Virginia Beach Revisited: Perfect for Romantics Year Round

It’s true. Virginia is for lovers. From the Shenandoah Valley to the Atlantic Coast, Virginia offers any number of romantic getaways. Like renting a cozy cabin in the Blue Ridge Highlands. For city dwellers, there are a number of intimate bed and breakfasts in the metropolitan area of Northern Virginia.  And then, there are the beaches. Whether Virginia Beach, Eastern Shore Beaches, or the Chesapeake Bay Beaches….all have something unique to offer.

Year round, the beaches of Virginia offer escapes for the romantic in all of us. For me, Virginia Beach is extra special. It’s where my husband and I started dating. Where he proposed to me. It’s where we bought our first house, and where our children were born.  We had the opportunity to revisit Virginia Beach this summer. I revisited a few old haunts. Places we escaped to, despite living minutes from the beach. Restaurants we dined in, ordering favorites that brought back memories with every bite. Even with our children in tow, the romance of Virginia Beach still swept us away!

Set Your Romantic Scene in Virginia Beach

There are any number of hotels located at the oceanfront. You have your pick and all offer different packages. For a true Virginia Beach experience with a classic, old-fashioned romantic feel, The Cavalier is just the ticket. A landmark in Virginia Beach since 1927, The Cavalier exudes the elegance of a bygone era with modern conveniences. Closed for the last four years for an extensive renovation, The Cavalier re-opened in March of this year. The old-world charm remains along with new features, such as the addition of The Cavalier’s own distillery!

If large hotels aren’t your thing, try an Airbnb. There are many that boast ocean views. For active duty military or retirees, the Navy offers Getaway Townhomes down on 67th Street. Further from the bustle of the boardwalk, these Getaways are one dune away from the Atlantic Ocean. More private, you’ll enjoy stretches of sand and water with little to no company….other than your significant other!

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A little bit more inland are some fabulous bed and breakfasts. Barclay Cottage is a wonderful treasure. Blocks from the beach, it boasts a wraparound porch with wicker chairs to laze away an afternoon. Enjoy a refreshing drink while people watching in the shade.  Of course, for a sumptuous treat, book a stay at the Beach Spa Bed & Breakfast. You won’t regret it!

Romantic Outings (Your Style!) in Virginia Beach

Where to even begin? Virginia Beach is just minutes from any number of activities. First Landing Park is perfect for the couple that likes to stay active. It offers a number of hiking trails as well as kayak and boat rentals. Grab lunch from Taste. There are a number of shady spots to enjoy a leisurely picnic. Plus, First Landing also offers campsites and clean, well-apportioned cabins. 

During the summer, there are a number of free oceanfront concerts. Local musicians play music at various points on the boardwalk. With a large military presence, it’s inevitable that you’ll also hear the Navy Band perform. The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts offers a number of free events during the summer, too. Virginia Beach is also home to the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater. Plan your trip around a big name concert. Past performances include Zac Brown Band, Jack Johnson, Mary J. Blige, Florida Georgia Line, and Pentatonix.

Of course, this is a romantic getaway! You don’t have to do anything at all but enjoy each other. Rent a bike and take a leisurely ride down the boardwalk. Stop at any point and enjoy a drink or two at any number of restaurants along the way. Better yet, avoid the crowds and take a stroll along the beach. Or, just laze the day away in the sun after a dip in the ocean.

Don’t Forget a Romantic Dinner for Two

How do you feel about a bottle of wine, fresh seafood, and scrumptious desserts? Terrapin Restaurant is cozy and quiet. The menu boasts farm-to-table ingredients and changes almost daily. The pastry chef’s creations will leave you wanting more! Terrapin is perfect for a romantic dinner for two. Another option is Catch 31. Get there early enough to snag an outside table. In cooler months, the fire pits in the center of the tables give a warm glow and are perfect for cuddling.

If you love Italian, consider Zia Marie in Chic’s Beach. Located on the appropriately named Lookout Road, Zia Marie is an intimate Italian restaurant with a decadent drinks menu and rustic Italian dishes. Start with the roasted garlic appetizer (it won’t leave you with garlic breath!) and try the Shrimp ala Vodka. For dessert, consider the tiramisu or, for something different, order the Chocolatini. Made with Godiva chocolate liquor, it’s absolutely yummy.

If you prefer something with a little more local atmosphere, try Chick’s. A shorts, flip-flops kind of place, their steamed shrimp basket is perfect for sharing. But, fair warning: this is definitely not your typical romantic restaurant. The music is loud, the tables wobble, and there’s not a candle in sight! What it does offer, though, is local flavor without frill or fuss. 

Of course, you can always stay in! If staying close to the oceanfront, Chicho’s pizza is perfect with a bottle of wine. I recommend the Margherita or White Pizza. Above, I mentioned a place called Taste. It’s a fantastic Hampton Roads staple. It offers made-to-order soups, salads, sandwiches and more. It also features boutique wines and local craft beers. If you’re looking for picnic lunches or dinner in, Taste makes romantic meals on the go a snap.

Virginia Beach is for Lovers

If you’re looking for a quick, romantic getaway with beaches and atmosphere, you don’t need to splurge. Jump on a plane, or in your car, and escape to Virginia Beach. It’s the perfect romantic getaway that can be tailor-made to fit your romantic mood. Virginia Beach…..it’s worth the trip!

For so much more about Virginia Beach, visit the official site here.

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