Virginia Beach Dives into Summer with New Culinary Experiences, Beach-Front Concerts and More, Extending from the Atlantic Ocean to the Chesapeake Bay

 

 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (July 1, 2014) – Warmer weather is here and school is out … it’s time to break out the board shorts and flip flops and head to the beach! Virginia Beach is enticing discerning summer travelers to choose one of its three sandy beaches with the newly-opened Adventure Park, oyster-farming boat tours, beachfront concerts and fun patriotic events celebrating Independence Day.  

OCEANFRONT RESORT AREA  

Land of the Free, Home of the Brave

Salute the Star-Spangled Banner and share your patriotic spirit this Independence Day at Virginia Beach’s Stars & Stripes Explosion (July 4), featuring the sounds of the Virginia Beach Symphony Orchestra and the Virginia Beach Chorale. A spectacular fireworks show over the Atlantic Ocean will follow. To celebrate the brave men and women in uniform, now through Labor Day, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is offering free admission to active duty military and their families.  

Adventuring to New Heights

Featuring 13 tree-top trails with 170 crossings, and the new Labyrinth, a “super jungle gym” with 40 more crossings – Virginia Beach welcomes the new Adventure Park by Virginia Aquarium. After mastering the challenge of the rope obstacles high above the ground, zip line through the trees at the recently opened Adventure Park – an outdoor, aerial adventure park unlike any other with multiple zip lines and ropes challenge courses varying in difficulty. The park is the first of its kind in the state of Virginia, and when the 2nd phase is completed, it will be the largest of its kind in North America. Ideal for thrill-seekers ages five and up, the Park is open during day- and night-time hours.  

Colorful Chalk and Crabby Crabs Take Over the Boardwalk

Watch Virginia Beach’s iconic oceanfront boardwalk turn into a dynamic impromptu canvas of color for the Chalk the Walk ARTspolsion (July 12). Hundreds of artists and “wanna-be artists” gather to chalk their favorite superhero superstar along the boardwalk, between 15th and 17th Streets. The drawings will be judged based on age and skill by the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. Additionally, King Neptune may reign over the ocean, but on July 26, the Crab is King at this one-of-a-kind event. The Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge begins with the Miss Curvaceous Crustacean Beauty Pageant, where hermit crabs are presented in their own unique displays and judged on creativity and flair. Past winners included themed entries like “Spider Crab,” “Hermit the Hulk,” “Beauty and the Crab” and “Pirates of the Crabibbean!” Hermit crab preliminary races lead to the Crustacean 500, where the winner is awarded the “Order of the Mercury Claw” trophy. It’s survival of the “crabbiest!”

 

CHICK’S BEACH/CHESAPEAKE BAY BEACH  

Delight Your Senses aboard an Oyster-Farming Boat Tour

Whether you’ve already treated your palate to a legendary Lynnhaven Oyster or have yet to take your first slurp, Pleasure House Oysters will delight your senses as you set out on the Lynnhaven River to see how oysters are harvested – all while enjoying an oyster feast right on the water. Two- and four-hour tours are available, providing a behind-the-scenes look at various oyster farms.  

TOWN CENTER  

YNot Enjoy Shopping, Dining and Entertainment?

The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts has kicked off its Seventh Annual YNot Wednesdays, a free summer concert series and farmers market taking place at the Virginia Beach Town Center from June to August. The 13-week series will include performances by local and regional artists and groups playing new tunes and old favorites, while dishing up fresh produce and tasty treats. Additionally, on the third Friday of each month, from now through September, visitors can also stroll around the Fountain Plaza of Town Center for the Town Fair, which features locally handmade art, jewelry, goods and fair-trade merchandise.  

SANDBRIDGE BEACH AND PUNGO  

Berry Your Buckets Full

Virginia Beach’s farming community, from where local restaurants often source their ingredients, is excited to begin blueberry season. During the summer months (July-August), families can head to Pungo to fill up their buckets with pick-your-own blueberries. Farms offering pick-your-own berries include Beatson’s Blueberry farm, Henley Farm, Apple Berry Farm and Pungo Blueberries.  

Bike, Kayak or Paddle through Natural Wonders

Cruise through the trails of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park and explore one of Virginia Beach’s undeveloped, natural treasures with Surf and Adventure Co.’s new bike tours. Climb and coast through a variety of diverse ecosystems, while keeping a lookout for native wildlife. Kayaking and paddle-boarding tours and surfing lessons are also available.  

ADDITIONAL EVENTS  

Classic Culinary Delights

The Founder’s Inn & Spa is hosting Tuesdays on the Terrace (June-August), serving up delicious dishes and live jazz music. Those craving barbeque and brews while celebrating America’s birthday can head to the All-American Cook-Out (July 3) for grilled favorites including steaks, burgers, seafood, sausages and more, while grooving to live music and playing outdoor games on the lawn at Swan Terrace Grill.

To learn more about Virginia Beach’s year-round offerings or to request a complimentary vacation guide, contact the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau by calling 1-800-VA-BEACH.