A couple weeks ago I went on a weekend trip to Virginia Beach. I have been to different parts of Virginia but never Virginia Beach, so I was excited to explore a new area. I had a short flight from Philadelphia to Norfolk followed by a quick 20-minute ride to my hotel. My driver took the scenic route from the airport so I could see more of the destination.
I was staying at Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront and had a jam-packed weekend planned. The hotel was stunning, I had a beautiful room with a great view of the beach and the ocean. I got to enjoy my room for a little bit but then had to get ready for a trip to the hotel across the street for a distillery tour.
The Cavalier Hotel is one of the oldest resorts in the area and is the only hotel in the United States with a distillery. Our group took a tour of the distillery and learned how they make the whiskey, bourbon and other spirits. After the tour we went in the tasting room and got to sample some of the spirits. I am not normally a fan of whiskey or bourbon, but I really enjoyed the tasting.
After the tour, we went back to the Marriott for dinner at Orion’s Roof. We got prime seating and enjoyed dinner with a stunning view of the beach and sunset. After a busy day, I was really tired, so I got ready for bed and watched a movie in my room.
The next day we had another busy day. We started the day exploring Virginia Beach’s Boardwalk Art Show, going on for 65 years. Once we saw all of the art show, we enjoyed lunch in the Beach Club’s VIP section. The food was amazing, and the entertainment was great. When we had finished lunch, we headed to Virginia Beach Aquarium. I love aquariums, so I was so excited to explore.

Later that night we had a beautiful picnic on the beach provided by The VB Picnic Co. The company sets up the picnic for your group and then comes back to clean up when you are done. The picnic comes with a delicious charcuterie board, flavored seltzers and a great venue. Our picnic ended with a stunning sunset, and we even saw some dolphins out in the ocean.
I had a great time during my trip and am already planning my next vacation to Virginia Beach to explore the things I didn’t get to see.
— Mary Melnick, social media and editorial coordinator
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