Virginia Beach KOA

The weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are filled to overflowing with shopping, decorating and baking. While it’s a wonderful time of the year, it can be hectic and stressful. Take a relaxing break from your busy schedule by treating yourself to an afternoon tea in Virginia Beach. [caption id="attachment_1828" align="alignleft" width="313"] via VisitVirginiaBeach.com[/caption] Christmas Tea Party One option is to attend a Christmas Tea Party at the Simply Fresh Café at Town Center. Dress up in holiday apparel and enjoy three courses of goodies with soothing, refreshing cups of tea. It will be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on December 2, 9 and 16. Admission is $15 and the address is 180 Central Park Avenue. The English Rose Tea Room When you enter The English Rose Tea Room , you’ll immediately be charmed by its quaint beauty. Picture yourself sipping tea out of lovely china cups and nibbling on scrumptious scones with clotted cream, as well as fancy fi

Favorite holiday events include parades and concerts. You can enjoy both on the weekend of December 2 and 3. [caption id="attachment_1822" align="alignleft" width="315"] via Beach Street USA[/caption] Holiday Parade at the Beach What would the Christmas season be like without the lighted floats, marching bands, performing dance groups and equestrian units of a parade? This year’s extravaganza, a cherished Virginia Beach tradition, is scheduled for December 2. The parade will offer dazzling entertainment for all ages. It starts at 5 30 p.m., and the location is on Atlantic Avenue between 15 th and 25 th Streets. Home for the Holidays Concert After the parade is over, you’ll probably have time to make it to the Home for the Holidays Concert , which will be held from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on December 2 in the Virginia Beach Convention Center. It’s a USO-style show that is guaranteed to make your spirits bright. If you miss Saturday’s concert, you can catch t

The season of joy gets underway on November 17 at Virginia Beach with the Holiday Lights at the Beach . [caption id="attachment_1818" align="alignleft" width="315"] via Hampton Roads Visitor[/caption] Locals and visitors alike look forward to this annual event that ushers in the six weeks that are most people’s favorite time of year. Called the “enchanted seaside mile,” it consists of a fantasy of lights that extends from 8 th to 22 nd streets. This year’s display will set the beach and boardwalk aglow with 50 of the most popular displays. In addition to Christmas themes, such as a 40-foot tall Christmas tree, the show will include frolicking porpoises and jumping dolphins. More than 30,000 people make the light show one of their holiday traditions. It’s such a wonderful exhibit that the American Bus Association listed it in their “Top 100 events in North America for 2011.” Hours are from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. nightly until December 31. Admission is $4 per

There is something about a farmers’ market that is hard to resist. Our city has two of them that are filled with good eats. [caption id="attachment_1809" align="alignleft" width="314"] via Military Town Advisor[/caption] Virginia Beach Farmers’ Market The Virginia Beach Farmers’ Market carries farm-fresh produce and baked goods, as well as honey, jams and pickles. In addition, it features a seafood market, butcher shop, organic grocer, florist, ice cream shop and candy store. Each month, it hosts a special event. This month’s gala, called Thanksgiving with all the Trimmings , will be held on November 18. It will include live music, food trucks and a crafts show. At 11 a.m., a demonstration on how to carve a turkey will be provided. Patrons will also have the opportunity to make a Christmas card for a veteran. No admission is charged, but please bring a nonperishable food item for the Food Bank. Hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday,

Fall in the perfect time for hiking. As you tread over crackling, colorful leaves and savor the invigorating, cool temperatures, it just feels good to be alive. [caption id="attachment_1795" align="alignleft" width="318"] via Wander the Map[/caption] Virginia Beach is the ideal place for hikes because it offers an array of trails in beautiful settings. Below are our two top recommendations: First Landing State Park , located by the Chesapeake Bay, has 20 miles of hiking trails. The quietude and varied scenery make it rewarding to visit. Some of the best-rated easy trails include the Cape Henry Trail, Osmanthus Trail, Bald Cyprus Trail and High Dune Trail. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge has two trails that total 8 miles. This area isn’t crowded, and it provides opportunities to see migratory birds and other wildlife. The Beaches and Dikes Trail leads to False Cape State Park, but due to its difficulty, it’s suited for experienced hikers. Holiday Ev