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.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Stand Up Paddle Boarding is one of my favorite summertime activities. I love coasting on Virginia Beach's waterways with my friends or just myself. Paddle boarding is quickly growing on the east coast to be one of the most popular water activities. It's also a great workout, which relies on the use and focus of your core muscles for balance and movement. There are many paddle board tour and lesson companies popping up all over the area. One of my favorites is Beach Eco Tours in Virginia Beach. This is great way to start paddle boarding. They offer 4 tours a day and a sunset tour that leaves the beach at 6pm. Each tour lasts about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours. Tours start at $50.00 per person. If you are a experienced paddle boarder but just do not have the equipment Beach Eco also offer rentals. They also offer surfing and kite boarding lessons. For more info contact them through email info@beachecotours.com or click the link above for their website. 

Paddle boarding along the Oceanfront

Bring Fido

If I could I would bring my dogs with me everywhere but that's not possible. So when I do go on hiking trips or any trip that I know I will be spending a great deal of time outdoors I try to make arrangements to bring my dogs. My favorite website to gather pet-friendly information for travel is BringFido.com. This website offers information on pet-friendly accommodations, air travel and attractions. I often check this website when I go on my hiking trips. It lists over 6,000 trails I can take my dogs on. Hiking just isn't the same without them and I have not been on a trail once without my dogs. This website also provides pet businesses such as pet sitting, grooming and training. There is also a forum where animal lovers gather to discuss or ask questions. My favorite feature is looking at all the photos people have posted. The dogs just look so happy to be part of the family vacation. So if you have dogs and can't stand to leave them behind this website is ideal. 

First Landing State Park wildlife video

Yesterday I visited First Landing State Park. Today, while searching Yahoo I discovered a charming video of some of the wildlife you can encounter along the trails. I have personally seen some amazing creatures, including a prehistoric-looking Snapper turtle and deer. So enjoy the video above.

Day hike with my dog in First Landing State Park

Today was a gorgeous winter day to take a hike with my favorite trail partner, Rooney.

The best place to hike with your furry friends is First Landing State Park a.k.a Seashore State Park in Virginia Beach. You can access this park from the 64th St. entrance off of Pacific Ave. at the Oceanfront. If your lucky there usually is no guard at the guard post so you can park for free. Otherwise you can park on the street on 64th and walk in to the park. There are many trails where you can hike, bike or run. My favorite trail is the Cape Henry Trail which is to the left after you pass the guard station. This is a 6.1 mile trail that ends at a beach along Broad Bay. Locals call this area The Narrows. You can drive to this beach too, just follow the 64th street to the end where you will come to a parking lot. There is also a boat ramp here as well. During the summer, when the dogs are not allowed on Oceanfront beaches, The Narrows is the place to be for these canines. So enjoy the pictures below of my day with Rooney.

Trail Map

Bridge leading to the Cape Henry Trail.

Trail leader Rooney

The Broad Bay

Rooney in the Bay

ODU's Outdoor Adventure Program

I have discovered one more for the ODU students. I do not know how many have heard of this program. I know I only heard of it recently. It's the Outdoor Adventure Program at ODU. This program is part of the Recreation and Wellness Department. The Outdoor Adventure Center is located in the Recreational building. On a side note, it is free membership to the rec center for all currently enrolled students. The Outdoor Adventure Program offers rental equipment such as kayaks, camping equipment, nature guides and mountain bikes. To get a full list of available equipment visit http://studentaffairs.odu.edu/recsports/oap/Flyers/RentalList.pdf. The best part about this program is that you can participate in a wide variety of outdoor trips such as, snowboarding, backpacking, canoeing, zip-lining and they even offer a trip to France this spring break. For more info on these exciting adventures check it out at http://studentaffairs.odu.edu/recsports/oap/triplineup.pdf. These trips are even college kid affordable. This is a great opportunity to get out and experience the best of nature with your fellow ODU classmates. For more information on the OAP contact Bridget Nemeth, Assistant Director at bnemeth@odu.edu.

Weyanoke in Norfolk

Today I decided to start my mission with my fellow ODU students in mind. I wanted to suggest a place to students to get away from the books and studying. I always find that during tough semesters it helps my mind to step away from the hideous lighting of the library and step under the streaming sunlight that shines through the overhang of trees. I ventured first to the Weyanoke Sanctuary (entrance pictured above) last semester for a trip with my Conservation Biology and class. It's a small place that's located at 1501 Armistead Bridge Road, just right down the road from the ODU campus. This bird and wildlife sanctuary is open from 9am on Saturday until 6pm on Sunday and is FREE. It's an 8 acre property that is maintained by Cape Henry Audubon Society and volunteers from the Norfolk Master Gardeners. You can stroll along the path and gaze at the many native plants and flowers. The best time to visit the sanctuary is in the spring time when the wildflowers are in full bloom. 

Wild River Outfitters of VB

As I woke up on Superbowl Sunday I was determined to make my first venture out but as I peered out my window all I viewed was a cold, dreary and damp atmosphere. In my opinion, not the best day to enjoy the best of what nature has to offer. So I decided to do some exploration from my warm seat on the couch.
Since it is winter (even though the temperatures have been unseasonably warm and no complaints here) most kayak or paddleboard tour companies aren't offering guided tours. So on the days I can not get outside I will provide some information on a few companies I would recommend to any nature lover. 
The first one is located in my home town of Virginia Beach, Wild River Outfitters. I have had the pleasure of running into these guided tours on my solo ventures out on the local waters. The WROTC employs American Canoe Association (ACA) certified instructors and guides. They offer a variety of trips and tours, which are all listed in detail on their website. My favorite is the Paddle Feast tour, where you paddle around in local waters and then dock at a waterside restaurant for a meal as the sun sets. For the kids there is the Dolphin Quest tour, where you will be entertained by the dolphins playing in the surrounding waters. For an ultimate adventure, there's the Great Dismal Swamp tour, which is priced at $135. This is a full-day trip led by a naturalist who is most knowledgeable of the 111,200 acres that cover the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Tours prices range from $49-135$. For more information visit www.wildriveroutfitters.com or email mail@wildriveroutfitters.com.

Welcome to Your Guide to Nature's Finest in Hampton Roads

So if your like me and love to get outside this is the blog for you. I am here to show you the best places in Hampton Roads to play in the outdoors. This blog is dedicated to guide you to the best nature spots in the 757. Whether it's a day hike, a picnic, a kayak tour or the best place to spot animals I will provide you with a nature lovers guide of Hampton Roads. Over the next couple weeks I will travel all over the area and give a review of each place I have visited. So stayed tune to see what local adventures I can discover!