VisitSouth.com is looking for a New Insider!

by MaryAnne Gragg | July 21, 2010

VisitSouth.com is hiring a New Insider!

Are you the person everyone turns to for the latest information on what’s new in town or where to take out-of-town visitors?

Are you passionate about writing, the Web, and social media and always eager to enhance your skills?

Then we invite you to apply to join our team of local Insiders at VisitSouth.com, the premiere southern travel web site. VisitSouth.com brings a personal touch to …

Baker’s Crust, Virginia Beach, VA

Je t'aime Baker's Crust!

by Sarah Stratman | May 09, 2010

Have a desire for a Parisian boulangerie? Or just need a delicious place for a meal with friends? Baker’s Crust is a tasty restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere that specializes in French cuisine along with many other kinds of dishes. The open dining room makes for a comfortable social meal and the wait staff is always as friendly as can be.

Baker’s Crust has a diverse menu that will please all taste …

Spa Phoenix, Virginia Beach, VA

I think it's time for some me time.

by Sarah Stratman | May 03, 2010

Need time to unwind? Feeling unbearably tense, or could you just use a day to yourself?  Indulging in a spa package is the perfect way to relax and get away from whatever stress is in your life. If you are going to be in the Virginia Beach area and are in need of a spa day, I recommend Spa Phoenix on Laskin Road.

Spa Phoenix is precisely what comes to mind when …

Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Virginia Beach, VA

Great place to stay with plenty to do

by Sarah Stratman | May 02, 2010

 Being from Virginia Beach it is not usual that I have a reason to stay in one of Virginia Beach’s fabulous hotels. Lucky for me I got married here and my husband and I chose to spend the night of our wedding at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront. 

The Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront has a prime location as it is located on the beach and it is toward the end of all of …

Malbon Bros., Virginia Beach, VA

Pulled pork BBQ sandwich? Don't mind if I do!

by Sarah Stratman | April 26, 2010

Nothing is more delicious than a pulled pork barbecue sandwich on a sesame bun with a side of cole slaw and baked beans.  In Virginia Beach, it is simply unheard of to mention a delightful barbeque sandwich without thinking Malbon Brothers. This local establishment has Virginia Beach roots and amazing food.

Malbon Brothers is located on General Booth Boulevard inside the Malbon’s Citgo station. I know what you may be thinking: “It’s …

North American Sand Soccer Championships, Virginia Beach, VA

Was that a bicycle kick?

by Sarah Stratman | April 19, 2010

I have always enjoyed sports. I am what most would call completely hopeless and not talented, but that never stopped me from trying. One of my most favorite sports that I played and failed miserably at was soccer. I was placed in the defense and hardly unstoppable. In either case my lack of talent has since left me on injured reserve, but it doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy watching those who do excel.

Each …

Princess Anne Park, Virginia Beach, VA

Best place for an afternoon outdoors

by Sarah Stratman | April 18, 2010

Spring is upon us and Virginia Beach is an excellent place to spend the season. Now that the weather is warming up and the sun is shining, it is time to get outside.  Pack some sandwiches, bring a ball, grab the kids, the dog, or just a friend, and head over to Princess Anne Park.  Located on the corner of Princess Anne Road and Dam Neck Road, Princess Anne Park is a beautiful place full …

Rockafeller’s, Virginia Beach, VA

Dining with a view? Yes, please!

by Sarah Stratman | April 12, 2010

This evening, I had the pleasure of dining at one of Virginia Beach’s best local restaurants, Rockafeller's. As soon I entered the canary-yellow dining room at Rockafeller's, I made my way to the bar at the back of the restaurant to meet the other ladies in my group. While waiting for the remainder of our party to arrive the bartender, Ben, was quick to get our drink orders. Once everyone showed up we …

Jack Johnson, Virginia Beach Amphitheater, Virginia Beach, VA

Enjoy the relaxing and beachy songs of Jack Johnson

by Sarah Stratman | April 11, 2010

Now that summer is just around the corner, the joys of sunshine, the ocean water, and cookouts are in the not-so-distant future. To me, the best part of summertime are the summer concerts. Luckily for Virginia Beach residents and visitors alike, there are plenty of great places to hear your favorite band play.

This summer Virginia Beach is going crazy for the arrival of Jack Johnson. This laid-back surfing crooner epitomizes summertime …

Miyazaki Japanese Garden, Red Wing Park, Virginia Beach, VA

Stop to smell the cherry blossoms.

by Sarah Stratman | April 05, 2010

There is nothing better than basking in the beautiful fresh blossoms of a garden in the spring. The best place in Virginia Beach to enjoy the greenery is the lovely Miyazaki Japanese Garden located in Red Wing Park. Established in 1997, the Miyazaki Japanese Garden was created to honor the relationship between Virginia Beach and its sister city, Miyazaki, Japan. 

As soon as you arrive at the brightly red painted entrance, the …

Abbey Road, Virginia Beach, VA

A Beatles haven at the oceanfront.

by Sarah Stratman | April 04, 2010

The Beatles are one of the best bands in history. So it's no wonder the Virginia Beach oceanfront is home to a Beatles-themed restaurant, Abbey Road.  Abbey Road is located on 22nd Street between Atlantic and Pacific avenues. Impossible to miss, Abbey Road has its own parking lot furnished with wall mural of The Beatles’ famous Abbey Road album cover as well as a yellow submarine. 

Abbey Road is equipped with a …

St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Virginia Beach, VA

One of Virginia Beach's loveliest churches

by Sarah Stratman | March 29, 2010

While in Virginia Beach, it is imperative to take a scenic drive to the beautiful Sandbridge beaches. On the way to Sandbridge, be sure to stop in to St John the Apostle Catholic Church. St John’s is located right off of Sandbridge Road and has lovely modern architecture. St. John the Apostle has a pleasant exterior complete with a separate bell tower. Even the outside landscaping beckons all who pass to stop in.

Murphy’s, Virginia Beach, VA

Test your knowledge during an outing with your friends

by Sarah Stratman | March 25, 2010

Do you find yourself scoffing during game shows at the contestants’ lack of information? Feel like you are a general knowledge whiz? Why not test your skills at Murphy’s? Murphy’s is an Irish pub located on Pacific Avenue at the Virginia Beach oceanfront.  Each Tuesday, Murphy’s has eight rounds of general knowledge trivia.

The rules for trivia are quite simple.  Step one: Pick up your team’s answer sheet and a pencil.  You …

Croakers, Virginia Beach, VA

I know where I'm gonna go when the volcano blows.

by Sarah Stratman | March 22, 2010

Feel the need for a Jimmy Buffett getaway but don’t have the time or money to head to Key West? No problem! You can get your Jimmy desires met with Croakers. Located on Shore Drive in Virginia Beach, Croakers has great food and non-stop Jimmy Buffett music.

The ambiance of Croakers is definitely one to remember. The building itself looks like a typical Key West bungalow with its pastel paint it is only missing …

The Reef, Virginia Beach, VA

Time to belt out some Journey

by Sarah Stratman | March 19, 2010

The folks in Cheers had it right; sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. Add a little karaoke and cheap drinks to the mix and you have The Reef. The Reef may look like your typical everyday bar, but to go in is quite the experience. The crowd attracts everyone from newly twenty-one-year-olds to men in their seventies that have an aversion for cowboy attire. 

Karaoke at The Reef is unbeatable. …

Neptune’s Spring Wine Festival, Virginia Beach, VA

Wine and the beach? What more could you ask for?!

by Sarah Stratman | March 15, 2010

There is nothing like springtime in Virginia Beach.  Everything is in bloom, the sunny, warm days and of course time at the beach.  Each year Virginia Beach hosts the Neptune Festival, which is a series of spring and summer events that culminate in a big parade the last weekend in September.  These events are for the enjoyment residents and visitors alike.  It is, in a sense, a way to have constant events that …

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Virginia Beach, VA

The best cure for the cabin fever we have been dealing with all winter.

by Sarah Stratman | March 14, 2010

It is been an unusually harsh, cold winter here in Virginia Beach.  The several days of snow and just plain nasty weather has made all Virginia Beach natives yearn for the blazing hot sun and scent of sunscreen.  Even though is it not quite summer the spring air let’s us know that beach days will be here in the not so distant future.  Now that warmer weather is finally gracing us with its presence, there …

O’Leary’s Bar and Grill, Virginia Beach, VA

by Sarah Stratman | March 08, 2010

St. Patrick's Day is fast approaching and the question remains: Do you have plans?  I know St Patrick’s Day is on a Wednesday night, which may make for an interesting Thursday at the office but come on, how can anyone resist green beer? Virginia Beach has quite a few Irish bars to celebrate Ireland’s freedom of snakes but O’Leary’s is, in my opinion, the best.

Located off of West Great Neck Road, O’Leary’s …

Burton’s Grill, Virginia Beach, VA

A nice dining experience

by Sarah Stratman | March 05, 2010

Last night, I attended a dinner with quite a few ladies at Burton's Grill.  When initially told that the dinner would be here, I didn't know what to expect.  Whenever I have driven by Burton's it was always crowded and seemed fancy and the very nice cars parked in front further solidified my feelings.  My first thought was, what am I going to wear?  After mulling it over I decided to give them …

Tidewater Community College, Virginia Beach, VA

A college for every learner

by Sarah Stratman | March 01, 2010

When I was a senior in high school, I had many great qualities.  Unfortunately for me, direction was not one of them.  At that point, my parents and I decided that Tidewater Community College was a better decision that would not only save them money but also give me some time to figure out what exactly it was I wanted to do with myself. 

TCC is a great institution for those that …

Primo’s Pizza, Virginia Beach, VA

A great place for Italian food, period.

by Sarah Stratman | February 27, 2010

After a long workweek, pizza is the most obvious choice for dinner for the family because, honestly, who wants to cook?  I am sure this is also the main reason why Primo’s Pizza is always packed on Friday nights.  Delicious, New York style pizza is definitely the way to go when you are looking for a place that offers a quick but amazing meal.

 Primo’s Pizza is a family-owned Italian restaurant …

Shorebreak, Virginia Beach, VA

A sports restaurant for the family

by Sarah Stratman | February 22, 2010

Shorebreak is a sports bar and restaurant that has plenty for the whole family to enjoy.  Covered in flat-screen televisions as well as one exceptionally large projection screen, Shorebreak is the place to go to see any of your favorite teams.  There are also plenty of pool tables and if it is late enough, you and your friends can relive your college days with a game of flip cup or beer pong.  Although Shorebreak …

Havana, Virginia Beach, VA

A little taste of Cuba in Virginia Beach

by Sarah Stratman | February 18, 2010

If you are in need of some Cuban fare in your life, no need to break out the passport, head to Havana in Virginia Beach. The Havana atmosphere draws you in with a dimly lit, romantic dining area, comfortable, modern seating and servers dressed in black from head to toe which makes them almost seem to appear just long enough to bring your food but they do not interrupt your dining experience.  Though the …

Travel Guide to Virginia Beach

Why you should visit Virginia Beach

by Sarah Stratman | February 14, 2010

Virginia Beach is by far the best city in the state of Virginia. I may be biased as I was born and raised in this lovely city but it has so much to offer that I don’t know where one can find a better place. Virginia Beach has everything from beaches to farmland and is sure to please any and all travelers.

The beaches are enough to lure anyone looking to just sit back and relax.  …

Taste Unlimited, Virginia Beach, VA

A great place for lunch, gifts and more

by Sarah Stratman | February 11, 2010

Ever find yourself being reluctant to shop for a dinner party or some other sort of social event because you are unsure of what to bring?  More importantly, have you ever noticed that totally inappropriate but overwhelming feeling of what is in this shopping trip for me?  Well you are definitely not alone but this is also a situation where Taste Unlimited comes to your rescue.

Taste Unlimited is a one-stop shop …

The Shamrock Marathon 2010, Virginia Beach, VA

Get your green running gear ready!

by Sarah Stratman | February 07, 2010

So the holidays and Super Bowl have come and gone. We have had great times with family and friends but you may have also noticed a slight gain in your midsection. And who can blame you? Those treats are delicious and you can’t let them go to waste. But I have quite the solution for you: The Shamrock Marathon. 

Each year, Virginia Beach is host to the Shamrock Marathon. Although the whole marathon part …