By Karen Dietzius
Virginia
beach has a lot to offer besides a boardwalk and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. There are a variety of things to do and see for all ages that are budget-friendly, from low-cost museum admissions or a free farmers market. Whether you are on vacation or a local, you will find inexpensive things to do throughout the year.
Contemporary Art Center of Virginia
Come out and enjoy painting, sculpture, glass, and photography, or learn about contemporary art only six blocks from the oceanfront. The museum offers art classes and special events, from free family nights to hosting the annual Boardwalk Art Show. Exhibitions change regularly, with works from international artists to local artists. Admission to the museum shop is free if you just want to stop by and shop. As of July 2009, admission for adults was only $5 ($3 for students, seniors and military), making it an inexpensive way to discover and explore the world of contemporary art.
Contemporary Art Center of Virginia
2200 Parks Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Tel: (757) 425-0000
http://www.cacv.org
Military Aviation Museum
Marked by a red-checkered water tower built during World War II, the Military Aviation Museum houses military craft that have been found all over the world. Located at the Virginia Beach Airport, a large private collection of World War II and Korean War era fighter planes and bombers have been fully restored to their original condition, and most are in flying condition. The museum library is home to a former Smithsonian exhibition and the largest privately-owned collection of aerial combat paintings by Henri Farre, the first artist to portray this type of combat.
Military Aviation Museum
1341 Princess Anne Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23457
Tel: (757) 721-7767
http://www.militaryaviationmuseum.org
City of Virginia Beach Farmer's Market
Open year-round, this market features a variety of merchants from a butcher shop, to a flower and gift shop. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are offered. Guests can visit the organic grocer, candy shop and bakery. The market features a restaurant that is open each day of the week. Free special events are fun for all, such as the annual Watermelon Festival with pony rides and a visit by Santa in December with the Annual Holiday Open House. Free live music can be enjoyed each Friday from May to October. Picnic tables and restrooms are available for all visitors. Educational programs are offered for children to receive hands-on agricultural learning.
City of Virginia Beach Farmer's Market
3640 Dam Neck Rd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23453
Tel: (757) 385-4395
http://www.vbgov.com/farmersmarket
Cape Henry Lighthouse and Memorial Park
Enjoy a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay when you visit the Cape Henry Lighthouse, the oldest government-built lighthouse in the U.S. At the Cape Henry Memorial Park, visitors will see a replica of the First Landing Cross, set up by the first settlers in 1607. Located on Fort Story military base, visitors will need a valid picture ID to enter.
Cape Henry Lighthouse and Memorial Park
583 Atlantic Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23459
Phone: (757) 422-9421
http://www.discoveramerica.com/ca/virginia/cape-henry-lighthouse-memorial-park.html
About the Author:
Based in Baltimore, Md., Karen Dietzius has been a professional writer and editor since 2005. She has been published on various websites and edited scripts for "A Work In Progress," an inspirational radio drama.
