Need a Digital Detox?
Try a 48-hour unplug in Virginia Beach
By Megan Shearin, Virginia Beach CVB
If you’re like most Americans, finding time to unplug from work in today’s digital world can be challenging. In fact, a recent survey from the U.S. Travel Association found that 40 percent of workers will leave vacation days on the table in 2014.
2015 is the start of a new year, a year where health and well-being will not be sacrificed. So, the next time you’re feeling like you need a digital detox from social media, email and all the other stimuli surrounding you, shake things up a bit and unplug in Virginia Beach for 48 hours. Here are a few ideas to give your brain a much-needed break:
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Mild Temperatures = Outdoor Adventure
Virginia Beach’s mild winter weather means it’s always prime time to be outside at one of Virginia Beach’s nature parks. Explore First Landing State Park, Virginia’s most-visited state park, offering 20 miles of hiking and bike trails. Don’t forget to take advantage of monthly educational programs that include hiking, surf fishing and animal tracking – fun for the whole family. Instead of looking at a screen, bike through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge or False Cape State Park, and discover miles of unspoiled beaches in an ocean-to-freshwater bay habitat, barrier islands, dunes, freshwater marshes, maritime forests, ponds and ocean beaches.
Eat, Think and Be Merry
Calm waves and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets can be found at the Chesapeake Bay, which is home to multiple seafood restaurants and decks overlooking gorgeous views of the Lynnhaven Inlet. Push the off switch and spend the day walking the shores, or pack a beach chair and a good book and listen to waves gently crash ashore. For the foodies in the family, the unique combination of southern flavor and coastal cuisine will leave your taste buds satisfied. Engage in first-person conversations and dine on fresh Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, salty Lynnhaven oysters, or just-caught fish such as Croaker, Flounder, Red Drum, Sea Bass and Speckled Trout. And don’t forget to ask for extra melted butter – and cocktail sauce.
Drop A Line
Known as the “striped bass capital of the world,” fall and winter are some of the best months for fishing in Virginia Beach. Massive schools of rockfish can be found just miles off shore. An added bonus is that many restaurants will cook the succulent fish caught straight from your boat. The day starts early, so make sure to grab a good cup of coffee before heading out the door. Layers of warm clothing, sunglasses and gloves are a must for fishing this time of year. While gazing off into the horizon as your boat trolls along, don’t be surprised to spot humpback whales, dolphins, seals or seabirds. We welcome all types of visitors at Virginia Beach.
Use the New Year to make your well-being a priority. Cut the cord from the digital world, recharge your battery and unplug in Virginia Beach.
