Appalachian Adventures & Roadtrips: First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach, VA

The closest beach to West Virginia

From the Mountain to the Sea.

The most Dog Friendly, Family Friendly Beach near WV.

A full day adventure at First Landing State Park.

A Way to Spend the Day!

Let’s go.. ~~Mountaineers.~~

The Beach is NEAR!

I’m a huge advocate for going on trips, traveling, seeing and doing. A change of scenery, quite literally changes my perspective.

Living, breathing, and residing in the Mountain State: I sure do love it here. Maybe it‘s under-appreciated. Day in and day out: I see these mountain peaks and streamy valleys everyday. The trees. The bushes, briars and brambles.

The accumulation in elevation.

The roots are grown deep.

Other Native American placenames include: Monongahela, Potomac, Cacapon.

Wouldn’t It Be Nice

You can turn off John Denver..
Beach Boys for this trip!

This was one of our spontaneous trips. Sunday morning, we were thinking “Let’s go somewhere”. By that afternoon we had everything packed and a room booked. We left Sunday night!

Throughout the night we went! Through all the mountains. It was mostly downhill. Right along the Potomac, down into the bay, then to the Ocean.

As we eeked out of the mountains and into the NOVA area; We had to stop for gas/drinks/PRETZELS! Being from Go-Mart and Sheetz-land; I really appreciate a trip to Wawa.

Help Me Rhonda

As we pulled onto I-95 in Fredericksburg; we were 2/3rd the way there! As I was zipping through twelve lanes of traffic.. The easy part was behind! I don’t know how these folks do this daily commute.

As we approached Norfolk and the infamous Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel; we were only 20 minutes away! Traffic was gridlocked, and we came to a complete stop. There’s monsters and sea urchins in the tunnel, ya know?

When you first get to Virginia Beach; First Landing State Park is the very first spot you’ll come to. Before all the hustle and bustle on Atlantic Avenue. Up in the Northern area of town.

Go to the gate and pay the $10 parking /Daily user fee. Cash only. This ten bucks stretches far! And everyone in your vehicle will have something to do today.

Fun, Fun, Fun

Veer left into the parking area. Plenty of ample spaces. Clean restrooms. Shops, ice cream, laundry, and amenities.

This is also the hub of the campground. You’ll find ice, firewood, and other general goods to be purchased here.

As you meander the grounds, Find the boardwalk! (it’s not glitzy, nor flashy) It’s behind everything..and it’ll lead you to where you want to go.

As we approached the beach, we realized we were the only ones there! Set down that heavy cooler. Then we began setting up the doggie tent and chairs.

God only Knows

Feeling the warmth of sunshine on my back.

My feet in the warm sand.

The wind in my hair.

And the vast great big sea in front of me.

It is so simple. In the most just and basic way.

I see the blue sky against the blue waters.

The wind in rhythm with the waves.

It is quite simple.

The sea feels like, looking directly at a fresh clean slate.

The mountains are so elemental. So many layers and obstacles to see. Quite literally, so many roots here. And so much to be thankful for.

The mountains are an *accumulation* of many *materials.*

Don’t Worry Baby

As the day passed, more people began showing up. We realized that this is a “locals beach”.

Children gathered together and built sandcastles. Adults basked in the warm sun and sand. Dogs were just being dogs! Whether their human was relaxing, or playing. They were right alongside their owners. Everyone was enjoying the day!

“Jemma” enjoyed all the time swimming and playing fetch. A few onlookers were surprised to see such a small dog swim! This girl would swim to Africa, if she had her way.

Good Vibrations

Both days we spent at First Landing State Park were sunny and beautiful! And the nicest, friendliest folks all around us.

Yes, it’s technically “the Bay”.. But, this experience was better than the Beach!

Families in nature connecting together.

All good vibes here!

I Get Around

In searching for a hotel, I had pre-requisites:

Needs to Be
- Pet Friendly
Wants to Be
- Close to the Beach
- Free Breakfast
- Affordable

The La Quinta Virginia Beach absolutely wins! For $99 a night, with a hot breakfast in the morning. Rooms were clean and spacious.

It was such a prime location, too. Exactly one block from the Beach. One block from Harris Teeter. Right next door to a really good pizza place, Chico’s Pizza.

This get-a-way was extremely relaxing, and surprisingly cheap. We didn’t scoot around and sight-see much. No excursions or shows. Shopping or mini golf. Or going to restaurants. Yes, we really skipped Captain George’s!

I mean, I did explore Harris Teeter a couple of times. But, this was an intentional beach mini-vacation. Two full days by the water, with no fuss or frills. Then take-out for dinner, followed by more relaxing. Actually, we were exhausted from all the fun!

Come Go with Me

Spending a few days in Virginia Beach; I realized how much this place has changed. It’d been about fifteen years since my last visit. And it has changed for the better.

Like, a city-wide remodel. Modern touches, new coats of paint.. The city just looks super clean. It felt very safe, too.

With gas, food, hotel, and beach access: for just under $300. It was a simple (and cheap!) two day mini-vacation. And only a few hours away!

We soaked up every ray.

Felt all the grains of sand.

Enjoyed the change of scenery.

A break from the ordinary.

Starting from sea level. We began the extraordinary climb. As we journey home, with new fond memories. These mountains are an accumulation of many.

Each and every one of us have so much to be thankful for.

Make the time to thank God,

You are so loved ❤️