Back on the Coast, but WTF?!
757—Oh, how I have missed you.
Me, Brooke and Lunasea | 6/3/23
One-and-a-half years felt like an eternity to live somewhere else for work. While I’ve loved living in Charlottesville, Waynesboro and the rest of the Valley, the region was far from the water. I’m guilty of being a thalassophile, which means I am in love with the beach and being near the ocean.
It’s something about the sand, water, and 757’s hot and humid weather during this time. In fact, the beach was less than 20 minutes away from where I lived as an undergrad. I’ve always loved being able to go to the beach every other weekend and decompress—sunbathe until my tan skin gets hot and sweaty, then take a dive into the water to cool off. The hottest days were annoying, but every afternoon, the constant rain made the day forgiving.
Despite being born and raised in Richmond, VA, I felt like I became a young woman in the Hampton Roads. I made my lifelong friends here, fell in love, prospered in my career and knew I had a purpose to lead in journalism.
Williamsburg is almost 50 minutes away from the water, but at least, I’m back in a place I truly call my home.
PRESS THE BREAKS BECAUSE WHAT IS THIS?!
IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK.
When I began my first week at my job in Williamsburg, I noticed on Tuesday afternoon that it was getting pretty foggy outside. Initially, I assumed it was probably from leftover rain or humidity of some sort, but it hadn’t rained in the area since that last weekend and the surrounding area began to smell like wood burning. Turns out, the smog is reminiscent of the Canadian wildfires that have been happening since over a month ago throughout that country. This is pretty early for wildfires to begin in the season for Canada, as the wildfire season tends to happen from May to October. Due to the uncontrollable nature of the wildfires, the smoke has extended all over the East Coast and Midwest from New York, D.C., Virginia and the Carolinas. Nobody knows for sure how long the smog will last.
I still am suffering from allergies, but other than that, I’m okay.
Despite the gross and disgusting smog, let’s get back to the post.
What to Do
There is plenty to do in the 757 area, especially during the summertime, but here are some of my personal favorites.
Places to See:
Colonial Williamsburg—If you like a small-town vibe, Williamsburg is the way to go. Not only is the College nearby, but you got Busch Gardens and Jamestown as well. Lots of cute restaurants, small business shops and events happening throughout the season.
Williamsburg Premium Outlets—I always go here if I want a good deal out of my shopping sprees. Most of the time, the outlets always have good discounts on clothing. However, the merchandise is hit-or-miss, some clothes have lasted for a long time, but some are low quality and were a waste. But, it never hurts to take a look!
Beaches:
Chic’s (AKA: Chix) Beach—One of my favorite beaches because it faces the Chesapeake Bay and the bay’s bridge. It’s mostly a local area, as opposed to Virginia Beach’s oceanfront, which is a tourist trap. Pro tip: Parking can be tough to find. Make sure to park inside one of the neighborhoods that allow you to park on the grass instead of the roadway.
North End—Another local area that’s quieter and known for bigger waves. I sometimes like to come here with friends to tan out in the sun or for beach photoshoots. Like Chix, you’re going to have to find parking within the neighborhoods or spaces that allow parking for more than two hours!
Sandbridge Beach—This beach is pretty far out, which is why I didn’t go out to this beach very often. VB is such a big city, so from Norfolk to Sandbridge is literally a 45-minute drive. However, the beaches are absolutely QUIET and the waves are often calm! Public parking is found throughout the beach.
Eats:
Buoy 44 Seafood Grill—The to-go spot for food, drinks and chatting with my friends! The restaurant is pretty casual and the price point is too not expensive. Nachos and chicken wings on me!
Capo Capo— I ate at this Italian restaurant after my graduation ceremony. The food is pretty pricey, but Italian food makes AMAZING leftovers. It’s such a fancy restaurant with big portions, especially for a night out with family and friends.
Catch 31 Fish House & Bar—While the Oceanfront is a tourist trap, this fancy restaurant is not. The seafood restaurant is another fancy place if you want to dress up after a day of getting sunburnt on the beach.
Night Out on the Town:
Lunasea VB—I may be biased, but Lunasea VB is my only to-go outdoor nightclub spot whenever I want to go out. By day, it is a restaurant/bar, but by night, it’s a full bar with a dancefloor and a DJ. The outdoor vibe is very laidback, with clubgoers wearing flip-flops instead of stilettos. Like any nightclub, go with your group of friends. There are instances where guys are creepin’ up on girls, but as long as you surround yourself with the people you know, you’ll be fine and you’ll have fun.
The Grain in Norfolk—This bar located within the Hilton Hotel is purely for vibes. No dancing. Just chit-chatting, drinking and listening to good live music. If you’re not broke, this is a perfect place to pre-game (if you will.) The bar has a rooftop on the Hilton Hotel with a pool table, outdoor bonfire and good drinks to choose from. Looking for a romantic date? The Grain. Looking to take pics and gossip with your girlfriends? The Grain, duh.
This dirty smog ruined my first week back in the Hampton Roads.
Time to do a research story on climate change. Off I go…
