Adam Thoroughgood House is a restored brick home from the 17th century. A prime example of early Virginia architecture, it consists of four partially furnished rooms and a garden out back. Located at 1636 Parish Road, Virginia Beach. 757-460-0007.
Admission fee. Combination ticket available for Thoroughgood, Myers, Willoughby-Baylor houses & Chrysler Museum.

The Old Coast Guard Station is housed in a restored Coast Guard station from 1903 and shows the history of the Coast Guard and other lifesaving services along with exhibits on the shipwrecks that have occurred off Virginia's coast. 24th Street and Atlantic Ave. 757-422-1587. Admission fee.

Virginia Marine Science Museum Virginia's marine environment is represented through 800,000 gallons of aquariums, live animal habitats, more than 300 hands-on exhibits, 1/3 -mile nature trail, ½-acre aviary, and "larger than life" movies on the IMAX 3D movie screen. Admission fees.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel links Virginia Beach and the Eastern Shore. More than just a tunnel, the system uses bridges and manmade islands to effect the crossing. Can be viewed from any of the Chesapeake beaches. For toll and other information call: 757-624-3511 or 757-331-2960. Restaurant/Gift Shop (seasonal). Fishing Pier: 7 days a week, year-round.

The Francis Land House started life as a plantation house in the 18th century. Tour guides in period dress tell about the Land Family and plantation life in their day. Has gardens, special exhibits, events, and museum shop. Open year-round. 3131 Virginia Beach Blvd. 757-431-4000.

Cape Henry Lighthouses. The old lighthouse marked the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay from 1791 until it was replaced by the new lighthouse in 1881. The old lighthouse is open for visitors to climb and gain a view of Virginia Beach and the Chesapeake Bay. In Fort Story. 4 miles east of US 13 via US 60, then 2.75 miles northeast on SR305 at Fort Story. 757-422-9421.

Contemporary Art Center of Virginia focuses mainly on art of the 20th century, with changing exhibits of American and international works from our age. 2200 Parks Avenue, Virginia Beach. 757-425-0000.

Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek is home to the Navy Seals operating with the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Tours may be available. The main gate is located on Shore Drive. For more information, call 757-462-7923.

Oceana Naval Air Station is one of the U.S. Navy's four main air bases. Currently the East Coast fighter squadrons are based here. Seasonal tours are available. The main gate is on Oceana Boulevard in Virginia Beach. Bus leaves Fri-Wed 9:30, 11:30, 2:30 from 24th and Atlantic. 757-433-3131.

Association For Research And Enlightenment is the international headquarters for the work of Edgar Cayce, one of America's best known psychics and often referred to as the "father of holistic health." A must-see for anyone interested in ESP, meditation, and spiritual healing. 67th Street and Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach. 757-428-3588.

Battle Of The Capes Monument George Washington defeated the British Army at Yorktown, but he couldn't have done it without the assistance of the French fleet. The 24 French ships fought off the British fleet's attempt to extract General Cornwallis and his 7,500 troops. This monument commemorates this crucial Revolutionary War sea battle. The Battle of The Capes monument shares a place at Fort Story with the First Landing Site, a memorial marking the first landing of the Jamestown settlers in 1607.

Mount Trashmore is, as the name implies, made of trash. This former landfill was covered with soil years ago and is now one of the highest and steepest hills in the Hampton Roads area. A thick carpet of grass and a well-maintained playground make it an enjoyable place to have a picnic or just walk around (and in the winter, this is the only place to go sledding). 300 Edwin Drive, Virginia Beach. 757-497-2157.

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Seashore State Park consists of 2,270 acres of protected landscape stretching along the coast. Visitors hiking on any of the park's 28 miles of hiking trails can see rabbits, raccoons, and a variety of other animals that inhabit the preserve. Park admission per vehicle, free to hikers and bikers. Visitors' Center open 9am-6pm daily April through November. Trails open daily dawn to dusk. Call 757-482-2131.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge features nature trails and canoe launching spots, complete with trail markers to guide canoers through the marshes. Open daily from 9am to 5pm, the park also has 3 miles of hiking trails. Admission per vehicle, and/or per pedestrian or biker. Call 757-721-2412.

Virginia Beach Fishing/Sightseeing offers deep sea fishing, sightseeing, and dolphin/whalewatching trips as well as oceanfront cruises. 200 Winston-Salem Avenue. 757-422-5700 for more information.

Virginia Marine Science Center, in the winter, charters whale watching trips from January to February. The 2-hour trips are staffed by professionals who put on educational programs and answer questions. Boats sail from Rudee Inlet Friday through Monday. The Center also has dolphin watching trips from June to October, also staffed by experts who can answer almost any question, these trips depart from Rudee Inlet daily from mid-June to Labor Day. Reservations required. Call 757-437-4949.

Ocean Breeze Fun Park is a conglomeration of four parks - Wildwater Rapids, Motorworld, Shipwreck Golf, and Strike Zone--, each offering its own brand of recreation. Water speed slides, inner tube courses, go-cart racing, 36 holes of miniature golf, and batting cages just some of the activities. Hours vary by season. Located a mile and a half south of Rudee Inlet on General Booth Boulevard in Virginia Beach, just down the road from the Virginia Marine Science Museum. 757-425-1241.

Virginia Beach Fishing Pier is between 14th and 15th streets. The pier rents out fishing rods and sells bait. Open for fishing April through October. 757-428-2333.

Wild River Outfitters Sea kayaking trips and canoeing trips and tours throughout coastal Virginia. Certified paddling school. International adventure travel. 757-431-8566.

~ Virginia Beach Golf ~

Hell's Point Golf Club is regarded by the American Society of Golf Course Architects to be one of the 65 best-designed golf courses in the United States. Located near the water at 2700 Atwood Rd, Virginia Beach. 757-721-3400.

Cypress Point is a 18 hole, par-72 golf course located at 5340 Club Head Road in Virginia Beach, just off Cypress Point Blvd. 757-490-8822.

Bow Creek 18 holes, par-70. 3425 Clubhouse Road, Virginia Beach 757-431-3763.

Honey Bee 18 holes, par 70. 5016 South Independence, Virginia Beach. 757-471-2768.

Kempsville Greens 18 holes, par 70. 4840 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach. 757-474-8441.

Owl's Creek 18 holes, par 62. 411 South Birdneck Road, Virginia Beach. 757-428-2800.

Red Wing Lake 18 holes, par 72. 1080 Prosperity Road, Virginia Beach. 757-437-4845.

Stumpy Lake 18 holes, par 72. 4796 East Indian River Road, Virginia Beach. 757-467-6119.

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Virginia Beach nightlife is concentrated along the oceanfront on Atlantic and Pacific Avenues. Hot spots change frequently, so asking around is the best way of finding the latest "in" place. Also popular at times are the Officers' Clubs at Oceana and Ft. Story.

The Virginia Beach Pavilion Convention Center is home to a variety of talented orchestras and theatrical groups. The Commonwealth Musical Stage (757-340-5446) plays here, as well as the Virginia Beach Pavilion Theater (757-437-4774). Located at 1000 19th St, Virginia Beach.

Thoroughgood Inn Comedy Club features a full-service restaurants to provide audiences with high quality food while they enjoy stand-up comedy by nationally known performers. Housed in Pembroke Meadows Shopping Center at Pembroke Avenue and Independence Boulevard. Visit www.vbcomedyclub.com or call 757-460-8399 for reservations and information. Located at 4801 Shore Dr , Suites H-I, Va Beach VA 23455, in the Bayside Shopping Center, open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

Little Theater of Virginia Beach is a local group with a varied repertoire of stage productions from musicals to drama. The theater can be found on the corner of 24th Street and Barberton Drive in Virginia Beach. 757-428-9233.

Virginia Beach Amphitheater. This newly-constructed concert venue attracts some of the biggest-name performers in the world. Performances are given year round, so for a schedule, call 757-671-8100. Located at Princess Anne and Dam Neck, Virginia Beach.

The NorVa- It is a music-lover’s fantasyland. The NorVa is located at 317 Monticello Ave. in downtown Norfolk, VA. We are right across the street from MacArthur Mall and just a few blocks from Waterside. The venue and its box office are only open on show days. The NorVa concert line is (757) 627-4500. You can reach the Box Office and the Production Office by calling (757) 627-4547.

The Scope. Opened in 1971, Norfolk Scope is the host to a wide variety of events, including Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey Circus, conventions, concerts and family shows. Scope is proud to be the home of the Norfolk Admirals of the AHL and Arena Racing USA. It is located at 201 E. Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510, call 757-664-6464 for more information.

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For those travelers who want to shop, the Virginia Beach area is rich in malls and shopping centers. Listed below are a few of the major shopping attractions in the area. We've emphasized large, multi-store locations of general interest, but Virginia Beach also has its share of curio shops and specialty boutiques.

Lynnhaven Mall is one of the largest malls on the East Coast, housing a huge collection of department stores, restaurants, specialty shops, and 11 movie theaters. Located at 701 Lynnhaven Parkway.

Pembroke Mall was the first mall in Virginia Beach, and still holds its own among all the newcomers. Includes stores like Sears, Uptons, Proffitt's, and eight new movie theaters. Located on the corner of Virginia Beach and Independence Boulevards.

The Resort Area isn't its own shopping center, but it features so many shops, galleries, and boutiques in a concentrated area. The stores of the resort area are scattered about the space between 2nd and 40th streets.

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Virginia Beach Events 2008

These events are designed to enhance the experiences of visitors to the city, as well as allow citizens to enjoy cultural, recreational and lifelong learning opportunities. The list of beach events is subject to change.

For updated events information, please call 1-800-VA-BEACH (1-800-822-3224) or visit the Beach Events website at www.beachstreetusa.com.

The Virginia Beach Pavilion Convention Center is home to a variety of talented orchestras and theatrical groups. The Commonwealth Musical Stage (757-340-5446) plays here, as well as the Virginia Beach Pavilion Theater (757-437-4774). Located at 1000 19th St, Virginia Beach.

February
Millennium Chess Festival- February 29-March 2

April
Cruisin' Virginia Beach Auto & Motorcycle Super Show, presented by Eastern Truck & Accessories
- April 26

May
Atlantic Coast Kite Festival- May 3
Charles Barker Toyota Monsters on the Beach- May 9-11
PANorama Caribbean Music Fest- May 9-11
Neptune's Spring International Wine Tasting- May 17
Redskins Beach Blitz- May 17-18
Beach Music Weekend, presented by The Oceanfront Inn May- 15-18
Remember the Music-Remember the Heroes- May 23-25

June
Hardee's Latin Fest presented by Selecta 1050 WVXX- June 6-7
Viva Elvis and the Legends of Rick & Roll- June 19-21

July
Stars & Stripes Explosion- July 4
Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge- July 12

August
Soul Music Beachfest- August 22-23
Verizon Wireless American Music Festival - August 29-31
Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon- August 31

September
Blues at the Beach- September 12-14
Festa Italiana- September 19-20

October
Oktober Brewfest- October 11-12

Holiday
Holiday Parade at the Beach- December 6
McDonald's Holiday Lights at the Beach, Presented by Verizon Wireless- November 20-January 1,2009

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