Get a Bird's Eye View of History
Virginia Military Aviation Museum
History and military buffs rejoice! The Military Aviation Museum is home to one of the largest private collections of World War I- and II-era military aircraft in the world. Spanning several hangars, this international collection includes 70 planes from the first 50 years of military aviation — many of them restored to their original flying condition. From the celebrated American P-51 Mustang and German Messerschmitt ME-262 to the rare wooden British de Havilland Mosquito, each of these fascinating flying machines is an opportunity to turn back the pages of time.
The buildings, too, hold a rich history. Explore the Luftwaffe Hangar, imported in its entirety from Cottbus Air Base in Brandenburg, Germany — or the Royal Air Force Goxhill Control Tower, moved from England to Virginia Beach and reconstructed brick by brick as a testament to the sacrifices of those who served. Then get a bird’s eye view of history with an unforgettable ride in the open cockpit of a restored 1941 Boeing Stearman PT-17 Kaydet or 1989 Waco WMF-5!
Befriend a Brontosaurus
Jerrassic Park
Just outside the Miltary Aviation Museum gates but worthy of its own entry is Jerrassic Park: an absolute must-see if you’ve got kiddos in your crew. After you’ve gotten your fill of the comparatively modern history of WWI and II, hit the way-WAY-back button at this free, beautifully landscaped park populated by a realistic metal dino menagerie. Wander the meandering sandy pathways while all the usual suspects (brontosaurus, velociraptor, stegosaurus, triceratops, pterodactyl, woolly mammoth, saber-toothed tiger and more) peek out from the lush foliage. Call the museum for more information.
That First Sip Feeling
Sawdust Road
With its charming clapboard siding and wrap-around porch (complete with rocking chairs,) Sawdust Road is about as close as you’ll get to enjoying a home-cooked meal without having to do dish duty. The married owners, Eddie and Kristine Compo, serve up fresh, flavorful breakfast and lunch dishes daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with innovative takes on tasty classics. Try the French Toast Sticks for breakfast and the Happy Hippie sandwich (organic sourdough, hummus, greens, tomato, avocado and roasted red pepper) for lunch.
Fun fact: Mr. Joe, a beloved Pungo character who was born and raised in the building that’s now the cafe, claims that local thoroughfare Indian River Road was built on sawdust from the area’s mill, which helped to stabilize the swampy ground for horse carts (and, eventually, cars). If you’re lucky, Mr. Joe will be sitting on the porch with his coffee — ready to regale you with tall tales.
Brunch with the Best
The Bee & The Biscuit
If Southern hospitality had an address, it just might be 1785 Princess Anne Road — where you’ll find The Bee & The Biscuit, a Pungo breakfast, brunch and lunch mainstay. Whether you’re swinging by for a quick iced coffee and Bee Biscuit Basket (served with jam and house-made honey butter) or tucking in for a Cowboy Benedict (poached eggs with peppered tomato jam, served on biscuits with sausage gravy), you’ll definitely walk away with a happy tummy. Pro tip: if you happen to arrive when there’s a wait, order an iced latte and sit in the shady courtyard.
Hit the Local Links
Heron Ridge Golf Club
Spend a tranquil morning working on your swing at Heron Ridge Golf Club — 14 beautiful holes, including lakes, water hazards and natural wetlands shaded by mature oak, beech and elm trees. Well-groomed fairways and gently rolling hills keep the views appealing and the play challenging; a driving range and teaching pro are also available, should your skills need a bit of a brush-up. Plus, If you're itching to swing those clubs while in Virginia Beach, there are plenty of fantastic golf ranges to keep your head in the game.
Enjoy the Fruits (and Veggies) of Your Labor
Selected Pungo Farms
With 8,000 acres of ultra-productive farmland, Pungo provides many of the area’s fruits and vegetables, serving restaurants, farmers markets and visitors alike. If you’d like to get yours straight from the source, you can pick your own at several family-run farms. Cullipher Farm Market offers homemade jams and sauces plus seasonal you-pick strawberries, blueberries, peaches, grapes and apples — plus picnic facilities and a large play area for the kids. Henley Farms and Flanagan Farms also offer pick-your-own fruits and veggies and the option to choose the cream of the pre-picked crop at their friendly outdoor markets.
Beef Up Your Boardsports
Pungo Board House
Seemingly dropped from the sky amid Pungo farmland, Pungo Board House has a certain “Wizard of Oz” charm that only deepens when you cross the threshold. Even if you’re not planning to test out a new board on the shop’s half-pipe or sign up for summer surf lessons, this surf and skate shop is a great place to immerse yourself in East Coast board sports culture, score a souvenir tee — and breathe in the unmistakable aroma of surfboard wax. Owner Dylan Rogers comes from Pungo surf royalty; his dad Lawson is a local legend, and his brother Lucas is a professional surfer who rides for Team Billabong.
Paddle for Your Provisions
Blue Pete's Dinner Kayak Tour
There’s no shortage of memorable kayaking or waterfront dining in Virginia Beach. And thanks to Surf and Adventure Co. in Sandbridge, you can combine the two — with their Blue Pete’s Tour. Suitable for all levels, this evening kayak adventure takes you through the glassy waters and tree-shaded inlets of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge to Blue Pete’s Restaurant, a Pungo favorite since 1972. Even better: this is an out-and-back paddle starting at the restaurant, so adults can enjoy the restaurant’s signature cocktail, the Pungo Smash, without fear of making too much of a splash.
