Top 4 Spring Activities

With spring approaching, it’s time to start planning fun activities to do now that the weather is warming up. While the beach is always a good option, there are also tons of other fun things to do in Hampton Roads. Here are just 4 fun activities to do this spring. 

Paddleboarding 

Chesapean Outdoors, with locations off Cape Henry and Longhorn Bay, offers many different water activities and is a great diversion to do with friends. Some of their most popular activities are kayaking, paddleboarding and dolphin tours offered through First Landing State Park. You can also be your own tour guide and rent their water equipment. Last semester, a group of friends and I rented paddleboards from Chesapean Outdoors and had a memorable time learning new skills thanks to the wonderful staff there. For anyone looking to take things to the next level, Chesapean Outdoors also gives 2-hour surf lessons. They have longboards on hand, or you can bring your own board as you work with an experienced instructor. Their services can be pricey for a college student—the dolphin tours are $60 per person—however, it’s a great experience for a special event or team bonding.

Farmers Market 

Try the Virginia Beach Farmers Market and enjoy the sunshine if you’re in the market for fresh produce. Open year-round, the market is located about halfway between Regent University and Sandbridge and the perfect way to support local businesses. The vendors are set up selling their products, including fruits, vegetables, meats, flowers, and sweet treats. 

The Farmer’s Market also offers special events throughout the year. On March 19, they are hosting a Celebrate Agriculture event, which will feature a craft show, carnival, food and music. Toward the end of the semester, on May 14, the Strawberry Jamboree will take place.

Whether you’re looking to grab some fresh food to cook for dinner or pick-up dessert on your way to the beach, the Virginia Beach Farmers Market is a fantastic place to visit this spring.  

Boating & Hiking

Spring means warmer weather, and there is no better way to celebrate sunny days than exploring nature. Northwest River Park is a great place to take a group of friends and spend the day relaxing and recharging. 

Only 20 minutes from campus, Northwest River offers many fun activities. They offer places to fish and campgrounds for anyone looking for an overnight or weekend adventure. Boat and Kayak rentals are available Monday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and there is also a boat ramp and dock if you have your own.

If you’re not a fan of the water, there are also many trails for hiking and biking on dry land. No matter what you’re looking for, Northwest River Park is a wonderful way to enjoy the sun, breathe in the fresh air and take a break from exams and essays for a day. 

Thrifting

Thrifting is a fun way to find super cute things at a lower cost. One of my favorite antique thrift shops is Vintage Trixie’s. Run by a husband and wife duo, the husband manages the store while his wife makes many of the articles for sale. They offer a large selection of gemstones, records, books, stickers, matchbox cars, and patches. They also host a treasure trove of jewelry such as earrings from the 1980s, poison rings, and vintage lockets. 

After you’ve exhausted the many layers found inside, you can step outside into the courtyard where they have other antique treasures like trunks, lamps and milk crates. With new materials coming in regularly, Vintage Trixie’s is a great place to visit and continually be surprised by unique treasures. 

The shop is open Wednesday-Sunday and is located about 15 minutes south of campus in Chesapeake. They will be hosting the 2022 Vintage Trixie Curiosity Fair in August so if you’re a geek for antiques make sure to stop by their event over the summer!

Virginia Beach is full of exciting activities to do, especially in the spring as the weather starts to get sunnier and warmer. Explore the places I’ve highlighted or be adventurous and discover your own. While school and work should always be a priority, it is also important to take breaks when you need them and find ways to have fun as you finish out the semester well.