Overview   Located on the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach borders North Carolina and ranks as the largest city in Virginia. April 26th 1607 - Admiral Christopher Newport set the landing party ashore at the present site of Virginia Beach. Three days later they erected a cross at the landing site and conducted the first religious ceremony of the Church of England in America. Fearing the area was too susceptible to attack from the Natives and Spanish, Admiral Newport chose a small island on the James River to establish the first permanent English Colony in the new world, Jamestown. Fourteen years later the colonists settled in the area that is now Virginia Beach. Abundant fishing and fertile soil assured the areas success but, founded in 1887, Virginia Beach developed as a resort following construction of a hotel and a railroad linking it with Norfolk After World War I it became an important base in the national coastal-defense system and today is home to Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base, Oceana Naval Air Station, and Fleet Combat Direction Systems Warfare Training Center at Dam Neck. Today, with its excellent beaches and many fine hotels, it is one of the most popular resorts on the east coast and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.          The Virginia Marine Science Museum 717 General Booth Boulevard, Virginia Beach Tel:717-425-FISH The States largest aquarium with 800,000 gallons of aquariums and live habitats this '97 'Travel Attraction of the Year' is one of the top ten most visited aquariums in the country . A must see for all ages. More info Oceana Navel Air Station Oceana Boulevard or London Bridge Rd Tel:757-433-3131 One of the U.S Navy's four master jet bases with 22 squadrons. Seasonal tours are available Historic Cape Henry Atlantic Ave/Fort Story, Virginia Beach Tel: 757-460-1688 Come see and stand where perhaps your ancestors first set foot on the New World back in 1607. The first landing cross marks the place. Also, here you will see the oldest government built lighthouse in the USA, dating back to 1791. The Pavilion, Virginia Beach Convention Center 1000 19th Street Tel: 757-437-7629 The convention center is in a wonderful building of interesting architecture, which hosts a variety of events each year. A great location for a trade show or meeting. Association for Research & Enlightenment 67th Street/Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach Tel: 757-428-3588 Now here's a unique place to visit. It's the International headquarters documenting the works of psychic Edgar Cayce. Seashore State Park 2500 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach Tel: 757-481- 2131 With more than 27 miles of hiking trails, camping and picnic areas this 2700-acre area is a nature lovers paradise. Upper Wolfsnare House 2040 Potters Road, Virginia Beach Tel: 757-491-3490 If History is your passion this house is a must. Built in 1759 by Thomas Walke III it gives a wonderful insight into life at that time. Adam Thoroughgood House 1636 Parrish Road, Virginia Beach Tel: 757- 460 0007 Step back in time and visit this 17th Century house in the style of an old English Cottage and discover historic herbs and flowers in the gardens. More Info Contemporary Art Center 2200 Parks Ave, Virginia Beach Tel: 757-425 0000 Although specializing in the presentation of 20th century art styles, the Art Center also presents an eclectic mixture of fine Art forms. More Info Tidewater Veterans Memorial 19th Street, Virginia Beach In appreciation of the contributions of the military in the area, a magnificent sculpture/waterfall has been erected here. Rudee Inlet 7 Marina Winston-Salem Ave, (Nr. Pacific Ave) Fun for all if you plan a day out here. Whether it's a Chesapeake Bay and Virginia Beach tour of 2 hours or a full days sports fishing you're after, you'll find it here. Old Coast Guard Station 24th Street/Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach Tel: 757-422 1587 For those of you who come down to the sea, to dream of days gone by, this museum will transport you back in time with historical stories to tell of shipwrecks off the coast and a history of the area. Virginia Zoological Park 3500 Granby Street Norfolk, VA Tel: 757- 441 2706 Located only about half an hours drive from Virginia Beach you will find this fine Zoo. The whole family will love it! More Info Colonial Williamsburg Henry Street/Rt 199 Tel: 1-800 History Williamsburg is a must if you're staying in the Virginia Beach area. It's about 1 hour's drive away and there's lots to see and do with 18th Century houses, a governors mansion, the capital plus Colonial restaurants and shops. Learn all about the history of the area from costumed characters who'll stroll among you and put on wonderful plays. Special events are put on at different times of the day and evening. More Info            Street Stages 7th, 17th & 24th Virginia Beach Tel: 757- 491 SUNN Head to these stages for entertainment at all times of day and night. Free for all! You'll find a great variety to choose from such as musicians and singers, magicians and comedians. The Hampton Roads Shakespeare Festival 2000 Seatack Neighborhood Park Virginia Beach Tel: 757-425 1154 See 'A Midsummer Nights Dream' performed throughout the season. More info Tiger Birthday Party August 19th 10am-12pm Virginia Zoo hosts a birthday party for its tigers. Live Bird Café Ongoing Virginia Zoo Sat & Sun 12pm & 1pm The rainforest Café presents the Live Bird Cafe.                Ames Department Stores 460 Stores throughout 19 states 1-800-SHOP-AMES (1-800-746-7263) Ames is the bargain hunter’s paradise! With everything from beach towels to sunscreen, automotive & sporting goods to clothing & shoes. Brand name quality, discount prices, seven days a week. Bargains By The Bagful.® Artifax, Inc. Hilltop North Shopping Center/425-8224 One of America’s top 100 craft galleries. Dazzling handmade jewelry, art glass, pottery, fountains and other delights by over 400 craftspeople. 2000 square feet to browse. Free fabulous gift wrap. Shipping available. Easy, free parking. Atlantic Convenient Mart 28th & Atlantic/491-6143 The cheapest price on 4-wheel family bikes. They offer candy, wine, beer, soda, chips, cigarettes, film, batteries, disposable cameras, stamps, health care, suntan lotions, sunglasses, full line of groceries, and beach rentals: bikes, chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards, baby strollers and much more. Barrett Street Antique Center 2645 Dean Drive/463-8600 28,000 sq. ft. of antiques and collectibles. Over 150 dealers with 112 showcases and 75 booths. Thousands of items. Something from everyone’s childhood. Heated/air-conditioned. Open daily, 9-6 Mon.-Sat., 1-5pm on Sun. Buses welcome. Beach Cottage at Bikini Hut 10th & Atlantic Ave./428-7949 32nd St. & Pacific Ave./428-3339 Long Bay Pointe Marina Contemporary swimwear, sportswear and accessories. Find the perfect fit with sizes 5 to 24, or create your own “signature suit” with their large selection of separates featuring D, DD, and E bras. Also gifts, shoes and men’s sportswear. Bentwaters at the Beach 209 25th Street/422-9414 Virginia Beach’s only kite store featuring all types of single string and stunt kites, wind toys and kite supplies, Russian nesting dolls, toys, candles, Russian jewelry, incense and gifts. Birkenstock Footprints Hilltop East /428-9311 America’s first 100% Birkenstock store. This foot comfort shop has unique Birkenstock sandals for that barefoot-on-the-beach feeling all year–round. Therapeutic comfort for your feet and body is just 10 minutes from the beach! Visit their Norfolk store in historic Ghent and at Merchants Square in Colonial Williamsburg. Candy Kitchen 18th St. & Atlantic Ave./422-9964 8th St. & Atlantic Ave./422-5588 Candy Kitchen is famous for their own candies since the 1930’s. From the moment you step in the door, the delectable aroma of the homemade candies lets you know that some delightful treats await you. They specialize in Salt Water Taffy, Fresh Creamy Fudge and Hand-Dipped Chocolates. They offer a full-line of sugar-free candies and a collection of beautiful plush toys, gifts and all Ty products. A sweet gift for family and friends. Christmas Attic 20th and Pacific Avenue 425-7624 or 1-800-881-0082 Come visit their two 1920’s Christmas cottages for the beauty of Christmas. Old world glass ornaments, Boyd’s bears, Nutcrackers, Byers’ Choice carolers, Annalee, Harbour Lights, Dept. 56 houses, accessories, nautical ornaments, Margaret Furlong angels, beautiful themed trees—24 years of Christmas at the Beach. Christmas Mouse 1116 Atlantic Avenue/437-5950 All the magical dreams of Christmas will come alive as you browse through a wonderland of delights. Enjoy an exquisite selection of decorations, accessories and collectibles. Byers’ Carolers, Possible Dreams Clothtique Collection and imported crystal ornaments are just a few of the treasures you will find. Create lasting Yuletide memories with a special gift from here. www.christmasmouse.com david nygaard Fine Jewelers Hilltop East/491-0222 toll free 888-491-9772 Certified gemologists and fine watch specialists. Tidewater’s best selection of “Sea Life” jewelry in custom designs. The largest Lladró and Waterford Crystal dealer in the area, with collectors’ society pieces in stock. See the Starfire Diamond—the most brilliant diamond on the planet. Live jazz and hors d’oeuvres on Saturdays and holidays. Come and see how they define brilliance. Forbes Candies 24th St. & Atlantic, 28th St. & Atlantic, 31st St. & Atlantic The greatest thing at the beach since sun, surf, and sand has got to be Salt Water Taffy. This company’s 70-year old recipes are still used to cook not only taffy but also delicious fudge, pecan delights and tasty candies. A large selection of gifts, shell items, toys, beach accessories and shirts from Virginia Beach. All locations are “family fun” shops to visit. Serving Virginia Beach for over 65 years. Freckled Fox 700 21st St./422-3045 An exquisite shop filled with beautiful items including seasonal gifts, European soaps, furniture, handmade pillows, candles, garden statuary and accessories, permanent flowers, fountains and baskets! Step in for a unique shopping experience. It’s where the trends start! Free parking. Garden Art, etc. 518 Laskin Road/422-6223 Come see a newly renovated house which has been transformed into a store filled with garden statuary, eclectic gifts featuring soaps, ornaments, Mexican ironware, gifts from the sea, pottery and antiques. Don’t miss this adventure as you go from room to room to view the wide selection of gifts. Next to Nick’s Seafood Restaurant, across from Farm Fresh. Goldbar Jewelers 718 Hilltop Shopping Center North 422-4411/1-800-421-6222 Your number 1 choice for fine jewelry, gifts, repairs and custom designs. For visitors to Virginia Beach, they offer same day in-store jewelry repairs. Don’t miss the surf and sand jewelry collection. Goody’s, the Gift & Collectible Gallery 724 Hilltop Shopping Center North 491-2202 A collectors’ paradise offering a unique array of fine gifts and collectibles from around the world. Choose from Swanouski Crystal, Armani, Harbour Lights, Charming Tales, NAO by Lladró, Hummel, Lenox Classics, Seraphim Angels, Just the Right Shoe, Precious Moments and more. Just moments from the oceanfront. Harley Haven 1920 Atlantic Avenue/425-2458 For all your Harley needs check out their highly fashionable Harley-Davidson t-shirts and genuine H-D motor clothes. Their durable 100% cotton shirts are among the trademarks of Harley Davidson. The best quality leather accessories stay true to a style that is unmistakably Harley-Davidson. They carry women and children’s apparel for both visitors and locals alike. For the complete Harley-Davidson experience, head on down. Hilltop Antiques & Collectibles 1556 Laskin Rd. #122/417-0427 Fine furniture, glassware, oils, prints, imported crystal chandeliers and much more. Hilltop Shopping Center The Shops at Hilltop North, East & West Northeast corner of Laskin Rd. (31st St.) & First Colonial Road Looking for points of interest? Discover more than 120 of them two miles from the oceanfront. Hilltop’s fine selection of specialty shops, restaurants and services make them the beach’s award-winning one-stop shopping address. From everyday basics to extraordinary treasures (and great places to eat or just relax), you’ll find what you’re looking for. Come see why they are voted the Best of the Beach year after year. Inspirations 1612 Hilltop West/425-8208 A wild and wonderful place to shop for unique gifts and home decor from the far corners of the world. A must see shop with handcrafted gifts, jewelry, and home accessories from over 25 countries. Not your typical gift shop!! Minutes from the oceanfront. Jewelry Limited 10th St. & Atlantic Ave./437-5191 They have the best prices and variety on 14k gold and sterling silver jewelry including anklets and toe rings. Stop in and fill out an entry form to win a free piece of fine jewelry valued at up to $50. They also carry Deziner sunglasses and a wide selection of gifts and souvenirs. Kitchen Barn Hilltop West/757-422-0888 Discover the wonderful world of Kitchen Barn. Immerse yourself in the exciting adventure that awaits anyone who likes to cook from the novice to the gourmet chef. Surround yourself with hundreds of pots, pans, whisks, woks and gads of gadgets. Kitchen Barn has a complete selection of quality kitchen tools from around the world. Fun and functional gift ideas for that hard to shop for individual. La Promenade Distinctive Shoppes 1860 Laskin Road A dining and shopping experience just 3 miles from the beach! Sorry, no T-shirts or souvenirs, but a “not-so-pricy” blend of New York City and Palm Beach. Everything from pasta (Aldo’s) to sushi (Mizuno); and fashion (Talbots) to kitchenware (Williams-Sonoma); and more fashion (Jos. A. Bank, NYFO, D.M. Williams); not to mention specialty shops galore (Simply Selma’s, Thomas Kinkade Galleries, Children’s Wear Digest, Garden Gallery and many more). Top it off with a frappuccino from Starbuck’s! Open Mon - Sat. 10am to 6pm. Some stores and restaurants open later and on Sundays. Learning Express 752 Hilltop North/425-2377 The most fantastic toy store ever! Learning Express has the greatest games, awesome art supplies, sensational science kits and labs and a whole lot of “How To.” Just about everything you want. Most of all they have a wonderful staff who are ready to help you choose the right gift that is age and interest specific for your child or grandchild. Just minutes from the oceanfront. They gift wrap for free. Lillian Vernon Outlet Store Loehmann’s Plaza 4000 Virginia Beach Blvd./463-7451 They carry a large variety of merchandise at 20% to 60% off original catalog prices. New shipments arrive each week. Count on them for top quality, friendly service and terrific prices on unique and fun items. Visit at www.lillianvernon.com or AOL keyword: Lillian Vernon. Line of Duty 817 Virginia Beach Blvd./428-6365 They have just the right gifts for you or that special friend who serves and protects in the police, fire or EMS department. Choose from the wide variety of tee shirts, collectibles, toys, statues, supplies and safety equipment. Lynnhaven Mall 701 Lynnhaven Parkway/340-9340 Located in the heart of Virginia Beach is the largest shopping mall in southern Virginia, with over 170 specialty stores featuring: Lord & Taylor, Hecht’s, Dillard’s, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor Loft, AMC Theaters, JC Penny, Wards and a complete food court with more than a dozen eateries. Just 10 minutes away from the oceanfront. Lynnhaven Seafood Marina 3311 Shore Drive/481-7211 For the largest and best selection of seafood in Tidewater. Home of the Lynnhaven Commercial Fleet which combs the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay for the freshest catch. Get your blue crabs here daily. Stop in and check out their great selection! Megs Swimwear 307 Laskin Rd./428-7945 Come in and select your perfect swimsuit from their extraordinary collection of swimwear, featuring designer lines, your favorite brands and the latest in separates. They stock sizes from 4 to 24 with cup-sized suits to EE, as well as suits for men and children. Custom-made suits by appointment. They also have a great selection of cover-ups, casual wear, shoes and accessories. A hand-picked array of fine gifts rounds out your shopping experience at Megs. Memory Lane Old Time Photos 1702 Atlantic Ave./422-5462 2018 Atlantic Ave./428-2788 Fun for everyone. Dress up like a cowboy, saloon gal, roaring 20s gun moll or gangster. Hundreds of costumes in all sizes that fit over your street clothes. Your authentically sepia-toned photos are ready in minutes. Group and family portraits are their specialty; award winning children’s portraits. Your portrait satisfaction is guaranteed. Montagna’s Shoes 752 Independence Blvd. #4546/490-2034 Offering old style customer service. They carry hard to find sizes and widths specializing in comfort and fashion for men and women. Name brand shoes from Clarks, SAS, Ecco, Magadesians, Florsheim, Extra Depth, Barefoot Freedom and many more. Senior citizen discounts every day. Museum Stores Virginia Marine Science Museum 717 General Booth Blvd./437-6321 Virginia’s largest aquarium offers the opportunity to fiddle around for the perfect gift at the Fiddler’s Cove Museum Store in the Owls Creek Marsh Pavilion. Also, the Water’s Edge Museum Store is where you’ll find an ocean full of treasures. Both stores offer everything from t-shirts and jewelry to a vast array of educational merchandise. Open daily and can be visited without paying admission. Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse 4000 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach 368-0003 or 486-7048 1234 Greebrier Pkwy., Chesapeake 368-0003 or 548-3389 Over 50,000 pairs of current styles, first quality men’s and ladies’ designer shoes at 25-70% off retail prices. New shipments weekly. Open daily Mon. - Wed., 10am - 7pm; Thurs. - Sat. 10am - 9pm; Sun. 12-6pm. Located just 10 minutes from the oceanfront at Loehmann’s Plaza. See their ad for coupon offer. Oriental Rug Center 2921 Virginia Beach Blvd./486-1103 Bankruptcy sale now in progress. All rugs must go! Save up to 75% off Virginia Beach’s largest selection of Oriental rugs, including Persian, Pakistani, Chinese, Indian, Turkish and Tribals. They ship everywhere in the U.S. Open Mon.-Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 1-5pm. Posh Kids Hilltop East/425-2689 They offer the finest in fun and fashionable children’s wear, ranging from sportswear to adorable special occasion clothing. Clothing as fun to shop for as it is to wear. They will meet all of your children’s clothing needs. Girls’ newborn to 14, boys’ newborn to 20. Open year-round, Mon.–Sat. QVC Outlet 4000 Virginia Beach Blvd. Loehmann’s Plaza/486-2511 All the amazing products you see on the TV channel at discount prices! QVC Outlet features a wide variety of products like jewelry, dolls & collectibles, apparel, electronics, computers, kitchen & housewares and much more! Rack Room Shoes See ad for store locations As one of the largest retailers of name brand family shoes, they offer a unique combination of selection, style and great value. Over 13,000 pairs to choose from, dress to casual to athletic. You’re sure to find something for the entire family. So hurry in to take advantage of their everyday low prices. Rack Room Shoes, the Big brands, the Big savings. SAS Comfort Shoes 1556 Laskin Rd., Suite 130/425-9915 Their store has footwear in widths S, N, M, W, WW, men’s sizes 6-15, women’s sizes 4-12. Sandals, loafers, oxfords all with comfort and quality in mind. Handbags and other accessories, too. Shomier’s General Merchandise Store 3205 Va. Beach Blvd./340-7359 Complete line of early American miniature accessories, building supplies, assorted gifts, lamps, tableware, beautifully handcrafted furniture shown in over 7,000 sq. ft. of unique displays. Located behind Shomier’s Antiques (10 minutes from the ocean). Open Mon.–Thurs. & Sat. 10am-6pm; Fri. 10am-8pm; closed Sun. Statement, Ltd. 1361 Laskin Road/422-0055 Make a statement without saying a word. Visit them and find how. Great designers like Ellen Tracy, Tahari, Layfayette 148, Dana Buchman, Anne Klein, DKNY and a full line of Brighton accessories. Make a statement. From casual to sophisticated. Sunsations/USA Sportswear See ad for 6 convenient locations Visit the largest department stores on Atlantic Ave. They have everything you need for a perfect vacation–swimsuits, toys, t-shirts, souvenirs, gifts, beach shoes & hats, boogie boards and more. Thomas Kinkade Galleries Lynnhaven Mall/498-8460 MacArthur Center, Norfolk/624-6800 La Promenade Shoppes/422-6702 The galleries offer personal service designed to fit your needs and lifestyle. Exclusively representing the romantic, peaceful images of Thomas Kinkade. They offer the most exclusive editions of studio proofs and Renaissance to standard numbered editions and exquisite gift items for your home. Weekend Gardner 772 Hilltop Shoping Center North 422-6207 Come experience the sight, sound and fun at this fine home and garden accessory store full of ideas to enhance the beauty of your home or garden. You’ll find unique gifts, tabletop fountains, statuary, birdhouses, feeders, glassblown hummingbird and butterfly feeders, Wolfard oil lamps, ivy topiary, flags and more. Williamsburg Antique Mall, Ltd. 500 Lightfoot Rd. (Rte. 646)/565-3422 Eastern Virginia’s largest antique center, featuring 45,000 square feet of dealer space. New one-story facility with easy handicap accessibility. Centrally located just off the Route 199 Bypass near the Pottery Factory and outlet centers. Open Mon.-Sat. 10am, Sun. 12pm. Visa and MasterCard accepted.                Fisherman's Wharf - Norfolk - one of the largest Seafood Buffets in Virginia at the edge of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel. A water view is everywhere you turn... the Harbor plus the Naval Base.   Havana - Virginia Beach - features a new fusion of Caribbean fruits and spices with familiar dishes. You won't know if you're in a Hemingway novel or Casablanca... but you'll love the decor and food.   Freemason Abbey - Norfolk - in a unique, casual atmosphere that was once an old church... you'll enjoy one of the best Sunday Brunches in Virginia... a wonderful experience.   Grate Steak - Norfolk - after a visit to the all-you-can-eat Salad Bar... pick out your own hand-cut Steak and throw it on the huge Indoor Grill. It's lots of fun... and you don't have to do the dishes.   Taphouse Brewery & Grill - Virginia Beach - if you like Barbecue Ribs... smoked fresh for hours and hours before you get there... along with fresh microbrewery Beers... It doesn't get much better.   The Painted Lady - Norfolk - elegant Victorian atmosphere in a restored mansion... where everything in the building is For Sale. Don't worry... they won't sell your chair or table until after you're finished dining. Duck-In & Gazebo - Virginia Beach casual dining with renowned Chowder. You can work off some calories with a game of Beach Volleyball... or just relax and watch the sunset while enjoying a cocktail.   The Happy Crab - Virginia Beach for real Crab Lovers... this is their Headquarters. It's the famous `All-You-Can-Eat' Crab Buffet. It's marvelous! Waterside Festival Marketplace - Norfolk - for the indecisive. You have lots of different restaurants under one roof... plus live music... and great Shopping. You can spend the day on the waterfront... and then carry on into the wee hours.   Nawab - Virginia Beach - treat yourself to a real taste sensation... the finest Indian Cuisine this side of Bombay.   Aldo's - Virginia Beach - when you're in the mood for Elegant Dining, gentle service... and Award Winning Wine Cellars... `do not pass go'... go right to Aldo's!   Harbor Park - Norfolk - home of the Norfolk Tides, AAA Team for the NY Mets. Forget hot dogs and beer. These are the best seats in the house... inside an air-conditioned restaurant with full Buffet and Individual Entrees... plus a full cocktail menu. Provides a new definition to `Take Me Out To the Ball Game'.   Dumar's Drive-In - Norfolk - maybe the best Ice Cream in the world. Hey... these guys' ancestors invented the Ice Cream Waffle Cone for the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904... so you know they've had some experience.