Virginia Beach: Perfect City To Live In All Respects (courtesy:www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com)

Virginia Beach is truly a perfect city in every sense. To know more about the city is through its revealing facts. The word fact reminds me of Samuel McChord Crothers, who speaks, “The Trouble with Facts Is That There Are So Many of Them”, this is true with Virginia Beach.

When survey was conducted in US under “Top 100 Places to Raise a Family” based on cities crime, cultures, housing prices, professionals, health cares, education and other things. Virginia Beach stood 2nd with the first being Hawaii. The criteria’s which worked in the favor were low crime rate, more number of people employed, more educational avenues and standards, less inflation, pollution and much more.

The present look of Virginia Beach is far more different than those of in nineteenth century. This small hamlet rose into prominence when a rail road connecting its oceanfront with Norfolk was constructed, along with the first hotel. Later the place was turned into a town and further progressed into a city, making it the largest city in Virginia.

There are lot many sources that constitute the economy, but the major source is Tourism, that makes it evident with the heavy influx of tourists. Definitely this place offers the best things which make tourists throng this place. First and the foremost is the clean air, and this clean air comes from the Atlantic Ocean.

No, this is not a fib, but a stark truth accredited by the Environmental Protection Agency who strongly support, that there are no bad air days in Virginia Beach- Boon for Health. Secondly it has the most astounding landmarks to visit. The beaches here are a treat, clean and purely enjoyable beaches with myriads of activities.

It has the longest line of delightful and safest beach, which finds its mention in the Guinness Book of World records. No public drunkenness and vulgarity of any sort is tolerated. The whole world is concerned about the tons and tons of garbage dumped which is not only hazardous to health but poses great threats to environment, people try to keep such landfills away from human habitation.

But people of Virginia Beach are an exception; they actually organize innumerable events like carnivals, fireworks and Independence Day in and around this land fill. Don’t make faces, they don’t love dirt and filth, but have created something unique and beautiful from huge pile of accumulated trash which is popular as MT.Trashmore

The Trashmore Mountain is the standing example of a very large landfill, turned into a 60 ft tall mountain fully covered with lush green grass. This proves to be the most unbelievable factor for the tourists.

May it be any city; events are the heart and soul when it comes to entertainment. Likewise Virginia Beach boast of several events, but the one that seems so unusual is the Annual Delmarva Chicken Festival. In this festival the frying pan which is used is the largest in the world and has the capacity of 180 gallons of oil. The festival started  in 1950 is still celebrated today. The frying pan used can fry up to 800 chicken quarters at once. You must be trying to gauge, how big the pan is, don’t tax your brain so much, I will help you out with it, it is almost twice the size of a Jacuzzi.

These were my little efforts to compile all the wonderful facts that make up Virginia Beach.

Virginia Beach: Trolley System, Major Conveyance Mode

Tourists like me enjoy the places being like the natives. Elbowing our way through traffic, boarding on public transport to get to our required destination, is what makes us satisfied. For many we are laughing stock, as we choose a less comfortable way of moving in the city we have come to enjoy and surf.

Instead of hiring taxis and moving around comfortably which will lower down my enthusiasm and exhaust my energy, I love to be with crowd, this gives me an opportunity to be with the natives and see life more closely. The Virginia Beach trolley bus systems just turn out to be ideal type of transportation for a person like me.

There are several signs around Atlantic Ave. and on other destinations indicates, the stop where you can get the trolley buses. I boarded my bus from the Atlantic Ave. and with this I began my trip. How amazing it is to see the bus you are in, is moving on its dedicated lines and has nothing to do with the traffic on the road.

It moves slowly at the speed of fifteen miles an hour giving you ample time to see through, what the city has to offer. While looking outside the window for a while, my imagination took hold of me and gave me the feeling of being in a horse driven royal carriage moving on the road, unrestricted.

A woman sat beside me and broke my train of thoughts. But her friendly smile compensated

all. It did not take much of her time to realize that I am not one of them, may be the curiosity in my eyes made it evident. While we were moving I saw one trolley ahead of us and other trolley at the back, it seems the drivers had perfect coordination. No one was in a hurry to overtake and moved on the same way throughout.

Seeing my curiosity the respected lady started the conversation by asking my whereabouts. My further indulgence in the conversation gave me the idea that she knows a lot about this place. She gave me more information on the public transport as she is the regular commuter since 10 years.

She told me there are three main routes and appropriate for the visitors to enjoy every activity in Virginia Beach. The red route 30 takes you to the shops, restaurants and hotels in the Atlantic Ave, whereas the Yellow Route 31 also known as Museum Express takes you to the Fun Park and museums and other places in south. The third route known as Blue Route 32 shoppers Express takes you to the shops at Hilltop and Lynnhaven Mall.

I found this service not only great but amazing, I thanked her and bid good bye when she alighted from the bus and continued my journey in the trolley.

Virginia Beach Sports (courtesy: www.jupiterimages.com)

Virginia Beach city constantly works to improve the quality of life of the people in all concerns, whether it is environment or education, low crime rate or less inflation. To add to this Virginia Beach city has open new avenues to involve maximum number of people in sports which they feel makes positive impact on the life of the people.

I will go with them as what they feel and do for it is truly creating a sportsmen spirit and never say die attitude towards any situation in life. People here are lively and bubbly with immense excitement towards

Virginia Beach: Enjoying Golf In Golf Course ( courtesy: www.jupiterimages.com)

every activity they are involved in.

There are several sports played in Virginia Beach with same gusto and excitement. Of all the most widely played sports are Basketball, soccer, ice hockey, baseball, roller derby, golf course, sports fishing, football, volley ball, softball and lacrosse.

Through its Sports Marketing Event Support Program the Virginia Beach City has widen the scope for sports, working as a milestone for the aspiring as well as already established sports persons. In short it is another feather in the cap of Virginia Beach City who has taken proper initiatives to promote sports through proper channel.

Virginia Beach: Sports Related Activity In Unison (courtesy: www.jupiterimages.com)

This program offers full support to games, exhibitions, tournaments and other sports related events. Those which get the assistance of this program are those sports events that are planned, organized and played in Virginia Beach. This is not all the program goes a step further in supporting those organizations working for the betterment of sports.

The second program is the Grant Program especially designed to those elements which are involved in promoting year round tourism like professional sporting events, conferences and meetings. These are just two programs I have come to know during my visit to Virginia Beach, but there must be several that provide endless opportunities to keep the ball rolling.

Isn’t it a novel idea, Sports To Improve Quality Of Life, what do you think?

Virginia Beach: Classrooms (courtesy: www.lobs.info)

Sometimes the deciding factor for the parents to settle down in certain place depends entirely on what educational standards the place offer to their children. When we talk about Virginia Beach we find education is on the fore front with several public and private schools are shaping the future generation and considerable amount of colleges and universities giving the youths opportunities to grow and flourish in their desired field of study.

The schools and colleges maintain all the educational standards required for the proper growth of an individual. Moreover one can go through the several options and find out the best from the education and career point of view. The number of schools and varied career options gives you an idea of how concern and aware people are about education.

The literacy rate of the place is commendable with around 28.1% of the people of age group 25 and above hold graduates degree, while 90.4% people have high school diploma or any course equivalent to it, as stated by US

Virginia Beach: Public Schools (courtesy: www. ec-roma.org.yu)

Census. Moreover the schools or college drop out rates are very low.

The school systems in Virginia Beach have public as well as private schools. These schools incorporate elementary, middle and high schools. Those who feel their child along with the education should also know about their religion. The private schools are what you are looking for. The education system here, along with the study curriculum also advocate a particular religion so that good habits are inculcated and they get exposure to religion and God.

This could be the strong reason for many parents to send their children to private schools. When we talk about public schools Virginia Beach City Public Schools is one of the largest in the whole State. The public schools are in itself form a small world with students of different genders, races, religious and nationalities take education.

Many parents feel this gives their children diverse atmosphere and prepares them for the life after school- the actual

Virginia Beach: Famous For Its High Educational Standards (Regent University:courtesy:www.centuryconcreteinc.com)

world. Virginia Beach is the home to good colleges and universities. Also there is no dearth to specialty schools offering courses in varied field like technology, fine art, business marketing, Visual and performing arts, information technology and many such courses that prepares the students for pursuing job.

Virginia Beach offers the complete conducive atmosphere and proper scope for education and progress in desired field. For graduate and post graduate courses Virginia Beach has two popular universities The Regent University and Atlantic University. More courses are provided in Virginia Wesleyan College, ECPI College of Technology and Bryant and Stratton College.

Virginia Beach has gone a step ahead to educate the masses and keep them updated with the knowledge by giving them free access to Virginia Beach Public Libraries that have proved to be of great help of students in their studies.

Virginia Beach: Restaurants Serve Fresh sea Food (courtesy:www.amal-villa.com)

Eat drink and be merry this is what Virginia Beach stands for. Finest and freshest food is the trademark of Virginia Beach. I have good appetite and like a sniffer dog I automatically get attracted towards good food and places that serve good food. There is a strong reason for the availability of fresh food here.

Virginia Beach Food Specialty: Crab Cakes (courtesy: www.vbfun.com)

It is located in coastal area with abundance of sea food. Mostly the sea food prepared in the restaurants is the fresh catch of the same day, whether it is tuna, crabs, rockfish or flounder. Among the seafood the hot favorite are the crab cakes and she crab soup. The fried crispy blue crabs are simply amazing. Also the most integral part of local cuisine -Lynnhaven Oysters are the best and rare to find.

Certain foods here are served with a difference, the barbecue here is known as North Carolina white barbecue. The reason being it does not have the usual sauce, just the pit cooked pork with vinegar and red pepper sprinkled over it. It tastes good ha try it! Strange but people love barbecue sauce on sandwiches.

There are locally owned as well as national chain restaurants, so you have ample choice to try, whatever appeals to you whims and fancies everyday. Agriculture also plays major factor in contributing the fresh food which is served in almost all restaurants. Produce from local fields comes to the restaurants with fewer hassles, keeping it fresh and less tampered.

Virginia Beach: All Time Favorite She Crab Soup (courtesy:www. charlestoncitypaper.com)

In a day you can have your food in almost three restaurants. Try morning breakfast in some other restaurants, lunch different and so on. The beaches, eco-friendly weather and food are all that attracts tourists. If you are on week’s tour the more alluring would be your visit. In a week’s tour I not only tried local cuisines but also went for the more usual one like American, Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Italian and much more.

The wine off course comes with the never to be forgotten taste and variety. Some restaurants offer award winning wine collection for visitors. Non sea food lovers do not have to frown as they too have good surprises like steaks, chops, pastas and prime ribs. The taste still lingers in my mouth. The mere sights of the food in Virginia Beach awaken all my taste buds and crave for more. Simply wine and dine and go ga ga with the food that you get here.

Virginia Beach Eco-Friendly Restaurant ( courtesy:www.crocs19thstreetbistro.com)

One good thing leads to another, known for its fresh air, less pollution and scope of fun filled activities, Virginia Beach attracts millions of tourists every year. Also tourism contributes to major economy. Let’s not talk about those things which are none of our concern. But one cannot deny the fact, the innumerable restaurants we have here, that are placed in every nook and cranny.

The equation is simple, stand any where in Virginia Beach and throw a stone in any direction, it is sure to strike a restaurant. When moving in Virginia Beach no one has to bear the pangs of hunger. If just satisfying the hunger is not your aim, then one can bechoosy to dine at the best known places of Virginia Beach.

Almost all restaurants keep up with the good standards, but few attract and pull more traffic. I specially

Virginia Beach:Hot Tuna Green Restaurant ( courtesy: www.hottunavb.com)

try to find, the place which serves the best local cuisine. When talking about restaurants, few of them deserve special mention. Those are the one which follow eco friendly practices and contribute in the protection of environment.

Going to Rockafellar’s restaurant, Hot Tuna SeaFood Grill, Croc’s 19th Street Bistro, Shorebreak Pizza Sports and Billiards and Terrapin restaurant offers an entirely different experience. These Virginia Green certified restaurants are known for their environmental friendly practices like mostly the recycled material is used, here it is no no to those materials that cannot be recycled. Even the take out foods or left overs, are packed in biodegradable materials.

We all believe nature friendly things are health friendly and going to such places would always worth the price you pay for the food. The food served in these restaurants is clean safe and no compromise is made with the taste.

Virginia Beach: Rockafeller

When in Virginia Beach, don’t devoid yourself from dining on the Oceanfront with the spectacular view and sumptuous food. The scenic beauty itself makes the food more tantalizing and inviting. Boardwalk is lined with innumerable oceanfront restaurants, with variety in food and required ambience.

All varieties are served here, but the special is the sea food prepared from the fresh catch. Some restaurants even go the extent of chef’s preparing your ordered dish in front of you. If the Oceanfront restaurants are in your priority list then don’t miss going to Waterman’s Beachwood Grill, Mahi-Mah’s, Rockfish Boardwalk Bar and Sea Grill, Capes Café, Latitudes and Altitudes, Salacia and many more.

Restaurants are simply not acceptable if the atmosphere or ambiance is not appealing. Virginia Beach people have better approach to deal with this. In some we find live music and pianos are played, while in others efforts are made to make it more festive and fun evoking. To the sports loving guys some restaurants are equipped with televisions and satellites to view their favorite sports.

In the nutshell Virginia Beach is the best place to pamper all your senses, mostly eyes and palate.

Our Day Starts With Reading News And Sipping Coffee (courtesy: www.corbis.com)

Nothing can be more enjoyable than starting a day with a cup of coffee or tea along with the newspaper in hand with fresh news. Go anywhere in the world and you will find people with this same attitude. Reading or watching news is the integral part of everybody’s life and people of Virginia Beach are no exception to this. News keeps us updated with the day to day happenings, views related to social cause, job openings and the best part is you are connected to the world.

Sitting in your drawing room you will come to know what is happening in a country which is thousands of miles away from the place you reside. People of Virginia Beach get there news through reading newspaper, watching it on the television and listening on the radio. All these sources have strong hold and immense potential to make people addict of listening news through their source.

‘The Virginian Pilot’ is the award winning daily newspaper. Most of the people in Virginia Beach start their day with this newspaper. The Virginian pilot is issued by

Virginia Beach: News Published In Virginian Pilot Newspaper (courtesy:www.virginianewssource.com)

Pilot media Companies which also include the famous online portal for news in the

form of pilotonline.com/ Hamptonroads.com.

The Hispanic population here enjoys reading Tidewater Hispanic newspaper. It is the hub of information and opens new avenues for the growing Hispanic population. A newspaper in you hand means complete information of Virginia Beach compiled in few pages, whether it is about local issues, people, business, events, politics, holidays, vacations, finance, stock market, investment reports, weather, real estate or job vacancy everything is covered in the newspaper.

Virginia Beach News (courtesy: www.jupiterimages.com)

It is said that audiovisual aid is more powerful as it leaves long lasting impression on the minds of the people. Virginia Beach is served by several Television and Broadcasting Companies which produce and deliver network-quality news everyday. To name the few there are The Christian Broadcasting Network, Max Media, WTKR, Katz Television, ABC Family, Fox Family, Atlantic Broadcast, Tele-Video Productions Inc and Video News Inc.

Radio stations are the oldest form of electronic media still in vogue and cherished by young generations. Virginia Beach too has radio station on the AM and FM dials and very popular among people. Communication media is very strong in Virginia Beach and provide job to eight people that live within 30 miles of Virginia Beach.

The communication media in Virginia Beach works to keep the people update with the latest news and happenings in and around the world.

Virginia Beach: Mt. Trashmore Park

We all are the living with the technology and experiencing tremendous progress. At the same time we have realized the dearth of environment friendly habitation. In the morning we get up with the honking of horns and not the chirping of the birds. Our way to the office are concrete paved ways and not the lush green walk way.

We live in the world of cement and concrete. Going to the parks and gardens which are a rare commodity in metros

Virginia Beach: Mt. Trashmore Park ( it's green all over courtesy: www.wikipedia.org)

are also a far fetched idea, for it needs to overcome a hell lot of traffic to reach there and way back home.

But there are few cities were special care and prime importance has been given to parks and one of them is Virginia

Beach. It is the proud owner of 208 parks that cover 4,000 acres of area. There are community parks, district parks neighborhood parks and much more. The best part is every park has its own distinct identity, appeal and ambience.

Creative things have always attracted me. And if the creativity is from the trash then definitely, one would not stop praising the person, in whose brain the idea must have taken birth. Mt Trashmore is one such idea. Virginia Beach is basically a flat surface area with no mountains or hilly areas what so ever, but an artificial mountain made of trash.

It is rightly said necessity is the mother of invention, the rising concern for environment and ecology, made people

Virginia Beach's Mt Trashmore (sixty stairs to climb courtesy: www.city-data.com)

realize and focus on covering the dump and making proper utilization of the place. If you are completely new to this place the name might click in something otherwise looking at it, I would say ignorance is bliss.

From the time it has been opened for public, in 1973 it has been a constant source of entertainment and a venue for several events. These 165 acres of area has lakes, open grounds, jogging track, exercising ground, basket ball court, walking trail, picnic shelters, four volleyball areas, landforms vending machines and rest rooms in totality. Either choose the sixty one stairs to reach the mountain or to add the flavor of adventure climb or run to reach the top.

The whole mountain is covered with green grass and devoid of uneven surface. It would sound weird but just remove your shoes and walk over it; it will tickle your feet the moment they touch the soft grass giving you a very good and sensuous feeling.

The two lakes, Lake Trashmore and Lake Windsor partially surround the mountain, and both are well stocked with

Virginia Beach's Mt.Trashmore, Hub For various Sports Activities (courtesy: www.concretedisciples.com)

fish, making fishing a favorite activity along with kite flying and other activities. Children too can participate in the race of kite flying. Talking about children it reminds me of the huge wooden structure called Kids Cove with special surprises for children.

The creation inside is superb and it can draw even the most mellow kind of kid and transform it into the wildest form. The whole family can have their share of uninterrupted fun activity in the park. When in park one cannot stop thinking about the people of Virginia Beach and their whole hearted commitment for protecting the environment.

Seeing at the handicapped accessible playground, it stirred my heart, I would say this is the most commendable effort, which can bring smile on the faces of such children.

Virginia Beach: Christmas Celebration ( courtesy:www.photo.xanga.com)

“Winter is the time of promise because there is so little to do – or because you can now and then permit yourself the luxury of thinking so” - Stanley Crawford

Virginia Beach: Holiday Light Display ( courtesy: www.flickr.com)

Winter makes a bridge between one year and another and I feel the best way to narrow down the extent of this bridge is to illuminate it with lights of fun and frolic. This is exactly what the people of Virginia Beach believe in doing and one of the strong reasons that instigated me to travel all the way to this city.

Winter season means shorter days and long cold nights. But, the people of Virginia Beach do know how to charge up these long nights and continue to have fun and entertainment going at its full stride. As Christmas celebrations where soon approaching, I didn’t want to miss on to any of the excitement, especially when we are talking about Christmas celebrations in Virginia Beach City and I booked myself on the very first flight.

All around the world Christmas is a time for lights and celebrations, but, Virginia Beach has its own charm of

Virginia Beach: Festoons Of Light ( courtesy: www.gosoutheast.about.com)

Christmas celebrations, which start from 22 November and extends till the 1 of Jan. With this, I am sure I have succeeded in tickling your curiosities as to what could be the difference in Virginia Beach Christmas celebrations and celebrations in other parts of the world.

But friends, you got to see to believe and I am sure as you read along you will know for yourself where the difference lies. Christmas in Virginia Beach means a luxurious and leisurely drive around the city, to witness the thousands of lights that light up the city streets. Virginia Beach has to its credit, one of the best Holiday Light Displays in the world.

Being an exceptionally unusual visual treat for people like me, I couldn’t help but gape at the marvelous display of lights. I literally had my jaw falling down at the exuberant play of lights. The huge lighting displays along the boardwalks was something way beyond my imagination and if you happen to be someone with a musical inclination

Virginia Beach: Christmas Lights In The Form Of Riverbanks Zoo And Lights( courtesy: www.about.com)

like me, who loves to listen to soft songs while I drive, you ought to have a CD of holiday music playing along to add that extra charm.

Coming back to the lights, these are no ordinary festoons of lights; in fact, there are a whole lot of animated nautical and holiday-themed displays of lights depicting jumping dolphins, mermaids, frolicking porpoises and everything that represents the raw wilderness of Virginia Beach.

During one such drive along the boardwalks, I was informed that the credit for this dazzling display of lights goes to Verizon Wireless, who with their amazing display of nearly 500,000 lights contributes in a major way to over 100,000 tourists coming to Virginia Beach each year in winters. It’s not only the boardwalks that are decked up with lights, but, there are a whole lot many other places which are known to have an ornamental display of lights.

One such place that I fortunately happened to visit is called the Winter Wonderland Christmas Barn. Believe me guys; it would have been a great misfortune if I had missed on to this place. Decorated in the theme of “A Magical Forest Toyland”, you would be amazed to see the complete barn decorated with tons of toys, elves and other animals blending beautifully with an animated display of lights. While you need to drive to enjoy the lights along the boardwalks, to enjoy the lighted ambiance of this barn, it’s always better if you can walk through.

Though, it’s been almost a year since I had attended the Christmas celebrations in Virginia Beach, the memory of that sparkling display of lights is still fresh in my mind. At times I just get lost when I come to think of those lighted streets and barns and once again I am filled with a strong desire to visit Virginia Beach during Christmas.

Virginia Beach: Ocean Breeze Water Park ( www.placestogoinvb.com)

When we plan a trip or vacation, the first thought that rules the roost is the list of attractions the place offers. The considerations and elimination starts and finally you zero down your search to a place which is ideal for a vacation in every sense.

I belong to the same thinking species, where the attractions will influence the decision. Going to a place were I can enjoy with my whole family was on my priority list. Off course the options were few but my mind refused to compromise on any front.

Finally the mariners compass pointed towards Virginia Beach which is not only popular as lovers’ destination but also a great family vacation spot. A place abounds with theme parks, water parks,

Virginia Beach: Colossal Structure Of Hugh Mongous ( courtesy: www.baltimoresun.com)

beaches, water sports and other fun filled activities.

What else one needs when you take you family to place where the pollution is at its minimum and the beaches are cool and simply amazing. The mere mention of Boardwalk will make things clear for those who already have been to

Virginia Beach but those who are still to visit this place, I am happy to impart some information.

It is obvious for you to think, I may talk about famous Boardwalk, I thought why not talk about a place which has something or the other to offer for all the age groups especially for children. Playing on the beaches is not enough; give you children more to enjoy.

Take them to Ocean Breeze Water Park and just look at the smiles on their faces when they come out. This park is built in a huge 19 acre area with the sole aim of entertaining people with all sorts of recreational activities and rides. Even the most sluggish of creatures, experience adrenaline rush in their body and cannot resist from enjoying the bliss, this place offers.

The only waterpark in Virginia Beach, is well maintained and is the best summertime activity. Ocean Breeze Water

Virginia Beach: A Complete Family Entertainment ( courtesy: www.oceanbreezewaterpark.com)

Park is the paradise for children were they can have unrestricted and undeterred enjoyment. Enjoy the wave pool with million gallons of water giving the true essence of being in the ocean and facing the water currents.

Children have their special zone of children’s water playground, kiddie pool and slides. To add to the thrill there are Paradise Pipeline, Kiddie Caverns and Grape Escape. There are lot many surprises for youngsters and adults too. Ride all the way with splash and feel of water on Largo Loop and Jungle Falls. Get the true taste of great adventure by riding on the fastest ride Bahama Mamma.

I am sure instead of making you tired; these fun activities will pump in more energy, have more fun with few more attraction like Kool Running, Toucon

Virginia Beach: Boys Enjoying The Slides (courtesy: www.virginia.org)

Tunnel, Pelican Falls and Coconut Drops. But all these fun activities will definitely make you hungry, get you stomach fill from the restaurant in the waterpark. If you feel the need, sit for a while on the private poolside Cabana and relax.

Recently two new body slides have been introduced, a 200 feet dark tunnel with 50 feet drop, ‘Walk The Plank’ and breathtaking ‘ Pirates Plummet for true daredevils. Wait kids, I am not done with you yet! Toddlers too have their share; let them toddle near the water slides, rides around Li’l Amazon and Loony Lagoon with water splashing fire engine, water dumping buckets and several water slides. A must visit place in Virginia Beach.

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