Moneysworth Beach Equipment & Linen Rentals

Moneysworth Beach Equipment & Linen Rentals

Packing for vacation can be tough—sorting through belongings and stuffing the car to its absolute limit might be the only stressful part of a beach trip. For more than 30 years, Moneysworth Beach Equipment & Linen Rentals has been there to ease the hassle of packing and make your family vacation so much more relaxing and fun. Moneysworth provides an enormous range of beach-vacation related equipment and beyond for weekly rentals, which are delivered and picked up for FREE at your rental property.

Some of the beach equipment available to rent from Moneysworth include beach chairs, beach umbrellas, utility carts, coolers, cornhole, and beach wheelchairs. Rent a utility cart and make your walks to the beach a breeze! No more lugging awkward and outdated beach chairs or umbrellas—they’ve got you covered with the best gear and their carts make it easy to transport everything you need for your beach day.

Take advantage of the picturesque coastline and beautiful Back Bay with watersports equipment. Moneysworth has stand up paddleboards, surfboards, boogie boards, and a variety of kayaks ready for you! Save on gas—rent a bicycle and head on down to the Baja, False Cape State Park, or the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge. Much of Sandbridge is accessible by bike.

Beyond the beach, Moneysworth is here to make your stay with a Siebert property even more comfortable.  Traveling with little ones? Reserve baby equipment in advance so you don’t have to bring it with you. Cribs, highchairs, baby gates, and booster seats are available to rent. Moneysworth also has oscillating fans and rollaway beds!

Reservations can be made in advance over the phone or online. After reserving your equipment, all you need to do is show up to your rental! Moneysworth will deliver your rented equipment or linens by 5pm on the day of your arrival. If you need your rentals ASAP, you can pay $25 for priority delivery. Rented equipment may be left in the same location they were delivered upon your departure. Check out the information below to get started on making your next vacation the best yet!

Moneysworth Beach Equipment & Linen Rentals

https://www.rentbeachequipment.com/

601 Sandbridge Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Local: 757.468.3999
Toll Free: 800.662.2122

Virginia Aquarium Summer Camps

The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center hosts annual summer camps to offer kids a safe and unique experience connecting with science and nature. These programs are a fantastic way to encourage hands-on learning and allow children to build friendships on vacation. The Virginia Aquarium’s camps are revered by locals and visitors alike!

While some of the camps have sold out for 2022, there is still availability for the 13–15-year-old age group. There is a waitlist option, so be sure to reach out to the Education Staff if one of the programs catches your eye. Be sure to mark your calendar for future sign-up dates to reserve your child’s spot next year! Below is a brief overview of some of the camps offered. A child must meet the specified age requirement by the time the selected camp begins.

Wonders of Water (2 days, Ages 6-8)

This program is offered August 1-2. Through experiments and science play, find out why water is so important for living things. Discover what’s living in water as you explore aquarium habitats and Owls Creek. The cost of this camp is $120.

Veterinary Care & Enrichment Training (2 days, Ages 6-8)

This program is offered July 25-26 and August 4-5. Explore the job of a veterinarian through role-play, observing live animals, learning proper animal handling techniques, and meeting the Aquarium’s vet team. The cost of this camp is $120.

Yuck, That’s Gross! (2 days, Ages 6-8, 9-12)

This program is offered August 11-12. Learn about animal anatomy and behaviors through this camp that’s full of fun hands-on activities. Dissect fish and squid, learn about parasites and other animals with gross reputations, and investigate animal waste. The cost of this camp is $120.

Watershed Explorers (5 days, Ages 9-12)

This program is offered August 15-19. Explore local watersheds to observe some of the animals that make our waterways a unique resource. Search for life in a pond, kayak to explore a marsh, trawl for fish and invertebrates, and investigate water in a laboratory. The cost of this camp is $420, or $350 for members.

Animal Superpowers (5 days, Ages 9-12)

This program is runs July 18-22. Investigate animal adaptations through live animal encounters, behind-the-scenes experiences, and STEM-focused activities. Explore how animals use super senses and super strength to survive in their environment. The cost of this camp is $420, or $350 for members.

Marine Explorers (5 days, Ages 13-15)

This program is offered July 11-15. Get an up-close look at the marine life and habitats in our area through lab studies, aquarium observations, and field explorations. Trawl for fish and invertebrates aboard the Ocean Explorer, go dolphin watching by kayak, seine in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, and try SCUBA at Lynnhaven Dive Center. The cost of this camp is $480, or $420 for members.

Aquatic Ecosystems (2 days, Ages 13-15)

This program runs August 8-9. Compare and contrast pond, marsh, bay, and ocean ecosystems through field explorations. Learn how to collect aquatic animals for study and what it takes to maintain aquarium systems at home and at the Virginia Aquarium. The cost of this camp is $240, or $200 for members.

If you have questions about these camp opportunities or you would like to be placed on a waitlist, please contact the Virginia Aquarium Education Staff.

Education Staff
programs@virginiaaquarium.com
(757) 385-0278
717 General Booth Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Photos taken from the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center website. 

Sandbridge Fourth of July Boat Parade

Spend the Fourth in Sandbridge!

Celebrate the Fourth in true Sandbridge fashion with the Fourth of July Boat Parade! This iconic Sandbridge event is making a full return this year and is sure to bring smiles to the faces of all who participate. The Boat Parade will be held Monday, July 4^th with a start time of 7pm.

Sandbridge boaters will decorate boats of all shapes and sizes according to a theme, and then judges will distribute awards. The theme of this year’s parade is “American Pastimes”—show off what you love! This year’s prizes will be Best Pastime (best boat), The Nauti (funniest boat), New and Improved (boat décor), and Ugly Duckling (tackiest décor).

The boats will meet in Osprey Bay and then travel through the canals and waters of Back Bay before making their way to the judge’s stand in Mill Pond. If you’re renting a house on the bay, head out onto the dock or enjoy the show from the backyard! This special Sandbridge tradition is enjoyed by the entire neighborhood—both visitors and locals alike. Happy Fourth of July from Siebert!

Photos from Sandbridge Civic League.

Outdoor Education at the Wildlife Refuge

School is out for the summer! As the time spent in the classroom comes to an end, it is important to remember that there are still plenty of learning opportunities to take part in over the summer. Some of our favorite hands-on learning experiences are hosted by the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge. These specially tailored programs are a fantastic way to get outdoors and learn more about our local area. Sign-ups are open to local residents and visitors alike, so reach out to the refuge and claim your spot now! To sign up for any of these programs, please call (757) 301-7329 ext. 3106.

Nature Journaling:

A great way to get outdoors and bring a little bit of Back Bay home with you is to participate in the wildlife refuge’s Nature Journaling program. Youth between the ages of 10 and 15 will be given a nature journal—which they will be able to take home—and join in on an exploration of the refuge and investigation of the environment. The Nature Journaling events will be held July 6^th and August 3^rd from 9am to 11am. To sign up for the program, please call (757) 301-7329 ext. 3106.

Junior Biologist Program:

The Junior Biologist Program is open to youth ages 5-12. Participants in this program will have the opportunity to learn and explore in a guided outing in Back Bay Wildlife Refuge with their families. After the outing, participants will be awarded the Junior Refuge Biologist patch. This event is scheduled for July 8, July 23, and August 5, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. To sign up for the program, please call (757) 301-7329 ext. 3106.

Nature Explorers Day Camp:

Let your children take advantage of the beautiful scenery and biodiversity of our area by participating in the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge’s Nature Explorers Day Camp! This program is reserved for those between the ages of 10 and 13. The camp is a week long, and each day will bring new adventures such as fishing, nature hikes, scientific investigation, and more. The Nature Explorers Day Camp will run from July 11 to July 15, 9:00am-12:00pm.

Bat Bay:

Did you know that our area is home to different types of bats? These important animals are helpful with pest control and pollination in some parts of the world. Head on down to the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge Headquarters Building (1324 Sandbridge Rd) for an evening listening for and identifying bats in the local area. The Bat Bay event will be held on July 27 and August 19 at 8:00pm.

Photos from Back Bay Wildlife Refuge.

Three Ways to Elevate Your Luxury Vacation

From waking up to the sound of crashing waves while the sun rises over the ocean to watching the sun dip below the horizon of Back Bay at the end of the day, it’s tough to imagine how a stay in Sandbridge could be any better. Believe it or not, we’ve found three of the best ways to take your vacation from amazing to absolutely unforgettable!

Private Hibachi in Sandbridge

Josh Sarran is a trained hibachi chef and the owner of Mt. Fuji 757—a hibachi business providing delectable meals for private groups. Sarran will arrive at your home ready to serve up some good food and smiles with tables and chairs, the grill, tablecloths, candles, and cutlery. The event is great for families with children, too; Sarran keeps the meal entertaining with all sorts of tricks! For a flat fee of only $150, you can bring hibachi night to your rental property. The “Hibachi at Home” menu includes plenty of options for both adults and children.

Sandbridge Massage

What’s more relaxing than an at-home massage near the beach? Fran and the crew with Sandbridge Massage are ready to help you recover from whatever stress or soreness you may have with a variety of massage types. They’ll bring all the necessary supplies directly to your rental, so there is no need for you to leave the comfort of your beach house.

Sessions range from 30-90 minutes, but the minimum for a visit is two hours. Grab a friend or two who deserve to de-stress and give Sandbridge Massage a call. Below is some of the guidance provided on Sandbridge Massage’s website:

• Your therapist(s) will be carrying some awkward equipment into the house.  Please make room in your driveway for them to have easy access to an entryway.  The closer the better, especially if it’s raining.
• They will need an area of at least 10’x8’ to set up one table, so it’s a good to have a couple of spaces in mind before they arrive.  Low traffic areas are best to ensure privacy and relaxation.
• If you are severely sunburned, a full body massage is not a good idea. Consider a 30 minute reflexology session.
• If you are not hydrated, you may feel more soreness during and after your massage. Drink water to get the most out of your session.

The VB Picnic Co.

Forget the PB&J sandwiches—enjoy a perfectly-curated, luxury picnic on the beach courtesy of VB Picnic Co. The VB Picnic Co. will create meticulously designed picnic tables based on the number of guests, complete with custom signs, seasonal charcuterie boards, sparkling water, and cutlery. To complete the bohemian vibe, comfy seating for each guest and pillows and blankets will also be provided. All the picnic supplies are yours to use for 1.5 hours. Don’t worry about the sun, VB Picnic Co. will set up a large decorative umbrella to keep you protected. Visit their website below for more information:

https://thevbpicnicco.com/

Virginia Beach Cherry Blossom Festival

Come celebrate the arrival of spring with the Virginia Beach Cherry Blossom Festival in Red Wing Park! The park is home to 150 Yoshino cherry trees—the trees were a gift in 2005 from Virginia Beach’s International Sister City Miyazaki City, Japan. The two cities were first declared Sister Cities in 1992, but had enjoyed a fruitful relationship since the early 1980s. Mount Trashmore Park and Tallwood Elementary reinforce this friendship by claiming sisterhood with Miyazaki’s Hagino Dai eco-park and Minami Elementary School. A visit to the Cherry Blossom Festival includes a children’s’ StoryWalk, crafts, Japanese music, haiku contests, cultural performances, martial arts demos, and many more family fun activities!

Not able to make it to the physical location of the festival? No problem: the Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation website has a wide range of events offered virtually to help share the Virginia Beach Cherry Blossom Festival with friends near and far.

The festival will be hosted in Red Wing Park (1398 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA) and run from March 26 – April 3, with daily hours ranging from 1-4 pm or 2-5 pm. The festival’s webpage provides a detailed schedule of events.

Visit the VB.gov website to learn more about the 2022 Virginia Beach Cherry Blossom Festival:

https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/parks-recreation/special-events/Pages/cherry-blossom.aspx

Photos taken from the Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation website.

The ViBe Creative District

ViBe Creative District

Virginia Beach is known for its eclectic spirit. What better way to experience the essence of our community then to dive headfirst into its artistic center? The ViBe Creative District, located between 16^th and 22^nd streets, is a cultural hub for artists, local businesses, restaurants, and other craftsmen. Easily identifiable by the vibrant murals and lively music that fills the air, the ViBe District offers a little bit of everything to residents and visitors alike. Virginia Beach mainstays like Zero’s Subs and newer establishments such as Bad Ass Coffee can be found next to bustling art galleries. Chesapeake Bay Distillery and Vibrant Shores Brewing are options for the adults in your family to try some of Virginia Beach’s adult-beverage craftmanship.

The ViBe Mural Walking Tour is a short one-mile trip packed with the work of local artists; many of the restaurants and shops are decorated with beautiful wall murals which make for great photo backdrops! The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, or MOCA, exhibits incredibly powerful pieces highlighting the diversity of our community.

One of the locals’ favorite events in the ViBe District is the Old Beach Farmers Market. The Old Beach Farmers Market is an outdoor marketplace located in the parking lot of Croc’s 19^th Street Bistro. Head on down between 9am and noon on Saturdays to get your share of local fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, meats, and plenty of baked goods. Some key pillars of the mission of the Old Beach Farmers Market are to establish a resort area farmers market for residents and visitors, encourage locavores and educate others about fresh and sustainable food, and to promote local family farms, watermen, and wineries. The market schedule for 2022 will be out soon.

The ViBe District is sure to have some type of event for every member of your family. Throughout the summer and into the fall, live music and entertainment will return to the district, creating the lively atmosphere which many associate with Virginia Beach. If you are more into fitness than music, the weekly yoga at ViBe Park is perfect for you. Attending First Fridays is a great way to discover some of the amazing talent this area has to offer and to find unique souvenirs and art to remind you of your trip to Virginia Beach; each Friday offers a new artist showcase or pop-up. Be sure to make the trip up to the ViBe District during your stay at the beach to really immerse yourself in the Virginia Beach spirit!

Photos courtesy of VibeCreativeDistrict.org.

Virginia Beach Fishing Charters

Virginia Beach Fishing Booker

Looking to throw some lines in the water during your next Sandbridge stay? Virginia Beach Fishing Booker is based in the watersport hub of Rudee Inlet, only a short trip north from Sandbridge.

Specializing in fishing excursions for families, friends, bachelor or bachelorette parties, and corporate groups, the crew of Virginia Beach Fishing Booker has a knack for ensuring everyone on board has a great time and an incredible learning experience. Kids are welcome on charters, and the company members love to share their expansive knowledge of local fisheries with young children. One review left by a previous customer described their trip with Virginia Beach Fishing Booker as the “best fishing experience of [their] life!”

All of Virginia Beach Fishing Booker’s charters are led by US Coast Guard-licensed Captains with OUPV or Master Licenses. Charter boats are kept up to date with all current safety and licensing requirements set forth by the USCG, NOAA and Virginia Game and Fisheries. Did you forget your rod at home? Don’t worry—the very best fishing rods and reels will be provided on your trip, along with bait and tackle.

When planning a charter fishing excursion, Virginia Beach Fishing Booker recommends bringing the following essentials: sunscreen (not the spray kind), lunch and drinks in a small cooler, water, sunglasses, a camera, and shoes appropriate for boats (no black-soled shoes). Remember to monitor the weather prior to your trip. Your charter fishing trip may continue in inclement weather if it is safe to do so—bring rain gear if the forecast calls for other-than-sunny skies.

Not only do Virginia Beach Fishing Charters guarantee a memorable day of fishing and fun for the whole family—they also guarantee the best charter fishing prices! To book a fishing charter, visit https://virginiabeachfishingbooker.com/contact. Virginia Beach Fishing Charters is also available via (757) 275-4210 between the hours of 7am and 5pm every day.

Photos taken from https://virginiabeachfishingbooker.com/.

Family Photos in Sandbridge

Family Photos in Sandbridge

Wishing you could freeze time on your family vacation? While that might be impossible, a family photo session is the next best thing. Luckily, we have some amazing photographers in Sandbridge who are ready to help you capture priceless family memories.

Angela Kirkland of Sandbridge Portraits is a local photographer specializing in family photos and other portrait photography. She and her family have called Sandbridge home for almost 10 years. Some of her favorite parts about living in our community are the close community of sandy locals, the chance to know Sandbridge merchants by first name, the quiet off-season and the bustling summers filled with visitors who become new friends.

Angela wants to help save your family’s memories and leave you with a keepsake to treasure for a lifetime. With Sandbridge Portraits, you’ll feel right at home! Angela is great at capturing the different personalities within a family and making the experience fun for everyone.

If you want to book a family photo session, it is best to act early! Many of Angela’s weekly rental summer customers begin the booking process in February and March. During the off season, contact Sandbridge Portraits four weeks ahead of your desired date. She does try to accommodate last minute requests, so be sure to reach out even if it is within the four-week window.

There are no group size limitations for a photo session with Sandbridge Portraits. While photo session locations are flexible, most large groups prefer shooting at their rental or the beach. Angela does have a permit to photograph families in the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, but that does require some walking and may be best for smaller groups or individual photos. In case of bad weather, Angela will work with your group to find another good time for the sessions during your stay.

Within one week of your session, you will receive digital high-resolution photos of your family. The number of photos you receive depends on which photo package you purchase. You will also have the opportunity to order prints, holiday cards, or graduation announcements directly through Sandbridge Portraits.

The best way to get in touch with Angela with questions and for a quick quote is to email her at sandbridgeportraits@gmail.com. Check out Sandbridge Portraits’ website for more information!

All photos are from Angela Kirkland’s portfolio, Sandbridge Portraits.

www.sandbridgeportraits.com

Leave a Note of Hope

Little Island Fishing Pier’s Little Red Mailbox

On the right side of the Little Island Fishing Pier sits a small red mailbox. Alongside the windswept dunes and crashing waves, the Little Red Mailbox serves to reconcile loss and inspire hope. If you open the mailbox, you’ll find a journal filled with messages of courage and love left by locals and visitors alike.

The Sandbridge Little Red Mailbox was established in 2017 by the Daniel’s Grace Foundation: a Virginia Beach-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting families stricken with cancer. The organization was founded by Jodi Newland after the passing of her husband Daniel.  The Little Red Mailbox serves as an emblem of hope in the community, and the messages inside bring warmth and strength to those in need.

The founder of the Little Red Mailbox of Hope, Sue Goodrich, shares the mission of the project: “It’s a place to share your thoughts, dreams, feelings, secrets, or to just visit and read what others have left along their journey. Everybody needs a little hope, and helping others also helps ourselves.”

The mailboxes are scattered along the east coast and can be found in different locations in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Virginia. Sandbridge is home to the fifth mailbox in the collection.

Visit the Daniel’s Grace website for more information:

http://www.danielsgrace.org/

Leave a Note of Hope

Little Island Fishing Pier’s Little Red Mailbox

On the right side of the Little Island Fishing Pier sits a small red mailbox. Alongside the windswept dunes and crashing waves, the Little Red Mailbox serves to reconcile loss and inspire hope. If you open the mailbox, you’ll find a journal filled with messages of courage and love left by locals and visitors alike.

The Sandbridge Little Red Mailbox was established in 2017 by the Daniel’s Grace Foundation: a Virginia Beach-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting families stricken with cancer. The organization was founded by Jodi Newland after the passing of her husband Daniel.  The Little Red Mailbox serves as an emblem of hope in the community, and the messages inside bring warmth and strength to those in need.

The founder of the Little Red Mailbox of Hope, Sue Goodrich, shares the mission of the project: “It’s a place to share your thoughts, dreams, feelings, secrets, or to just visit and read what others have left along their journey. Everybody needs a little hope, and helping others also helps ourselves.”

The mailboxes are scattered along the east coast and can be found in different locations in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Virginia. Sandbridge is home to the fifth mailbox in the collection.

Visit the Daniel’s Grace website for more information:

http://www.danielsgrace.org/