The Boardwalk Art Show

The Boardwalk Art Festival has a long history in Virginia Beach. The festival started in 1952 with a small group of artists presenting their work. Today the festival showcases over 300 artists work from across the country and world!

The Boardwalk Art Festival is produced by the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and is a proud tradition and an asset to the community. Christie Kelly, who is the MOCA’s Art Show Director said, “Virginia Beach is fortunate to have such a reputable art show that brings work of really talented people from across the country. It’s a wonderful history to keep up.”

The Festival is not just a fun event to attend it’s for a good cause. The event serves as MOCA’s primary fundraiser. The money raised will go into various programs at MOCA such as; educational programs, gallery maintenance, and other projects that couldn’t be accomplished without funding.

While you are browsing through 13 blocks of art work, you can fuel up on food at culinary row. 20 vendors will be on hand preparing delicious dishes. If you need to quench your thirst, the beer and wine garden is sure to have something for you.

If it’s your first time attending, Christie suggests to “give yourself time to enjoy the event and make a day of it.”

Whether it’s your 1st time or your 50th time, there is always something new to see!
Highlights

 · 300 Artists displaying their work
 · The Chrysler Museums Mobile Glass Blowing Hotshop will be on site doing demonstrations
 · Public Art Activity – Artist Trading Cards
 · Father’s Day Tea Dance
 · Board Walk Beach Club: $99 gets you VIP access to special events catered  lunch,  private bathrooms, private seating area.
 · Beer and Wine Garden
 · 20 Food Vendors
 · Live Performances by the Rhondels, The 2nd Wind Jazz Band and several others.

Art Show Hours:
Thursday, June 13th noon-8pm (New Thursday Hours for 2013!)
Friday, June 14th 10am-6pm
Saturday, June 15th 10am-6pm
Sunday, June 16th 10am-5pm

For more information visit http://virginiamoca.org/outdoor-art-shows/boardwalk-art-show

Black History Hampton Roads

February marks Black History Month across the country. Here in Hampton Roads you can visit landmarks throughout the area. Many of these historical sites tell stories of determination and strength in overcoming social injustices and leave a lasting impression for generations to come. Here are some of the notable landmarks around the area.

 

Newport News

Newsome House Museum and Cultural Center- - 2803 Oak Avenue J.

Thomas J .Newsome was many things a respected attorney, journalist, churchman and civic leader . He served the community with dedication and fought against many social injustices faced by the African American community at the time. His home today serves as a museum and cultural center that is a lasting memorial to an inspiring human being.

James Fields House -617 27^th Street

James Fields was born into slavery but escaped during the civil war. He ran his law practice out of his home and also allowed 4 doctors to use the 4^thfloor as a hospital so the community would have a safe place to receive medical care. Before these wonderful men established the hospital the only place available for African Americans to recieve care was the City Jail.

Hampton

Aberdeen Gardens Historic District – 57 Mary Peak BLVD

In 1934 the process of building and planning Aberdeene Gardens  “ a neighborhood built by blacks for blacks”  began. This neighborhood was the first of its kind planned, built, and managed totally by African Americans.  When it was completed 154 homes were built on half acre lots. A Greenbelt was left for community farming and live stock, making the neighborhood totally self sustaining.

70 years later the homes still stand. Many of them house relatives of the original inhabitants. The community continues to work together to maintain the history.

Hampton University and Hampton University Museum

The University is more than a historically black campus it is the sight of many triumphs for the African American community. The emancipation Oak stands proudly today on the university grounds and was where the first southern reading of the emancipation proclamation was held.

The Hampton University Museum is the oldest African American Museum in the country and one of the oldest in Virginia. The museum houses over 9,000 objects.

Some notable Alumni

·         Booker T. Washington

·         Samuel Chapman Armstrong

·         Alberta Williams King

There are many more that can be found here

Little England Chapel – 4100 Kecoughtan Road
The Chapel was built in 1879 and is the only known African American missionary Chapel in Virginia. Today you can visit the chapel to glance into the lives of the post civil war congregation.

Chesapeake

 J. J. Moore Visitor, Archives & Family Life Center - 2216 Long Ridge Road
The only visitor center in the Commonwealth of Virginia with an Afro-Union and Afro-Virginian repository theme.

Norfolk  

The West Point Marker, African American Civil War Memorial –

The monument depicts Sergeant William H. Carney, Carney a Norfolk native who while badly wounded saved the US flag from capture. He was one of the first black soldiers to receive the Medal of Honor. It is a lasting tribute to those brave men who fought and died for freedom.

Attucks Theatre - 1010 Church Street
Opened in 1919, it is one of the only theaters in Virginia to be financed, designed, and built exclusively by African Americans. It's named after Crispus Attucks, a black man killed in the Boston Massacre of 1770 who was the first casualty of the American Revolution.

Blyden Branch Library - 879 E. Princess Anne Road
The Blyden Branch library was the First Public Library for African Americans supported by a city in Virginia. It was not an easy task for those who worked relentlessly to open more doors for the black community but in 1921 the library opened.

 John T. West School - 1425 Bolton Street
The John T. West School was the first accredited African American high school in the south. It is the only remaining African American school in Norfolk and is one of the earliest reaming schools in the city

 Portsmouth

Emanuel A.M.E. Church - 637 North Street
Emanuel AME Church congregations has a long history dating back to 1772. It was not only a place to worship for African Americans but a stop on the Underground Railroad. The church is the second oldest church building in the city of Portsmouth

Fisher's Hill Cemetery - southern edge of I-264 off Deep Creek Boulevard
prominent local African Americans are in their final resting place here such as I.C. Norcom, Jeffry Wilson, Ida Barbour, and others. This is one of 3 all black adjoining cemeteries.

Medal of Honor Monument - at intersection of High Street and Water Street
This monument honors 11 African American soldiers who received the Medal of Honor during the civil war. These brave men rushed in to take control of the nations colors from one of  their dying comrades. 

Truxtun Historic District

The district was the nation’s first government funded housing district built exclusively for African Americans. Construction began in 1910 on 250 homes. A school was also built on these grounds but was demolished in 1990 .Today many of the decedents of the original owners live in the homes.

With so many historical landmarks Hampton Roads makes for the perfect place to celebrate Black History Month.

 

Tips, Tricks, and Gear at Point 2 Running Company

The Vacation Channel team was looking for some expert advice for running in Coastal Virginia when we found Point 2 Running Company. It is a unique locally owned business in Newport News that offers more than just products and a knowledgeable staff, they offer a community for runners.

We sat down with Andrea Lehmkuhler to get some tips for running and see what makes her store so special.

 

How did your store come to be?

"Point 2 Running Company came to be out of the need to have a locally run, friendly, specialty running store within the community.

There was one open in the area before us that had recently shut down at the time. My father, a recreational runner, saw the opportunity and decided to move forward with it. Six months after opening, I left my job of 10 years in the real estate and rental industry to pursue a new dream by managing the store. I was already spending so much time there on nights and weekends with my husband that it seemed like a natural progression. I’d enjoyed running recreationally for a few years prior to this and so I easily began to absorb all that there was to know. Fast forward to now, the store has been open almost 2 years and has been well received by the community that we serve. It has been a fun adventure"!

 
What does a new runner need to know before buying gear?
"The most important tool a runner needs to have in terms of gear is the proper footwear. This is what we specialize in! We offer a detailed 3 part process to determine your arch type and pressure points; length, width, and arch length of your foot; as well as video gait analysis to understand your running style and determine the right shoe for you. You want to make sure that you are in the right footwear so that when you start running you aren’t exasperating an issue that is there (such as having weak ankles and over pronating, wearing the wrong size shoe and experiencing blisters, lost toenails, etc) and then getting frustrated from the complications that follow".

What are some tips to stay motivated?
"There are so many and for everyone it’s different. I think a huge one is to remember that you are a runner no matter how fast or slow you go and that you are lapping everyone sitting on the couch! Practically, regularly signing up for races is a great way to stay motivated because you are investing in something that you know you have to train for to be successful. Additionally, buying proper footwear and running technical clothing is another investment that further encourages you to stick with your goals. Having a runner partner, being a part of a running group and logging your miles all help as well".

What are some things every runner should do to avoid injury?
"Progress in your mileage gradually! You really don’t want to be increasing your mileage by more than 10% a week. Also, changing the terrain you are running on is good because it allows your body to grow and strengthen in different ways-repetition is often what can cause injury in the first place. Also, pay attention to how you are feeling and don’t try to run through severe pain. Doing so may lead you to having to take off much longer than you would want to".

What can Point 2 Running Company do to help runners of all ability levels?
"My staff is educated, trained, avid runners that love to help people. So the first way we help is by offering our knowledge to help you meet your goals whether that is through finding the right shoe, trying a new energy gel, or discussing a new place to go on a run. We also offer weekly Saturday runs at one of 4 rotating locations. We bring complimentary Gatorade and water and meet with a large group of runners every week. Currently, we are offering a 5K and Half marathon training program. We like to think of it as offering light accountability because people really get to know each other and enjoy running together".
 
"At the front of our store, we have a table and rotating stand dedicated to holding local race flyers. We have lots of people that come in to pick up flyers and decide what their next race will be".

"Finally, we offer a Runner’s Injury Clinic once a month. Dr. Mike Satterley of Tidewater Physical Therapy offers a free 10 minute consultation to any runner that is experiencing any type of lingering problems. This has really helped some of our runners who have had varying sorts of frustrating problems".

This store is more than just a place to buy gear, it’s a place to grow and learn in a community of other runners. Take a minute to stop in and see all that Point 2 Running Company has to offer. To take a look at their full fitting process here: http://www.runpoint2.com/fittingpolicy

Trail Running in Coastal Virginia

On any given day in the cities throughout Coastal Virginia, you are sure to find runners pounding the pavement and logging their weekly miles. Though we often choose the sidewalks and streets closest to our homes out of convenience, we may be missing the benefits found in other environments.

A great alternative to the paved streets and walkways are nature trails and paths. Studies have shown people who run trails actually have fewer injuries. This comes from a combination of factors. Natural paths are softer and uneven causing less stress on bones and joints and increasing strength in the muscles responsible for stability. Many people find an increase in performance when they introduce trails into their routine.

Now that you know the benefits, where can you find trails in this region? Coastal Virginia is packed with great places to check out. Here is a list The Vacation Channel team put together from around the area.

 

Williamsburg
Matoaka Trails is 10 miles of wooded trails surrounding Lake Matoaka. Located on the William and Mary campus, this trail is great for runners who want to get closer to nature.  It offers fresh streams and a diversity of wildlife

Newport News
Newport News Park offers a 5.3-mile trail that is surrounded bike way (unpaved, multi-use trail). Most of this trail would be conducive to running with jogging strollers or riding bikes.

Nolan Trail is a 5 mile unpaved trail. With 14 wooden bridges, small hills, mile markers, and beautiful scenery, it’s a great place to log some miles.

Hampton
Matteson Trail a 3 mile trail located around The Hamptons Golf Course. This trail is friendly to walkers, runners and rollerbladers. It is a great place to catch some exercise on your lunch break as well.

Sandy Bottom Park trails range from .12 to 3.3 miles in length. The area is host to a lake, marshlands, and wildlife.Great location for a nice jog or scenic walk with the family.
 
Norfolk
Elizabeth River Trail is a 9.49 mile stretch. It is a combination of paved and unpaved trails. If you like to run alone, this is a great place to do so.

Virginia Beach
Stumpy Lake Natural is 1.65 mile loop located in a wooded area by Stumpy Lake.

WestNeck Trails is 2.5 miles of natural trails.This is a nice place for a short run or to take a walk with the family.

First Landing State Park, 20 miles of trails broken down into 10 separate trails that vary in distance and terrain. This park is an exceptional place for families, bikers, runners, and folks that want to bring their dog along.

Squeaky Clean

One of the best parts about being located in the middle of the East Coast is the easy accessibility by car. So let's say you hop in your car, load in the friends, kids, dogs, whatever and hit the open road to Tidewater Virginia...

You have arrived! Now you can unpack your car and find the remnants of four or five fast food meals' worth of wrappers, cups and lost french fries... And let's not even mention the outside of the car. The bugs get bigger the further south you go. If you are coming from the South, well, the bugs are still big and plentiful. So you arrive, unpack, and survey the disaster area. But don't spend another moment of your vacation thinking about it...

Head on over to Mega Auto Spa in Williamsburg! State of the art equipment, a great selection of services and other options make it a perfect spot to pamper your car for its hard work. You will be guaranteed an easy process and top notch service - two things you should have whether you are on vacation or not.

And to our locals, enjoy the same quality and easy luxury at Mega Auto Spa, but with the added option of monthly passes that will save you money the more you visit! Also, be sure to ask about fundraising opportunities.

Hurry over to Mega Auto Spa today and in no time at all, you will be on your way with a clean and comfy car once more... For more information check out their website!

Fun for the 4th!

In this area of the country, Independence Day is especially exciting. We are in the epicenter of some major American history and it's definitely a passion around here. And a true celebration of the 4th of July isn't complete without a spectacular firework display. So in honor of the upcoming celebration, here is your round up of the great places in the area that you can visit for some firework festivity...

Chesapeake

July 3rd. Celebrate Freedom. Grassfield High School. 7:30 PM. http://www.cityofchesapeake.net/Calendar/Celebrate-Freedom---Concert-FIREWORKS_s_p4902.htm?EventMode=View&EventOccurrence=0

New Kent

Racing to the Stars and Stripes. Colonial Downs. 5 PM. http://www.colonialdowns.com/promos/viewpromo?fid=344 

Newport News

4th of July Stars in the Sky. Victory Park Landing. 6PM. http://www.newport-news.org/things-to-do/events.php

Norfolk

The 30th Annual AT&T Fourth of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks. Town Point Park. 5 PM. http://www.festevents.org/mini-site/30th-annual-atandt-fourth-of-july-great-american-picnic-and-fireworks 

Portsmouth
Independence Day Fireworks. Seawall or along Crawford Parkway. 9:30 PM. http://www.portsvaevents.com/july_2012.html

Suffolk
Stars and Stripes Spectacular. Constant's Wharf Park. 6 PM. http://www.suffolk-fun.com/calendar.html

Virginia Beach

July 4th Celebration. Mount Trashmore Park. Activities begin at 4 PM. Fireworks at 9:30 PM. 

http://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/parks-recreation/special-events/Pages/default.aspx

4th of July Celebration. First Landing State Park. Activities begin at 10 AM. http://dcrintra.dcr.virginia.gov/dcr_public/events/ViewEvent.cfm?585D0E707D080106010D0A1B0109

4th of July Fireworks. Sandbridge Beach. 6:30 PM. http://sandbridgelife.com/archives/1226

Stars and Stripes Explosion. Virginia Beach Oceanfront. 7:30 PM. http://www.beachstreetusa.com/events/StarsAndStripesExplosion

Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg Independence Day Celebration. Events starting at 10 AM. Fireworks begin at 9:30 PM. http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/do/special-events/12-4-july/

Busch Gardens Illuminights. 9:30 PM. http://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-williamsburg/Events/IllumiNights

Yorktown

Yorktown Independence Day Celebration. Riverwalk Landing. 7 PM. 

http://www.yorkcounty.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=7108&vw=3&ItemID=2530&d=20120704

All events are on the 4th unless otherwise stated. We hope you enjoy... Have a safe and happy holiday!

For the Love of the Game

In preparation for Father's Day this weekend, we though it only appropriate we talk about one of our dad's favorite things... golf. He sure loves it! But as much as he does, he could definitely use some work on his game... don't tell him we said that. He's an AWESOME dad, so his less than stellar golf skills aren't that big of a deal. Again, don't tell. So, in honor of him, we have a few pointers that will help improve your game.


For his bunker shot, check this out:

Here's one for a driver...

One for a chip:

And how about his putt...

Hopefully, this will help your game. Thank you to Colonial Heritage for helping us out with this series. Be sure to check out their awesome courses. And Happy Father's Day to all the great dads out there, even if you aren't golf pros... 

Aye Aye, Captain!

So many visitors travel from all over the world to the Tidewater Virginia area in search of some of the most inspiring tales of history ever told. With a location so rich in history, it is not surprising that not only is the ground we walk on full of rich history, but our food as well. And if you are looking for an historic American tale of the most inspiring, Captain George's Seafood Restaurant is just that. For over forty years, the restaurant has been a true show of American dreams and has done so with absolute perfection.

Beyond the strong history, the popularity has grown impressively. The restaurant itself has been visited by thousands of patrons from all over the world and they have helped spread the word of the phenomenal menu that Captain George's offers. Now Captain George's boasts an incredible sales average of one million pounds of crab legs per year.

If you haven't had a chance to visit this phenomenal local landmark and culinary delight, please be sure to stop into one of their four locations. Our location in the Tidewater Virginia area is home to two of those great locations - Virginia Beach and Williamsburg. Find out the great story of Captain George and try the amazing seafood items offered. Also, if you are going to be trying some of those famous crab legs, check out our video before you go!

Swinging Into Some Summer Fun

If you are in the area or are local and looking for some fun, Thursday marks the opening of a great new opportunity  for entertainment! Swingtime Salute: An On-Deck Revue opens at Nauticus! Nauticus is a wonderful, contemporary museum set right in the harbor of Norfolk that provides engaging and interactive experiences to showcase maritime history and education to all who visit. They have outdone themselves this time with a phenomenal display of engaging experience via their new production.


Premiering this week, get a new historical perspective on Navy life by experiencing a 40's era variety show created to be reminiscent of the show that our military members would have experienced during deployments from a time now gone. There will be retro-inspired numbers complete with glamorous performers accompanied by a live, on-stage band. A great experience for the whole family.


For more information including on ticketing, check out the Nauticus website. You can start by planning your visit the phenomenal museum including the Battleship Wisconsin, one of the largest battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy,  that is docked at the museum and which you are welcome to explore. Then, starting on Thursday, come on down and experience a little vintage fun with the Nauticus presentation of Swingtime Salute: An On-Deck Revue. 

We Heart Dinosaurs!

Fact: there are few things in the world cooler than dinosaurs. And technically they don't even exist, which makes their awesomeness downright mind-blowing. But the creatures from the past have yet to lose popularity with society, so The Virginia Living Museum is giving us exactly what we want and we want dinosaurs! 

On May 26th, The Virginia Living Museum will open its summer exhibit displaying an impressively high-tech collection of dinosaurs. With these robotic replicas of the former residents of our planet, you get mind-blowing experience as you see these creatures up close stomping and roaring about the museum. What could be cooler than that?! 

As if the dinosaurs weren't cool enough, we get to check out the current resident of our planet that is most akin to dinosaurs in the form of a rare and exotic albino alligator. After that, you can dig deeper into the history of dinosaurs by participating in some special programming including about the dinosaur dig in the program featured in the Planetarium, Dinosaur Prophecy. Also, check the museum for daily schedule of shows to learn more about other animals that are possibly related to dinosaurs.

There are also some special, limited time programs taking place. So mark your calendar for the weekends from May 26th to June 24th when there will be a dino puppet show at the museum. On Saturdays June 30th through August 4th, come back and join in on some special fossil themed fun. And the event we are most excited about is June 1st through the 2nd when you have the chance for a dinosaur-themed sleep over IN the museum. Doesn't get much cooler than that... 

For all this fun and more, be sure you head on down for the Donisaur exhibit opening at The Virginia Living Museum on May 26th. For more information, check out their website. 

Weekend Round Up!

It's almost the weekend! And we have a lot going on in the area this weekend! Here are a few of the major events going on. Let us know which ones you are attending or if we have missed anything in the comments section!

Colonial Williamsburg: .Run for the Dream and Drummers Call.
http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/visit/eventsAndExhibits/specialEvents/runForTheDream.cfm

Muscle Cars for Missions Car, Truck, and Bike Show: Show, lunch, and bake sale.
http://www.northamptonpres.com/calendar/muscle-cars-for-missions-car-show/ 

Busch Gardens: Verbolten, the newest coaster, officially opens!
http://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-williamsburg/Verbolten

Water Country: Park opens this weekend!
https://www.facebook.com/events/287329331360441/?context=create

Merchants Square: Semi-Annual Sidewalk Sale.
http://www.merchantssquare.org/calendar.html

Langley Speedway: Military Appreciation Night.
http://www.virginiapeninsulachamber.com/index.php?mod=Pages&LiveEdit=true&page_id=150

Ripley's Believe It or Not: Millennium Falcon Arrival.
https://www.facebook.com/events/300699523346056/

Virginia Beer Festival
http://www.festevents.org/mini-site/11th-annual-virginia-beer-festival-in-partnership-with-virginia-arts-festival

International Spring Wine Festival

http://www.neptunefestival.com/events/9th-annual-intl-spring-wine-festival/1

To Market, To Market...

It's one of our favorite times of year! Farmers Markets! The Farmers' Markets are out in abundance and just as great as summer itself. Fresh produce, delicious baked goods, and other wonderful specialty items... Yum! Whether you are visiting from out of town, new to the area, or a long time resident, we hope you take some time to check out some of our local markets. We have compile a list for you of the area Farmers' Markets. Also, if we missed any, please let us know and we will gladly add them to the list!

Chesapeake

Chesapeake Farmers Market, http://www.cityofchesapeake.net/Government/City-Departments/Departments/Agriculture-Department---Virginia-Cooperative-Extension/farmers-market.htm

Hampton

TBD

Newport News

Game's Farmers Market, http://www.gamesfarmersmarket.com/

Hilton Village Farmers Market, https://www.facebook.com/HiltonVillageFarmersMarket
Port Warwick Foundation, http://pwfarmersmarket.org/

Norfolk

Five Points Community Farm Market, http://www.5ptsfarmmarket.org/

Portsmouth
Portsmouth Olde Towne Farmers Market, http://www.portsmoutholdetownefarmersmarket.com/index.html

Suffolk
Suffolk Farmers Market, http://www.suffolk-fun.com/farmers-market.html

Virginia Beach
Brookdale Farm, http://www.brookdale-farm.com/summer-market-page
Old Beach Farmers Market, http://www.oldbeachfarmersmarket.com/
Virginia Beach Farmers Market, http://www.vbgov.com/farmersmarket

Williamsburg

Williamsburg Farmers' Market in Merchant Square, http://www.williamsburgfarmersmarket.com/

Yorktown

Riverwalk Landing Market, http://www.riverwalklanding.com/