planning for next year. My only regret is we didn’t do this sooner!

26 Feb

Apex Entertainment Center

Local Events, Pets byCory B

Apex Entertainment Center

There’s a new entertainment venue only 15 miles from Sandbridge that will be the perfect place for the family to unwind! Activities offered include indoor go-karting, bowling, laser tag, escape rooms, ropes courses, arcades, sports simulators, axe throwing, mini golf, bumper cars, and virtual reality. The hardest part will be deciding where to start!

“It’s 84,000 square feet of pure fun. You can’t pack any more attractions in this building,” explained Director of Operations, Joey Slawinski.

Food and beverages are available including alcohol. There are also more than 65 gluten-free options on the menu and a variety of vegetarian choices, too.

“With our unique concept, we offer something for all ages and every member of the family. Our mission is to create a memorable experience for all guests and have a strong presence within the community,” said Marcus Kemblowski, Chief Operating Officer of Apex Entertainment.

Many people wanted to know what restrictions are in place for COVID-19. Slawinski said they are doing everything they can to stay safe.

“Our restrictions are 30% or 250, ultimately but since we have two floors it’s definitely a little greater. Our total capacity normally outside of COVID is about 2,100.”

Apex Entertainment

Information collected from 13newsnow and Apex Entertainment

19 Feb

Dog’s Little Acre

Local Events, Pets byCory B

Dog’s Little Acre

Siebert Realty has a new neighbor that you might notice on your way into Sandbridge this year! Dog’s Little Acre, located on Sandbridge Road just before Siebert Realty, is a retail shop/dog groomer/coffee shop all rolled into one.

The retail shop is full of gourmet dog treats, birthday cakes, donuts, and more! Popular brands like My Family Collars and Leashes, Chuckit! Launcher and Ball, Fluff and Tuff squeaker toys, Kong, and Up Country are all carried here. They even have unique art prints, locally made artwork and greeting cards, and pet magnets. Need a dog tag? Bring your pup by and create a custom tag in less than 2 minutes!

Dog’s Little Acre prides themselves on using only the best products for your furry one when grooming. Using natural shampoos and conditioners, your dog will be smelling wonderful and not at the expense of the environment. Hypo-allergenic tearless shampoo, Oatcare oatmeal shampoo, and Vita-Silk conditioner are three of the main products that are used.

Fetch Coffee is located just outside of Dog’s Little Acre and is a drive thru coffee shop. Enjoy your beverage at the picnic tables there or take it with you to your vacation rental. Don’t forget to bring your pup for a puppuccino!

Dog’s Little Acre

12 Feb

New Skate Park for Summer 2021

Local Events byCory B

Woodstock Skate Park

Virginia Beach’s new skate park is almost here after nearly 3 years of design, consultation, and construction! Be sure to pack the skateboards and BMX bikes this year. Located about 15 miles from Sandbridge, the Woodstock Skate Park is undergoing a $32 Million Renovation by notable skatepark builder Team Pain.

The park will showcase a mix of transitional and street elements including premium features such as:

Snake run and two-level bowl with waterfall, five corners, and two hips
Quarter pipe with extension
Ledge runs, stair sets, wall rides, snake run, banks, hips, rails, and other custom ledges
Warm-up area
Shaded viewing spots

“Public input helped shape the snake run based on the flow and speed desires of local park users,” said Tim Payne, founder of Team Pain Skate Parks. “Virginia Beach is home to beginner, intermediate, and professional level skateboarders and bike riders who are passionate about their sport. The community’s input was crucial in the development of this skate park and we are grateful to be involved in this project.”

Follow the links below for updates on the park. Workers have been molding ramps and ledges throughout this winter weather to ensure it is ready for summer!

Woodstock Skate Park
Team Pain instagram

Information collected from VBgov and WAVY

5 Feb

Hibachi in Sandbridge

Local Events byCory B

Hibachi in Sandbridge

Spice up your meals this year in Sandbridge! Josh Sarran, owner of Mt. Fuji 757, has created a business to provide hibachi meals for private groups.

“It’s something fun and different,” says Sarran, 28. “It’s not just about good food. I like to joke around, express my personality and create a lot of smiles. I throw in plenty of little tricks, especially if kids are there.”

Sarran has been working as a hibachi chef since 2014 and has the appropriate health permits. A $150 flat fee includes the set up — grill, tables and chairs, tablecloths and candles, disposable plates and cutlery. After that it’s as simple as ordering off the menu! Mt. Fuji’s “Hibachi at Home” menu features entrees served with clear soup, salad, fried rice, hibachi vegetables and two appetizer shrimp. Options include vegetables ($17), teriyaki chicken ($23), jumbo shrimp ($26), filet mignon ($31) and lobster tail ($41). Kids’ meals are $15 to $17.

“He brought everything and made it really easy and fun,” Justin Hockaday, a former customer, says. “He even let a couple of us try to flip an egg on a spatula … until he ran out of eggs. He interacted really well with all of us, from a 5-year-old to people in their 50s.”

https://www.mtfujiof757.com/

Information collected from Mt. Fuji website and The Virginia Gazette

14 Jan

Cottage LunaSea

Local Events byCory B

Cottage LunaSea

Looking for a fun experience while on vacation in Sandbridge? Round up the family and begin a resin crafting workshop to make a beach inspired memento! Cottage LunaSea is a short drive away and will untap your inner artist. They’ll also come right to your vacation rental for a private party! Workshops are $50 per person and will include all supplies needed. Remember to wear “paint clothes” in case things get messy. In addition to the workshops, Cottage LunaSea is a fantastic place to shop. Retailing unique gifts and home décor made by over 60 local artists — there will surely be a piece to bring home.

1169 Nimmo Pkwy Suite 210
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456

(757) 716-3752

www.cottagelunasea.com

30 Oct

Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel Expansion

Local Events byCory B

The I-64 Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel has long been the area most clogged up with traffic on the way to Sandbridge. The existing 3.5-mile bridge tunnel consists of two 2-lane immersed-tube tunnels on artificial islands. These tunnels opened in 1957 (current westbound lanes) and 1976 (eastbound lanes) and are approximately 7,500 feet long. Traffic on these four lanes exceeds 100,000 vehicles per day during peak summer traffic.

This massive transportation project, expected to be completed by November 2025, will widen the current four-lane segments of the 1-64 HRBT corridor in Norfolk and Hampton, and bore new twin tunnels. The expansion will increase capacity, ease major congestion, and enhance travel time reliability.

Crews and subcontractors continue to make progress on the HRBT South Island in preparation for the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), which will eventually launch from the site in early 2022 and begin boring twin tunnels parallel to the existing eastbound tunnel. Workers are moving utility lines, constructing temporary plants on site and preparing to build a large dock to receive the TBM.

A concept video is linked below which takes viewers on a visual tour of the widening project!

21 Oct

Sandbridge Flowers

Local Events byCory B

Sandbridge Flowers

Sandbridge Flowers is the local florist in Sandbridge who offers incredibly affordable prices on floral arrangements. Add a stunning splash of flowers to your vacation or surprise someone on a special occasion! We highly recommend the sunflower special which features locally grown zinnias and sunflowers from Pungo farms.

Sandbridge Flowers also hosts flower parties! For those looking for a fun activity while on vacation — look no further. A top floral designer will come to your vacation home and set up a flower arranging classroom. Pour some wine, laugh, and create beautiful memories and arrangements!

https://sandbridgeflowers.com/

11 Oct

Luxury Picnics in Sandbridge

Local Events byCory B

The VB Picnic Co.

The VB Picnic Co makes bohemian picnic dreams come true! The beautiful backdrop of Sandbridge, VA meets custom curated bohemian table scapes- leave all the details to them. VB Picnic Co will set up a styled luxury picnic at the location of your choice and clean it all up once the party is over. The most unique, intimate, and relaxing way to gather with your loved ones is here.

What’s included:

-styled picnic table scape for chosen number of guests

-custom welcome sign

-cutlery, napkins, plates & cups

-seasonal charcuterie board provided by longboardcharcuterie.com for chosen number of guests

-sparkling water for each guest

-comfy seating for each guest

-supplemental pillows and blankets

-large decorative umbrella

-bluetooth speaker

-use of everything for 1.5 hours

https://thevbpicnicco.com/

29 Sep

Surfs Up in Sandbridge (Hurricane Teddy)

Local Events byCory B

Hurricane Teddy Brings Waves to Sandbridge

Surfers in Sandbridge have been delighted during the majority of September as waves have been rolling in constantly. Hurricane Teddy was particularly impressive with waves fully barrelling. Siebert Realty is proud to manage over 100 oceanfront vacation rentals for your next surf trip. Imagine waking up and having coffee on the deck as you check the waves with your friends and family members! The best waves for surfing usually occur between September-November which coincides with the hurricane season. Ask us any surf related questions including the best spots to surf in Sandbridge!

Pictures: Sam Musselman

29 Sep

Surfs Up in Sandbridge (Hurricane Teddy)

Local Events byCory B

Hurricane Teddy Brings Waves to Sandbridge

Pictures: Sam Musselman