If you are ready to hit the beach, head to Virginia Beach, where there is something for everyone. This week we chat with Brianna Simmons, from The Casual Travelist, about her hometown of Virginia Beach and all it has to offer families.

ON THE PODCAST

00:30 - Talking with Kim and Tamara about the beach

06:20 - Tamara's upcoming trip

12:20 - Talking with Brianna

14:25 - How Virginia is doing with Covid-19

15:57 - Different sections of the beach

18:06 - Hotel vs. Beach House

19:45 - Activities

22:29 - Favorite Restaurants

24:40 - When to go

25:36 - Where Brianna wants to go next

26:48 - Brianna's Favorite Travel Gear

28:20 - Coming up Next

ABOUT BRIANNA SIMMONS

Brianna Simmons is a travel blogger at the Casual Travelist where she balances her love for travel with a full time career as a physical therapist. Whether you're getting away for 2 days or 2 weeks she aims to show you how to make the most of your vacation days.

Follow Brianna on Facebook and Instagram.

TIPS FOR VISITING VIRGINIA BEACH

• Virginia Beach has a beach experience for just about everyone. The main area is a resort area, which has a three-mile long boardwalk, making it a very family-friendly place to visit. During the summer they usually have music acts and a lot of other activities going on. This is also the area where you can find most of the hotels.
• If you are looking for a place quiet, you can always visit the Chesapeake Bay area, which is great and has calmer waters.
• Sandbridge is another area that is relaxing, located at the very northern tip on the Outer Banks.
• Depending on how long you are staying and where, renting a beach house is a great way to vacation at Virginia Beach.
• Going to the beach may be the main reason why you are visiting the area but there are definitely some other activities that you can do on your trip. For instance there is a really great Aquarium that also offers dolphin wildlife cruises during the summer months. They also offer whale watching cruises during the winter months.
• If you want to stay outdoors there are some different state parks you can explore and even camp if you are feeling adventurous. In Chesapeake Bay there is First Landing State Park that has some great wooded or water trails and also offers some camping areas. Around Sandbridge there is False Cape State Park, but you will have to hike or bike there since you can not drive to the park.
• Holiday weekends are usually very busy. Make sure to check the weather when you are planning your trip, as the days get closer you want to prepare yourself if it ends up being rainy. Being that the beach is on the East Coast you want to keep in mind the chance of hurricanes.

FAVORITE TRAVEL GEAR

Brianna loves to wear her comfortable clothes, which includes a pair of leggings from American Giant paired with a Marine Layer t-shirt. As another layer she loves to wear her Daisy Wrap from Eddie Bauer that goes with everything.

MENTIONED ON THE PODCAST

Where to Eat in Virginia Beach

Beach Packing List - Stuffed Suitcase

Hilton Garden Inn - Virginia Beach

The Cavalier Hotel

Virginia Aquarium

Commune Restaurant

Bay Local Eatery

Lolly's Creamery

Casual Foodist

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If you liked this show, please be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play and leave us a review! Have a question or comment? Send us an email at [email protected]. You can also follow our travels on Stuffed Suitcase and We3Travel, or follow the Vacation Mavens on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Thanks for listening!