Finding Physical and Mental Rejuvenation in Virginia Beach, VA

June 19th, 2012

By Joanna Haugen

Kayaking outfitters offer guided tours along the coach of First Landing State Park

Kayaking outfitters offer guided tours along the coach of First Landing State Park

Leave the shot glass at home and pull on a pair of yoga pants instead of an itty-bitty, teeny-weeny Spring Break bikini. This is a new Virginia Beach, one where kayaking replaces kegs, seafood substitutes for bar food, and yoga is the preferred activity on the beach.

Though people still flock to the city for a their slice of sunshine every spring and summer, Virginia Beach’s offerings go far beyond the cookie cutter expectations predefined by MTV’s Spring Break. In recent years, this coastal city has started catering to travelers who want to unwind and press the reset button on their physical and mental well-being. With a wealth of options for healthy eating, physical activities and mental clarity, the area is losing its Spring Break reputation and gaining popularity with those who’d rather do a spring cleaning of their physical and mental baggage.

A health and wellness-focused trip to Virginia Beach is a prime opportunity to recommit to physical fitness, and there are plenty of ways to get your body moving. Take advantage of guided hikes and kayaking through First Landing State Park, the most popular park in the state. With miles of rolling trails and gentle shorelines, people can exert energy on the land or in the water. Feeling more adventurous and looking for a true escape from the pressures of society? Make plans to venture into False Cape State Park, the state’s least visited park, which has no vehicular access and requires visitors to cross through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge to penetrate the primitive landscape for some serious time alone.

 Surf lessons are available for beginners who want to get their fins wet for the very first time, and rentals are available if you already know how to catch a wave. There are a few miles of boardwalk along the coastline, perfect for people who want to squeeze in a run before the sun comes up and the crowds come out. Bicycle rentals are available along the beachfront as well.

Yoga on the beach is a relaxing way to clear the mind

Yoga on the beach is a relaxing way to clear the mind

If the feel of sand between your toes is a must-have, consider signing up for a yoga session on the beach or in a studio offering picturesque views of the ocean.

Though working up a sweat is a good way to recharge your commitment to physical health, don’t neglect to treat yourself to mental relaxation as well. Massage, through the Association for Research and Enlightenment, offers services including bodywork, hydrotherapies and holistic clinical work and free classes and workshops throughout the week. Flowering Almond Spa at Founder’s Inn offers six treatment rooms and an expanding list of traditional spa services.

Dining on fresh seafood is a must during a wellness retreat in Virginia Beach

Dining on fresh seafood is a must during a wellness retreat in Virginia Beach

Healthy dining in Virginia Beach is a vital component of your wellness retreat. One Fish, Two Fish, just minutes from Chesapeake Bay, offers an alternative to formal dining with a diverse menu selection of seafood and steak, with a fantastic view of the marina. Coastal Grill, known for its soft shell crabs, is a certified Virginia Green restaurant, and closer to the coast, Catch31 offers beachfront seating and features a menu of fresh seafood, sandwiches and pizza. Citrus seems to be the locals’ favorite for breakfast. There are countless options on the menu including some for the health-conscious eater. The restaurant is known for its banana and carrot pancakes.

Fresh produce at the Virginia Beach Farmers Market

Fresh produce at the Virginia Beach Farmers Market

A quick trip to the Virginia Beach Farmers Market, open seven days a week, will provide even more food options. Here, you can order fresh meat, enjoy goodies at the creamery, shop for organic goods and choose produce picked right off the vine.

 After a long day of physical exertion and mental recuperation, you’ll need somewhere to comfortably lay your head, and regardless of your price range and accommodation preferences, you’ll have plenty of choices in Virginia Beach.

 Most people choose lodging right along the beachfront, and there are plenty of options just steps from the sand. Several major chain hotels are available, and for something a bit more intimate and personal, consider staying at a B&B. The Beach Spa Bed & Breakfast, has less than a dozen rooms and personalized packages for special occasions.  The historic Cavalier Hotel, which opened its doors in 1927, is just a few blocks from the beach.

 A short distance inland is Founders Inn. Though it is particularly popular for meetings and events, the accommodations at this pet-friendly inn offer a peaceful retreat from the crowds if you are visiting during peak season.

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