Roadtrip: Virginia Beach, Va.

The resort city of Virginia Beach -- with its miles of pristine beaches, hotels, restaurants and entertainment -- celebrates with a month-long Neptune Festival every September. The city’s sparkling coastline and 3-mile boardwalk form the perfect seaside backdrop for the festival, which is expected to draw 350,000 to 400,000 visitors for the finale Boardwalk Weekend, Sept. 24-26.

Don’t miss

Neptune’s Run

Whether you’re a recreational runner or a stiff competitor, you can hit your stride Sept. 25 at Neptune’s Run, which includes road races that are 1 mile, 5K and 8K. Races will begin at 24th Street Park on the Virginia Beach oceanfront. The 5K begins at 7:45 a.m., 8K at 8:15 a.m. and 1-mile at 9:30 a.m. The courses stretch down the city’s popular Atlantic Avenue, and end with refreshments and prizes at 24th Street Park, complete with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. Registration required. 24th Street and Oceanfront, 757-498-0215, www.neptunefestival.com/events.php?s=14

Wine Tasting Festival

The Neptune Wine Tasting Festival offers connoisseurs and amateur tasters the chance to sip examples  from 20 Virginia wineries. “It’s a great experience that’s not only fun but educational,” said Neptune Festival Vice President Whit Collins. The 14th annual tasting will take place on 31st Street, along the oceanfront. Tickets for Saturday are expected to sell out, in keeping with tradition. In addition to spirits, the wine tasting will provide tasty sandwiches and appetizers, as well as live entertainment from local musicians, including jazz and rock acts. Sept. 11-12. Saturday: $30 in advance/$35 at the gate, $300 for an umbrella table for eight. Sunday: $25 in advance, $30 at the gate, $300 for an umbrella table for eight. Neptune’s Park, 31st Street. 757-498-0215, neptunefestival.com/events.php?s=9.

Neptune’s Royal Court

The festival celebrates the legend of Neptune, ruler of the seas, by crowning a King Neptune and his Royal Court each year. The king, nominated from among residents and chosen by a committee based on his involvement in the Virginia Beach community,  serves as a Virginia Beach ambassador throughout the year. His court includes Tritons and princesses from the community. Bruce L. Thompson has been named King Neptune XXXVII to preside over the 2010 festivities. Thompson, a longtime resident, is chief executive officer of Gold Key/PHR Hotels and Resorts.

Boardwalk Weekend

The final festivities of the month-long celebrations are during Boardwalk Weekend -- from noon Sept. 24 to 6 p.m. Sept. 26. A popular event is the North American Sandsculpting Championship, showcasing some of the world’s best sand sculptors as they compete all weekend for cash prizes and honors. Boardwalk Weekend also includes an art and craft show Sept. 25-26, with more than 300 exhibitors displaying their wares along 32 blocks of boardwalk. A fireworks display will sparkle over the water at 14th Street Pier on Sept. 25. Live music performances will be announced closer to the festival dates. A Flock of Seagulls, 10,000 Maniacs and Wang Chung appeared last year. 1st through 32nd streets, Virginia Beach Oceanfront. 757-498-0215, www.neptunefestival.com/events.php?s=11

Neptune Festival Office, 265 Kings Grant Road, Suite 102. 757-498-0215, www.neptunefestival.com

Sandman Triathlon

For versatile athletes, the Sandman Triathlon offers a dip in the ocean and views of the bay while racing. The triathlon includes a 1K swim in the Atlantic Ocean, 14-mile bike ride down Atlantic Avenue and 5K run on the picturesque Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Awards are based on age, weight and team divisions. 7:30 a.m. Sept. 19, Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 757-498-0215, www.sandmantri.com

Beach Street USA

Insatiable festival-goers don’t have to go far for even more entertainment. Beach Street USA offers programs along eight blocks of Atlantic Avenue lining the ocean. Visitors can enjoy some soulful sounds at Blues at the Beach at 17th Street Park from Sept. 10-12, with national and local blues bands. Festa Italiana, an Italian-American festival, also welcomes visitors at 17th Street Park from Sept. 17-18. The festivities will include plenty of Italian food, wine, music and games. 17th Street Park, 17th Street and Oceanfront. Beach Street Operations Office, 302 22nd St. 757-425-3111, www.beachstreetusa.com

How to get there

Virginia Beach is about 600 miles from Atlanta. It's about a 9 1/2-hour drive, with most of the trip up Interstate 85 North, then on US 58 East for about 100 miles to the Virginia Beach exit.

Where to stay:

The Virginia Beach Resort Hotel. Rates starting at $190 for a basic suite, which includes a kitchenette, balcony with at least a partial view of the Chesapeake Bay, two double beds and a foldout couch with queen-sized bed. 2800 Shore Drive., 800-468-2722, www.virginiabeachresort.com

The Cavalier Hotel. Two luxury hotels on 18 acres of Virginia Beach, with oceanfront views, a children’s wading pool, babysitting service, a fitness center, bicycle rental and business services. Rates start at $150 per night. 4201 Atlantic Ave. 757-425-8555, www.cavalierhotel.com

Where to eat

Lynnhaven Fish House Restaurant, nestled on the beach, serves fresh seafood in a casual dining atmosphere, with panoramic views of the Chesapeake Bay. Popular menu items include the fresh cuts of the day, with eight types of fresh fish, as well as seafood staples such as the award-winning jumbo crab cakes. Opens at 11:30 a.m. daily, lunch and dinner. Dinner entrees from $15.99 to $41.99. 2350 Starfish Road. 757-481-0003, lynnhavenfishhouse.net