Virginia Beach: Mt Trashmore Park : A Park With A Difference

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

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

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

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.

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Holiday Lights at Virginia Beach: A Dazzling Play of Lights

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

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

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

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, its 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.

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Virginia Beach: Ocean Breeze Water Park: Fun Filled Asset

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,

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

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

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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