Every year D and I end up going somewhere new. It’s become sort of a tradition. Especially if D is off for three days straight. This year, when the opportunity presented itself in August, we packed a bag and ran out the door to explore Virginia Beach.

I should preface that we selected Virginia Beach because I spent the entire summer mentioning beach trips I used to take during the summers in California. In other words, I was homesick all summer long. After living in DC for over 5 years now, you’d think I’d be used to the distance.

Our first full day in the area, I pestered D to wake up so we could spend a few hours on the beach. I knew he wanted to sleep in, but I also knew we wouldn’t have much fun under the sun if we didn’t get out the door by 10 am. The moment we arrived, I took in all of the salty coastal air. I relished how the humidity made my hair extra ‘beach’ wavy. I dug my hands and feet deep in the sand and just fell in to that moment of happiness.

I hope next year we’ll have another chance to recharge our batteries with crashing waves and fine sand.

Trip Highlights

• Hotel: Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel and Waterfront Conference Center
• Bar: Baron’s Pub & Restaurant –> Awesome late night menu plus live-music
• Restaurant: Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant –> Average buffet seafood spot
• Museum: Nauticus and Battleship Wisconsin –> Totally worth it if you’re a museum fan
• Activity: Sailing cruise on the American Rover –> Check first if they have a Living Social/Groupon deal going on.
  

  First day at the beach! I was so excited to dig my feet in the sand.

  

  No shoes, no shirt, no problem! We’re at the beach!

  

  On our first day at the beach. Derek is enjoying his time lying around. =P

  

  

  Took a ferry to Norfolk from Portsmouth. It was only $2.50 per ride and way more convenient than driving.

  

  My first time on a sail boat. I’m pretty sure it’s D’s first time too.

  

  

  

  Beautiful sunset on our 3 hr trip through the Elizabeth River

  

  My LOML taking a snooze

  

  Second day at the beach.

  

  

  On our final day we went to Nauticus, a maritime museum. There we toured the Battleship Wisconsin.