I have not forgotten the BEST part of the area

How could I have a blog about Hampton Road's nature spots without including the BEST part of Hampton Roads....THE BEACH. In Virginia Beach alone there is 12 miles of sand stretching from Sandbridge up to Fort Story. The Boardwalk at Oceanfront is 3 miles of entertainment, where tourists and locals can swim, eat, drink and enjoy carnival-like rides. In Norfolk there's Ocean View Beaches along the Chesapeake Bay. Ocean View is home to a the Ocean View Fishing Pier that extends 1,690 feet out into the Bay. Hampton is home to Buckroe Beach and Grandview Nature Preserve. Buckroe has a Bark Park near the beach where dogs can enjoy some playtime. Grandview Nature Preserve is a secluded 2-mile stretch along the Bay. There are nature trails that twist through the 475 acres of salt marshes. This is a great place to spot wildlife. There is practically a stretch of beach in every city along the east coast of Virginia. I enjoy the beaches more than any other nature spot, whether it's with my dogs in the winter or with my friends in the summer it is the ultimate place to swim, walk, run, spot wildlife, sunbath, play sports, surf and make memories with friends and family.

Virginia Beach's Hidden Jewel

Munden Point Park is a little secret tucked away in the southern part of the city, just right on The North Landing River. It's 100-acrea area that was once a hunting site for waterfowl. The waterway meanders through low swampy woodlands, tall pine trees and salt marshes. It is a prime spot for kayaks and canoes, which could be rented for as low as $6 an hour. Munden has over 300 bird species, including one of largest blue heron rookery in Virginia. Fishing is also permitted in the park. The park also features picnic shelters, baseball fields, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts and hiking trails. Admission is free. Out of everywhere I have been in the area this is the most peaceful and serene place. If you need to experience the best of nature this is the place. For more information please visit www.virginia.org/Listings/OutdoorsAndSports/MundenPointPark/.

Winter Wildlife Boat Tours

Since this blog is dedicated to nature lovers of all kinds I can not leave out my favorite activity this time of year, the Virginia Aquarium's Winter Wildlife Boat Tours. This is my absolutely favorite thing to do with friends and family when they come visit in the winter. It is such an awe-inspiring experience to see the whales off our coast. It cost $28 per adult and $24 per child. The tours run now through March 18th. So far many Humpback and Fin whales have been sighted this year. Each tour is led by an experienced and educated guide that can answer all your questions. This is a MUST for anybody that either resides in the area or is visiting. This is a great natural migration for these whales during these winter months. Don't miss out!

Sandy Bottom Nature Park

Sandy Bottom Nature Park located on Big Bethel Road in Hampton is an ideal spot for nature lovers. This is a 456 acrea area deicated to environmental education and wildlife management. There's a large nature center that is free to the public where you can get close-up with some of the unreleasable wildlife. Sandy Bottom park is home to deer, otters, bats and beavers. There are numerous trails throughout the park. Other activites include boating, fishing and camping. I have been here a couple times and love walking around the trails and taking pictures of the many birds spotted along the wetlands and marshes.



The Norfolk Botanical Gardens

The Norfolk Botanical Gardens is probably one of my favorite attractions in Hampton Roads. I love the smell of spring (even though my allergies makes it difficult). The smell of blooming flowers and sweet trees is so intoxicating. The Norfolk Botanical Gardens has this smell year round. I visit the gardens about 4 times a year, once during each season. I love meandering through the many gardens full of beautiful colors and stimulating aromas. They have seasonal gardens, year round gardens and even a children's garden where kids can play in the many fountains. The Norfolk Botanical Gardens is also home to a pair of nesting Bald Eagles. These Eagles built a nest in the Gardens in 2003 and has raised 19 eaglets since. They have been very dedicated to the protection of these eagles and has even installed an eagle cam so people can view the eagles in their nest. The Gardens also holds an Eagle Festival on May 5th to help educate the public on the American Bald Eagle and raise money for the protection of these animals. The Gardens also offer an array of educational classes for all ages. Some of the adult classes include yoga, photography, wildlife hikes, tai chi and of course gardening. To learn more about these classes click on: Adult Education Programs. Admission to The Norfolk Botanical Gardens is $9 for adults and $7 for children. For hours and directions visit www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/plan-your-visit. And if your like me make sure you take your Claritin before you go! Enjoy some of pictures below of some of my visits.

Featured winter plant. The Paberbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha)

My favorite place to sit in spring.

One of the many statues at the Gardens.

A path of hydrangeas.

Mount Trashmore

So the sun did come out and I couldn't stay in any longer so I decided to head to Mt. Trashmore for a walk in the sunshine. I think this is one of the best places to take the family for some fresh air. Dogs are welcomed too. I'm sure most local people are familiar with this park that was created out of solid waste and clean soil in the 1970s. It's a great example of what can be done with reusable waste. The park is 165 acres, 60 feet high and 800 feet high. It includes 15 picnic areas, a basketball court, 4 volleyball courts, playground areas and multiple walking trails. There's the perimeter trail around the park, a mountain trail and a lake trail. Fishing is even permitted at the lake. The children's playground is huge and looks like a lot of fun. There's a skate park for the bigger kids where professional skateboard riders like Tony Hawk have appeared. The park is located at 310 Edwin Way in Virginia Beach.

Paddle Boarding with the Ladies

It's a very cold day to be outside and I just do not think I have enough clothes to keep me warm today. So instead, I am going to share a few pictures of a warm day I enjoyed paddle boarding over the summer. My girlfriends and I love to get together on the weekends and during the evenings and paddle around the waters of Virginia Beach. Below are some moments of warm evenings and calm waters with my friends.

My friends Tara and Michele are great paddle board companions.