Weekend Adventures in Virginia Beach

Although I rarely look forward to the 4 hour (and sometimes longer) drive to Virginia Beach to visit Tre, I have to admit it’s a great place to explore as a frequent visitor. The city and surrounding towns host an abundance of attractions which include historical Williamsburg, amusement parks, museums, fabulous shopping, one-of-a-kind restaurants, chic downtown life and of course…the beach (which boast the most impressive northeast boardwalk as far as I’m concerned)!

Several weeks ago, we went out to brunch at an independently owned neighborhood bistro, aptly named, “The Broken Egg Bistro” which serves delicious and authentic breakfast, lunch, and dinner selections in a fresh, hip environment with stellar service. Saturday morning we just had to go back and enjoy another entree from our new favorite eatery. The food was so good I forgot to take a picture of our plates before we ate!

After breakfast we drove downtown to do a bit of shopping at the McArthur Mall which is the city’s top-rated mall boasting over 100 shops with everything from Nordstrom’s, Coach, and specialty stores. Compliments of my boyfriend I found a gorgeous fitted grey blazer from H&M, along with a black braided belt and several hair accessories which I’ll need for my growing locks! After dropping him off at the Apple Store (actually I spent about 20 minutes browsing in the store as well…I can’t wait to get an iPad) I had almost 90 minutes to independently browse through several shops.

Later that evening we went out for smoothies at Tropical Smoothie Café and attended a pool party at his apartment complex. I ate the best chicken and steak flatbread tortilla prepared by a local vendor! During the raffle giveaways Tre won 2 free tickets for bowling which we used Sunday afternoon. I’m a decent bowler, and can typically break 100, but due to my weak wrists, if I use a ball that’s over 5lbs my writs start hurting. I mention that tidbit as a contributing factor to how Tre won all three games (boo, lol!). He sensed my disappointment and tried to make me feel better with an offer of Baskin Robbins ice cream.

With the heat advisory warning we decided against going to the beach, or being outdoors for too long so we didn’t take a trip to the beach this time. Great food, shopping, indoor entertainment and a poolside party made the weekend very enjoyable indeed!

(1 scoop of snickers and 1 scoop of vanilla)

(1 scoop of snickers, 1 scoop of praline and cream, 1 scoop golden ribbon)

Day Trip: Great Falls Park

Early yesterday evening, Tre and I drove to Great Falls, Virginia national park located about 30 miles from Washington, D.C. As a historical site, the park was initially a canal system effort during the early 1800s, however, most visitors (like us) visit the park to view its dramatic falls, jagged rocks, and stroll the hiking trials. Last summer I had visited the park with my friend Cama and mentally noted that I would have to visit with Tre once he returned from deployment! Actually, the idea had almost escaped my mind until I randomly happened upon the brochure as I was cleaning out several of my purses earlier this week! I suggested the idea to Tre and we were on our way!

From home, the trip was about 40 minutes. Immediately after exiting the George Washington Parkway and about several miles before you arrive at the entry gates of the park, the industrial scene of the highway transforms into a single lane winding road shaded with lush emerald and lime canopies, charming cottage and farm-style houses, and extravagant castle-style mansions. Even though I was driving the speed-limit I purposefully slowed down so that we could sneak a longer gaze at the architecture of the homes. There is definitely a very commanding, yet cozy feel that the landscae evokes which certaintly primes you for the impressisve views of the falls! Once we arrived at the gate, I was pleasantly surprised that we paid a reduced entry-fee of just $6.00 for the both of us! We quickly found a parking spot, grabbed our water-cooler and cameras and I led the way to the trail.

 

During our one hour outdoor excursion we hiked about 2 miles of footpaths through the woods enjoying amazing views, cooling breezes, listening to the sounds of nature, viewing the cliffs and amateur climbers, and stopping along the tour to read the informational plaques. Being surrounded purely by the handiwork of God pales in comparison to anything man could ever make, and quite frankly, all we can ever make is either a poor replica of what God has already done with the tools he has already given to us! Although I was able to take several pictures, this is truly a scene you have to experience in real-time to appreciate!

Our first trip to Great Falls was so enjoyable and I’m sure it will not be our last! Tre enjoys outdoor/historical excursions as much as I do so we really had lots of fun! He let me indulge being his “tour-guide” as I led the way through the trials racking my brain to recall trivia facts I vaguely remembered from my last visit! By the time we decided to turn back to the parking lot, we both felt the soreness from a good hike, but would you know that this MAN had the audacity to throw his sweaty sock at me in the car? Lol! Overall, this was a great day trip! Of course we worked up an appetite which I satisfied with brownie sundaes sprinkled with chocolate chip cookie crumbles, drizzled with fudge and chocolate syrup once we got home…hey, it’s the weekend, right?!