Monthly Archives:July 2021

Little Free Libraries of Sandbridge

Little Free Libraries

It’s hard to beat reading a good book on the beach. If you forgot to pack your book in your beach bag, don’t worry! Whether you enjoy curling up with your favorite book during an afternoon thunderstorm or prefer reading with your toes in the sand, the residents of Sandbridge have a solution for your literary needs.

Sandbridge community members built incredible “Little Free Libraries” for the enjoyment of all. You can spot these colorful libraries along the main roads and side streets of Sandbridge; often the boxes are decorated with quotes or book characters. The books are free for everyone and available 24/7. If you’ve already finished the book you brought on vacation, trade it in for a new one!  Sandbridge is home to several Little Free Libraries—they can be found on both the north end and the south end.

Some of the libraries are registered with Little Free Library: a nonprofit organization based in Hudson, Wisconsin. Their mission is to be a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Libraries.

A walk around the neighborhood to check out the little libraries of Sandbridge is one of the best ways to explore the community. Be sure to check out all of the libraries to see if you can find an eye-catching book book for yourself. With new visitors coming to Sandbridge every week, books are taken, and new books left quite frequently.

These libraries allow you to leave a little bit of yourself in Sandbridge while taking a little bit of Sandbridge back home with you. One little library curator received a letter from a young boy who borrowed a book series from her little library on the north end; “These books are filling my heart so much!”

Whether you are a local or a beach-vacationing visitor, please stop by to take a book or return a book! More information on the origin of the Little Free Library Program can be found at their website: https://littlefreelibrary.org

A map of Sandbridge’s little libraries can be found below!

Lotus Garden Park

Lotus Garden Park

A unique piece of Virginia Beach history lies off of Sandbridge Road.

Lotus Garden Park is located across the street from Tabernacle United Methodist Church, and its yellowish-white flowers and bright green lily pads are sure to catch the eye of anyone driving past. These flowers are the American Lotus: the official flower of the city of Virginia Beach and the only lotus species native to the United States. The distinguishable flower bloomed abundantly during the early and mid-20th century. The tubers (responsible for the spread of the lotus plant), leaves, and seeds served as an important food source for Native American populations in the area. However, the lotus is now protected and is illegal to tamper with or pick the flowers or plants. ​

The park has more to offer than just a scenic background for a photo-op; there are two popular kayak launches in the vicinity of Lotus Garden Park. From the launch, kayakers are able to access Ashville Bridge Creek, Muddy Creek, and North Bay. The Lotus Garden Loop offers beautiful scenery and the opportunity to see Virginia Beach wildlife.  Be sure to follow proper safety precautions while exploring.

Rain levels, hot weather, and water quality are all factors which affect the American lotus bloom. Some years the bloom is so thick that it can seem impossible to canoe or kayak through the pond, while some years the bloom is incredibly sparse. Luckily, there are quite a few flowers bursting through the murky waters of the pond this year.

The memory of Lotus Festivals dating back to the middle of the twentieth century evoke a sense of communal pride amongst lifelong community members here in Virginia Beach. In the 1950s, the Lotus Festival was established by the members of Cape Henry Woman’s Club and Tabernacle United Methodist Church to celebrate the abundant blooms. The celebration featured the crowning of a Lotus Queen, a potluck with community members, and a parade. The Lotus Festival has been scaled back since its inauguration, but community members still gather for a luncheon at Tabernacle United Methodist Church during the month of July. Be sure to catch a glimpse of the American lotus while it is still in bloom!

For more information regarding the Lotus Garden Kayak Loop, visit the following sites:

https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/parks-recreation/parks-trails/Pages/kayaking.aspx

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/lotus-pond-paddle?ref=header

Moore to See Photo Expeditions

Moore to See Photo Expeditions

Sandbridge is nestled in between the Atlantic Ocean and Back Bay and is home to all sorts of wildlife. Moore to See Photo Expeditions wants to help you make the most of your vacation and learn more about the history of the Tidewater area with private boat tours through the amazing ecosystems of the region. Climb aboard to adventure into one of the largest undisturbed freshwater marshes along the eastern seaboard!

There is no better way to learn about the history of an area deeply rooted in fisheries and the maritime industry than on the water. Join the knowledgeable crew from Moore to See Photo Expeditions as they navigate the North Landing River, view thousands of nesting birds at the Monkey Island Rookery or pick some Back Bay blue crabs.

Moore to See Photo Expeditions are more than just photo tours—they are incredibly memorable experiences for the whole family. The “River Crab Feast” trip includes a three-hour EcoTour on the North Landing River followed by a crab feast on a totally secluded dock surrounded by nature, while the Birds & Brunch tour brings you right alongside some of Virginia’s incredible wildlife prior to enjoying brunch at Coinjock Marina Restaurant. Moore to See’s emphasis is on providing private eco- and photo- boat tours to explore the unique natural communities and abundant wildlife of the waters of southern Virginia Beach while placing the waters in historical and ecological context.

Enjoy a day on the water soaking up all of the beauty the area has to offer under the guidance of a USCG certified captain. All tours are private with 1-6 guests and normally range from 2-4 hours, but can last as long as you like! Not sure which tour best suits your family? Give Moore to See Photo Expeditions a call and they will be more than happy to answer any of your questions!

Moore to See Photo Expeditions

US Coast Guard Certified Captain
Back Bay, Monkey Island, North Landing River

tel: (757) 401-2583

https://www.mooretosee.com

All photos taken from Moore to See Photo Expeditions’ website.

False Cape State Park

False Cape State Park

Did you know Sandbridge is just a quick trip from False Cape State Park? Guests can park at the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and catch a tram into one of the coolest state parks along the Atlantic. There is no public vehicle access to False Cape, which means the park is only accessible by foot, bicycle, the tram, or boat.

The area was mistaken for Cape Henry fairly often during the nineteenth century, and many ships met their demise in the shallow waters of the aptly named “False Cape”. The remnants of the Wash Woods community are one of the highlights of a tour through the park; the village was actually established by survivors of a shipwreck who used cypress wood from the wreckage to build a church and other structures.

Make sure to bring your camera and some binoculars! False Cape is home to all kinds of wildlife. Plan a stop by the Visitor Center near the Barbour Hill area to learn about the history of False Cape State Park and upcoming events, as well as grabbing a souvenir and a snack on your way in or out of the park.

False Cape State Park hosts events such as sunset paddles and wildlife tram tours throughout the entire summer, so head on down to False Cape to create some fantastic family memories!

Photos taken from False Cape State Park’s website:

https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/false-cape

False Cape State Park

False Cape State Park

Did you know Sandbridge is just a quick trip from False Cape State Park? Guests can park at the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and catch a tram into one of the coolest state parks along the Atlantic. There is no public vehicle access to False Cape, which means the park is only accessible by foot, bicycle, the tram, or boat.

The area was mistaken for Cape Henry fairly often during the nineteenth century, and many ships met their demise in the shallow waters of the aptly named “False Cape”. The remnants of the Wash Woods community are one of the highlights of a tour through the park; the village was actually established by survivors of a shipwreck who used cypress wood from the wreckage to build a church and other structures.

Make sure to bring your camera and some binoculars! False Cape is home to all kinds of wildlife. Plan a stop by the Visitor Center near the Barbour Hill area to learn about the history of False Cape State Park and upcoming events, as well as grabbing a souvenir and a snack on your way in or out of the park.

False Cape State Park hosts events such as sunset paddles and wildlife tram tours throughout the entire summer, so head on down to False Cape to create some fantastic family memories!

Photos taken from False Cape State Park’s website:

https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/false-cape