About Virginia Beach's Northend

Virginia Beach has been once again acknowledged as one of the country's Best Places to Buy! Check out this article: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=8296067&page=1 written by Elisabeth Leamy and Sheila Evans and published on August 11, 2009. As featured on ABC News and Good Morning America, Virginia Beach was identified in the TOP FIVE!! The article credits the city's beautiful beach, three military bases, and steady employment all contributing to making this wonderful city by the sea a great place to buy a home. As a Virginia Beach native, I can personally attest to the diverse cultural and historical heritage that makes calling this home a pleasure and honor.

Want to get up close and personal with the abundant dolphin population that graces the coast of Virginia Beach? The Virginia Beach Aquarium offers 90 minute cruises to view the bottleneck dophins in their natural habitat. The Aquarium has studied these magnificent dolphins for years to learn more about their habits, migration patterns and life history. Their cruise, which leaves from Rudee Inlet Harbor, Virginia Beach Fishing Center, 200 Winston Salem Ave, is both fun and educational. The 2008 summer rates were just $18.00 for adult (12 and over) and $14.00 per child (11 and under). Tours run April through October. Whenever I have out-of-town company, this is always up on the list of recreational activities. I confess, however, I love it so much I have been known to take the cruise by myself, just to get my water and dolphin fix! The boat gently cruises offshore up the resort strip, sometimes as far as the Fort Story lighthouses! In addition to the informative dolphin watching, you get an unparalleled view of the hotels and North End homes. Call (757) 385-FISH to book your tickets today, or visit www.VirginiaAquarium.com for more information.

I have returned home to Virginia Beach after nearly two decades in sunny southern California. One of my favorite passions was rollerblading the boardwalk along Venice Beach. The meandering sidewalk is flanked on one side by the sparkling waters of the Pacific and accompanied on the other by entertainers and street vendors of the most original sort. Better than any gym - you can exercise, rest in the warm sand, and fill your belly with exotic treats.

I was delighted to experience the expanded Oceanfront Boardwalk upon my return to Virginia Beach. Forty blocks of pristine pavement lends itself to rollerblading, walkers, and bikers. Just keep out a watchful eye for the bike "carts!" With a separate, parallel bike path there is plenty of room for everyone to enjoy a day in the sunshine, watching the dolphins, boats, and parasailers in the deep blue Atlantic. Where Venice Beach embraces a bohemian atmosphere, Virginia Beach invites locals and tourists alike to enjoy the many offerings of food, beverage, and entertianment provided by the array of hotels, shops, and restaurants along the Strip. The City of Virginia Beach works hard to make sure there is an ongoing array of concerts, sporting events such as beach volleyball tournaments, and festivals every weekend during the season.

There is an advantage Virginia Beach has even over southern California - and that is the water temperature! From June through early October you can swim in the warm Atlantic Ocean. No need for wet suits, just bring your boogie board. If you're a true surfer, the Pacific has your heart. Prefer your water from the boat? Rudee Inlet Harbor has anything you need. You can rent a charter, or simply catch a ride for the price of a ticket on one of the Virginia Aquarium Whale and Dolphin watching cruises that go out every couple of hours. All in all, Virginia Beach has one of the most spectacular Oceanfront Boardwalk experiences in the country! Come see for yourself.

This week's Today show unveiled Best Life's Top Places to Raise a Family and Virginia Beach placed SECOND!! We were just behind Honolulu, Hawaii. The study was based on a variety of economic, cultural, and educational opportunities. It disregarded weather, to have a variety of geographical areas represented throughout the U.S. This would be a great article for anyone considering a move to Virginia Beach. It cited our stable economy, low inflation and low unemployment rates, and praised our bounty of recreational activities and great schools. Made me feel proud to call Virginia Beach home!