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A Remarkable Vacation |
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Whether you prefer a quiet getaway or a fun-filled adventure, you don't always have to go to Disney World to have a memorable experience.� You are able to find tranquility and excitement here at the oceanfront, in Virginia Beach, Virginia.� This miniature Coney Island has been one of the most influential places in Virginia because of it's diversity. |
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When the weather gets warm, there are endless activities to enjoy at the oceanfront.� The great thing about the beach is that the majority of the entertainment available is cost-free.� Different venues such as live music, dancing, and festivals are free to view; that should be good news to any visitor or local resident, especially if the budget is tight.� On the weekends you can listen to original melodies and classic favorites from local bands that line every other block along Atlantic Avenue, which is the main street that lays closet to the ocean.� The boardwalk also has several pit-stops along the actual strip where live acts perform.� One of these stops includes the 24th street Park.� The park is basically an outdoor stage for concerts, shows and plays at the beach.� Semi-major events are held at the 24th street stage.� Directly behind the stage is normally where then Neptune Festival takes place.� The Festival is an event that celebrates seekers of the beach life.� It is one of the final events of the summer, and is held in late September.� This year's festival will be the 31st year of the event.� It is in the top 100 festivals in the country, and ranks within the top 10 on the East Coast.� One of the special features that on-lookers come for is the sand sculpture competition.� Hundreds of participators use sand, and a variety of tools and shapes, to create interesting scenes and life-like works.� The sculptures and castle that they create are sometimes breathtaking; it definitely takes skill to manipulate sand with such precision.� |
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��������� Although it's convenient to save money, sometimes doing a little shopping is necessary.� Wouldn't it be extremely hard to go back home to tell everyone what a great vacation you had, and not even bring them a keychain, t-shirt, or a postcard?� Get ready for a minor conflict.� Virginia Beach is packed with specialty shops and boutiques that you can't miss.� You can purchase everything from antiques, custom art, jewelry, and unique apparel.� To make your vacation even better, try visiting the Hilltop Shopping Center.�" Discover over 120 award-winning shops, restaurants, and services minutes from the beach! Located just 2 miles away from the Virginia Beach resort strip, our outstanding quality, selection and service have earned us the area's prestigious "Best of the Beach" award nine years in a row." |
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If you're not familiar with the area, and want to get around to different locations, you can just hop on the trolley.� The trolley system set up in Virginia Beach is easy and accessible.� There are four parking garages where you can park your vehicle, all located along the strip.� Once you hit the street, every other block has trolley signs indicating the pick-up and drop-off locations.� The trolley only cost $1 for adults and children; anyone below 38" inches in height can ride for free. |
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After all the shopping and sight-seeing you may find yourself to become a little tired.� Virginia Beach has thought of everything because directly across the street from the boardwalk are numerous hotel resorts to fit any price range or preference. ��Now, if you're still game for some excitement, right on Atlantic Avenue is an arcade called Flipper Mccoys.� They have a variety of virtual reality simulator and interactive games.� Each game varies from $.25 to $1.25.� Also, close to the arcade on 15th Street, Virginia Beach has an amusement park.� The park has several rides including a water ride, a roller coaster, and an apparatus that twists and turns you around.� |
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��������� Not only is amusement prevalent at the beach, but so is the night-life.� Once the sun goes down, anyone over the age of 21 can enjoy themselves at the plentiful bars and pubs lined along the strip.� There is a place for everyone on the strip.� Reggae, modern-rock, hip-hop, and alternative are the many types of music provided to create a certain atmosphere.� In addition, this area, for the most part, is safe.� When stepping out of the club at 2AM in the morning, city police are posted on every brightly-lit corner to make sure everyone makes it to their hotels or cars safely. |
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��������� If anyone visits Virginia Beach for the first time, I'm sure they'll consider this area a second time because of the assortment of activities and locations for relaxation.� For the locals, it will surely be hard to leave such a dignified place, at least personally. |
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