Spirit of Norfolk

If you are looking for a way to experience the Hampton Roads area in style, look no further than the Spirit of Norfolk. This ship is a three-level yacht style dining vessel with three interior climate-controlled dining decks and exterior observation deck. Delivering an exhilarating night (or day) of dancing, dining, and entertainment since 1978, the Spirit of Norfolk has made its name as one of the area’s best-known cruises.

Add a little bit of elegance to your vacation while viewing the Norfolk skyline and enjoying a top-notch buffet.  Head on down to Waterside Drive in Norfolk where you will be greeted by the Spirit of Norfolk’s crew for a dockside launch party prior to your departure. Exploring the ship is a treat in itself—the Spirit of Norfolk has been overhauled to bring guests the absolute best evening on the water possible with amenities like lounges, game spaces, dance floors and full-service bars.

Once underway, guests are immersed in the beauty of the Elizabeth River. Throughout the cruise guests are invited to relax on deck, play indoor or outdoor games, or join in on some dancing while a DJ plays music from the dance floor. Salads, various entrees, sweet desserts, and coffee await in the buffet line. Don’t forget that alcoholic beverages will be available during the cruise from the full-service bars!

Are you vacationing with a large group? The Spirit of Norfolk can accommodate groups of all sizes with communal tables able to seat up to ten people. The decks are climate-controlled for year-long fun, so even though summer may be over, you can still enjoy the Hampton Roads area from the water.

Rates vary depending on which type of cruise or event you choose. The best way to plan your night out on the water is by visiting the Spirit of Norfolk’s website in the contact information provided below.

Website:

https://www.cityexperiences.com/norfolk/city-cruises/our-fleet/spirit-of-norfolk/

Address:

Downtown Norfolk,

Otter Berth next to The Waterside,

999 Waterside DriveNorfolk, VA 23501

Phone:

(866) 304-2469

Photos taken from www.cityexperiences.com/norfolk/ and www.tripadvisor.com.

Sandbridge Massage

Take your Sandbridge vacation to the next level with a private massage at your rental property!  Whether you’ve been chasing kids around the whole week, preparing dinner each night for the entire family, or catching too many waves in the ocean – Fran and her team of massage therapists is here to help you recover.

Pricing is listed below and includes different styles of massage like Relaxing Swedish, Deep Tissue, Reflexology, Sports, Prenatal, and Injury.  All supplies are brought right to your rental property!

30 min Massage – $50

60 min Massage – $100

90 min Massage – $150

A 2 hour minimum visit is required so be sure to recruit a few others from your group to all enjoy a massage!  Below are a few tips from the Sandbridge Massage website in regards to preparing for your massage.

• 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.

Still wondering if getting a massage on vacation is a good idea?  Don’t take our word for it – below are a few examples of their Google reviews!

“Fran came to our beach house so 4 of us could get massages and left us completely relaxed and refreshed. An incredible addition to our vacation. Thanks, Fran!”

“Our experience with Fran was exceptional. She came to our beach house in Sandbridge on three different days during our week long stay and stayed for 2 hours each visit. I’ve had many massages over the years and I must say she has unique skills and techniques from years of experience that had me and 3 other family members raving about how great our massages were. 5 star for experience for sure plus she comes to you! How nice it was to not have to drive after getting a massage!”

“We used Sandbridge Massage while on vacation in Virginia Beach in early May. My wife loves massages but I’m not a fan. I can honestly say that this was the best massage that I’ve every had. I left with a completely relaxed feeling that lasted for hours. I would highly recommend them.”

http://www.sandbridgemassage.com/index.html

Breweries at the Beach

Exploring the Virginia Beach Brewery Scene

The craft beer scene of Virginia Beach has certainly expanded over the last couple of years. There are more than 15 unique breweries in the area, each offering their own specialty brews and vibe. Luckily, the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau has put together a Virginia Beach Beer Trail Guide for locals and visitors alike who are hoping to explore the coastal flavors of Virginia Beach.

Here are a few local favorites but be sure to check out the VB Beer Trail Guide to find your next favorite brewery!

Wasserhund

1805 Laskin Rd STE 102, Virginia Beach, VA 23454

Wasserhund Brewing Company was created out of love for German beer, creative food and gathering with family and friends. It is easy to feel like a local when you step through the doors of the brewery; owners Aaron and Christine have cultivated an environment reminiscent of laid-back evenings with your loved ones, dogs included!

Wasserhund aims to bring a taste of Germany’s beer gardens to Virginia Beach. However, their specialty pizzas and loaded tots baskets definitely bring them one step ahead of any old beer garden. Wasserhund hosts a Sunday Brunch with culinary masterpieces like the Chicken and Waffle Charcuterie, Biscuits and Gravy Basket, and Pecan Praline Pancake Pizza, along with their summer mimosa flavors. If you’re a late sleeper, don’t worry, Wasserhund has events almost every night of the week. Swing by on Mondays for trivia or Tuesdays for a sample of their experimental small batch brews, aptly named Puppy Litter Brews.

New Realm

1209 Craft Ln, Virginia Beach, VA 23454

New Realm is the perfect place to hang out with some friends and listen to live music again—not to mention the bonus of its proximity to Sandbridge. After a long day at the beach, head to New Realm to relax on the patio with your family and try some delicious food and brews.

If you are too tired in the evenings, New Realm has got you covered with Sunday morning Breakfast Beers: a delicious three-course breakfast spread, masterfully paired with their award-winning beers, and coffee from Town Center Cold Press. Doors open to ticket holders at 10:00am, come for the pairing and stay for the afternoon! Although the flagship brewery and restaurant for New Realm is located in Atlanta, Georgia, we are very happy they have decided to plant some roots in Virginia Beach.

Back Bay Brewing

614 Norfolk Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Back Bay Brewing Co. was founded in 2011 by Virginia Beach natives who share a deep connection to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the active outdoor culture of Virginia Beach. Josh Canada and his friends were dedicated to creating an atmosphere to share their passion of beer and the relaxed local vibe of Virginia Beach.

A few years ago, the Back Bay Brewing team opened a second location in a 1912 farmhouse in Kempsville, which is now known as Back Bay’s Farmhouse Brewing Co. It has grown to be known as Hampton Roads most unique brewery and cidery. The Farmhouse prides itself on being a gathering place in which the agricultural and beach bum cultures of Virginia Beach become entwined.

The Back Bay Brewing Co. Farmhouse hosts different food trucks every day to keep things interesting and give you a chance to experience all of the culinary goodness Virginia Beach has to offer! The Farmhouse is family-friendly, if you want to bring your four-legged family member please feel free. Just remember to keep dogs leashed and remain outside of the house.

Visit the following website to find the Virginia Beach Beer Trail guide and learn a little more about our area’s breweries:

https://www.visitvirginiabeach.com/taste/breweries/

Norfolk Mac & Cheese Festival

Norfolk Mac & Cheese Festival

Head to Norfolk’s Waterside District for an amazing day filled with family-friendly fun and cheesy goodness. The event will be a melting pot of some of Virginia’s best restaurants, food trucks, and chefs’ cheesy visions. The Norfolk Mac & Cheese Festival will be Virginia’s largest (and cheesiest) festival ever! The event will be held on August 7th, from 2pm-8pm.

Sample the endless varieties of mac & cheese from the area’s best chefs and culinary minds. No matter how you like it—peppery, with ketchup, crispy with breadcrumbs or creamy like butter, you’ll find the mac and cheese of your dreams right here! These mac & cheese chefs will be competing for awards like “Best Tasting Mac & Cheese”, “Most Unique Mac & Cheese”, and “Cheesiest Mac & Cheese”.

Premium ticket packages are offered at a pre-sale price of $24.99, which gives you access to the festival, a free drink, and ten mac & cheese samples. The VIP Package offers early access to the festival, two hours of unlimited mac & cheese, four drink tickets, and access to the exclusive VIP Area with bars, vendors, seating, and more!

For those who enjoy a little competition, the Mac & Cheese Festival has several cheesy challenges. Battle it out with fellow competitors in the Mac & Cheese Eating Contest to see who can eat the most Mac & Cheese in two minutes. If you prefer fries over macaroni, you might want to give the Cheese Fries Eating Contest a try—the first person to finish their giant bucket of cheese fries will be crowned the winner! You might find yourself a little full after trying all of the different mac & cheese samples, but there is one contest for which you only need strength: The Can of Whiz Hold. The last participant to drop their can of whiz while holding it in front of them will be forever known as the whiz champion.

Norfolk Mac & Cheese Festival

August 7, 2021 2pm-8pm

https://www.macandcheesefestivals.com/norfolk

Little Free Libraries of Sandbridge

Little Free Libraries

It’s hard to beat reading a good book on the beach. If you forgot to pack your book in your beach bag, don’t worry! Whether you enjoy curling up with your favorite book during an afternoon thunderstorm or prefer reading with your toes in the sand, the residents of Sandbridge have a solution for your literary needs.

Sandbridge community members built incredible “Little Free Libraries” for the enjoyment of all. You can spot these colorful libraries along the main roads and side streets of Sandbridge; often the boxes are decorated with quotes or book characters. The books are free for everyone and available 24/7. If you’ve already finished the book you brought on vacation, trade it in for a new one!  Sandbridge is home to several Little Free Libraries—they can be found on both the north end and the south end.

Some of the libraries are registered with Little Free Library: a nonprofit organization based in Hudson, Wisconsin. Their mission is to be a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Libraries.

A walk around the neighborhood to check out the little libraries of Sandbridge is one of the best ways to explore the community. Be sure to check out all of the libraries to see if you can find an eye-catching book book for yourself. With new visitors coming to Sandbridge every week, books are taken, and new books left quite frequently.

These libraries allow you to leave a little bit of yourself in Sandbridge while taking a little bit of Sandbridge back home with you. One little library curator received a letter from a young boy who borrowed a book series from her little library on the north end; “These books are filling my heart so much!”

Whether you are a local or a beach-vacationing visitor, please stop by to take a book or return a book! More information on the origin of the Little Free Library Program can be found at their website: https://littlefreelibrary.org

A map of Sandbridge’s little libraries can be found below!

Lotus Garden Park

Lotus Garden Park

A unique piece of Virginia Beach history lies off of Sandbridge Road.

Lotus Garden Park is located across the street from Tabernacle United Methodist Church, and its yellowish-white flowers and bright green lily pads are sure to catch the eye of anyone driving past. These flowers are the American Lotus: the official flower of the city of Virginia Beach and the only lotus species native to the United States. The distinguishable flower bloomed abundantly during the early and mid-20th century. The tubers (responsible for the spread of the lotus plant), leaves, and seeds served as an important food source for Native American populations in the area. However, the lotus is now protected and is illegal to tamper with or pick the flowers or plants. ​

The park has more to offer than just a scenic background for a photo-op; there are two popular kayak launches in the vicinity of Lotus Garden Park. From the launch, kayakers are able to access Ashville Bridge Creek, Muddy Creek, and North Bay. The Lotus Garden Loop offers beautiful scenery and the opportunity to see Virginia Beach wildlife.  Be sure to follow proper safety precautions while exploring.

Rain levels, hot weather, and water quality are all factors which affect the American lotus bloom. Some years the bloom is so thick that it can seem impossible to canoe or kayak through the pond, while some years the bloom is incredibly sparse. Luckily, there are quite a few flowers bursting through the murky waters of the pond this year.

The memory of Lotus Festivals dating back to the middle of the twentieth century evoke a sense of communal pride amongst lifelong community members here in Virginia Beach. In the 1950s, the Lotus Festival was established by the members of Cape Henry Woman’s Club and Tabernacle United Methodist Church to celebrate the abundant blooms. The celebration featured the crowning of a Lotus Queen, a potluck with community members, and a parade. The Lotus Festival has been scaled back since its inauguration, but community members still gather for a luncheon at Tabernacle United Methodist Church during the month of July. Be sure to catch a glimpse of the American lotus while it is still in bloom!

For more information regarding the Lotus Garden Kayak Loop, visit the following sites:

https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/parks-recreation/parks-trails/Pages/kayaking.aspx

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/lotus-pond-paddle?ref=header

Moore to See Photo Expeditions

Moore to See Photo Expeditions

Sandbridge is nestled in between the Atlantic Ocean and Back Bay and is home to all sorts of wildlife. Moore to See Photo Expeditions wants to help you make the most of your vacation and learn more about the history of the Tidewater area with private boat tours through the amazing ecosystems of the region. Climb aboard to adventure into one of the largest undisturbed freshwater marshes along the eastern seaboard!

There is no better way to learn about the history of an area deeply rooted in fisheries and the maritime industry than on the water. Join the knowledgeable crew from Moore to See Photo Expeditions as they navigate the North Landing River, view thousands of nesting birds at the Monkey Island Rookery or pick some Back Bay blue crabs.

Moore to See Photo Expeditions are more than just photo tours—they are incredibly memorable experiences for the whole family. The “River Crab Feast” trip includes a three-hour EcoTour on the North Landing River followed by a crab feast on a totally secluded dock surrounded by nature, while the Birds & Brunch tour brings you right alongside some of Virginia’s incredible wildlife prior to enjoying brunch at Coinjock Marina Restaurant. Moore to See’s emphasis is on providing private eco- and photo- boat tours to explore the unique natural communities and abundant wildlife of the waters of southern Virginia Beach while placing the waters in historical and ecological context.

Enjoy a day on the water soaking up all of the beauty the area has to offer under the guidance of a USCG certified captain. All tours are private with 1-6 guests and normally range from 2-4 hours, but can last as long as you like! Not sure which tour best suits your family? Give Moore to See Photo Expeditions a call and they will be more than happy to answer any of your questions!

Moore to See Photo Expeditions

US Coast Guard Certified Captain
Back Bay, Monkey Island, North Landing River

tel: (757) 401-2583

https://www.mooretosee.com

All photos taken from Moore to See Photo Expeditions’ website.

False Cape State Park

False Cape State Park

Did you know Sandbridge is just a quick trip from False Cape State Park? Guests can park at the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and catch a tram into one of the coolest state parks along the Atlantic. There is no public vehicle access to False Cape, which means the park is only accessible by foot, bicycle, the tram, or boat.

The area was mistaken for Cape Henry fairly often during the nineteenth century, and many ships met their demise in the shallow waters of the aptly named “False Cape”. The remnants of the Wash Woods community are one of the highlights of a tour through the park; the village was actually established by survivors of a shipwreck who used cypress wood from the wreckage to build a church and other structures.

Make sure to bring your camera and some binoculars! False Cape is home to all kinds of wildlife. Plan a stop by the Visitor Center near the Barbour Hill area to learn about the history of False Cape State Park and upcoming events, as well as grabbing a souvenir and a snack on your way in or out of the park.

False Cape State Park hosts events such as sunset paddles and wildlife tram tours throughout the entire summer, so head on down to False Cape to create some fantastic family memories!

Photos taken from False Cape State Park’s website:

https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/false-cape

Sandbridge in the Fall

Top 5 Reasons to Book a Sandbridge Vacation This Fall

Did you find yourself reading this blog because you have spent the past few months stalking the Siebert Realty website hoping that the house you’ve got your eye on or that week in July will suddenly have an opening? Maybe you already have a reservation, but now you’re just DYING to come back. Whatever the case may be, I have a piece of advice that is going to change your life: Book a fall vacation in Sandbridge. Why? Keep Reading…

The Weather is [STILL] Gorgeous

Summer vacations have earned their reputations for warm weather and sunshine. After all, there’s nothing quite like baking in the sun on a 90 degree day in July. However, Virginia weather doesn’t follow the calendar, suddenly cutting off all sunshine and heat abruptly after Labor Day. In fact, it’s not uncommon to have a few unseasonably warm (yes, sometimes even 80 or 90 degrees) days in September and well into October. The pools in many of our houses are still open even past October and the beach, of course, is here to stay! Enjoy the sunshine and a nice breeze while you proudly exclaim that ‘fall is the new summer!’ from the comfort of your pool float (little drink umbrella is recommended, but not required).

No More Crowds

Many years of conditioning have told us that summer is vacation season. Schools are out, the sun is hot, and the ocean is calling folks from all over to enjoy its refreshing waters. This means that summertime is a very busy time for Sandbridge and Virginia Beach alike. Those who come in the summer certainly enjoy the sights and sounds of tourist season and the excitement of seeing the area at its peak. But if you prefer a slower, quieter pace of life, fall is when the locals return to their favorite bars and restaurants (no lines and waiting!) and you can finally find that perfect spot on the beach without having to dodge a sandcastle or water gun fight.

Seasonal Produce, Meat & Seafood

When you think of the beach, you probably don’t think about farms and fresh produce, but Sandbridge is home to many local farmers markets and farm stands where you can find locally grown, in-season fruits, vegetables, meats, and flowers to cook at your vacation home or take back home with you. All of your favorite fall treats can be enjoyed after a day at the beach. You’re probably going to want to move here. Oh, and don’t forget local seafood! Specifically, oysters! If you’re a seafood lover, the oysters alone are enough incentive to book a fall vacation in Sandbridge right now!

The Colors are Photo-Worthy

Sandbridge Beach is in no shortage of gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, filling the skies with colors reminiscent of watercolor paintings as the light dances across the water in a way that captivates us no matter how many times we’ve seen it before. As the days become shorter in the fall, these views grow increasingly more spellbinding, enticing us to inundate our social media followers with photo after photo, and probably provoking a bit of jealousy! For those traveling to Sandbridge in the later fall months, the leaves will begin to change, adding more opportunity for colorful backdrops to create social media envy!

So Many Great Local Events

There are always many fun things to see and do in Sandbridge and the surrounding areas, and as crowd regulations continue to decrease in Virginia, there are some really exciting events and concerts coming up! In September, the Rock N Roll Marathon and Neptune Festival will be happening at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, as well as concerts from 311, Dierks Bentley, Chris Stapleton and more coming to nearby venues only a short drive from your beach house,

To view a complete list of events and local attractions, click on the Explore tab on the Siebert Realty website.

If you’re still reading this and haven’t booked your vacation for fall 2021 yet, what are you waiting for? Just like the summer, once the word gets out, these reservations won’t last long! Click here. You won’t be sorry you did.