Category: Travel

3 Unique Activities To Try During the Next Long Weekend

On September 1, 2021

If you’ve got a long weekend coming up and you want to try something extra-special to make the most of your time off, you may be on the hunt for unique activities to try out. Whether you’re more of an indoors or an outdoors person, there are plenty of options for activities that could get you out of your comfort zone without forcing you to stray too far from your own backyard. This long weekend, be sure to add these three must-try activities to your list.

1. Rent a Weekend Getaway Right on the Water

Have you been longing to feel the ocean breeze and listen to the sound of seagulls overhead and waves crashing on the shore? If so, you may be interested in looking into Waterfront Rentals Newport Beach CA. There’s nothing quite like a weekend getaway on the water to help you unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature. You can get a rental just for yourself, or you can split a house with friends or family for a getaway that’s sure to prove relaxing and enjoyable.

2. Go on a Food Tour and Expand Your Palate

Instead of picking up takeout for the umpteenth time, why not use your long weekend to expand your palate? If it’s been some time since you last tried cooking new dishes, you can even use the weekend as an opportunity to get your kids involved in food activities. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly dishes or adults-only food tours, some popular foodie locations to add to your list could include the following.

Wineries
Breweries
Local restaurants
Food trucks
Bakeries and dessert shops

3. Spend Time Exploring Local Nature

If you’ve been inside for a while and are hoping to get out of your house this long weekend, why not spend some time exploring nature? Whether you live near mountains, beaches, forests, rivers or national parks, the great outdoors can be an excellent way to recharge your batteries and lower your stress levels. Consider going for a walk, having a picnic under the stars or spending a night camping out.

When the next long weekend rolls around, you don’t have to stay cooped up in your house to have some fun. If you’re interested in trying out some fun and unique activities, be sure to put these three options on your list. Whether you’d prefer a water getaway, a food tour or just free time to explore your natural surroundings, these activities could help you relax and make the most of your long weekend.

Make Your New Home in Hampton Roads

By Tamara Ramos

On June 22, 2021

In Travel

In southeastern Virginia, where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, lies the stretch of water called Hampton Roads. The name Hampton Roads also refers to the metropolitan area around the cities of Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Visitors to Virginia’s southeast coast come back on a regular basis. For many reasons, they may even choose to move here permanently.

Live As You Like

Beyond its main cities, the Hampton Roads region includes the surrounding collection of cities and counties extending into North Carolina. The diversity of environments throughout this area offers housing options for all lifestyles. Virginia Beach and Norfolk are known for waterfront condos, while colonial towns such as Yorktown and Williamsburg feature homes with historic character. More recently, a post-World War II population boom prompted the building of diverse housing developments across the region. Buyers in search of extra space should investigate Smithfield VA real estate and similar peripheral properties.

Workers Are Welcome

Physically, Hampton Roads is one of the world’s great natural harbors. A central position along the East Coast and year-round ice-free conditions makes it the perfect spot for America’s third-largest seaport. At the same time, southeast Virginia is an ideal distance from Washington, DC — readily accessible but safely away in an emergency. Given this geography, various federal agencies and all five military branches, particularly the Navy, have set up a strong local presence.

With military and government jobs on one hand and the port on the other, the result is a robust economy in both the public and private sectors. The nature of this employment attracts a cosmopolitan workforce from across the country, with a second army of civilian workers needed to support them. Additional industries include tourism, education, retail and medical services.

A Plethora of Pleasures

All work and no play make for a dull life. Besides a healthy job market, the Hampton Roads region is rich in recreational diversions. Norfolk is Hampton Roads’ cultural center, boasting the best shopping, dining, theaters and museums. Virginia Beach, the region’s largest city, is a major resort with numerous hotels, restaurants and nightclubs, many of them located on the city’s famous Oceanfront, whose centerpiece is a 3-mile boardwalk along the Atlantic.

Farther west, the “Historic Triangle” of Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown are full of sites connected with early American history, most notably Colonial Williamsburg. Williamsburg is also home to Busch Gardens amusement park. For a more natural experience, the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge covers a sweeping expanse of protected wetlands.

Enjoying a solid economy, mild winter weather and a mix of urban amenities with beachfront charm, the Hampton Roads region is a prime destination for relocation.

6 Awesome Beach Accessory Buys

By Tamara Ramos

On May 27, 2021

In Lifestyle, Travel

When preparing for a trip to the beach, especially with kids in tow, it can be hard to know which products will work well and which will waste your money and leave you unsatisfied. Here are a few beach accessories that are sure to enhance your beach experience:

1. Beach Carts

Beach carts with wheels for carts transport all of your beach supplies on sand-friendly wheels. You can hook on chairs and load up the bins with beach bags and all of the toys you’ll need to build the biggest sandcastle around.

2. Sand Proof Towels or Blankets

There are a number of beach towels and blankets on the market that easily shake free sand. This means less clean-up after your leisure time spent on the beach. It also creates mess-free transport and allows you to avoid vacuuming sand out of your vehicle’s trunk for months to come.

3. Backpack Beach Chairs

Free up your hands this summer by purchasing beach chairs that you can carry on your back just like a backpack. Certain versions of these chairs include armrests with cupholders and cell phone holders. Many backpack chairs also have small coolers and pouches on the backs of the chairs.

4. Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers

There are multiple waterproof Bluetooth speakers on the market today. Some are as large as a backpack and others are tiny and will fit easily into your beach bag. Whatever your budget or sound requirements, you can easily find a beach-friendly speaker that works for you.

5. Folding Beach Tables

Collapsible beach tables enable beachgoers to dine with ease without ever having to leave the beach. Eating from a table will give you the closest thing there is to a sand-free meal while enjoying an ocean view. A beach table also means convenient drink placement and the ability to easily play a game of cards.

6. Beach Games for the Family

Beach games can get the whole family involved. Can jam, ring tosses and football are classic examples. Nowadays there are even more games available to get everyone moving and laughing beachside. These include ladder toss, cornhole and spike ball.

The old days of carrying heavy beach accessories for what feels like miles from the edge of the beach to the ocean are over. Today’s conveniences allow beachgoers the ease of arriving at the water’s edge feeling energized and ready to enjoy a day filled with sand and sun.