Historic Wash Woods Settlement

Around the turn of the 20^th century, survivors of a shipwreck waded through the surf and onto the uninhabited shores of a sliver of land nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Back Bay. Those who decided to stay collected cypress wood from a schooner which ran aground and broke apart and began the construction of a settlement aptly named Wash Woods.

The largest population of Wash Woods is estimated to have been around 300 people. At its peak, the settlement housed a U.S. Life Saving Service Station (shortly thereafter replaced by a US Coast Guard station), two churches, a grocery market, and a schoolhouse. The ocean and bay were the heart of the Wash Woods community with most of the residents working as fishermen, farmers, hunting guides, or manning the Wash Woods Life Saving Station. Houses and community buildings were constructed from cypress wood which washed ashore from an 1895 shipwreck in which a schooner ran aground and broke apart.

The future of Wash Woods was determined by the very weather which brought its first residents and lumber to its shores and consequently led to its establishment. Intense storms and repeated flooding pushed the community members to abandon the Wash Woods settlement—the last of the Wash Woods residents left the area in the 1930s. However, the Wash Woods Life Saving Station remained operational until the mid-1950s.

The cemetery and the remnants of the Wash Woods church remain tucked beneath the live oaks of what was once a lively coastal community, in the existing property of False Cape State Park which honors the strong men and women who made a living from the sea. To step back into history, visitors can bike or hike from the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge between sunrise and sunset daily. Visit False Cape State Park for more information on hiking trails and tram tours.

Photos from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Coffee Break!

While the beauty of a Sandbridge sunrise is enough to get us up early, a little coffee really helps kick off our day. Luckily, Sandbridge has some great spots to grab a cup before heading out to the beach or whatever the day has in store for you! Below are a few of our favorites:

Fetch Coffee at Dog’s Little Acre:

665 Sandbridge Road

Fetch Coffee is conveniently located on Sandbridge Road for a quick pick-me-up on your way to the beach! Fetch also has a drive-thru for added convenience, or you can choose to sit under one of their umbrellas while you sip. This shop offers more than just coffee; sno-cones, milkshakes, tea, edible cookie dough, and pastries are just a few of their menu items! Swing by from 7am to 5pm daily.

Baja Coffee Co.:

3701 Sandpiper Rd

On the south end of Sandbridge sits the Baja, known for being a cool place to enjoy an evening with friends. But did you know that the Baja runs a coffee shop in the morning? From 7am-2pm, Tuesday through Sunday, you can grab a coffee, smoothie bowl, pastry, panini, or more from Baja Coffee Co! Enjoy your breakfast bayside and soak up the beauty of Sandbridge.

Daybreak Coffee:

897 Sandbridge Rd

Another conveniently placed coffee shop Daybreak has recently set up shop at Belanga’s Seafood on Sandbridge Road. This shop currently roasts organic coffee beans steps from the ocean in Virginia Beach. For the non-coffee drinkers in your group, try one of Daybreak’s iced teas or lemonades! Open from 8am to 2pm.

We hope you take advantage of our Sandbridge sunrises and savor every last drop of your vacation–no matter where you fill your cup!

Photos taken from the respective shops’ websites. 

Party at the Pier

Party at the Pier 

Sponsored by Siebert Realty

Kick-off your shoes, bring your friends, and join us for a FREE concert in the sand at Little Island Park with live music by Tidewater Drive Band plus food trucks, adult beverages, and plenty of dancing!

This iconic Sandbridge event sponsored by Siebert Realty will be held TOMORROW, July 20, from 7pm to 10pm. Bring your dancing shoes and get excited—this event is beloved by guests and locals alike! Come together with the community to share an evening on our favorite beach in the world. Tidewater Drive Band will be keeping the music flowing all night.

All that dancing is sure to work up your appetite! Don’t worry—we have some of the best food vendors around to keep you fueled for the night:

• Big Belly Food Truck: Welcome to the beach! This food truck offers island-style cuisine inspired by the chef’s time spent in Guam.
• HER Concessions & More: Swing by this truck for your classic food truck food—hotdogs, nachos, cotton candy, and more snacks await.
• Mama’s Kitchen: Try to walk past this truck without your mouth watering…Get ready for wings, brisket, and other specials!
• Chesapeake Concessions: This vendor specializes in loaded fries, gourmet grilled cheese, crab cakes, and more!

All beer and wine sales will benefit the Sandbridge Volunteer Rescue Squad. A valid ID must be presented to purchase adult beverages. Please drink responsibly and have a designated driver to ensure everyone’s safety.

We can’t wait to see you tomorrow!

Moneysworth Beach Equipment & Linen Rentals

Moneysworth Beach Equipment & Linen Rentals

Packing for vacation can be tough—sorting through belongings and stuffing the car to its absolute limit might be the only stressful part of a beach trip. For more than 30 years, Moneysworth Beach Equipment & Linen Rentals has been there to ease the hassle of packing and make your family vacation so much more relaxing and fun. Moneysworth provides an enormous range of beach-vacation related equipment and beyond for weekly rentals, which are delivered and picked up for FREE at your rental property.

Some of the beach equipment available to rent from Moneysworth include beach chairs, beach umbrellas, utility carts, coolers, cornhole, and beach wheelchairs. Rent a utility cart and make your walks to the beach a breeze! No more lugging awkward and outdated beach chairs or umbrellas—they’ve got you covered with the best gear and their carts make it easy to transport everything you need for your beach day.

Take advantage of the picturesque coastline and beautiful Back Bay with watersports equipment. Moneysworth has stand up paddleboards, surfboards, boogie boards, and a variety of kayaks ready for you! Save on gas—rent a bicycle and head on down to the Baja, False Cape State Park, or the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge. Much of Sandbridge is accessible by bike.

Beyond the beach, Moneysworth is here to make your stay with a Siebert property even more comfortable.  Traveling with little ones? Reserve baby equipment in advance so you don’t have to bring it with you. Cribs, highchairs, baby gates, and booster seats are available to rent. Moneysworth also has oscillating fans and rollaway beds!

Reservations can be made in advance over the phone or online. After reserving your equipment, all you need to do is show up to your rental! Moneysworth will deliver your rented equipment or linens by 5pm on the day of your arrival. If you need your rentals ASAP, you can pay $25 for priority delivery. Rented equipment may be left in the same location they were delivered upon your departure. Check out the information below to get started on making your next vacation the best yet!

Moneysworth Beach Equipment & Linen Rentals

https://www.rentbeachequipment.com/

601 Sandbridge Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Local: 757.468.3999
Toll Free: 800.662.2122

Virginia Aquarium Summer Camps

The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center hosts annual summer camps to offer kids a safe and unique experience connecting with science and nature. These programs are a fantastic way to encourage hands-on learning and allow children to build friendships on vacation. The Virginia Aquarium’s camps are revered by locals and visitors alike!

While some of the camps have sold out for 2022, there is still availability for the 13–15-year-old age group. There is a waitlist option, so be sure to reach out to the Education Staff if one of the programs catches your eye. Be sure to mark your calendar for future sign-up dates to reserve your child’s spot next year! Below is a brief overview of some of the camps offered. A child must meet the specified age requirement by the time the selected camp begins.

Wonders of Water (2 days, Ages 6-8)

This program is offered August 1-2. Through experiments and science play, find out why water is so important for living things. Discover what’s living in water as you explore aquarium habitats and Owls Creek. The cost of this camp is $120.

Veterinary Care & Enrichment Training (2 days, Ages 6-8)

This program is offered July 25-26 and August 4-5. Explore the job of a veterinarian through role-play, observing live animals, learning proper animal handling techniques, and meeting the Aquarium’s vet team. The cost of this camp is $120.

Yuck, That’s Gross! (2 days, Ages 6-8, 9-12)

This program is offered August 11-12. Learn about animal anatomy and behaviors through this camp that’s full of fun hands-on activities. Dissect fish and squid, learn about parasites and other animals with gross reputations, and investigate animal waste. The cost of this camp is $120.

Watershed Explorers (5 days, Ages 9-12)

This program is offered August 15-19. Explore local watersheds to observe some of the animals that make our waterways a unique resource. Search for life in a pond, kayak to explore a marsh, trawl for fish and invertebrates, and investigate water in a laboratory. The cost of this camp is $420, or $350 for members.

Animal Superpowers (5 days, Ages 9-12)

This program is runs July 18-22. Investigate animal adaptations through live animal encounters, behind-the-scenes experiences, and STEM-focused activities. Explore how animals use super senses and super strength to survive in their environment. The cost of this camp is $420, or $350 for members.

Marine Explorers (5 days, Ages 13-15)

This program is offered July 11-15. Get an up-close look at the marine life and habitats in our area through lab studies, aquarium observations, and field explorations. Trawl for fish and invertebrates aboard the Ocean Explorer, go dolphin watching by kayak, seine in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, and try SCUBA at Lynnhaven Dive Center. The cost of this camp is $480, or $420 for members.

Aquatic Ecosystems (2 days, Ages 13-15)

This program runs August 8-9. Compare and contrast pond, marsh, bay, and ocean ecosystems through field explorations. Learn how to collect aquatic animals for study and what it takes to maintain aquarium systems at home and at the Virginia Aquarium. The cost of this camp is $240, or $200 for members.

If you have questions about these camp opportunities or you would like to be placed on a waitlist, please contact the Virginia Aquarium Education Staff.

Education Staff
programs@virginiaaquarium.com
(757) 385-0278
717 General Booth Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Photos taken from the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center website. 

Sandbridge Fourth of July Boat Parade

Spend the Fourth in Sandbridge!

Celebrate the Fourth in true Sandbridge fashion with the Fourth of July Boat Parade! This iconic Sandbridge event is making a full return this year and is sure to bring smiles to the faces of all who participate. The Boat Parade will be held Monday, July 4^th with a start time of 7pm.

Sandbridge boaters will decorate boats of all shapes and sizes according to a theme, and then judges will distribute awards. The theme of this year’s parade is “American Pastimes”—show off what you love! This year’s prizes will be Best Pastime (best boat), The Nauti (funniest boat), New and Improved (boat décor), and Ugly Duckling (tackiest décor).

The boats will meet in Osprey Bay and then travel through the canals and waters of Back Bay before making their way to the judge’s stand in Mill Pond. If you’re renting a house on the bay, head out onto the dock or enjoy the show from the backyard! This special Sandbridge tradition is enjoyed by the entire neighborhood—both visitors and locals alike. Happy Fourth of July from Siebert!

Photos from Sandbridge Civic League.

Outdoor Education at the Wildlife Refuge

School is out for the summer! As the time spent in the classroom comes to an end, it is important to remember that there are still plenty of learning opportunities to take part in over the summer. Some of our favorite hands-on learning experiences are hosted by the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge. These specially tailored programs are a fantastic way to get outdoors and learn more about our local area. Sign-ups are open to local residents and visitors alike, so reach out to the refuge and claim your spot now! To sign up for any of these programs, please call (757) 301-7329 ext. 3106.

Nature Journaling:

A great way to get outdoors and bring a little bit of Back Bay home with you is to participate in the wildlife refuge’s Nature Journaling program. Youth between the ages of 10 and 15 will be given a nature journal—which they will be able to take home—and join in on an exploration of the refuge and investigation of the environment. The Nature Journaling events will be held July 6^th and August 3^rd from 9am to 11am. To sign up for the program, please call (757) 301-7329 ext. 3106.

Junior Biologist Program:

The Junior Biologist Program is open to youth ages 5-12. Participants in this program will have the opportunity to learn and explore in a guided outing in Back Bay Wildlife Refuge with their families. After the outing, participants will be awarded the Junior Refuge Biologist patch. This event is scheduled for July 8, July 23, and August 5, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. To sign up for the program, please call (757) 301-7329 ext. 3106.

Nature Explorers Day Camp:

Let your children take advantage of the beautiful scenery and biodiversity of our area by participating in the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge’s Nature Explorers Day Camp! This program is reserved for those between the ages of 10 and 13. The camp is a week long, and each day will bring new adventures such as fishing, nature hikes, scientific investigation, and more. The Nature Explorers Day Camp will run from July 11 to July 15, 9:00am-12:00pm.

Bat Bay:

Did you know that our area is home to different types of bats? These important animals are helpful with pest control and pollination in some parts of the world. Head on down to the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge Headquarters Building (1324 Sandbridge Rd) for an evening listening for and identifying bats in the local area. The Bat Bay event will be held on July 27 and August 19 at 8:00pm.

Photos from Back Bay Wildlife Refuge.

Three Ways to Elevate Your Luxury Vacation

From waking up to the sound of crashing waves while the sun rises over the ocean to watching the sun dip below the horizon of Back Bay at the end of the day, it’s tough to imagine how a stay in Sandbridge could be any better. Believe it or not, we’ve found three of the best ways to take your vacation from amazing to absolutely unforgettable!

Private Hibachi in Sandbridge

Josh Sarran is a trained hibachi chef and the owner of Mt. Fuji 757—a hibachi business providing delectable meals for private groups. Sarran will arrive at your home ready to serve up some good food and smiles with tables and chairs, the grill, tablecloths, candles, and cutlery. The event is great for families with children, too; Sarran keeps the meal entertaining with all sorts of tricks! For a flat fee of only $150, you can bring hibachi night to your rental property. The “Hibachi at Home” menu includes plenty of options for both adults and children.

Sandbridge Massage

What’s more relaxing than an at-home massage near the beach? Fran and the crew with Sandbridge Massage are ready to help you recover from whatever stress or soreness you may have with a variety of massage types. They’ll bring all the necessary supplies directly to your rental, so there is no need for you to leave the comfort of your beach house.

Sessions range from 30-90 minutes, but the minimum for a visit is two hours. Grab a friend or two who deserve to de-stress and give Sandbridge Massage a call. Below is some of the guidance provided on Sandbridge Massage’s website:

• Your therapist(s) will be carrying some awkward equipment into the house.  Please make room in your driveway for them to have easy access to an entryway.  The closer the better, especially if it’s raining.
• They will need an area of at least 10’x8’ to set up one table, so it’s a good to have a couple of spaces in mind before they arrive.  Low traffic areas are best to ensure privacy and relaxation.
• If you are severely sunburned, a full body massage is not a good idea. Consider a 30 minute reflexology session.
• If you are not hydrated, you may feel more soreness during and after your massage. Drink water to get the most out of your session.

The VB Picnic Co.

Forget the PB&J sandwiches—enjoy a perfectly-curated, luxury picnic on the beach courtesy of VB Picnic Co. The VB Picnic Co. will create meticulously designed picnic tables based on the number of guests, complete with custom signs, seasonal charcuterie boards, sparkling water, and cutlery. To complete the bohemian vibe, comfy seating for each guest and pillows and blankets will also be provided. All the picnic supplies are yours to use for 1.5 hours. Don’t worry about the sun, VB Picnic Co. will set up a large decorative umbrella to keep you protected. Visit their website below for more information:

https://thevbpicnicco.com/

Virginia Beach Cherry Blossom Festival

Come celebrate the arrival of spring with the Virginia Beach Cherry Blossom Festival in Red Wing Park! The park is home to 150 Yoshino cherry trees—the trees were a gift in 2005 from Virginia Beach’s International Sister City Miyazaki City, Japan. The two cities were first declared Sister Cities in 1992, but had enjoyed a fruitful relationship since the early 1980s. Mount Trashmore Park and Tallwood Elementary reinforce this friendship by claiming sisterhood with Miyazaki’s Hagino Dai eco-park and Minami Elementary School. A visit to the Cherry Blossom Festival includes a children’s’ StoryWalk, crafts, Japanese music, haiku contests, cultural performances, martial arts demos, and many more family fun activities!

Not able to make it to the physical location of the festival? No problem: the Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation website has a wide range of events offered virtually to help share the Virginia Beach Cherry Blossom Festival with friends near and far.

The festival will be hosted in Red Wing Park (1398 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA) and run from March 26 – April 3, with daily hours ranging from 1-4 pm or 2-5 pm. The festival’s webpage provides a detailed schedule of events.

Visit the VB.gov website to learn more about the 2022 Virginia Beach Cherry Blossom Festival:

https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/parks-recreation/special-events/Pages/cherry-blossom.aspx

Photos taken from the Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation website.

The ViBe Creative District

ViBe Creative District

Virginia Beach is known for its eclectic spirit. What better way to experience the essence of our community then to dive headfirst into its artistic center? The ViBe Creative District, located between 16^th and 22^nd streets, is a cultural hub for artists, local businesses, restaurants, and other craftsmen. Easily identifiable by the vibrant murals and lively music that fills the air, the ViBe District offers a little bit of everything to residents and visitors alike. Virginia Beach mainstays like Zero’s Subs and newer establishments such as Bad Ass Coffee can be found next to bustling art galleries. Chesapeake Bay Distillery and Vibrant Shores Brewing are options for the adults in your family to try some of Virginia Beach’s adult-beverage craftmanship.

The ViBe Mural Walking Tour is a short one-mile trip packed with the work of local artists; many of the restaurants and shops are decorated with beautiful wall murals which make for great photo backdrops! The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, or MOCA, exhibits incredibly powerful pieces highlighting the diversity of our community.

One of the locals’ favorite events in the ViBe District is the Old Beach Farmers Market. The Old Beach Farmers Market is an outdoor marketplace located in the parking lot of Croc’s 19^th Street Bistro. Head on down between 9am and noon on Saturdays to get your share of local fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, meats, and plenty of baked goods. Some key pillars of the mission of the Old Beach Farmers Market are to establish a resort area farmers market for residents and visitors, encourage locavores and educate others about fresh and sustainable food, and to promote local family farms, watermen, and wineries. The market schedule for 2022 will be out soon.

The ViBe District is sure to have some type of event for every member of your family. Throughout the summer and into the fall, live music and entertainment will return to the district, creating the lively atmosphere which many associate with Virginia Beach. If you are more into fitness than music, the weekly yoga at ViBe Park is perfect for you. Attending First Fridays is a great way to discover some of the amazing talent this area has to offer and to find unique souvenirs and art to remind you of your trip to Virginia Beach; each Friday offers a new artist showcase or pop-up. Be sure to make the trip up to the ViBe District during your stay at the beach to really immerse yourself in the Virginia Beach spirit!

Photos courtesy of VibeCreativeDistrict.org.