With dancing sea oats, a soundtrack provided by nature and a distinctively local vibe, Sandbridge is a secluded hideaway that is a perfect place to get away with your family for a relaxing holiday. If you’re thinking about switching it up this year, here are some tips for a Sandbridge-style Thanksgiving for which you will all be thankful.
While the windswept dunes and seaside bungalows elicit memories of long summer days spent sun worshiping by the water, Fall might actually be our favorite time to spend a day exploring the beauty of the laid-back coastal community. With mild temperatures and smaller, if any, crowds, the relaxing Virginia Beach becomes even more so during the Thanksgiving holiday.
The House
From quaint beach houses to ocean-side retreats, luxury condos and everything in between, Sandbridge offers a variety of stunning beach house rentals for families of all sizes. Sandbridge Realty has everything you need, from vacation specials, pet-friendly accommodations, and premium rentals for all budgets and family sizes. While waking up to unbearably delicious smells on Thanksgiving Day is a memory we all treasure, add to that the sight of a serene sunrise over the ocean, and this will be a holiday you truly remember.
With Oceanfront’s Atkinson Realty, you can choose from waterfront rentals close to local restaurants and attractions or cozy cottages with porches perfect for morning coffee or sunset views. Sandbridge Blue Realty offers its own selection of stays, including rental homes with recreation rooms for family game nights or private docks convenient for kayaking or boating.
If you’re looking for even more space to relax with the family, Siebert Realty offers inviting rentals with spacious layouts, full kitchens and gazebos made for taking in peaceful views — the ideal setting for everyone to gather for quality time.
The Meal
Once you’re here, all you’ll have to worry about is the menu. Luckily, the coastal and agricultural bounty of the area will make for a distinctive meal that everyone will remember. While turkey is also a holiday must-have, no Virginia Beach feast is complete without fresh seafood pulled straight out of the waters that surround you. Our legendary Lynnhaven oysters and Margie & Ray’s blue crabs make for a perfect appetizer or turkey accompaniment, and can even be added into the stuffing for a coastal twist on the traditional favorite.
At local favorites like Sandbridge Island Restaurant, begin with fried calamari or smoked crab dip before enjoying a basket of fried fish and chips or even a juicy Angus burger. Over in the kitchen at Boardwalk Restaurant in Pungo, grilled chicken teriyaki and steamed rice noodles make for a satisfying meal, while the kids’ menu keeps little ones full with a beef and rice dish. For a laid-back classic, choose from a variety of pizzas, tacos and seafood at Shorebreak Pizza & Taphouse.
The Pie
Make it a family culinary affair and pick the freshest fruits and vegetables from one of the many nearby Pungo farms — and maybe even bring home a pumpkin or two. After all, what is Thanksgiving without homemade pumpkin pie? With over 8,000 acres of farmland, a drive through this expansive agricultural community delivers a rural serenity and countryside charm that feels worlds away from the bustle of the Oceanfront. Stop along your journey at any one of the area’s roadside stands or, for a truly Pungo experience, pick your own bushel of fresh berries, produce, or even a bouquet of wildflowers for your tablescape.
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Written by Sarah Etinas
As a full-time freelance travel writer and editor, Sarah Etinas is always on the lookout for her next adventure. With a passion for exploring new destinations, she's covered everything from the vibrant food scene in Hawaii to the stunning outdoor landscapes of Florida. Her work has been featured in renowned publications like TimeOut, TripAdvisor, Thrillist, and Lonely Planet. When she's not writing, Sarah practices what she preaches by hiking to beautiful waterfalls, visiting local markets, and dining on the most unique dishes she can find.
