Weekend in Virginia Beach, Va.
Budget:
Getting there: Norfolk is about 18 miles to Virginia Beach. Delta offers nonstop flights at round-trip rates from $168 mid-week; from $208 on weekends (a 21-day advance purchase required). Frequent sales rates on AirTran to Newport News-Williamsburg (38 miles to Virginia Beach) start from $74 each way.
Stay: The Beach Spa Bed & Breakfast, is located three blocks to the Atlantic beach and a base from which to explore historical Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown for the day. This charming beach cottage, circa 1937, features the cozy "Breakers" room for $119 per night to the "Avamere" room with a private deck, a king bed (and queen and twin pull-outs), jetted tub, spa shower$159 (rates valid through May 15); 2420 Arctic Ave., 1-888-422-2630.
Eat: Family owned and operated Chef's Table, opened in 2009, specializes in fresh, made-to-order American and Italian fare. Starters are $5-$12; pastas and pizza $12-$14; seafood dishes are $20; $16-$18 for entrees; steaks to $26; 550 Independence Blvd., 757-499-6001, www.chefstablevb.com.
Experience: At the north end of the beach at Fort Story is the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, circa 1792. A journey up its 191 spiral stairway steps for spectacular bay and ocean views is $5 adults ($8 with a walking tour); $3 children 3-12 (at least 42 inches tall). Student, state or federal issued photo ID required for visitors ages 16 and older; 583 Atlantic Ave., 757-422-9421, www.apva.org/capehenry. Visit Virginia Beach when the city becomes the Beach Music "Capital" of the East Coast during Beach Music Weekend, May 12-15. Free concerts are presented on a beach stage at 30th St., www.beachstreetusa.com.
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Moderate: One-way rates to Newport News start from $183 with a one-week advance purchase ; from $288 walk-up economy class; nonstop AirTran. One-way rates on Delta to Norfolk start from $200 with a 14-day advance purchase; from $260 with seven days in advance.
Stay: SpringHill Suites by Marriott, situated oceanfront on the Boardwalk, offers guests three sizes of bright suite -- each with signature bedding, living/sitting area (windows that open), kitchenette, mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker and a full hot breakfast buffet. Nightly studio rates from $169-$199; suites $219-$259; 901 Atlantic Ave., 757-417-3982, www.springhillsuitesvirginiabeach.com.
Eat: Tautog's Restaurant is a 1920s beach cottage serving local quality seafood and more. Starters from $4-$17 (crab nachos $9.75); entrees $12-$24 (famous crab cakes $15.95); 205 23rd St., 757-422-0081, www.tautogs.com.
Experience: The 8th Annual Neptune's International Spring Wine Festival on May 14will feature more than 75 wines from around the world and entertainment in Neptune's Park. Limited advance tickets are $30; 31st Street and Atlantic Avenue, www.neptunefestival.com. Hit the famous three mile oceanfront Boardwalk by foot or with a rental bike. A three-wheeled bike for two cost about $14 an hour; fat-tire beach bikes average $6 an hour or about $22 all-day. Cherie's Bike & Blade Rentals location (opens in April) is behind the Sheraton at 3501 Atlantic Ave.
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Getting there: One-way, walk-up business class rates on AirTran to Newport News start at $388; from $432 on Delta to Norfolk.
Stay: Located on four acres in rural Virginia Beach, the casually elegant Country Villa Inn greets guests with refreshments and homemade cookies. Enjoy the waters of the outdoor hot tub, the swimming pool, an in-room Jacuzzi, or drive just seven minutes to the semi-private Sandbridge Beach. The inn will lend you beach chairs, towels, coolers and umbrellas. Room rates, including a three-coursebreakfast, range from $169 to $389; 2252 Indian River Rd., 757-721-3844, www.countryvillainn.com.
Eat: Find comfortable atmosphere, affordable prices and menus that cover all the bases -- from salads, sandwiches, burgers to aged beef and New England seafood at Burtons Grill. Starters $8-$12; entrees $18-$31. Also open for lunch and brunch; 741 First Colonial Rd., 757-422-8970, www.BurtonsGrill.com.
Experience: An all-day flat-water kayaking trip in the Back Bay Refuge is $115 with a full lunch (per person, single or double kayak); www.tidewateradventures.com. The 9,000-acre area is made up of marshland islands, dunes, scenic trails. Admission is free through March 31; $5 per car thereafter; www.fws.gov/backbay.
Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.
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