May 12, 2008
Virginia Beach
Packing them in
The beach and the boardwalk are still the biggest draws
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A $200 million convention center opened two years ago, and there's talk of a new hotel and new entertainment, but the broad beaches and bustling boardwalk remain the most popular attractions for Virginia Beach visitors.
The city has become Virginia's largest, with almost 430,000 residents and nearly 3 million visitors a year.
For those seeking a break from the resort's crowds, check out the north end above 47th Street. Parking can be dicey, but the payoff is a quieter, more relaxing beach experience.
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• Residence Inn by Marriott, 3217 Atlantic Ave., 757-425-1141. Opened early last year, the 72-suite hotel has private balconies overlooking the ocean, full kitchens, direct beach and boardwalk access, a fitness center and wi-fi. Minimum stay of three nights may be required. Summer rates: $169-$329.
• Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 3001 Atlantic Ave., 757-213-3000. Opened in March 2005, this is one of the largest and most luxurious hotels along the oceanfront. It features flat-screen TVs, five-jet showers, wi-fi access, a rooftop pool and Sky Bar. Call for summer rates.
• The Cavalier Hotels, 4201 Atlantic Ave., 757-425-8555 or 800-446-8199; cavalierhotel.com. The grand old hotel was built in 1927 and it towers above the hillside. The complex has indoor and outdoor pools, five restaurants, tennis courts and a health club. It also boasts the only private ocean beach in Virginia. Summer rates: $139-$499.
• Catch 31, 3001 Atlantic Ave., 757-213-3001. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Catch 31 is part of the new Hilton at the Oceanfront. The restaurant features fresh seafood, chicken, steak, pizza and pasta. There's also a buffet breakfast. Entrees range from $20-$30.
• The Jewish Mother, 3108 Pacific Ave., 757-422-5430; jewishmother .com. Featuring original sandwich creations and great omelets, the deli also serves as a live-music lounge after dinner. Entrees range from $9.95-$17.95.
• Bubba's Crab House, 3323 Shore Drive, 757-481-3513. Enjoy sunsets and a steady stream of working watercraft delivering the day's catch to this waterside restaurant. After a long day at the beach, wash down a basket of steamed crabs ($16.95) with a cold pitcher of beer.
• Croc's 19th Street Bistro, 620 19th St., 757-428-5444; crocsrestau rant.com. When there's not a live band, a DJ spins tunes for those who come to eat early and dance late.
• Peabody's, 209 21st St., 757-422-6212; peabodysvirginia beach.com. With claims to the "biggest dance floor in Virginia Beach," Peabody's is known for its massive Thursday-night ladies' night and the occasional dodge ball match.
• Sweet Caroline's Bar and Restaurant, 1910 Atlantic Ave., 757-333-6175. Dueling pianos, live music and billiards make the scene most nights at Sweet Caroline's.
• Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, 717 General Booth Blvd., 757-425-3474; virgin iaaquarium.com. Virginia's largest aquarium has a variety of species from the Atlantic Ocean and nearby Chesapeake Bay, including sharks, rays, sea turtles and harbor seals.
Copyright © 2008, The Baltimore Sun
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