Hampton Roads Magazine Home

Best Of Summer

We’re heating things up with top picks for surfing, swimsuits, girls’ getaways, grilling, camping, fruity cocktails, day trips, crabbing, craft beers, oysters and more.

After suffering through one of the dreariest winters in Hampton Roads history, we are fired up about some much-needed warmth coming back into our lives. And there is no doubt the rest of you locals also greatly anticipate summertime in HR, so we figured you wouldn’t mind if we dedicated our annual Best Of Issue to the latest and greatest reasons to love this season. We’re heating things up with top picks for surfing, swimsuits, girls’ getaways, grilling, camping, fruity cocktails, day trips, crabbing, craft beers, oysters and more. The wait is over—let’s dive in!

SHOPPING AND BEAUTY

SWIMSUIT SHOP

Megs Swimwear
Women of all shapes and sizes will swoon when entering the treasure trove of bathing suit bounty that is Megs Swimwear. From itsy bitsy bikinis to one-pieces that wow, Megs has you covered—and not so covered!—for whatever suit will suit you. Choose from an astounding array of cup-size-friendly separates, then complete the look with a fetching flip-flop, cover-up and beach bag. With clothes and shoes galore, not to mention eye-catching jewelry and unique gifts, Megs Swimwear will get you through your summer shopping just swimmingly. 307 Laskin Rd., Virginia Beach. 757-428-7945
 
PLACE TO EXFOLIATE YOUR SKIN

Dupre’s Salon & Day Spa
There are lots of great full-service spas in Hampton Roads. But we had beauty and budget in mind when we went looking for a spot to scrub off the old and usher in the new and moisturized. Full body treatments—exfoliating or otherwise—can run upwards of $100. But at $75, the Detoxifying Salt Glow at Dupre’s is both frugal and fabulous and just the right recipe for saying bye-bye to dry in time for swimsuit weather. Aromatherapy oils and Dead Sea salts do the dirty work and a rich hydrating lotion finishes the job after a warm rinse on the water table. And voila! 1708 Pleasure House Rd., Virginia Beach. 757-464-9100, www.dupressalon.net
 
SURF SHOP

Wave Riding Vehicles
Be a beach bum without looking like, well, a bum, with a visit to Wave Riding Vehicles (WRV). The wide selection of apparel and accessories for men and women of all ages is reason enough to check out this local’s favorite, but for the die-hard surfer WRV is paradise, with everything from surfboards and wetsuits to fins and surf accessories. One of only three in the world, WRV has even founded its own Surf Camp, and every surfer knows to check out their surf hotline for the daily surf report. 1900 Cypress Ave., Virginia Beach. 757-422-8823,
www.waveridingvehicles.com

SURF SPOT

Croatan Beach
Looking for that perfect slice of surf? While many surfers high-tail it out to the First Street Jetty for its consistent surf break, the savvy surfer knows that the waves are just as good on the other side of the jetty—and less congested. Head away from the busy Oceanfront, across the Rudee Inlet bridge and stroll over the sand to the rolling waves at Croatan, perfect for surfers of all skill levels. Check out the Surfrider Foundation’s website at www.surfrider.org for rules, regulations and parking restrictions. Off South Atlantic Avenue,
Virginia Beach.

PLACE TO BUY FIREWORKS

Eastern Shore
Sometimes we’d rather skip the big fireworks show altogether and have our own backyard pyrotechnics display, which is why a trip up Route 13 on the Eastern Shore is just the ticket. A handful of roadside fireworks stands gives us all the sparklers, pinwheels and whirligigs we need. Of course we’d—ahem—never buy (nor would the purveyors sell) anything that goes boom since, in Hampton Roads anyway, that would land us on the wrong side of the law.

PEDI PLACE

Elite European Day Spa
Unassuming, yet totally luxurious, Elite European Day Spa in Ghent isn’t your typical in-and-out nail spa. Welcoming and friendly staff help make your monthly pedi feel more like a day at the spa and less like another thing to cross off your to-do list. The large front room is totally dedicated to nails and features six luxurious leather pedicure chairs spread out across the room. Choose from a $35 classic pedi, or spend an extra $15 for additional exfoliation, a massage and a mint cooling mask, perfect for summer-ready toes. 350 W. 22nd St., Suite 105, Norfolk. 757-622-8002, www.eliteuropeandayspa.com

SUNGLASS SHOP

Studio Optix
We suggest you head over to Studio Optix and let Bruce Jones, master optician, protect your peepers. He carries the latest and best in lens technology and the hottest styles from designers like Versace, Chanel, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Chrome Hearts, Oakley, Paul Smith and Armani.
310 30th St., Virginia Beach.
757-428-3206,www.studioptix.com

SUNNING SPOT OFF THE BEACH

Norfolk Botanical Garden
Who needs crowded beaches when you’ve got lush grass, picturesque statues and tranquil fountains? Lazing about amongst roses, azaleas and wildflowers at Norfolk Botanical Garden is a great way to soak up the sun. Bring out your inner child and fly a kite or toss a Frisbee. Or pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it. 6700 Azalea Garden Rd., Norfolk. 757-441-5830,
www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org

LEISURE AND
ENTERTAINMENT

PLACE TO BEAT THE HEAT

Chrysler Museum of Art
When the days begin to swelter beyond the 90-degree mark, anywhere with A/C seems like the place to be. But you can’t pour over an original Gauguin or a Man Ray print at the mall. There’s a sense of serenity and reverence inside a world-class art museum like the Chrysler that calms and cools the senses. And the fact that admission to the museum is now free is pretty cool too. Ongoing special exhibits include the Women of the Chrysler retrospective and Class Pictures: Photographs by Dawoud Bey. 245 W. Olney Rd., Norfolk.
757-664-6200, www.chrysler.org
WEEKLY AFTER-WORK EVENT

TGIF at TowneBank Fountain Park
Let your weekday worries melt away every Friday this summer at TowneBank Fountain Park, the often forgotten square of Town Point Park right next to Waterside. Enjoy food, drinks, music and dancing as the sun sets behind the sailboats and yachts at Waterside Marina. Coming from the office? Do yourself a favor and bring a change of clothes—this after-work party is wonderfully laid-back. To boot, dogs and kids are welcome, and both will love playing in the new ‘interactive’ fountain. TowneBank Fountain Park, Norfolk.
www.festevents.org 757-441-2345, www.festevents.org

OUTDOOR WORKOUT SPOT

First Landing State Park
Many of us know First Landing as the eerily beautiful oasis that it is in the midst of Virginia Beach’s endless suburban sprawl. Cypress trees dripping in Spanish moss, primordial-looking marshes alongside well-groomed hiking and biking paths, rustic cabins, even seaside campgrounds. It’s also a jogger’s paradise, of course. And within the last year, they’ve added a Health Trek fitness system—basically an obstacle course for grown-ups—along the Cape Henry Trail. It’ll whip you into shape in no time. 2500 Shore Dr., Virginia Beach. 757-412-2300, www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/fir.shtml

FISHING PIER

Ocean View Fishing Pier
For less than the price of a movie at the mall, local fishing piers let you enjoy an entire day of relaxation and natural beauty. Of course, if you’re lucky, you’ll also catch dinner. What sets the Ocean View facility apart is its spectacular open-air bar and restaurant offering expansive views of the bay and the nearby beach community. So consider this: You fish for four or five hours, soaking up the sun and salt air while catching some spot, croaker or flounder. Then you pack up your gear, ice down your fish, and head upstairs for a few beers, a fried fish sandwich and a view of one of the most spectacular sunsets you’ve ever seen. Sound like a plan? 414 West Ocean View Ave., Norfolk. 757- 583-6000,
www.oceanviewfishingpier.com

PUBLIC POOL

Chippokes Plantation State Park
We like to mix up our aquatic recreation, which is why we occasionally head west to Chippokes Plantation State Park in Surry County. A nominal fee (less than $5, depending on age and day of the week) grants you access to the tidy and well-maintained pool, but the setting here is the dealmaker. It’s a working farm of more than 1,600 acres and includes a colonial mansion, cultivated gardens and a Farm and Forestry Museum. 695 Chippokes Park Rd., Surry. 757-294-3625, www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/chi.shtml

BEACH OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Yorktown Beach
Tourists stop at Yorktown to take in the museums and earthworks at this historic site, but they often head all the way to the Atlantic to sit on a beach. Locals know, however, that Yorktown has one of the best beaches around. It’s popular but small enough to feel intimate. The new shops and eateries at the adjacent Riverwalk Landing are a benefit as well, offering plenty of places to beat the heat when the summer sun gets too brutal. Riverwalk Landing, 425 Water St., Historic Yorktown.

PLACE TO DROP A FLY

Northwest River Park
Though saltwater fly-fishing is a big deal around these parts, don’t discount the smaller, fresh water, urban-fishing venues that provide lots of casting pleasure, or a mini-vacation without breaking the bank. At Northwest River Park, you can ply the stocked lake for perch, crappie, bluegill, and trout in-season. A short, scenic hike to the pier and you can catch yellow perch or a few winter stripers. The park also hosts occasional fly-fishing classes taught by members of the local Trout Unlimited chapter. The kids can play on the new putt-putt green while mom and dad test fly patterns. 1733 Indian Creek Rd., Chesapeake. 757-421-7151, www.chesapeake.va.us/services/depart/park-rec/nwrp/fishing.shtml

FAMILY-ORIENTED WATERWAY
WITHIN AN URBAN ENVIRONMENT

Waller Mill Park
Waller Mill is a favorite day trip destination, and after a morning of exploring the scenic shoreline by canoe or kayak, the family can enjoy a lunch of grilled hot dogs and hamburgers under one of the park’s shelters. What makes this destination special is the topography; numerous coves, creeks, and a navigable tunnel keep things interesting for anglers and pleasure boaters alike. 901 Airport Rd., Williamsburg.
757-259-3778

PLACE FOR CRABBING

Lynnhaven River
This river is getting much cleaner thanks to the aggressive efforts of private citizens and the group Lynnhaven River Now. More of the river is open for shell fishing now than at any time since the 1930s. It’s quite a success story. Park at the Lynnhaven boat ramp and be sure to remember your net, twine and a couple chicken necks. You might just be taking home some jimmies and sooks for supper tonight.
Lynnhaven Boat Ramp and Beach Facility, 3576 Piedmont Circle,
Virginia Beach. 757-460-7590
 
PLACE FOR OUTDOOR GEAR

Bass Pro Shops
So you want to go camping but the only “outdoors” experience you’ve had recently is walking from your house to the car and the car to the office. One stop at Bass Pro will outfit you like an expert. Looming like a giant ski lodge beside I-64 on HRBT’s Hampton side, the cavernous store stocks everything an outdoorsman could want: gear for camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, and everything else under the sun. Wander through rows of 4-wheel drive ATVs and boats up to 25-feet long, check out the aquarium-filled large-mouth bass, or try your hand at the indoor archery range or the quarter-operated, carnival-style air-rifle range. 1972 Power Plant Parkway, Hampton. 757-262-5200,
www.basspro.com

OUTDOOR NIGHTLIFE

Port Warwick
An evening in Port Warwick is a chance to engage all of your senses—visual, taste, sound and the wonderful scent of gourmet food being prepared. There is this distinctly small-town, artsy feel here, without being pretentious. Art galleries, great restaurants, cozy bars with unique offerings and live music—all within walking distance. Comfortable shoes and a sense of adventure are about the only requirements. Jefferson Avenue at Loftis Boulevard, Newport News. www.portwarwick.com

WATER SPORT RENTALS

Great White Water Sports, LLC
Treat yourself to a dolphin’s-eye view of the lower Chesapeake Bay. Choose from a wide variety of Jet Ski/Wave Runner watercraft rental options and Get Your Zoom On! Jet Ski’s are launched directly from the beach, and the bay’s relatively calm waters provide the perfect backdrop for views of Cape Henry Light, First Landing State Park, and our marine mammal friends. A one-hour dolphin tour is $150, which is a bargain when you consider most of GW’s watercraft accommodate three adults. 2800 Shore Dr., Virginia Beach. 757-450-4096, www.greatwhitewatersports.com
 
SUMMER CAMP

Eco Image Nature Tours
& Wilderness Weekends
Answer the call of the wild. Vickie Shufer’s Eco Image tours and weekend camping experiences will have you on intimate terms with Mother Nature. An experienced educator, lecturer, and wild foods expert, Shufer packages a variety of outdoor experiences, calling to the latent adventure hog that sleeps in all of us: Wild Women Weekends, Map and Compass Skills Day Camps, Stargazing and Owl Hoot Evenings, False Cape Wildlife Adventures, and Wild Foods Foraging/Cooking Camps. Check the online schedule, and sign up for email summer activity alerts. 757-421-3929, www.ecoimages-us.com
 
LOCAL LANDMARK

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
To those heading north or south, it’s a wonder-of-the-world reminder that home is just around the bend. In the summer, locals and tourists alike can be found on its pier, taking advantage of one of the most unique fishing spots in the area. More than just a road—we often take the trip just for the fun and beauty of the experience.

OUTDOOR GUIDE SERVICE

Wild River Outfitters/Wild River Outfitters Touring Company, LLC
Established in 1980, WWO is the leader in kayak and canoe instruction, racing, touring and outfitting. The 2010 schedule is packed with excursions suitable for paddlers with varying levels of skill. Take a half-day trip through Back Bay or the Pocaty River, sign up for overnight or multi-day paddling instruction, or have the good folks at WWO create a custom adventure just for you. Ecological stewardship is a key part of the WWO philosophy, and it’s always safety first.
3636 Virginia Beach Blvd. #108, Virginia Beach. 757-431-8566,
www.wildriveroutfitters.com

SUMMER FEST ACTIVITY

The Tug Boat Contest at Harborfest
At one of the best festivals in Hampton Roads, one of the coolest activities is the annual Tug Boat contest. We like watching the hard working harbor boats show off their skills executing hard turns in the water and lassoing ropes around the mooring. And, if you get there early, they’re always looking for guest judges. 34th Annual Norfolk Harborfest presented by AT&T, at Town Point Park in Norfolk, June 11–13, 2010. www.festeventsva.org

GIRLS’ DAY TRIP

Harbinger Lavender Farm
When Doris Flattum’s business partner wanted out of the business recently, the original Harbinger Lavender Farm, founded in 2003, closed, but it will reopen right next door, smaller but just as fragrant and bee-friendly as ever from mid-June through August. This unique Outer Banks destination features display gardens and a small gift shop filled with utterly unnecessary but completely seductive lavender-based items. 101 Forbes Lane, Harbinger,
N.C. 252-722-3460,
www.harbingerlavender.com

For the rest of this article see the June 2010 issue of Hampton Roads Magazine