Places to Visit Near Regent

Sunny skies and high tides make Virginia Beach and the surrounding areas a perfect spot for end-of-summer explorations. Don’t let the looming piles of homework stop you from enjoying this season. Here are a few of my favorite hidden gems around town!

The Chrysler Museum
In Norfolk, the Chrysler Museum is free to those ready to learn about art! From modern and contemporary paintings to ancient Egyptian artifacts, the Chrysler Museum has art to fascinate everyone in your friend group. When you visit, make sure to read some signs and take lots of pictures of the art and your friends for the full experience! For those musically inclined, the Chrysler also has an old grand piano that can be played upon request.

Friday Night Hoedown
Live at the Virginia Beach Farmers’ Market on Friday nights from 7-10 p.m., this free event is a favorite among locals. Bring a blanket to spread out on the lawn and enjoy watching the sunset while listening to great live music. From blues and polka to traditional country, the band does a great job entertaining the crowd as they line dance the night away, rain or shine. Don’t be shy; join right in!

The Royal Chocolate
Whether you’re looking for a friendly outing or a cute date idea, nothing is sweeter than chocolate. The Royal Chocolate in Town Center offers delicious chocolate and a whimsical, Bavarian-themed shop for a one-of-a-kind chocolate experience. Made with gourmet chocolate, their variety of treats, including chocolate-covered apples, strawberries and pretzels, are just a taste of the creativity within the Royal Chocolate Shop. They also sell truffles in all shapes and sizes!

False Cape State Park & Back Bay Wildlife Refuge
In search of something adventurous? False Cape State Park, located at the far end of Sandbridge beach, provides a great park experience. Only accessible by foot, kayak or bike, the park offers a thriving wildlife exhibit at the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge, beautiful beaches and trails lined with vegetation. Ready to go hard-core camping with your buddies? Their campsite is electricity-free and prime for stargazing!

Waterman’s Surfside Grille
Nestled into the Oceanfront’s boardwalk, Waterman’s is the perfect spot to go out to eat with friends for a classy evening! With a dark interior and nautical theme, guests enjoy a beautiful view of the Atlantic while eating the best seafood in town. Waterman’s is a fantastic place to celebrate life’s big moments, such as a birthday, a friend’s engagement or passing midterms!

Prince Books & The Lizard Cafe
Is there anything better than the smell of coffee and books? Prince Books, located in Norfolk, is a quaint bookshop with all the latest titles. It is excellent for a rainy afternoon with friends when you want to tackle the next book on your reading list. With a restaurant, the Lizard Cafe, connected to the shop, this location makes for an ideal afternoon of reading with a warm coffee and cafe-styled lunch.

Flutterby Soap Company
Located in the Virginia Beach Farmers Market, the Flutterby Soap Company makes their own homemade lotion, lotion bars, salt and sugar scrubs and soap. Products from the Flutterby Soap Company make great gifts for ladies, especially with the cute and quirky names given to each of their signature scents. 

First Landing State Park
Great for hiking and enjoying nature, the First Landing State Park is located near the Oceanfront and has a variety of trails and bridges that go through the trees and wetlands. Pet friendly and a favorite among locals, First Landing is a great place to pack a picnic and enjoy being in nature with friends.

No matter what you enjoy doing, Virginia Beach and the surrounding areas have something for everyone. Use this list to plan a fun event or find your own unique spots around town! 

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Emily Coston

Emily Coston is a staff writer for The Daily Runner.