Sand Replenishment

Expect a much larger beach when you vacation with us in 2020!

Sandbridge is replenished with sand every 5-7 years because the beach gets shorter and shorter due to hurricanes and the ocean washing up on the shore. Sand is pumped from 3 miles out onto the beach through the pipes. After making it to shore, the sand drops and the water flows back into the ocean leaving a mound of sand that the workers then push and move to make it flat and level. The tall tripod is a CRAB and it determines how much sand is needed for that section of the beach.

21 May

Pick Local: Strawberries Edition

Where to pick?

Two of the biggest farms in our area are the Flanagan Family Farm and the Brookdale Farm! Below you will be able to find a little more about each of them!

Flanagan Farm is located ½ mile south of the Pungo stoplight in southern Virginia Beach, on what is commonly called Pungo Ridge. Pungo Ridge is home to some of the most prime soils for vegetable farming in Virginia Beach. The farm where Flanagan Farm is located is currently farmed by the fourth and fifth generations to consecutively produce crops on this farm. They have two acres of you-pick strawberries grown utilizing plasticulture to enhance the plant growth and keep the berries clean for harvest. Available late April through early June. They also grow a variety of fruits and vegetables starting in the Spring and going all the way through fall.

Brookdale Farm grows the Chandler variety strawberries which are known for their great taste and forgiveness for not being picked totally ripe. They also grow the Camerosa variety which is known for it’s lasting berries and great taste if picked totally ripe. Lastly they also have Ruby Junes again this year, which are a great size and taste amazing. Please note that weather can always affect varieties differently! On their website they also explain that they have made some changes to picking this year. They are allowed to have picking within State guidelines.Keeping everyone healthy is the driving force behind their changes. They want to keep their fields open so compliance is necessary. For more information about how they are compiling with the ever-changing guidelines check out their website here.

Why pick?

Picking your own strawberries is great for so many reasons! The first is that it is an opportunity to get out of the house and get outside! Just outside of Sandbridge there are many different farms which are offering a U-pick system and have place strict guidelines in order to accommodate for coronavirus concerns. Another great reason is by picking at our local farms, you will be helping support small business! Many of these farms also have delicious baked goods and fresh vegetables pre-picked and ready for pick up! The last reason we at Siebert Reality love picking our own strawberries is they taste so much sweeter after all your hard work!

Bucket on buckets of strawberries… What to do now?

So now that you’ve done all of the hard work what now.. you could just eat them straight out of the bucket or you can start cooking! Below I’ve shared some of our staff’s favorite strawberry-based recipes!

Try one of these delicious recipes!

Breakfast!

Classic Strawberry pancakes

Fancy up your classic Sunday morning pancakes with strawberries! This is a simple but delicious recipe, just make your favorite pancake batter. Following dice up some of your fresh strawberries and place them in a bowl. Pour your batter like normal and sprinkle a few diced berries on top before flipping! We like to finish them off with butter and powder sugar!

Main dish!

Substitute strawberries for tomatoes in the delicious Strawberry Caprese

Toast some sourdough bread lightly. While the bread is toasting, slice some fresh mozzarella and strawberries and place to the side. On one piece of sourdough spread some pest. Then top with strawberries and a couple piece of mozzarella. To finish it drizzle a balsamic glaze and top with your other piece of sourdough! And enjoy!this dish was inspired by one of Virginia Beach’s local coffee shops: Sawdust!

Side dish!

Strawberry Salsa is the perfect summer dish to serve with chips or a fun way to top fresh tacos! For this recipe you will need:

2 cups strawberries slice and cut into small pieces
1/2 cup red onion diced small
2 Tbsp jalapeno pepper seeded and diced small
1 Tbsp cilantro chopped
1 tsp lime zest
2 Tbsp lime juice
2 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions

Blend it all together & refrigerate until ready to serve.

Dessert!

Fresh strawberry bundt cake served with vanilla ice cream…might be heaven. We don’t need to talk this one up, here’s the recipe!

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
3 tablespoons lemon juice divided
Zest of 1 lemon
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 ounces Greek yogurt, plain or vanilla
12 ounces fresh strawberries diced
1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan (10-15 cup pan). In a large bowl, sift together 2 1/4 cups of flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix in the lemon zest and set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 3-5 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Alternate beating in the flour mixture and the yogurt, mixing just until incorporated.
3. Toss the strawberries with the remaining 1/4 cup of flour. Gently mix them into the batter. Pour the batter into the Bundt pan. Place in the oven and reduce the temperature to 325 degrees F. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
4. Allow to cool at least 20 minutes in the pan, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely. Once cooled whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and the powdered sugar. Drizzle over the top of the cake.

Drinks!

Strawberry mojitos the perfect way to cool off after a long summer day! For two servings you will
need:

1 cup of sliced strawberries
12 fresh mint leaves
1/8 cup of simple syrup
Juice from 1/2 of a lime
4 ounces of light rum
Club soda
strawberries, lime wedges and/or mint sprig to garnish

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle strawberries, mint leaves, simple syrup and lime juice with a muddler (use the back of a wooden spoon if you don’t have a muddler).
2. Pour in two glasses over ice (equal amounts). Add 2 ounces of rum to each glass and top with club soda. Garnish with a strawberry, lime wedge and/or mint sprig if desired.

Recipe Sources:

https://theblondcook.com/strawberry-mojitos/#tasty-recipes-18127

https://www.aspicyperspective.com/farmstand-fresh/

https://cookieandkate.com/strawberry-salsa-recipe/

17 Feb

The Dinner Detective

Local Events byCory B

Plan a dinner date for this year’s Sandbridge vacation! Head out to The Dinner Detective for a night full of guaranteed laughs after a long day on the beach. The Dinner Detective is a comedic murder mystery dinner. Anyone in the room might end up playing a part in the show, and the action unfolds throughout the entire room. Over the duration of the night, a crime will occur, hidden clues will be revealed, and the detectives will assist everyone in trying to crack the case.

Every murder mystery admission ticket ($60) includes appetizers, fresh rolls and butter, salad, your choice of entree, and dessert. The food is tasty, and we recommend the chicken option for the entree. There is also a full bar if you would like to purchase alcohol. The dress code is a dressy casual, and we suggest an age limit of 18 and up. The jokes will sometimes include profane language, mild adult content, and loud noises.

The show happens about twice a month, and the storylines are switched up regularly in case you wanted to go back for another mystery. Look ahead at their calendar of events, and schedule a night out while you’re here in Sandbridge. Your facial muscles will hurt after laughing all night long!

https://www.thedinnerdetective.com/virginia-beach/

5 Feb

Igloo Lounge

Local Events byCory B

Looking for something fun to do on vacation this winter? Igloos have made it to Virginia Beach! Head down to the Oceanfront with 6 of your closest friends, and prepare for a unique experience.

The igloos are $75 to rent for 90 minutes, so make sure to arrive early to fully take advantage of the allotted time. Once entering the Hilton hotel, you’ll wait by the elevators before a staff member takes you all the way to the roof. Entering the warm igloo is nice after walking out onto the cold rooftop! Inside you’ll find spacious seating for 6-7 adults as well as a charcuterie board, space heater, and Bluetooth speaker. Each igloo also has a designated waiter for drink orders.

The igloo lounge will remain open until the beginning of March. Call 757-213-3472 or email alexander_white@hiltonvb.com for availability.

29 Oct

Sandbridge Local in World Series

Local Events byCory B

Sandbridge is a vacation destination to many, but others call it home. Join us as we cheer on our most famous local, Ryan Zimmerman, when the Washington Nationals take on the Houston Astros in Game 6 of the World Series at 8 PM.

Ryan grew up in Sandbridge where he starred for local travel teams and high school teams before attending The University of Virginia. After a successful stint in college where he was named All American, Ryan was taken in the first round of the MLB draft by the Washington Nationals. He was actually the very first pick the franchise ever made!

In addition to his baseball ability, Ryan has also given back to his community in spectacular fashion. He recently donated $1 million to help renovate the UVA baseball stadium, but his most noble charitable efforts are found in the ziMS foundation which he started in 2006. Ryan’s mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when he was young, but his charity is determined to find a cure for the disease. To date more than $3.5 million has been raised by ziMS mainly through charity events throughout Virginia Beach.

Ryan has already hit one home run in the World Series, and hopefully tonight he can launch another. Go Nats!

22 Oct

Beer Around Here

Local Events byCory B

Tips on Taps – Smartmouth Brewing

One of the first Craft Breweries to set up shop in the Hampton Roads area, Smartmouth Brewing, has helped shape the local craft brew scene. Their emphasis on flavor over flourish, quality ingredients, and incredible atmosphere makes Smartmouth a great environment for beverages.

Started in 2012 by Porter Hardy, now ex-lawyer, Smartmouth was his way of taking his life and hobby a little more seriously; trading in briefcases for oke-barrels. Smartmouth headquarters has served the Norfolk community one beer at a time, for seven years, with help from local bands and food trucks. Smartmouth is the perfect place to unwind after a day on the beach. Since then Smartmouth has opened its VA Beach location in December of 2017. The location is a former post office and fully renovated for brewing and fun. With a reservable tasting room, a wall of beer taps, and a room of glass walls to watch the magic happen — there is no better place for a flight or two of great beer.

Smartmouth signature brews keep many coming back for more. Their head brewer Jimmy Loughran leads a team of “hop-heads” and “barley buffs” who are artisans creating distinct and memorable year-round beers like Alter Ego Saison, Murphy’s Law Amber, Notch 9 Double IPA, and Safety Dance Pilsner. The team also provides seasonal brews throughout the year.

The Princess Oktoberfest is available Aug-Oct, the Cowcatcher Milk Stout is produced from Oct-March, and the Summer Fling Hefeweizen is ready from April-Aug. We highly suggest visiting their beer page to explore the options before heading to the brewery.

Before heading back to Sandbridge after enjoying a night out in Virginia Beach, grab a growler for when you are staying in and watching the waves. Remember to drive safe, or maybe just rideshare, because you can’t have only one of Smartmouth’s beers. Then ask the Beach People for what’s next during your beach vacation.

VA BEACH PILOT HOUSE

313 32nd Street, Va Beach, VA 23451

Tuesday – Thursday: 4:00p – 10:00p

Friday: 1:00pm – 10:00pm

Saturday: 12:00p – 10:00p

Sunday: 2:00p – 8:00p

7 Oct

Cullipher Farm Fall Activities

Local Events byCory B

Looking for something fun to do around Sandbridge? Jump in the car and head down to the Cullipher Farm! The farm has been transformed into a fall festival that is awaiting people of all ages. Parking is free and easy to find as you pull off of the main road. The toughest thing is deciding what to do first.

The mazes are the most popular attraction, and there’s one for everyone. The corn maze is the hardest, featuring miles of path, and it should take the average person around 50 minutes to complete. It’s 12 acres this year! There is also a cotton maze that is less difficult which should only take around 20 minutes to complete. And finally there is a sunflower maze which is perfect for children.

Still have some energy to burn off after successfully completing a maze? Head on over to the Play Area which might be Virginia Beach’s coolest unofficial playground. Hay mountains, sand piles, corn stalk tunnels, slides, tire swings, toy boat races, pedal carts, picture opportunities and so much more await!

Don’t forget to head out to the pumpkin patch before everyone gets too tired. Choose from over 25 varieties of pumpkins and gourds and cut them right off the vine. Wagons are available to help carry pumpkins from the patch to your vehicle.

Address: 772 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23457

Dates: September 27th through October 27th – Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. Open only one Monday: October 14th, Columbus Day from 12 – 6.

Hours:

Fridays (noon-6pm)

Saturdays (10am-6pm)

Sundays (10am-6pm)

Please note that the farm closes at 6 PM, but no one will be allowed to enter after 4 PM.

9 Aug

Why Fall Stay are Secretly the BEST!

Local Events byMary Logan Donnelly

Couldn’t make it down to the beach this summer due to busy schedules?

Let me tell you a little secret, summer isn’t the only time to have a beach vacation. Planning a trip to Sandbridge in the Fall might sound a little strange, but here are 5 reasons it’s better than the summer stay you missed out on!

No Crowds!

Imagine waking up & sipping on a cup of coffee on the deck of your oceanfront rental as the sun rises. You look north then south, only to see stretches and stretches of uncrowded shoreline. Now, look straight out to the ocean to see dolphins playing in the ocean..yes you deserve this. On your fall vacation, you could comb the beach for hours looking for the perfect shells, as the warm water wash up at your feet, completely unbothered. This is what Autumn in Sandbridge is all about.

Perfect Weather!

Do you ever dread a trip to the beach? What about trying to carry the 4 chairs, the 3 boogie boards, the umbrella, 9 different bottles of sunscreen, & trying not to burn your feet on the scorching sand while you try to find an open spot on the beach…yeah, this doesn’t sound too ideal to us either. Do you know what does sound perfect? Spending the entire day at the beach in the sunny & 75 weather as the cool ocean breeze drifts through. It doesn’t stop there either! When the sun goes down its time to grab your blankets & gather by a fire pit with your favorite people. The only thing you have to worry about is who’s bringing the marshmallows!

Fall Sunrises & Sunsets

Autumn brings Sandbridge some of the best sunrises & sunsets. In the morning on the east, it looks as if an artist has used pastel watercolors to paint the sky, it is one of the most calming sights to see as you start your morning. As the day comes to an end part two of nature’s art show begins. This time instead of calming pastels, the sky becomes fiery with oranges, yellows, and pinks. Making it the perfect backdrop to enjoy a glass (or two) of wine on the west deck of your vacation home!

Our Fall Events

The fall season is home to some of Virginia Beach’s best events. Here are some of our favorites!

Sandbridge’s 40th Annual Pig Pickin’

|September 7th, 2019|

Come out and join the Sandbridge locals for a fun day at Little Island Park (Southend of Sandbridge Beach). The annual Pig Picking features All-You-Can-Eat food and drinks, as well as live bands and even local art and crafts on sale. Siebert Realty will also have a table set up under the tents. We have some fun FREE GIVEAWAYS, so be sure to stop by and say “Hello”!

Wasserhund Oktoberfest 2019

|September 21st, 2019|

Locally, Wasserhund Brewery and the Nobleman are presenting the 4th Annual Oktoberfest Event for all of Coastal Virginia and beyond on September 21st from noon till 5 pm at Hunt Club Farm in Virginia Beach. This event will serve as the quintessential Oktoberfest for our area featuring over 30 breweries, traditional German food and fare, festival atmosphere, and so much more.

Hunt Club Farm’s Harvest Fair

|Open Everyday September 29 – October 31|

Over at Hunt Club Farm, it’s their favorite time of the year, as they begin celebrating the fall season every day and in every way with bushels of activities for the whole family! Come on out to Hampton Roads’ biggest and best Fall Harvest Fair, which features Virginia Beach’s largest pumpkin patch, farm-tour hayrides, Hunt Club Farm’s Petting Farm and pony rides!

Fall Rates!

If the no crowds, perfect weather, beautiful sunrises & sunsets, plus all the fun events weren’t enough to sell you on a fall vacation maybe our AMAZING fall rates will! As summer winds down so do the rates, which make them more budget-friendly too! This is just one more reason why fall is the perfect time to take a break & treat yourself with a vacation!

Photo Credit: @elleydonnelly

3 Aug

Welcome To August 2019

Free Things To Do, Local Events, Virginia Beach byMary Logan Donnelly

Come Check Out Some of this Month’s Highlights!

Planning to visit Virginia Beach this August? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered!

All events are arranged in the order in which they are scheduled

☀☀☀

Photo Credit: Veteran United Home Loans Amphitheater

Jimmy Buffet

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3rd

Location: Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater

Escape from the weary troubles of your day-to-day and bask in the laid-back island vibes of everyone’s favorite beach bum, Jimmy Buffett! Headed to Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater on Saturday 3rd August 2019 (backed, as ever, by his faithful and talented Coral Reefers), Jimmy is on his Son of a Sailor Tour, continuing the 40th-anniversary celebration of his beloved 1978 record! Get ready to sip your margaritas and enjoy hits like “Cheeseburger In Paradise,” “Livingston Saturday Night” and “Cowboy in the Jungle” as the treasured performer gets the party going! To purchase tickets click here!

Donavon Frankenreiter

MONDAY, AUGUST 5TH

Location: Elevation 27

Come relax and listen to some chill music from the legendary Donavon Frankenreiter! Join the party & come to dance to the Record Player Tour! Donavon & special guest Matt Grundy are sharing their sunny California music vibe for one night only – at Elevation 27! TICKETS: $20.00 – $25.00, all ages permitted! For tickets click here!

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10TH

Location: Hunt Club Farm

Join us at the 2019 Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival for a great day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’ and barbeque eatin’ at Hunt Club Farm this August. For more information or to purchase your tickets click here!

The Artery District Presents:

Aloha Arts Blockparty hosted by Aloha Snacks & Collective Arts Brewery

FRIDAY, AUGUST 16th

Location: Aloha Snacks Virginia Beach

The finest of 5hr Blockparties coming at you with rare draft beer releases from our friends Collective Arts, limited edition T’s, aloha eats, Rio reggae, Bennet Wales & The Relief, Local juggernaut artists, live art & murals, plus “the dad bod” catwalk competition. For more information check out Aloha Snacks VB!

Photo Credit: Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championship

EAST COAST SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18TH – THURSDAY, Aug 25TH

Location: Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Each year, several hundred surfers from Menehunes to Masters compete for East Coast surfing titles, prizes, history and the sheer love of surfing. Other beach oriented sports and recreation include volleyball, a boardwalk 5K run, street skate, and ramp contests, swimsuit contests, food, and drink concessions, and live music on the beach. For more information click here!

Chris Young

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22nd

Location: Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater

Come dance the night away to one of Country music’s favorites! Chris Young has been releasing hit after hit & he’s ready to bring it all to Virginia Beach for his “Raised On Country Tour” this summer. He’ll be joined by special guest Chris Janson as direct support along with Dylan Scott, LOCASH, and Jimmie Allen. To purchase tickets click here!

Virginia Beach Funk Fest Beach Party

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23rd – SATURDAY, AUGUST 24th

Location: On the beach at 24th Street

The FunkFest beach party is the heart and soul of this weekend event, featuring music generated over the years by influential legends such as James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone, George Clinton, and The Ohio Players.

Party at the Pier

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23rd

Location: Little Island Park

Kick-off your shoes and join us for a beach concert in the sand with live music from Buckshot! Enjoy food trucks and plenty of dancing. New this year, there will be onsite beer and wine sales to benefit the Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Foundation. A valid ID must be presented to purchase adult beverages. Please drink responsibly and have a designated driver to ensure everyone’s safety. Personal coolers are not permitted in the event area. Beer/wine ticket sales will take place from 6 to 9 pm. Last pour will be at 9:30 pm. Onsite parking is available and free after 5 pm. Parking is limited, so please carpool or rideshare if possible. Rain Dates: August 24th

Photo Credit: USA Beach Rugby

USA Beach Rugby Virginia Beach

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24TH

Location: Oceanfront 33rd street to 35th street

USA Beach Rugby is getting ready to host of the most exciting athletic events in Virginia Beach, BEACH RUGBY! Come play or watch at the Oceanfront between 33rd-35th Street at Virginia Beach on August 24, 2019! Gather your team or chairs, pack your cooler, and get ready for a day of rugby on the beach!

Photo Credit: Coastal Craft Beer Festival

5th Annual Coastal Craft Beer Festival

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24TH

Location: Neptune’s Park: 31st Street / Atlantic Avenue

From 1 pm to 6 pm Neptune’s Park will be transformed into a craft beer lover’s haven on Saturday, August 24th, featuring local Virginia beers, ciders, and seltzers, as well national and regional craft beers. Enjoy over 65 beers from 30 breweries, live music, food trucks, and more! For more information and to purchase tickets click here!

Photo Credit: Chartway American Music Festival

Chartway Federal Credit Union American Music Festival

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30TH- SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST

Location: On the beach at 5th Street and 17th, 24th, and 31st Street Parks

For 25 consecutive years, Chartway Federal Credit Union American Music Festival has been held on the Virginia Beach oceanfront each Labor Day Weekend. AMF is one of the nation’s longest-running and largest annual outdoor oceanfront music events featuring dozens of international recording acts. So grab your beach chairs and head on over! For line ups, schedules, and more information click here!

And many more!!

☀ MORE FAMILY FUN ☀

weekly reoccurring Sandbridge events

Firehouse Bingo

EVERY WEDNESDAY!

Don’t forget about Wednesday Night Family Bingo! Every Wednesday through August 14 at the Station. $10 (cash) gets you 4 cards and a chance to win! Games start at 7:30. This is a great way to support the Sandbridge rescue squad!! Also while visiting the Station check out the merch they have on sale!

BAJA Restaurant Events:

TUESDAY-SUNDAY

Baja Restaurant has many different events that happen weekly! No matter what time you’re planning to visit — Baja will always have something for the whole family!

4 Jul

Welcome To July 2019

Free Things To Do, Local Events, Virginia Beach byMary Logan Donnelly

Come Check Out Some of this Month’s Highlights!

☀Celebrate July with 4th of July festivities ☀

THURSDAY, JULY 4TH

Oceanfront: Stars & Stripes Explosion

LOCATION: On the beach at 24th Street, 17th Street Park, 31st Street Park

Multiple live performances on oceanfront stages will attract thousands of visitors and residents of Virginia Beach to a “star-spangled” salute to this great country of ours at Stars & Stripes Explosion on July 4! Scheduled live entertainment offers something for everyone: patriotic and classical to tribute bands, and naturally, fireworks! For more information click here.

☀Get Artsy on The Boardwalk☀

Chalk the Walk ARTsplosion

SATURDAY, JULY 6TH

10:00am to 5:00pm

The Chalk the Walk ARTsplosion takes over the Virginia Beach Boardwalk from 10:00am-5:00 pm on Saturday, July 6, 2019, as artists and “wanna-be artists” gather to turn the boardwalk into an impromptu canvas of color! Artist registration will be on the boardwalk at 17th Street, and art will be on display between 15th and 17th Streets. This year’s theme: A Big, Beautiful World!! For more information click here.

☀Grab Some Concert Tickets! ☀

Dierks Bentley: Burning Man 2019

FRIDAY, JULY 12TH
7:00 pm

Award-Winning Country artist Dierks Bentley is bringing his 2019 Buring Man Tour to the beach! Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach will be hosting this Country legend Friday, July 12th which makes it the perfect way to kick off your family vacation! TICKETS

Train & the GooGoo Dolls

SUNDAY, JULY 14TH
7:00 pm

This concert will have you going back in time in the best way ever! Award-winning artist Train & the Goo Goo Dolls deliver nostalgia and fresh hits in back-to-back performance! If you are looking for the perfect concert that will have the whole family jamming out this is the one for you!! TICKETS

Florida Georgia Line: Can’t Say I Ain’t Country Tour 2019

With Dan + Shay and Morgan Wallen

THURSDAY, JULY 25TH

7:00 PM

Country hottest band providing both laidback old school country and new upbeat crossovers, FGL is making a stop in Virginia Beach to perform the latest tour. This concert will have you singing at the top of your lungs and swaying with the crowd. This is definitely one concert you don’t want to miss this summer! Grab your tickets while they last! TICKETS