| Sandbridge Beach

Strawberry Season

Strawberry pie, fresh churned strawberry ice cream, strawberry poppyseed salad, strawberry trifle, strawberry shortcake with fluffy whipped cream, fresh strawberries off the vine, strawberries with balsamic glaze…At the risk of sounding like Bubba Gump, we can’t help but get excited about strawberries in Sandbridge. After all, our neighboring Pungo is home to the Strawberry festival and many local strawberry farms, which means if you’re in town from late-April til mid-June, you’ll want to stop by a local farm or farm stand and get your hands on some fresh-picked strawberries!

A few of our favorite local spots include Cullipher Farm Market, Flanagan Farm, Vaughan Farms Produce, Salem Berry Farm, and Brookdale Farm, all conveniently located a short drive from Sandbridge Beach. Each location offers fresh berries as well as a variety of other local produce, fresh baked goods, and family-friendly activities at some locations. Guests can choose to pick their own berries or make a quick stop to pick up already harvested berries.

Unfortunately, the 2021 Pungo Strawberry Festival is cancelled, but that means the fields are full of ripe, delicious berries ready to be picked and enjoyed by locals and vacationers alike! A great opportunity for making memories (and delicious treats) on your trip to Sandbridge!

Cullipher Farm Market: 772 Princess Anne Road

Vaughan Farms Produce: 1258 Princess Anne Road

Flanagan Farm: Princess Anne Road and N Muddy Creek Road

Salem Berry Farm: 1763 Salem Road

Brookdale Farm: 2060 Vaugan Road

*all photos taken at Cullipher Farm Market

23 Apr

The Bumbling Bee

Local Events byCory B

The Bumbling Bee

Welcome to the Ayala family’s vegan creation — The Bubling Bee Vegan Junk Food & Burger Bar! Cassandra Ayala was a real estate agent when the market crashed, but used it as an opportunity to go into business with her three daughters. Olivia and Alexandria were vegans while India was into the culinary arts. They opened a vegan restaurant that specializes in serving a “junk food” style that even the most hesitant and picky eaters would enjoy.

The Bumbling Bee had humble beginnings as a food truck but has now expanded to a beautifully decorated brick and mortar store located only 7 miles from Sandbridge. They’ve experienced such success that they’ll even be presenting on ABC’s hit show ‘Shark Tank’ tonight at 8 PM!

Menu for Bumbling Bee Vegan Junk Food

One thing that makes people hesitate to adopt a vegan lifestyle is the anxiety thinking about giving up the foods they love. The “Bee” menu has comfort food favorites that are 100% vegan and will satisfy any “junk food junkie.” A few of the offerings:

Montreal Chickun Gyro
Greek marinated Gardein* chickun on grilled flatbread with creamy garlic tzatziki, juicy and crunchy tomato-cucumber-red onion mix and romaine.
Joey Meatballs Grinder
A grilled roll stuffed with vegan meatballs, Italian red sauce, and vegan ricotta drizzled in edamame basil pesto.
Godfather Sizzlin’ Sausage
Juicy, sweet Beyond* sausage loaded with caramelized peppers and onions, marinara, house cheese sauce, finished with spicy aioli and stuffed inside a grilled bun.
Irishman Corned Beaf
Honest Pastures* corned beaf with caramelized onions, whole grain mustard, melted cheese on toasted pumpernickel swirl bread.
Boss Barbecue Burger
A Beyond burger topped with seitan*-marinated bacon, onion rings and barbecue sauce.
Bella the Beast Poutine
Hand-cut fries topped with house cheese sauce, French’s fried onions, and rich Poutine gravy- mushroom blend, sweet onion, fresh thyme, and red wine, all caramelized together.
Fried Mac Balls
Creamy mac and cheese coated by crunchy French’s fried onions and jalapenos, served with your choice of sauce.
Beverages
Sweet Nectar Milkshake made with soy- and oat-based soft serve.
Vegan Benchtop beer

* Bumbling Bee Uses Only Quality Vegan Ingredients

Gardein is a vegan and kosher product line of meat-free foods that include proteins (soy, wheat and pea), organic flours (kamut, amaranth, millet, quinoa), potato starch, modified vegetable gum, organic beet fibers, and carrot fibers. Among their products are the “Ultimate Plant-Based Burger,” crispy chick’n, meatless meatballs and breakfast saus’ages.
Beyond Meat’s mission is to positively impact human health, climate change, natural resources and animal welfare by shifting from animal to plant-based meat. Their Beyond Burger is made from pea, mung bean, and rice to deliver a complete protein, meaty taste and texture that provides the juiciness and aroma of beef.
Honest Pastures in Virginia Beach manufactures and distributes quality plant-based alternative meats, including deli slices, sausages, beaf steaks and roasts.
Seitan is made from wheat gluten that looks and feels like meat when cooked. It comes ground, sliced and in strips for use in meatless hot dogs and bacon.

https://thebumblingbee.net/

Information collected from The Bumbling Bee and Shark Tank

16 Apr

Chesapeake Family Movie Park

Local Events byCory B

Chesapeake Family Movie Park

Want to give your kids a nostalgic experience while on vacation? Owner of the Chesapeake Family Movie Park, Bobby Weeks, has built a 40 foot screen and parking area to provide families with just that!

“Because of the pandemic, and what we got here is called social distancing at its best. You sit in the car with your family and enjoy a nice movie. We do have a concession stand out here and we only sell prepackaged food,” said Tim Lemon, a spokesman for the new business. “My parents used to hide us in the trunks underneath covers so people wouldn’t see us in the car. So if you looked in the back of the truck you would have found me back there. We also have the FM transmitter. The FM transmitter means you can take and listen to the movie right in your car just turn it to our station, which is 89.7 and you can hear the whole movie,” he said.

Prices are $30 per car, so there is no need to hide people under covers any longer! Military, first responders, and senior citizens get $5 off for their vehicle. The lot currently holds 100 vehicles and Wonder Woman will be playing tonight and Saturday night. Gates open at 6:30 and the movie starts at 7:45! The movie park is 30 miles from Sandbridge and located at 3064 Yadkin Road in Chesapeake.

https://chesapeakefamilymoviepark.com/

Information collected from Chesapeake Family Movie Park website and WAVY

9 Apr

Salty Paws Doggie Ice Cream Parlor

Local Events, Pets byCory B

Salty Paws Doggie Ice Cream Parlor

It’s officially ice cream season now that the weather has warmed up, but why should dogs be left out of the fun? They won’t any longer thanks to Salty Paws!

Just like an ice cream shop for humans, dogs are allowed taste tests to determine whether they prefer vanilla, blueberry, pumpkin, or peanut butter. The toppings come next with tripe, beef, and lamb ‘n’ liver.

“People love to spoil their pets,” founder of Salty Paws, Suzanne Tretowicz said. “We saw people give them the unhealthy alternative, so we opened an ice cream shop where people could give them something healthier. … A lot of dogs are lactose intolerant. People love their pets, they humanize them, they love them like they love their children. We host birthday parties and ice cream socials.

Additionally, Salty Paws offers dog edible donuts, cookies, and cakes. Seating is available both indoors and on the patio and is located about 13 miles from Sandbridge. An ice cream break would be perfect during a long beach day. Give your dog an experience they won’t forget on your next trip to Sandbridge!

https://www.saltypawsvabeach.com/

Information collected from Salty Paws website and The Virginian Pilot

2 Apr

Killin’ Pine Mobile Axe Range

Family-Friendly, Local Events, Sandbridge, Vacation Rentals, Virginia Beach byCory B

Killin’ Pine Mobile Axe Range

Looking for a thrilling experience to be the highlight of your vacation? Give Killin’ Pine Mobile Axe Range a call, and they’ll bring the fun right to your vacation rental!

The action takes place on a 20’x8′ flatbed trailer with a custom built safety cage, turf, lighting, and sound system. The owners of the operation, James and Brendan Stauffer, do their best to take time and coach each thrower to help them successfully “kill pine”. The minimum age to throw is 12 years old, and axes are sanitized after each thrower/group. A private 2 hour rental, which would be perfect for Sandbridge vacations, typically run around $300.

The axe range will also be at various breweries throughout Virginia Beach during the week of your vacation. Here you can throw axes for as little as $5! These include New Realm Brewing, Farmhouse By Back Bay, Thin Brew Line, Maker’s Craft Brewing, and Deadline Brewing Project. Specific dates can be found on their website linked below.

Killin’ Pine Mobile Axe Range

19 Mar

Clink Mobile Bar Co.

Local Events, Pets byCory B

Clink Mobile Bar Co.

Ready for drinks this summer but don’t feel like leaving your vacation rental? Robbie and Taylor, owners of Clink Mobile Bar Co., have created a business to serve drinks out of a renovated horse trailer!

“With Robbie’s expertise in the legal field and my love of hosting and planning events, we knew we were the perfect team to get this small business up and running,” says Taylor. “We love a good party and having the opportunity to connect with new people. We are ready to provide you with a fun and stress-free service.”

Several different packages are available to suit the needs of your group from a “standard open bar” to a “rise and shine” which focuses on Mimosas, Bloody Marys, and Screwdrivers. Cups, cocktail napkins, ice, straws, mixers, and garnishes are provided with every package.

Clink Mobile Bar Co. is now booking for Spring and Summer of 2021! Details can be found at their website linked below.

Clink Mobile Bar Co.

5 Mar

Thanksgiving in Sandbridge

Local Events, Pets byCory B

Thanksgiving in Sandbridge

If your family is anything like mine, by the time August comes along and the school year approaches, an unspoken question lingers in the air: Who will host Thanksgiving this year? As the family member with the smallest house, but likely the one who enjoys hosting most, I always struggle to figure out the dynamics of hosting a holiday. However, this past year, I discovered a solution to the lingering question at hand: let’s have Thanksgiving in Sandbridge.

As soon as I started throwing the idea around, it didn’t take long to get the rest of my family members on board. This solution offered both a vacation and a “get out of jail free” pass on hosting Thanksgiving at any one person’s home. We rented a home with a hot tub and plenty of sleeping space so we could spend the week as a family, enjoying each other’s company and the luxury of being in a neutral space at the beach. Win-win!

The unpredictable Virginia weather performed in our favor with warm sunshine afternoons perfect for walks on the beach and chasing crabs with the kiddos on the beach. At night, we enjoyed themed family meals, each family taking turns on who was responsible for dinner that evening. The hot tub and game room provided late night entertainment and friendly family competition. At the end of the night, no one had to worry about driving home as we had ample room to accommodate grandmothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins alike.

On Thanksgiving day, the younger generation of Thanksgiving hostesses awoke early in an attempt to time each item on our Thanksgiving menu just right. The three refrigerators and two dishwashers in the house really came in handy (of course, with family, we had one completely full of beer, wine, and juice boxes!). My brother in law and nephew fried a turkey by the pool and grilled beef tenderloin on the grill, while the hosting ladies enjoyed charcuterie and wine in between baking, mixing, and inquiries such as “what do these potatoes need?” and “did you bring extra butter?”

When our Thanksgiving meal was ready, the tables in the home provided enough seating for us all to enjoy our meal together and the dual dishwashers allowed for easy clean-up. My family was so pleased with the new tradition on the horizon. Everyone has been talking about it since and we are already planning for next year. My only regret is we didn’t do this sooner!

26 Feb

Apex Entertainment Center

Local Events, Pets byCory B

Apex Entertainment Center

There’s a new entertainment venue only 15 miles from Sandbridge that will be the perfect place for the family to unwind! Activities offered include indoor go-karting, bowling, laser tag, escape rooms, ropes courses, arcades, sports simulators, axe throwing, mini golf, bumper cars, and virtual reality. The hardest part will be deciding where to start!

“It’s 84,000 square feet of pure fun. You can’t pack any more attractions in this building,” explained Director of Operations, Joey Slawinski.

Food and beverages are available including alcohol. There are also more than 65 gluten-free options on the menu and a variety of vegetarian choices, too.

“With our unique concept, we offer something for all ages and every member of the family. Our mission is to create a memorable experience for all guests and have a strong presence within the community,” said Marcus Kemblowski, Chief Operating Officer of Apex Entertainment.

Many people wanted to know what restrictions are in place for COVID-19. Slawinski said they are doing everything they can to stay safe.

“Our restrictions are 30% or 250, ultimately but since we have two floors it’s definitely a little greater. Our total capacity normally outside of COVID is about 2,100.”

Apex Entertainment

Information collected from 13newsnow and Apex Entertainment

19 Feb

Dog’s Little Acre

Local Events, Pets byCory B

Dog’s Little Acre

Siebert Realty has a new neighbor that you might notice on your way into Sandbridge this year! Dog’s Little Acre, located on Sandbridge Road just before Siebert Realty, is a retail shop/dog groomer/coffee shop all rolled into one.

The retail shop is full of gourmet dog treats, birthday cakes, donuts, and more! Popular brands like My Family Collars and Leashes, Chuckit! Launcher and Ball, Fluff and Tuff squeaker toys, Kong, and Up Country are all carried here. They even have unique art prints, locally made artwork and greeting cards, and pet magnets. Need a dog tag? Bring your pup by and create a custom tag in less than 2 minutes!

Dog’s Little Acre prides themselves on using only the best products for your furry one when grooming. Using natural shampoos and conditioners, your dog will be smelling wonderful and not at the expense of the environment. Hypo-allergenic tearless shampoo, Oatcare oatmeal shampoo, and Vita-Silk conditioner are three of the main products that are used.

Fetch Coffee is located just outside of Dog’s Little Acre and is a drive thru coffee shop. Enjoy your beverage at the picnic tables there or take it with you to your vacation rental. Don’t forget to bring your pup for a puppuccino!

Dog’s Little Acre

12 Feb

New Skate Park for Summer 2021

Local Events byCory B

Woodstock Skate Park

Virginia Beach’s new skate park is almost here after nearly 3 years of design, consultation, and construction! Be sure to pack the skateboards and BMX bikes this year. Located about 15 miles from Sandbridge, the Woodstock Skate Park is undergoing a $32 Million Renovation by notable skatepark builder Team Pain.

The park will showcase a mix of transitional and street elements including premium features such as:

Snake run and two-level bowl with waterfall, five corners, and two hips
Quarter pipe with extension
Ledge runs, stair sets, wall rides, snake run, banks, hips, rails, and other custom ledges
Warm-up area
Shaded viewing spots

“Public input helped shape the snake run based on the flow and speed desires of local park users,” said Tim Payne, founder of Team Pain Skate Parks. “Virginia Beach is home to beginner, intermediate, and professional level skateboarders and bike riders who are passionate about their sport. The community’s input was crucial in the development of this skate park and we are grateful to be involved in this project.”

Follow the links below for updates on the park. Workers have been molding ramps and ledges throughout this winter weather to ensure it is ready for summer!

Woodstock Skate Park
Team Pain instagram

Information collected from VBgov and WAVY

12 Feb

New Skate Park for Summer 2021

Local Events byCory B

Woodstock Skate Park

The park will showcase a mix of transitional and street elements including premium features such as:

Snake run and two-level bowl with waterfall, five corners, and two hips
Quarter pipe with extension
Ledge runs, stair sets, wall rides, snake run, banks, hips, rails, and other custom ledges
Warm-up area
Shaded viewing spots

Follow the links below for updates on the park. Workers have been molding ramps and ledges throughout this winter weather to ensure it is ready for summer!

Woodstock Skate Park
Team Pain instagram

Information collected from VBgov and WAVY