I’ll Take the Beach Any Day – Virginia Beach

Seeing the ocean adds years to my life! I’m calmer, more relaxed, and at peace. Life isOcean Sands Resort Virginia Beach
less stressful. How could I see things less than perfect when the soothing waves are crashing next to me, the sand is warm and soft below my feet, and the ocean smell is in the air? Marketing companies should create a beach scent that is vented through office buildings. I bet they would make billions.

The DNC was in Charlotte this week and Darren was asked to work from home; we saw it as an opportunity to travel somewhere new. The only requirement was wired internet access in the room so Darren could work during the day while Athena and I explored the area. We could scope out the hot spots and show “Dad” our favorites in the evening and on the weekend. It was an excellent plan!

Ocean Sands Resort Virginia BeachWe chose Virginia Beach since Virginia was one of the only states I hadn’t visited and I was missing the home feeling of being on the water. Ocean Sands Resort is located directly on the 3 mile boardwalk and the ocean is a stone’s throw away from the rooms. With daily activities, oceanfront property, free internet, and a kitchenette, it was exactly what we were looking for.

On arrival, we found out that parking was not only free but a space was reserved for us. We didn’t have to worry about searching endlessly for a spot or paying over-priced parking charges. I knew I made a good choice from that moment and it was continuously confirmed throughout our stay.

Our room was on the third floor and it had an unbelievable ocean view. I watched the sun rise daily and walked along the boardwalk every morning. Athena enjoyed the slight breeze against her face and the fresh air all around her. With a child’s inquisitive nature alive and well within her, she was constantly turning her head to see the new, surrounding world. I could also see the dolphins playing from the bedroom window. While Athena had her afternoon nap, I laid in the bed next to her and enjoyed the wonders of the sea. Surfers and boogie boarders had a more up-close view of the dolphins as they rode the waves, but I was content to experience it all from a bird’s eye view.

Ocean Sands Resort Virginia BeachWhen Athena was asleep at night, Darren and I relaxed together in the living room area. The setup was superior for the needs of parents; she could follow her regular schedule and we were not disrupting her by being in the same room. The setup also worked well during the day when Darren was working. He could have private space even when Athena and I were inside.

We spend our last night at Ocean Sands Resort enjoying a leisurely walk along the boardwalk as a family. The sun was setting behind the resorts, the weather was perfect, and entertainment surrounded us. We took Athena to the water and splashed her feet in the waves. With wide-eyed wonder, she hesitantly let the waves rush over her feet.

Ocean Sands Resort Virginia BeachI didn’t let my mind wander; I wanted to take it all in; I wanted to live in the moment. I realized that being on the beach with my daughter and husband was the accumulation of all of my hopes and dreams for life.

When we returned to the room, I felt as if I’d been at the spa. I was in an overall state of euphoria. If I had to live a Groundhog Day, I’d chose that last day at Ocean Sands Resort. We were rejuvenated and as deeply in love as the day we were married, only now that love encompassed Athena as well.

97 thoughts on “I’ll Take the Beach Any Day – Virginia Beach

  1. I could not agree more. There is nothing like being near the ocean. It changes me for the better every time. Glad you and your family are having a nice time 🙂

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  2. Yes, what is it about the beach/ocean/water that is so calming and has the power to add years? I absolutely love it too. Your pictures are great…can’t believe how big your baby girl is getting already.

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  3. Athena – the goddess of heroic endeavor. I believe that your daughter Athena will have a full and fun life with an adventurous mom like you. Love the toes in the sand pic, how precious.

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  4. Looks like a fun trip! I visited Virginia Beach with my mom and siblings two summers ago and we also stayed right on the boardwalk. Highlights that I remember were renting bicycles from our hotel with my siblings and seeing someone propose to his girlfriend by writing in the sand. VA is one of my favorite east coast beaches because it’s one of the first “warm-water” beaches when you’re heading down the coast from my home in Pittsburgh. I have been spoiled this summer with Thai beaches but maybe next year I will head to VA Beach again!

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  5. This makes me homesick for the Florida beaches. You little girl is too cute – such a nice family you have and a special beach memory. I know how you feel – the beach does it to me too!

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  6. The beach is definitely magical in its restorative powers. I don’t understand it, but I sure do appreciate it. I live so close and yet don’t get down to the water’s edge near enough. Perhaps I need to put it on my weekly schedule – I’m sure it would be the peaceful experience that you found it to be! Thanks for sharing.

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  7. Beautifully stated. We made some sacrifices to move to coastal NC. Best move ever! When I need a beach therapy day, I drop the kids at school and head to the beach. The shore is hypnotic.

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  8. Couldn’t agree with you more. Ocean air, a walk along a strand of gleaming sand as the sun rises along the Atlantic, I can smell the salt air and feel the warmth of the first rays of light. For years my family and I have visited Lauderdale-by-the-Sea in February to renew ourselves and escape the winter darkness and cold of Toronto. I swear it has added 10 years or more to my life.

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  9. I take my 2 dogs across the fields, up through the woods and down to a little cove on The Helford estuary in Cornwall nearly every day, the dogs finish off with a swim in the sea. We love it and our day is never quite as good if I can’t start it in this way!

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  10. There really is NOTHING like the beach….guaranteed to relax even the most wound up Type A! The breeze, the salt, the sand…..bliss! We are blessed to live only across the bridge (10 min), I don’t know what I’ll do if we ever move away!!!! Isn’t telecommuting the BOMB!????!!!

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