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Welcome to Virginia Beach, VA. I have lived in this area for over 20 years. This is place that I call home. Millions of people visit us annually, which highly helps our revenue! Thank you! =)

I wanted to give some insight for the tourists that have never been here and who are thinking about coming here for their summer vacation.

Virginia Beach does have a lot to offer. Of course there is the beach, or as the locals know it, the "strip". The Strip is where the majority of tourists stay. It is lined up with hotels, great restaurants, nightlife and many shops.

However, as a local, I often ask myself WHY do families like to come here? Every time I go down to the strip in the summertime it is so PACKED that you can barely move. The street is backed up with younger people driving their souped up cars, listening to loud booming music. The sidewalk is full of all types of people, depending on the time of the day.

Many times I have seen mothers with a look of panic cross her face as the 13 thugs try to run her and her kids over on the sidewalk. Then on the other hand, I have seen the smiling child eating their ice cream cone unaware that Sid Vicious just tried to smack her mother on the bottom as he walked by.

Then between 21st and 24th street you have the line of bars on the sidewalk. Try walking through that crowd on a nice evening. You have the underage girls, dressing like prostitutes trying to use their fake id's to get into the bar. Sad thing is, 90% of the time, they will succeed. (Only reason I know this, I WAS one of those girls 12 years ago!)

Now, don't get me wrong. Virginia Beach IS a nice place. Do yourselves a favor though. DO NOT STAY at the STRIP!

Here are some suggestions for you... Rent a house in SANDBRIDGE. Sandbridge is a small beach community here in Virginia Beach. This is NOT a tourist trap. Sandbridge has 3 restaurants, 1 tourist shop, and a little grocery store. Also, 10 minute drive will put you to the local Wal Mart where you can get everything you need for your vacation.

Another suggestion, rent a place at CHICK's BEACH! This is not on the ocean however, this is on the Chesapeake Bay. A much nicer, cleaner, quieter, and laid back atmosphere. There are many awesome restaurants in this area. Also, the "Strip" is located about 15 minutes from this area. So if you have to check out that scene, you can, BUT then you can leave it quickly!

Also, Virginia Beach has the Virginia Marine Science Museum, Ocean Breeze Water Park, and Oceana Naval Base. All great things to see when you are in town.

Again, don't get me wrong, I LOVE Virginia Beach! However, as a local, please stay away from the Strip if you are bringing your family. If you are a 21-26 year old who wants to party, more power to ya! Have a blast!

Learn more about this author, Amy Singletary.
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