STAYCATION in VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA!

Nineteen years ago, my family of four drove all the way from San Diego, California in our white Toyota Previa to get to Virginia Beach, Virginia. Fast forward to last week- my partner, two bonus boys, and I enjoyed a STAYCATION in the same city my family traveled cross-country to and where I even graduated high school from (Go Cavaliers!). Virginia Beach is a city that spans from oceanfront beach vibes, jet noise from Oceana Naval Base, suburban shopping areas, the countryside farmer’s markets of Pungo, and more- but for this trip we enjoyed the Shore Drive/Chesapeake Bay area!

Before checking in to our hotel, I haddd to request a pit stop at Susan’s Kitchenette, a local Filipino spot- “turo turo”/cafeteria style (“point point”) restaurant, grab-n-go snacks like our favorite crunchy Boy Bawang, homemade desserts like Puto & Suman, and the Filipino home staple- a karaoke system for all to enjoy while eating. 

We stayed at the Delta Hotel by Marriot, where the panoramic view of the Chesapeake Bay from our room is one we all will never forget! A cozy, spacious base for the fam- Jarrell was able to relax, while the boys played or enjoyed some PBS kids on one of the two TVs, and I could pop out to the big balcony patio to play guitar while greeted by the fresh breeze and crashing waves. I don’t always love hotels, but I will say this was an extremely comfortable stay, with elevated features for the whole family to feel like a home away from home. At the end of our stay, the sun finally came out and we were able to let the boys jump into their outdoor pool- pool noodles, goggles, and all! 

While in the Shore Drive area, we figured we’d check out the Cape Henry Lighthouse- located on Fort Story base. Make sure to check out their site to be aware and prepared of the steps to get into a military base if you are a civillian,

Located at the base of the old Cape Henry Lighthouse is their gift shop/visitors center. Guests must be at least 42” tall to climb up the historic lighthouse (a spiral staircase leading to some ladders before getting to the top!), so we took turns going up with Lennon while the other stayed with Leo. We were able to pick up a National Parks passport (they also have passports just for lighthouses), a nostalgic smashed souvenir penny, & a new knowledge from the historians. Make sure to ask about the Certificate of Achievement you can get for your kids who climb up all 194 steps of the lighthouse!

Afterward, we were definitely hungry after the climb (extra kudos to Lennon who did it TWICE!), & went for some pizza and wings from a Hampton Roads’ favorite- Chichos. 

It was still a wet, windy day so we decided to do another favorite activity- thrifting! Not only is it entertaining to see what random goodies we may find, it’s a way to curb the consumerism culture of needing NEW things- buy something used, give it new life, and help it not end up in the landfill. 

As a pre-celebration to Lennon’s birthday, we met with the Lola’s- my mom & her partner, Jeanne at a spot called Simple Eats! The kids’ got pancakes for dinner, I got a delightful Beet & Apple salad, Jarrell was stoked to get The Schmidty on GF bread with a side of their collard greens, & the Lolas got a burger and B.E.L.T. We alllll had leftovers to take home even after eating our fill. There happened to be a local musician playing live music who played Happy Birthday while our super sweet server surprised Lennon with a brownie sundae with a birthday candle. We so appreciate the thoughtfulness.

The next day, we HAD to stop at Sessions VB, probably the coolest vibes in the area- from the playlist, to the plants, to the food that is both nutritious AND delicious (plus inclusive to all diets), without a doubt would recommend! I love that they do counter service versus traditional service- great alternative for restaurants and their staff still serves high hospitality and are helpful in answering any questions. Smoothies, juices, brunch, a killer fried rice, cocktails in cans, yummy desserts- I am looking forward to coming back to enjoy their outdoor space amongst their butterfly garden.

Pleasure House Point Natural Area is a special place to me and it was great to finally take the boys out there. Leo led the way for our hike, while Lennon actually enjoyed some Boy Bawang while we explored. Spotted some blue jays, a few jellyfish, and was happy to find a Little Library closer to the Brock Environmental Center! An accessible trail even with kids, with beautiful views of the bay, a variety of terrain- even while getting caught in some rain, it was a beautiful hike together.

Kayaking was on our list of things we wanted to do but with the weather during our trip, we’ll have to come back another time to do so. With the boys already in the car, we decided to go visit one of our favorites down Great Neck Road- Philly Cold Cuts! Grabbed a snack and let the boys each play a good ol’ 50 cent game of PacMan and Galaga. Next door is an American Asian Food Market, which we couldn’t resist stopping in to grab some snacks you can’t get at your average grocery store! 

From the variety of local businesses, the beautiful natural areas, the Southern hospitality, and the enthusiasm to find joy wherever we go- I’m grateful we got to spend a staycation in Virginia Beach together. 

-Heidi Joy