Pups and Pints

Dogs and beer: what’s a better combination than those two?

A new craft brewery and doggie daycare is planned to arrive in Virginia Beach by early summer. “Pups and Pints” seeks to provide daytime doggie care services through a membership program. The whole idea of the operation is to combine good beer with spending time with your four-legged best friend, and the owners have declared dogs will be welcome at the brewery.

The brewery is expected to include an outdoor recreation area with games for everyone to enjoy, and a picnic area for you to lounge with your pet while sipping. Pup’s and Pints will also have food available for purchase. Worried about your dog feeling left out? Don’t worry, menus will feature items for both humans and dogs.

If your dog is tagging along with you on your vacation to Sandbridge this summer, keep Pups and Pints in mind. Nobody wants their pup to feel left out! Heading out for a family night to a local dog-friendly brewery for some good beer and fun games is one of the best ways to keep the whole family happy.

Virginia Beach Winter Wildlife Festival

The Virginia Beach Winter Wildlife Festival is a month-long celebration of Virginia’s coastal wildlife and nature. The festival is filled to the brim with fun activities for the whole family—both in-person and virtual! Birding challenges, boat trips, community art projects, and photo competitions are just a few of the events lined up by Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation.

The 2022 Team Birding Challenge is a friendly team-oriented competition aimed at celebrating the winter birds of coastal Virginia. The challenge runs from January 22^nd – January 28^th and is open to all ages. Contestants can opt to participate in the Mini Day, Big Day, or Backyard Bird Count divisions. Registration fees are only $15, and registered participants will receive a Winter Wildlife Festival Birding Challenge t-shirt. Awards will be given to the top teams in each division. Get outside and observe as many bird species as possible in one day—you may surprise yourself!

Have you taken your camera out recently to snap a few photos of Virginia wildlife? If so, you are ready for the Winter Wildlife Festival photo contest. There are five categories for the photo contest: Wildlife, “Festival in Action”, Landscape/Scenic, Youth, and People’s Choice.  All photos submitted must be taken in Coastal Virginia and entered in the contest by 11:59pm on January 31^st, 2022. The photos must have been taken in January 2022, and only one submission of one photo is permitted per eligible category.

While some of the Winter Wildlife Festival’s trips and excursions are fully booked, a few are still open for registration. Whale watching trips, wildlife tram trips through the refuge, nature walks, and birding outings are just a small sample of the adventures awaiting you throughout the duration of the Winter Wildlife Festival. All events and outings require pre-registration, which can be found at the link below.

At the end of the month, head on up to the Princess Anne Recreation Center for the annual Winter Wildlife Exhibit Hall. This free event is open to the public and will feature live animals, exhibitors, children’s activities, door prizes, and much more! The Exhibit Hall will be open on Saturday, January 29^th, from 10am-3pm.

For details on all events and a schedule of the Winter Wildlife Festival, visit https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/parks-recreation/special-events/Pages/winter-wildlife-festival.aspx.

Virginia Beach Restaurant Week

I hope you brought your appetite with you to Sandbridge–it’s Virginia Beach Restaurant Week! The event runs from January 17^th – January 22^nd, 2022 and celebrates the delicious food and amazing restaurants found in Virginia Beach.

This is the perfect opportunity to sample culinary creations from chefs all over the Virginia Beach area. Restaurants have tailored menus and hand-crafted meals to bring patrons incredible meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With some preparation and planning, you could take yourself on a Virginia Beach food tour and try a new restaurant every meal!  Participating restaurants are featuring menus with $5 and $10 breakfasts, $10 and $15 two-course lunches, and $25-$40 three-course dinners.

Some local favorites are whipping up special meals for Restaurant Week guests. Blue Pete’s, located in Pungo, is offering a $35 three-course dinner featuring coconut shrimp, crabby fries, hand-battered fish and chips, and sweet potato bread pudding, among other items. The restaurant is also offering a $40 three-course dinner and a $15 two-course brunch.

Heirloom is a farm-to-table restaurant owned by a Virginia Beach native. For Restaurant Week, Heirloom will be offering a $40 three-course dinner featuring some of the area’s finest seafood. She crab soup, oysters on the half shell, and an Heirloom shrimp dinner await eager customers.

Warriors Taphouse on General Booth has a $25 three-course dinner and a $15 two-course lunch lined up for patrons. Mac-n-cheese burgers, fried oysters, po’ boys are a few of the delectable treats you will be able to sample at Warrior Taphouse. Be sure to pair your meal with one of many brews on tap.

Many more restaurants have exquisite culinary experiences lined up this week for locals and visitors alike. The full list of participating restaurants can be found on https://www.dineinvb.com/restaurant-week/.

Annual Family Traditions in Sandbridge

If you follow Siebert’s Instagram account or Facebook page, you’ve seen the photos families send to us from their annual vacations in Sandbridge. Every year, we see more and more families deciding to return to the little slice of paradise we call home. There are many reasons our guests choose to create family traditions with Siebert, and we would love to have you start your own!

In Sandbridge, you have the unique opportunity to stay in some amazing homes. Between the pools, hot tubs, rooftop decks, and waterfront views, it is hard to find a reason NOT to fall in love with Sandbridge. Many of our homes have enough bedrooms for plenty of friends and family, allowing families to get together under one roof and make some unforgettable memories. By scheduling annual trips, everyone in your family will have something to look forward to every year and will be counting down the days until you can all be together on the beach again.

Sandbridge is different from other typical beach vacation spots. Our community offers a small coastal town vibe with amazing rentals, and it does not take long for Sandbridge to become your second home. Waking up with the sunrise over the ocean and unwinding at the end of the day with a sunset over Back Bay will have you looking forward to your next stay as soon as you check out. Become a part of the community by joining in celebrations like the Annual Pig Pickin’ or Siebert’s Party at the Pier.

We have some amazing photographers in Sandbridge, and many of our guests take advantage of annual get-togethers to capture their family’s growth over the years. Book a photo session and watch your children and grandchildren grow up on your favorite beach as the years go by. They are sure to look back fondly on these trips for the rest of their lives and might start their own annual trips.

Summer isn’t your only opportunity to start your new family tradition of a Sandbridge reunion—it’s hard to beat the offseason here! The beach stays warm into the fall, and the sunsets seem to get better and better as we head into winter. Plus, a luxury stay at the beach is the perfect getaway for a quick winter break. Breathe in the salty air, get some sand between your toes, and reconnect with friends and family regardless of the time of year!

Rudee Inlet

Rudee Inlet is center of the watersports culture Virginia Beach is known for. With parasailing, jet skiing, fishing, and dining on some of Virginia Beach’s best seafood, a day at Rudee Inlet is sure to be a day your family will remember forever.

Adventure Parasail & Rudee Inlet Jet Ski has been operating in Virginia Beach since the 1980s. They are a one-stop-shop for all watersports! Take to the skies on one of their signature parasailing trips by yourself or with your friends; Adventure Parasail can accommodate up to three people in one flight. Enjoy the ocean breeze as you glide over the beautiful Virginia Beach. They offer gentle and dry takeoffs and landings from a Coast Guard-certified parasail boat.

Rudee Inlet Jet Ski offers a large selection of one, two, and three-person Yamaha WaveRunners for you to take out into the Atlantic Ocean inside of their riding area (which happens to be the largest in Virginia Beach)! Between the sky and the seas, Adventure Parasail & Rudee Inlet Jet Ski have you covered for a day on the water.

Looking for something a little more high-speed? Hop on board The Rudee Rocket! The Rudee Rocket is a 70-foot long Ocean Rocket and is the only vessel of its kind in Virginia. The Rocket is the fastest (and wildest) way to see dolphins, lighthouses, and the Virginia Beach oceanfront!

If you’d prefer to stay in a boat, Rudee Tours offers various charter fishing experiences for the whole family. They fish offshore, nearshore, and inshore virtually year-round. With proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, the bite out of Rudee Inlet is always promising! Each of their fishing tours are unique; they host 12-hour bass fishing trips, full day fishing, private fishing charters and more! If you are interested in fishing but not sure if you want to dedicate a whole day for the trip, sign up for a night fishing trip or a half day fishing trip.

If you would like to learn more about Virginia’s marine life without fishing, check out one of Rudee Tours’ wildlife viewing trips. Dolphin watching, whale watching, and season-specific wildlife tours are sure to bring some excitement to your vacation and serve as wonderful educational experiences for children and adults alike!

A day on the water is sure to work up an appetite, and luckily Rudee Inlet is home to some of the most amazing seafood this area has to offer. Rockafeller’s Restaurant is just one of the legendary restaurants situated right next to the marina and has been a local favorite since 1989. Sit back and enjoy Virginia Beach’s freshest catch while watching fishermen bringing in their daily haul. The laidback atmosphere offers the perfect place to unwind after a fun-filled day.

Rudee’s Restaurant & Cabana Bar sits right around the corner from Rockafeller’s. Rudee’s has something for everyone: a delicious raw bar, mouthwatering appetizers, fire pit tables, seafood and steak. Because Rudee’s is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, guests can view the bustle of the marina all day long.

Many of the activities Rudee Inlet offers can be weather-dependent, so it is best to reach out to the vendors directly for more information regarding specific tours and events.

Photos taken from the websites listed below:

Rudee Tours:

https://www.rudeetours.com

Adventure Parasail & Rudee Inlet Jet Ski:

https://beachparasail.com

Rockafeller’s:

https://rockafellers.com

Rudee’s Restaurant and Cabana Bar:

https://www.rudees.com

Hunt Club Farm

The fun doesn’t stop with the end of summer in Virginia Beach!  One fall staple in the area is Hunt Club Farm’s Harvest Fair!The Harvest Fair runs from September 25^th through October 31^st, 10am to 6pm daily.

Harvest Fair features a treat for all ages — the farm tour hayride.  Enjoy the crisp fall air and autumn views from your seat in the hay wagon!  Hayrides are available, one per hour, Monday through Friday from 11 AM until 5 PM.  On Saturday and Sunday, hayrides run continuously from 10 AM until 6 PM.  The last hayride heads out around the farm at 6 PM.

A family favorite is the famous Hunt Club Petting Farm. Home Stop by to make some new friends with the goats, chickens, pigs, and llamas, or buy a Birdfeed Stick and hang out with the parakeets in the beautiful Bird Walk Aviary.

Hunt Club Farm is the perfect place for a photo op, especially during the Harvest Fair; their huge pumpkin patch is bursting with color!  For one of the coolest views of the farm, climb into the branches above on the brand new TreeWalk Adventure.  Visit the Farm Market for pumpkins and gourds, a sip of hot cider or hot chocolate, or some of the many treats from the wonderful vendors.

Regardless of how you choose to enjoy the Harvest Fair, you are sure to create some wonderful family memories at Hunt Club Farms.

For more details, visit huntclubfarm.com or call (757) 427-9520.

Photos taken from www.huntclubfarm.com.

Rip Currents

There’s nothing more relaxing than a day at the beach, and we want to help keep it that way! Becoming more knowledgeable about beach hazards (like rip currents) and how to be prepared will keep your beach days safe and peaceful.

Rip currents are channelized currents of water which flow away from shore. Typically, rip currents can be found near common beach structures like jetties or fishing piers but can also be found along breaks in sandbars. Any beach with surf has the potential for rip currents to form.

According to the National Weather Service, the average speeds of rip currents are 1-2 feet per second, but they have been measured as fast as 8 feet per second—faster than an Olympic swimmer!

You may be able to see the locations of rip currents from shore. If you notice an area of calmer (sometimes darker) water between break areas of white water, it is a good indication a rip current is present. You might also notice an area of sea foam or other debris moving away from shore in a line. Rip currents can be very narrow or more than 50 yards wide. When a potential rip current is identified, the area should be avoided.

If you find yourself in a rip current, the most important thing you need to remember is to remain calm and not panic! By remaining calm, you conserve energy and maintain the ability to assess the situation clearly. Remember that a rip current is a channel of water which pulls you away from the shore, so the best way to get out of that channel is to swim parallel to shore.

If you cannot swim parallel to shore, or feel yourself getting tired, conserve your energy. Do NOT try to swim directly against the rip current—the force of the water is extremely strong and will only tire you out more quickly. Wave and yell for help, try to relax as best as you can, and tread water.

If you see someone in a rip current and in need of help, try to get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, try to direct the person in the rip current to swim parallel by using arm motions. You can also throw them a flotation device or an inflatable beach toy to help them conserve their energy.

The best way to protect yourself from a potentially dangerous situation with a rip current is to always be prepared. Before you head to the beach, check out the latest weather service forecast for local beach conditions. Never swim alone, and if you’re in doubt about the surf conditions, don’t go out!

Visit this government site for more helpful tips on rip current safety!  The NWS’ Virginia Surf Forecast can be found here.

Photos taken from the National Weather Service/NOAA.

Spirit of Norfolk

If you are looking for a way to experience the Hampton Roads area in style, look no further than the Spirit of Norfolk. This ship is a three-level yacht style dining vessel with three interior climate-controlled dining decks and exterior observation deck. Delivering an exhilarating night (or day) of dancing, dining, and entertainment since 1978, the Spirit of Norfolk has made its name as one of the area’s best-known cruises.

Add a little bit of elegance to your vacation while viewing the Norfolk skyline and enjoying a top-notch buffet.  Head on down to Waterside Drive in Norfolk where you will be greeted by the Spirit of Norfolk’s crew for a dockside launch party prior to your departure. Exploring the ship is a treat in itself—the Spirit of Norfolk has been overhauled to bring guests the absolute best evening on the water possible with amenities like lounges, game spaces, dance floors and full-service bars.

Once underway, guests are immersed in the beauty of the Elizabeth River. Throughout the cruise guests are invited to relax on deck, play indoor or outdoor games, or join in on some dancing while a DJ plays music from the dance floor. Salads, various entrees, sweet desserts, and coffee await in the buffet line. Don’t forget that alcoholic beverages will be available during the cruise from the full-service bars!

Are you vacationing with a large group? The Spirit of Norfolk can accommodate groups of all sizes with communal tables able to seat up to ten people. The decks are climate-controlled for year-long fun, so even though summer may be over, you can still enjoy the Hampton Roads area from the water.

Rates vary depending on which type of cruise or event you choose. The best way to plan your night out on the water is by visiting the Spirit of Norfolk’s website in the contact information provided below.

Website:

https://www.cityexperiences.com/norfolk/city-cruises/our-fleet/spirit-of-norfolk/

Address:

Downtown Norfolk,

Otter Berth next to The Waterside,

999 Waterside DriveNorfolk, VA 23501

Phone:

(866) 304-2469

Photos taken from www.cityexperiences.com/norfolk/ and www.tripadvisor.com.

Sandbridge Massage

Take your Sandbridge vacation to the next level with a private massage at your rental property!  Whether you’ve been chasing kids around the whole week, preparing dinner each night for the entire family, or catching too many waves in the ocean – Fran and her team of massage therapists is here to help you recover.

Pricing is listed below and includes different styles of massage like Relaxing Swedish, Deep Tissue, Reflexology, Sports, Prenatal, and Injury.  All supplies are brought right to your rental property!

30 min Massage – $50

60 min Massage – $100

90 min Massage – $150

A 2 hour minimum visit is required so be sure to recruit a few others from your group to all enjoy a massage!  Below are a few tips from the Sandbridge Massage website in regards to preparing for your massage.

• 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.

Still wondering if getting a massage on vacation is a good idea?  Don’t take our word for it – below are a few examples of their Google reviews!

“Fran came to our beach house so 4 of us could get massages and left us completely relaxed and refreshed. An incredible addition to our vacation. Thanks, Fran!”

“Our experience with Fran was exceptional. She came to our beach house in Sandbridge on three different days during our week long stay and stayed for 2 hours each visit. I’ve had many massages over the years and I must say she has unique skills and techniques from years of experience that had me and 3 other family members raving about how great our massages were. 5 star for experience for sure plus she comes to you! How nice it was to not have to drive after getting a massage!”

“We used Sandbridge Massage while on vacation in Virginia Beach in early May. My wife loves massages but I’m not a fan. I can honestly say that this was the best massage that I’ve every had. I left with a completely relaxed feeling that lasted for hours. I would highly recommend them.”

http://www.sandbridgemassage.com/index.html