Perhaps you hit the beach a little too hard on day one and you’re looking for relief from that glorious lobster-colored “tan” (don’t worry, we’re sure it will darken too). We know not everyone wants to be beach ridden for their entire vacation—so here are some awesome things you can do that will make you forget the very existence of the beach in Virginia Beach!
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Discover whether you possess ESP powers
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Used by permission–Edgar Cayce Foundation
1. Edgar Cayce’s Association for Research and Enlightenment: Edgar Cayce was the father of holistic medicine. He also pioneered info relating to reincarnation, dream interpretation, ESP and meditation. Whether you find this stuff weird or fascinating, at A.R.E., you can discover how Cayce’s findings are still being used today. They will be opening their new de Laski Education Center on June 27, as well as unveiling the renovations made to their hospital building. Check out their website for a complete schedule of events!
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Get some relief from the no-touching rule of most museums
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(CC) Virginia MOCA
2. Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art: The Virginia MOCA was spawned from the annual Virginia Beach Boardwalk Art Show, which began in 1952 and is now the museum’s largest fundraiser. The museum features a series of regularly changing exhibitions in place of a permanent collection with free programs and workshops. Each exhibition has an interactive learning component with a very hands-on approach. There’s an awesome outdoor sculpture garden and a 14-foot glass chandelier created by the world-famous glass artist Dale Chihuly, one of only 15 in the world!
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Up close and personal with dragons and stingrays
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(CC) Ian Scott – Fotolia.com
3. Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center: With habitats including the exotic Malaysian peat swamp, Sahara Desert, and Indonesia’s islands, as well as the Marsh Pavilion, a local natural-habitat, you’ll see everything from Komodo dragons to river otters. The research and conservation branch of the aquarium takes care of the Stranding Response Program, which rescues injured or distressed seals, dolphins, whales, and sea turtles from the local Virginia Beach shores. Don’t miss your opportunity to pet a stingray!
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Who thought a landfill couldn’t feel idyllic?
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(CC) @Beth22lm on Instagram
4. Mount Trashmore Park: This park was literally built on top of a mountain of trash—in its past life this lovely park was a landfill. The Kids Cove Playground is sure to please even the mopiest kid, and you can send your angsty teen to the skate park in the northeast corner to hang out with some of the pro skaters who frequent this Virginia Beach destination. This summer be sure to catch an outdoor, family-friendly #MovieInThePark on Friday nights!
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A secret treasure trove of the best art on the East Coast
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(CC) Chrysler Museum Press Room
5. The Chrysler Museum: The New York Times has described the Chrysler’s permanent collection as “one any museum in the world would kill for,“ with over 30,000 pieces spanning over 5,000 years of world history. There are works by Monet, Degas, Cézanne and the Tiffany glass collection creates an incredible rainbow effect on the room. The museum is located in Norfolk, a 20-minute drive from Virginia Beach but it is well worth the visit to see one of the greatest art collections on the East Coast.
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Pick up lunch and Virginia Beach souvenirs you’ll want to keep for yourself
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(CC) arinahabich – Fotolia.com
6. Virginia Beach Farmers Market: Stroll the farmers’ market and pick up all the freshest local ingredients for a perfect picnic (at Mount Trashmore perhaps?) There are plenty of organic groceries and for dessert we suggest picking up some handmade ice cream. Food is not the only draw to come here–don’t forget to pick up some unique artisanal souvenirs for your loved ones at home–after all, who wants a Virginia Beach t-shirt?
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Rescue Operations circa 1903-style
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7. Old Coast Guard Station: The former U.S. Life Saving Station built in 1903 now houses this museum, still right on the ocean. It contains artifacts and photos detailing rescue missions that saved the lives of hundreds of shipwreck victims off the Virginia Beach coast. Be sure to take a look at the upper windows of the lookout tower before going in–you might see someone who isn’t really there–that’s right, the station is definitely haunted. The museum has a ghost walk program called “Shipwrecks & Ghost Lore” every Tuesday and Thursday if you want to find out all the creepy tidbits.
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Winding stairwells stamped with Washington’s seal of approval
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(CC) M01229 CC BY
8. Cape Henry Lighthouse: The Cape Henry Lighthouse has stood proudly near the “First Landing” site of the Jamestown settlers since its completion in 1792. It was the first federal construction project under the Constitution, authorized by George Washington. It is one of the oldest surviving lighthouses in the United States, fully automated since 1983 and still in use today. Visitors can climb to the top to enjoy the views! Remember to bring federal ID since the lighthouse is located on a military base.