This Month, Lace Up for the Shamrock Marathon and Fitness Expo, Cheer on a National Championship, Hop Aboard for the Winter Wildlife Finale and Much More
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (February 15, 2017) – As winter marches on, spring fills the air in Virginia Beach. Not to mention, there’s more sunlight to get visitors through each day! This March, enjoy a month full of festive events, including the 2017 Shamrock Marathon, 31st Annual Spring Craft Market and the Grand National Championship by the Sea. Also, it’s the last month to view the world’s largest marine animals aboard whale-watching boat tours, so mark your calendars for an unforgettable kickoff to spring.
CHAMPIONS OF CHEER
The tenth annual Grand National Championship by the Sea is back at the Resort Beach (Mar. 10-12) this spring. Welcoming all divisions of cheer and dance, the weekend will fill the Virginia Beach Convention Center from wall to wall with incredible stunts, music and dance routines. Teams gather from up and down the East Coast in hopes of being crowned the next Cheer and Dance Extreme’s national champion. Visitors can watch these performances come to life while cheering on their favorite!
SHAM-ROCKING INTO SHAPE
This year, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day during the Shamrock Sports and Fitness Expo (Mar. 17-18), one of the largest of its kind on the East Coast! The two-day event at the Virginia Beach Convention Center welcomes runners, walkers and sports enthusiasts of all kinds looking to meet with and learn from a variety of vendors of equipment, apparel, footwear and accessories for the whole fit family. This event, free and open to the public, allows visitors to kick off the Shamrock Marathon weekend in true athletic style.
As a long-standing tradition, the 2017 Yuengling Shamrock Marathon & Anthem Half Marathon is bringing the luck of the Irish to all of its runners at the Virginia Beach oceanfront this St. Patrick’s Day weekend (Mar. 17-19). With more than 30,000 participants, Murphy’s Irish stew, the King Neptune challenge and live music and entertainment, the weekend is sure to be a lucky one – even for non-participating visitors, who can partake in plenty of entertainment.
CRAFTY FUN
More than 150 fine artists and craftspeople from across the nation are coming together for the 31st Annual Spring Craft Market (Mar. 28-30), showcasing fine arts, handcrafted jewelry, wood, glass, photography, candles, woven baskets, toys, folk art and specialty foods. Exhibitors will be introducing new lines and special accessories for the home and garden.
Meet the artisans, learn the stories behind their work and shop for the best in fine arts and crafts. From simple to lavish, there’s one-of-a-kind creations for every budget.
A WHALE OF AN ADVENTURE
It’s the last month to get wild – winter style – and experience an unforgettable ocean experience. View the world’s largest and most beautiful marine animals aboard the Winter Wildlife Boat Tour on the Rudee Flipper (thru Mar. 15) or aboard the Atlantic Explorer at the Virginia Aquarium (thru Mar. 5). Spot Humpback and Fin Whales as they move in a seasonal migration along the Atlantic Ocean. Marine life sightings are incredible, and whale sightings are the number one goal; however, they’re not guaranteed. You may also see brown pelicans, northern gannets and other sea birds, all of which make a dramatic show while feeding on schools of fish.
Begin planning your stay with us this spring or for later in the year. To learn more about Virginia Beach, plan a stay or request a complimentary vacation guide, contact the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau by calling 1-800-VA-BEACH or going to www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com.
Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau (www.visitvirginiabeach.com)
Where the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay meet, Virginia Beach promises visitors a unique chance to “Live the Life.” Nature at its finest, just-caught and just-picked local food, and toes-in-the-sand relaxation combine for a soul-satisfying experience. A world-renowned boardwalk, energetic downtown, state-of-the-art Convention Center, abundant parks and waterways, and mild weather give rise to an active lifestyle and flourishing local culture. The Virginia Beach CVB is responsible for promoting year-round leisure, business, meetings and conventions, international and sports travel to Virginia’s most populous city. For media information and images, visit www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com/pressroom. Follow Virginia Beach on Twitter at twitter.com/VisitVaBch, Instagram at instagram.com/visitvabeach, Facebook at www.facebook.com/VisitVaBeach and Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/visitvabeach.
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