Hampton Roads

[evagatesgreen2]

Since there are a few of us who aren't part of the N. VA/ MD crowd. I thought I would start a thread for the members who are scattered through the Hampton Roads area. :)

[camberne]

Okay, here I am. Took me a while to get here.

[evagatesgreen2]

Hey Alice~ :cool:

I'm hoping that we can keep this thread more active than the one on the other board. Maybe we can plan a get together. :)

[Belm]

Here I am! :)

How is everyone doing? When is our next get together?

[evagatesgreen2]

Alice and I were talking a while back about the next together. Any ideas for places to meet?

[camberne]

Brenna, can't tell you how nice it is to see you regularly again!! Now we just have to get Lorraine back down here... in another year or two, I guess, now that she's closing on a house and everything.

You know me, I'm pretty easy-going and flexible as far as where and when. The only night I'm tied up now is July 6th (for my Q&A meeting).

Andrea, heads-up... I know that Phil wants to go to dinner at Steak & Ale sometime this summer and the only ones around are in Hampton/Newport News... if you and Mike want to join us whenever that might be, I'll keep you posted!

[evagatesgreen2]

Alice, that would be fun. Mike and I are always talking about going to Steak And Ale. The Steak and Ale is about two miles from our apartment. :)

[shouldaeloped]

Hey guys. I lurked quite often on the WC but never posted since I currently live in Richmond. But I am born and raised in VB and got married in Norfolk, so I feel a little tie to Hampton Roads.

anyway- just wanted to say hello!

[evagatesgreen2]

Hi Shouldaeloped!

What is funny is that I grew up in Chesterfield(right outside of Richmond) but now live in the HR area. :)

[camberne]

We'll be up Richmond-way this weekend. Actually, we'll be in Amelia for a cannon shoot... :rolleyes: Men and their toys!! At least, it's somewhat appropriate for 4th of July.

[Kimberland30]

Hi!

Alice, thanks for telling me about this board. :)

Andrea, thanks for starting it! I hope it gets more traffic too!

Brenna, long time no see! You helped me out back in my planning days (we also had our reception at Shifting Sands) and everything was incredible! Glad to see you around again. :)

Shouldaeloped: Hi and welcome! I love your user name!

[Belm]

Kim ~ glad your wedding went well. Where can I see some pictures? :D

What is everyone going to do this weekend?

Chris & I are having a little get together. We are also going to spend some time on the water fishing with my dad.

[camberne]

We're going to a cannon shoot up in Amelia. At least, that's the current plan. Phil came up with the bright idea that he needs to ride with his friend who can fit all his big toys in his van instead of putting the stuff in my truck (wasn't that why I bought the truck??) and riding with me, so I might not go after all. So, not sure what I'm doing this weekend.

[evagatesgreen2]

I get to spend four lovely days at the Williamsburg KOA with the in-laws. We have no set plan for the time they are here, playing it by ear I suppose. :rolleyes: There was a brief mention of Busch Gardens, I am going to decline if they are going to go. I am not going to fight those crowds. :eek:

[Kimberland30]

Jeff has to work all weekend and my DD is in Maryland for another week, so I'm hoping to use the quiet time to paint our bedroom and the guest room. I also have to paint the furniture for the guest room. I can't wait to get these done!!

Tomorrow I'm going on a major shopping spree to get house stuff. :)

Brenna: My wedding pictures start on page 2 of my WC journal and end on page 6. We haven't received our pro shots yet, we should get them any day now.

Newlywed Journal (http://boards.weddingchannel.com/thread.jspa?threadID=492005)

[Belm]

Kim ~ your wedding pictures look great. Can't wait to see the pro ones.

[evagatesgreen2]

Camberne, have you heard anything from the other Alice? :)

Is there anyone else missing from the HR group?

[Katy]

Okay, claiming ignorance here...please PM me what region I should move you to. Thanks...Katy :shuffling away quickly:

[MurphysLaw]

*Waving*
Hi ladies!! I live in Myrtle Beach, but I was born at DePaul Hospital in Norfolk and my mom lives in VaBch....all this talk of Hapton Roads makes me homesick!:(

Just wanted to say hello. ;) Hope all of you had a nice holiday weekend!

[Kimberland30]

Hey Kim! I've seen you around and you were a regular poster in Michelle's journal on the other site that shall not be named. I've lurked in your planning and family journals there too. But I'm not a stalker! :o

Brenna, thanks for the comps! I really need to call our photographer and see when our pro shots are coming. I'm so impatient!

[Belm]

Kim ~ let us know. I love looking at wedding photos! :D

Alice in VaBeach ~ Have you heard from Alice in Chesapeake? I haven't heard from her in ages.

[camberne]

Hey Brenna!! Yeah, I chatted with her on AIM week before last. She was going out of town with Kevin somewhere last week. The pregnancy is going well, and she said that Kevin is trying to get transferred to another boat so that he won't be going out soon, or something like that. I told her that since I have a VERY flexible schedule now that we need to do lunch before the baby comes.

We should try to set up a dinner sometime soon. I know she would be up for it.

[Kimberland30]

I'm always up for dinner. I've been painting the interior of the house like a madwoman - well, so far I've only done one room but the rest of the house is on the list. I'm game for whatever you plan, paint in my hair and all. :)

[evagatesgreen2]

Bumping so this thread doesn't get buried.

[Kimberland30]

Well, I'll vent so it doesn't get buried. LOL

It's interesting how some summers I'm bored out of my mind, and other's I'm so busy I can't see straight. Now that we are having nice weather where I can actually go to the beach (and wear the new bathing suit I spent an enormous amount of money on for our honeymoon), I have a bridal shower and TWO weddings to go to this month. Then we have a trip to Maryland, then ANOTHER wedding. Then 2 weeks after that we go on vacation for a week. So how many precious weekends do I have to actually relax and do nothing? Wow...2!!!

But you know what? Nothing compares to the chaos that was wedding planning, so I'll live. :rolleyes:

[evagatesgreen2]

I haven't looked on the WC's Hampton Roads thread lately. Are there any new HR brides?

[evagatesgreen2]

BUMP!!

[evagatesgreen2]

Maybe we could post some local restaurants or places to see to keep this thread going. I've been here for over two years but I haven't seen a lot of the area.

[Belm]

I like going to non-chain resturants. Here are some of my favs:

Norfolk ~
No Frill Grill
Orpax
Kincaids (although kind of a chain since there are is one in D.C.)
Painted Lady

VA Beach ~
Lynnhaven Fish House
Federicko's

I know that there are more....

[Kimberland30]

We go to several local places too....Bubba's Seafood at Chick's Beach, Frankies Place for Ribs in Kempsville, Primo Pizza, and Neighbors (both in Kempsville).

Has anyone been to Ruth's Chris at Towne Center yet? Jeff saw the commercial for it and wants to try it out. I bet they are spendy, but Aldo's is our fav "nice place" so I wonder if the pricing is similar. I think someone told me that everything is a-la-carte. :confused:

On another note, I think the restaurant name is kinda funny. Especially since my mom's name is Ruth, and my brother's name is Chris...so he's a Ruth's Chris. ;) Yep, I'm easily amused!

[evagatesgreen2]

I'll need to try those out when we have family visiting. One of our favorites is always Chicago bar and grille(chain but love it) and Andrea's Pizza. ;)

[camberne]

One of Phil's friends went to Ruth Chris's Steakhouse a few weeks ago, and it was about $160 for two people. Too rich for my blood, regardless of how darn good the steak is. Heck, I love The Grate Steak, but can't afford to eat there!! So, won't be eating at Ruth Chris's.

We tend to eat where we have coupons for. :)

Today is Phil's birthday, and I gave him carte blanche to eat wherever he wanted. So, he asked me where I wanted to go. Um, not MY birthday, I don't choose! I tend not to get sick from the Japanese Steakhouses, so I like going to those!

[Kimberland30]

WOW, $160 for 2 people? Uh, no. We'll spend that much at Aldo's, but 90% of the time we have a gift certificate from Jeff's work.

Yum, japanese steakhouse. Which one do you normally go to? We like Sumo on Independence. I think they are a little less expensive than Shogun or Kyoto, and they are never crowded.

[camberne]

I can't remember the name of the one we go to in Williamsburg. Our friends always drive ahead of us to get us there! I like Sumo, too! I've been there with my old work crowd, but Phil has never been there. That's an idea for tonight!! We've been to the Szechwan Garden a couple of times with coupons and then the one that is over by Kmart on First Colonial Rd (because we had coupons).

Have you been to Pi down at the beach? My neice works there, but I haven't been there yet.

[Kimberland30]

I've never heard of Pi. Jeff and I rarely venture out to the beach area because he's impatient with traffic around there. Where is it? Maybe he'll feel adventurous after tourist season. :)

Is Szechwan Garden the place on Baxter/Princess Anne?

[FutureFirstLady]

Hey ladies. . How did I miss y'all?!?!?!

I work in Hampton and live in the Churchland area of Portsmouth!

Just thought I'd slide thru and say "Hey" to my neighbors! :D

[evagatesgreen2]

Hey FutureFirstLady! Glad you made it over. :)

[camberne]

Welcome, FutureFirstLady!!

Kim, the Szechwan Garden is in the Lynnhaven North Shopping Center over by the Cox Cable office. One side is a chinese restaurant and the other side is the japanese steakhouse.

[Kimberland30]

Alice, I've never been there...didn't even know about it. :) Have you tried any Mongolian BBQ places? I second those to japanese steakhouses. Where did you end up going last night?

Welcome FutureFirstLady! I love your name. I saw your post on what your name means, and my dad is a pastor so my mom gets called the "First Lady" as well. :)

[camberne]

I'm not big on the Mongolian BBQ's. They're okay, but not my fave.

You won't believe last night. We actually cancelled the big birthday dinner because we had friends coming in from Richmond on their way to the OBX, so we met them over at Battlefield and ended up going to the Silver Diner. I got chicken pot pie and everyone else got some pineapple chicken thing... TWO of the dinners had hairs in them!!! Ewww! So we got two free coupons for free meals. Phil didn't find his hair until he was almost finished. Bleh bleh bleh. He said, though, that despite the hair, the food was good. LOL

I'm going to lobby to go to Szechwan Garden tomorrow. I'm just in the mood for it now that we've been talking about it... and he won't make any kind of decision about what he wants. What a man!

[Kimberland30]

OMG, I can't believe that about Silver Diner! How gross is that?? Glad you got free meal coupons, but still.

I just ordered lunch, which means tonight we are having leftovers. Jeff works late so it's just me and DD, and she's picky. Was going to make tacos, but that's what I'm having for lunch...so leftovers it is.

[camberne]

I have two HUGE bags of dog food that Scout is allergic to. Free to whoever wants them (they cost me $37/each). The vet told me to buy it for Scout, but he gets really itchy if he eats it to the point that the poor thing started starving himself. I thought he had an upset tummy until he started wolfing down his old food when I offered it to him.

Anyway, it's Purina Pro Plan High Performance dog food. I would have returned the second bag, but Phil trapped one of the cats in the garage with the food and he chewed a hole in the second bag. I've taped it up, but the store won't take it back for sure!!

Let me know if anyone can use it. I hate to see it go to waste!!

[evagatesgreen2]

Bumping so it won't get buried.

[camberne]

Not that I'm worried about Oceana at this point since the Secretary of the Navy has stated that the Pentagon doesn't even have working plans for a new Master Jet Base, the fact that it was actually placed on the list annoys me. I want to find these idiotic people who bought houses in the "jet noise zone" only to turn around and complain about the jet noise and smack them around. You're living in a military town, next to a Jet Base and you didn't know that there would be significant jet noise?

Phil said that they probably just stuck it on the list to appease the committee member who raised the encroachment issue and that nothing will come of it. I hope he's right. I love Oceana. NASOCOM was my "Cheers" for a few years. I still go there occasionally. I would miss it.

[Clattercote]

Hi - I am moving to VA in a few weeks so I feel woefully under-educated about the geography of VA. Which is just to say, I have no idea if I belong in this group or not. I know I don't belong in the northern VA group - but I'm moving to the Farmville area.

Does anyone have any tips for me? I think DH and I would especially welcome some good recommendations of places to visit - because we want to explore VA on the weekends for awhile, to get used to our new state!

Best -

[camberne]

Hey there!! Me, and two of my neices all lived in Farmville!! We all attended Longwood (it was a college when I went there, and a university when they both attended). They've done a LOT with it since I've lived there, which was 15 years ago. It takes 2-1/2 hours to get to Va Beach from Farmville. You'll be about an hour from Richmond. The surrounding area is absolutely beautiful. I did my riding in Cumberland.

The place where I'm still excited about going to is Natural Bridge which will be about 2 hours from you (on the other side of Lynchburg from where you'll be). It's one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World. We're planning on going in October, and my parents went there on their honeymoon. You definately want to go along Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah Park. It's nice any time of the year, but spectacular during the leaves changing. Luray Caverns are really fun and interesting if you haven't done something like that.

Appomattox is also good, especially if you're a history buff. I nearly killed myself there last year when I went there with my son. They have a history trail that you can walk that has different points of interest (like where General Lee slept the night before the surrender to Grant) , but there is NO place to sit or rest... no water... someone might have thought to tell us that before giving us the map!!

There is always Williamsburg & Jamestown, too. I have my annual pass to Colonial Williamsburg. Good shopping, and fun history. Jamestown is having its 400 year anniversary celebration in 2007, so they're really gearing up for it and building new displays and exhibits and doing a lot of renovations.

We're down in Virginia Beach, which I would recommend in Sept/October... after the nasty tourists have left. The weather is still good and not as crowded.

[Clattercote]

Thanks! That is so helpful! I'm looking forward to exploring :)

[Kimberland30]

Alice, I so agree with you on your Oceana post. Seriously, people who complain about jet noise need to just shut up. That would be like moving to a lakefront property and complaining about mosquitos. DUH people!!!

Clattercote: Alice has given you a lot of great recommendations! If you venture your way to Jamestown, I'll also suggest Williamsburg. There is just so much to do and see, including the many outlet malls and the Pottery.

[evagatesgreen2]

You might also want to check out Maymont. :)

So many places in one. It's hard to know where to begin ...

A first visit to Maymont is best started at the new Robins Nature & Visitor Center—Maymont's front door-but a history lover will soon find a path to the 1893 Maymont House. A plant lover will find the elaborate Japanese and Italian gardens. For animal lovers there are the Nature Center, Wildlife Exhibits and the Children's Farm. Seekers of solitude will select the perfect spot under a stately elm or beside a babbling brook.

Maymont (http://www.maymont.org/)

[Clattercote]

Thanks for all the suggestions - looks like we'll have a pretty full range of options once we move!

Here's another question - which airport is best to fly out of from this area? I can't really tell but I want to make my reservations for the holidays pretty soon.

Thanks! :D

[camberne]

You would probably want to fly out of Richmond (RIC), since it's the closest. You can get some pretty good fares out of Newport News/Wmsburg though - airport code is PHF. Norfolk is ORF, but do you really want to drive 2-1/2 hours to the airport??

I've not flown out of Richmond, so can't tell you what the airport is like. But, I do know from my job that they're doing a LOT of renovations over there!!

[Kimberland30]

Is anyone else TIRED of this heat and humidity lately? OMG, on the radio they said it was 101 in Virginia Beach yesterday, and 104 in Williamsburg! Add to that the humidity and the heat index was around 125 degrees! HOLY CRAP!

Our AC is set at 68 just to keep up (we have aweful windows, and no insulation in our den). I go to bed freezing but if we turn the air down, it's stuffy again in a matter of minutes. Pathetic.

I actually felt a breeze for the first time last night, and even though it's supposed to storm today I'm grateful for the rain and cooler temps. Our lawn is as hard as concrete. 90 degrees right now would be a cold snap. LOL :)

[evagatesgreen2]

There was a nice breeze this morning when I stepped outside the door. I feel so bad for DH today he is organizing the move for his office. :confused: I hope he drinks enough.

[Belm]

I'm shopping around for a new OBGYN. The one I go to now is nice, but their only office is all the way down off of Laskin. I like in Indian River section of Chesapeake and work at/near Greenbrier. Anybody know of any good ones?

Thanks for your help!
~ Brenna

[Kimberland30]

I highly recommend mine. It's Corney Jordan Jones and they are located in Greenbrier...right down the street from the YMCA heading towards Kempsville.

Mine is Dr. Jordan and she's awesome. I started going to her a couple years ago after being with my previous GYN for over 14 years. She's on the board at Chesapeake General Hospital and I really like her. I really can't say enough good things about her or their practice.

Her # is 548-2800.

[Aug2002Bride]

Hey girls...

I live in Richmond..(well southwest of the city) so I think Im closer to you guys instead of the N. Va girls...But Im not sure on that! I just moved here from N. Va!

[Kimberland30]

LOL, well you are kinda in the middle huh? Well, you get the best of both right? :)

[Aug2002Bride]

Yeah I do :) Im in Chesterfield, outside of Richmond

[evagatesgreen2]

Hey girls...

I live in Richmond..(well southwest of the city) so I think Im closer to you guys instead of the N. Va girls...But Im not sure on that! I just moved here from N. Va!

Woohoo! Another Richmond Girl! :) I used to live in Chesterfield and go back often. :)

[funky$meg]

Holla Holla!

I grew up in VA Beach, but now live in lovely Norfolk near Downtown!!

BELM-- sorry I can't recommend any GYNs...I go to military docs and you know how fun that can be :rolleyes:

What are everyone's weekend plans in/ around Hampton Roads?

[evagatesgreen2]

I have no plans as of right now. DH is going sailing on Sunday so I guess I am on my own that day. :p

[Kimberland30]

Hi Funky&meg!

I'm about to take a fat nap. DH and I went to Fuddruckers for lunch and I'm sooooo full and sooooo tired! :)

Tonight I'm going out with a girlfriend. Tomorrow we are going to a "20-year in the Navy" party...or...DH's workplace is having a picnic & game at Harbor Park so we might go to that instead. I hate having two places we wanna be!

Sunday is the day of rest...or in our house...they day to recoup from Saturday night. :)

Whatcha doin?

[camberne]

Well, I'm supposed to be finishing up my best friend's sister's wedding programs, but we still don't have the name of the organist. I'm tempted to say "oh well, so sad" and not credit her at all. The wedding is next Saturday!! Other than that, clean & organize. I have the file cabinet for my office put together now and I need to finish setting the office up - I've just been working here for two months now. :rolleyes:

OH, and I'm going to see Must Love Dogs.

[funky$meg]

I'm going to hang out with my home-girls tonight...we'll probably rent some movies. My partner upset me last night by being snappy at me (when really he's upset about his car) and now wants to pretend nothing happened and have dinner...but we'll see about that :cool:

Tomorrow and Sunday I'm *supposed* to be in a fishing tournament but I heard a nasty rumor that the boat is not fixed :(

Let's all hope that the weather holds up for those of us wanting to do outdoors things!

[evagatesgreen2]

Lovely weather we're having. :p Poor DH will be soaked through when he gets home. :(

[Kimberland30]

Alice: How was the movie? That's one that looked cute. Jeff and I haven't seen a movie since Star Wars III so I'm really itching to see something. Our neighbors saw "Wedding Crashers" during the week and really liked it.

funky$meg: Sorry to hear that things with your guy were a little rough. Hopefully y'all made up and he's being nicer. :)

Andrea: Yeah, lovely. Jeff and I went to a Tides game tonight. Thankfully they had the restaurant reserved instead of the outdoor picnic area, so we stayed dry. We watched one inning of the game outside but it started raining so we left early. It was the 8th inning and the score was 8-0 (we were the 8) so we knew we'd win the game.

Hopefully the weather clears up. Although we really needed the rain, the humidity has been low and it would have been nice to be outdoors. Oh well.

[camberne]

Kim, I loved the movie. Phil actually took me to see it again today!! He thought that Serendipity was funnier (which I can totally understand due to the Jeremy Piven factor, but...) but he still enjoyed it. He doesn't get why I've already seen it twice and why I'm already putting it on my dvd list, but that's a man for ya!

I really enjoyed Wedding Crashers, but it was BAWDY. I'm telling you that one of the scenes with Jane Seymour really had me going :eek: !!That's all fine and good, but I like funny humour over bawdy humour... and I can't stand bathroom humour.

[Kimberland30]

I never saw Serendipity....so I have nothing to go by. There are so many movies that I haven't seen that I really would like to, but Jeff is against "Chick Flicks" although he usually is spared from most of them (I'll see them with my DD or a girlfriend instead).

Guess I'll talk him into seeing both with me. :)

[evagatesgreen2]

I can't believe that weather yesterday. Poor Mike was a drowned rat when he got home. They took fifth place! They took first when I went with them. :p

I hope it stays sunny for the rest of the week.

[funky$meg]

That rain yesterday was horrible! I still did the fishing tourney, but my team didn't win in any of the categories, although I did win a fun little 1-gallon vacuum during the raffle prizes at the end :D

Also, saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The movie was pretty good, and the singing and dancing numbers were very funny, but my Honeybear and I picked a late movie (10pm) so we wouldn't be in a theater full of kids, who we figured should *probably* be sleeping at that time. Therefore I was a little confused as to why there were a few families who brought young 3 and 4 year old children out so late. Granted, it is a movie targeted to youngsters, but is it smart to have your small children up and out until past midnight?

[Kimberland30]

Therefore I was a little confused as to why there were a few families who brought young 3 and 4 year old children out so late. Granted, it is a movie targeted to youngsters, but is it smart to have your small children up and out until past midnight?

This irritates me to no end. My DH and I won't see movies that a lot of smaller kids will go to because I don't like kids. Just kidding! I love them but he has no patience for them, so we usually rent movies like that.

But still, I wouldn't take a toddler to a movie that late either.

[evagatesgreen2]

Has anyone been to Busch Gardens this year?

[camberne]

My son has.

[evagatesgreen2]

Did he try the new ride? Curse of Darkastle? Mike and I went there last month and we rushed to try it but it wasn't what we were expecting.

[camberne]

I'm not sure. I think he went to, but the line was too long or something. I wouldn't have bothered, honestly... LOL... I don't do virtual reality rides, they make me sick. I was really upset when we got the plans for the new project up there (my old company built Phase I of "the dark ride" which is what they were calling it). I liked the roller coaster that was there.

[Kimberland30]

It's strange that I can go on the fastest, tallest, craziest roller coaster there is, but put me in one of those VR ones and I get sick. I think it's either Busch Gardens or Kings Dominion that has the one with the leprechauns and I started feeling sick a few minutes into it.

My DD has been to BG this year too, I don't know if she rode that ride or not. If she did she wasn't "wowed" by it because she never mentioned it.

[VASLP]

Hi all, Just wanted to pop in. I'm Maryann- was BrideVABeach on WC. Haven't posted much since I got married in Oct. but kept lurking. I decided to jump ship when everyone intersting seemed to leave the "other site". :p

[funky$meg]

Hi Maryann, welcome!

Did you do anything fun in VA Beach this weekend? I went fishing with my family, but didn't catch anything except a tan ;)

[camberne]

Hey Maryann!! It's been forever!! :) Glad to see you made it on over here.

[Belm]

Hi Maryann, welcome!

Did you do anything fun in VA Beach this weekend? I went fishing with my family, but didn't catch anything except a tan ;)

Speak for yourself, I caught a shark. :D

[Belm]

Anyone going to Duck-Inn tonight since it will be their last deck party?

[Kimberland30]

Well tonight we have a rehearsal and RD to go to, so we won't make it. I wish we could have though. It's such a shame they are closing.

[Kimberland30]

Did anyone go to the beach party at Duck Inn this weekend? There was a rumor that Jimmy Buffet was there..was he? We were at our friends house (who got married this weekend) and almost considered heading up there after the rehearsal dinner...but we thought it would be rude and by time we got there (Jimmy or not), it would have been packed.

[evagatesgreen2]

I read an article about the closing of Duck In and there was no mention of Buffet. :(

[Belm]

I didn't go. But a friend of a friend was there on Friday night. They had apparently run out of beer by 10:00 p.m. and the parking situation was a nightmare. They were charging anywhere from $10 to $20 for parking.

[Kimberland30]

I figured it would be a madhouse. As soon as DH heard that Jimmy was going to be up there (which I guess was a rumor after all), he was ready to pack it up and leave the rehearsal. I'm glad we didn't waste our time.

[evagatesgreen2]

I have a big favor to ask, I joined a wedding site that is still in its first stages and I am trying to gather vendor names to help future HR brides. Can anyone help? :)

[Kimberland30]

What kind of info do you need? Just names or addresses/contacts too? I can post mine (well, the ones I liked) if you want.

[evagatesgreen2]

Addresses would be great or websites if the vendors had them. :)

[Kimberland30]

I'll have to find my wedding CD and get my list. I had to copy everything over because we were running out of memory - old computer. As soon as I find it I'll post all the info here...just in case anyone here is looking for vendors also. :)

[evagatesgreen2]

Thanks Kim! :)

[Kimberland30]

You're welcome! I didn't find my CD, but managed to find my wedding notebook (a true miracle given everything is in a pile).

Here goes. :)

Reception:
Shifting Sands Beach Club (need military sponsor)
Dam Neck Naval Base
1816 Regulus Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23461
Contact: Brenda Walls
(757) 492-6146 or (757) 492-6233
Grade: A
Comments: The reception rooms upstairs were redone this spring and they are gorgeous! The cost is the least expensive if you want your reception on the beach. We had a military sponsor who just had to sign the contract saying that we were responsible for everything. The food was GREAT, we still get comments on it. Many packages to choose from in all price ranges.

Photography:
Custom Photography, LLC
2432 Eastchester Drive
Virginia Beach, VA
Contact: Mike Linette
(757) 498-0205
Grade: B
Comments: They are a little expensive compared to other photographers, but they don't use digital (something very important for us). We are very happy with the professional pictures - including our engagement and bridal shots, but are a little disappointed that he missed some things (like the mom's lighting candles, dad's doing the readings). I still recommend them, just have a list of what pictures you HAVE to have. We didn't and regret it.

Cake:
G's Cake Shop
6505 Auburn Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Contact: Glenda (Owner)
(757) 420-5374
Grade: A+
Comments: I interviewed three different bakers and chose G's. They were recommended to me by Angelo's (Glenda used to work there before going into business for herself). They did an incredible job on our cake (beach theme). It was beautiful, and was very fresh and GOOD. I'm a HUGE cake lover, and they didn't disappoint. Plus their prices were very reasonable.

DJ:
We used Rexpert Sounds Entertainment but can't recommend him. Not only did he not play songs we selected (only 6 that we really wanted played), he also missed a couple of dances that we wanted (dollar dance - tradition, and anniversary dance). He didn't let us select songs for the entrance, cake cutting, bo-k and garter toss, etc. He did keep everyone out on the dance floor and had a great idea of a bubble dance and our exit, but we are kinda disappointed by the things he didn't do. Nobody but us noticed, so that's good. :)

Beach Trolley
Venture Tours
1212 Gallop Avenue
Chesapeake, VA 23324
Contact: Mandy Levins
(757) 495-6060
Grade: A+
Comments: This is the only place in Hampton Roads that rents a trolley. We booked it 9 months in advance to make sure we got it - since they only have one. They showed up on time, and the trolley was VERY clean. We even got to ride in the very back (open area) on our way to the reception which was a lot of fun. The contract says that no alcoholic beverages are allowed on the trolley, but our driver let us have jello shooters (shhhh!). The rate is $110 per hour with a minimum of 3 hours. The include 30 minutes driving time EACH WAY, so we paid for 4 hours.

Florist and Decorator:
Distinctive Floral Designs
4001 Lombard Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23453
Contact: Katherine Gustafson
(757) 471-6963
Grade: A+
Comments: Katherine was a joy to work with. I had a million pictures and ideas of what I wanted, and I met with her several times to get exactly what I pictured in my head. I had a set budget and we rearranged some things to get in the amount I needed. The bouquets were GORGEOUS and the bouts and corsages were beautiful. She even incorporated our beach theme into the flowers by using shells on the bouts. Katherine and her crew also decorated our reception site. I took over boxes and boxes of decor, and they did a magnificient job of decorating. Considering they only had an hour between receptions, I don't know how they pulled it off and did such a great job.

Wedding Gown
Tiffany's by Maya
12 Best Square
Norfolk, VA 23502
Contact: Maya
(757) 461-1690
Grade: A+
Comments: I originally found my Maggie Sottero gown at All the Rage in Virginia Beach, but got it almost $200 cheaper at Tiffany's. Tiffany's has undergone new management, and I gotta say that I had the best service there. They were very helpful with all the ordering, fittings and alterations that I had done. Their accessories are expensive (to me), so I ended up buying those through Ebay. My gown was delivered to the shop a month before they expected it. They stored it for me on site. They steamed my gown (free) before my bridal portraits, and I dropped it off right after them. They stored and steamed my gown again before my wedding (also free).

Bridesmaids Dresses and Alterations
Eileens Originals
5386 Kemps River Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Contact: Eileen and Ben Savage
(757) 424-0107
Grade: A+
Comments: All my bridesmaids dresses (5) were ordered through Eileens. They were cheaper than other bridal shops in the area. Eileen was very hands-on in the selection process, and Ben gave me delivery updates after they were ordered. Four of my bridesmaids got their alterations done there and were very pleased. The fifth was out of town so she got hers done at a local salon in NY. I would have had my gown altered there as well but I didn't feel like lugging it from one shop to another and storing it at home.

Tuxes:
Savvi Formalwear - Lynnhaven Mall
(757) 431-4772
Grade: A+
Comments: DH didn't want to go with Afterhours (don't know why). We got a great deal at Savvi, and since we didn't have a ring bearer, they gave us the best man's tux for free. They were great to work with and all the tuxes (8 of them) came in on time and they were all perfect.

Hair/Makeup
Ambiance Salon and Day Spa
369 Independence Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Contact: Amy Stahler
(757) 497-5511
Grade: A+
Comments: The day of the wedding was hectic and we were all late for our appointments - at least an hour. But Amy and her staff jumped into high gear and we were all beautified on time. Six of us got our hair done, 3 of us also got makeup. Everyone was very happy with how it all turned out.

However, I recommended them to another bride who didn't have a good experience. First, she was charged a $50 bridal consultation fee. I wasn't. I don't believe that places should charge brides just to "consult" with them, and I wouldn't have used them if this fee was in place when I booked my appointments. Second, the ladies working there had a lot of attitude. Although everything turned out great (they all looked beautiful), she was disappointed with the attitude they got from them (except the makeup artist...we both LOVE her).

Invitations
The Precious Collection
preciouscollection.com
Ordered online
Customer Service: 1-800-537-5222
Grade: A+
Comments: We wanted a specific beach themed invite package, and the Precious Collection had them for the cheapest price, and 30% off using their website. When they were delivered (very fast shipping), there was a small mistake on our response cards - their error. I called Customer Service and they not only fixed the problem within a day, they overnighted us the new response cards.

Rings
Either Ore Jewelers
1309 Fordham Drive #107
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Contact: Tara Taubman
(757) 523-1549
Grade: A+
Comments: My husband bought my engagement ring from Either Ore, and we also bought our wedding rings from there. Being that he had no idea about e-rings, they helped him select a style and size based on his budget. Although they are more expensive than mall stores, their quality is MUCH better. We had a difficult time finding a wedding band to go with my e-ring, so we ended up getting my diamond put into a wedding set. My rings didn't fit when they came in, and it only took a day to get it resized. Their master jeweler is onsite, so any repairs/refittings can be done in a day or two.

Dance Lessons
Walter & Judy Schultz
Portsmouth, VA
483-9410
Grade: A+
Comments: I met Walter and Judy at a group dance (I'm taking line dance lessons) and talked to them about helping us with our first dance. I told them what song we were playing, and they chose a dance based on the beat.

Lessons can either be done at their house ($40 per lesson) or at the dance studio in Virginia Beach ($50 per lesson). They are very nice people and teach the dance SLOWLY. Each week we got a new step to practice. It was easy to follow along with and we had a great time. We even got cheered at our reception!

We recommended them to our friends who just got married and they had nothing but nice things to say about them.

Hotel for Out of Town Guests
Surfside Oceanfront
1211 Atlantic Avenue (12th Street)
Virginia Beach, VA
Contact: Jan Williamson
(757) 428-1183
Grade: B
Comments: We had a total of 14 rooms reserved for our wedding night, but they messed up OUR reservation, then had the nerve to charge us full price for our room instead of the group rate. I called Jan when we got back from our honeymoon and we got it straightened out. Unfortunately they'd been going through a lot of new people, so things got jumbled. The rooms were nice and most of us were on the same floor - with the exception of 3 rooms.
Everyone who stayed there really enjoyed it, especially since it's right on the beach.

[evagatesgreen2]

Thanks a bunch Kim! :) That will be such a big help for future HR brides. I should review my own vendors one of these days. :o

[camberne]

I've been OOC for a few days and just getting back on here... I'll get what info I have for you sometime this week Andrea. It's a matter of putting my hands on my binder. :)
Re: Ambiance Day Spa... However, I recommended them to another bride who didn't have a good experience. First, she was charged a $50 bridal consultation fee. I wasn't. I don't believe that places should charge brides just to "consult" with them, and I wouldn't have used them if this fee was in place when I booked my appointments. Second, the ladies working there had a lot of attitude. Although everything turned out great (they all looked beautiful), she was disappointed with the attitude they got from them (except the makeup artist...we both LOVE her).
Kim, who did your makeup (just because I want to know, I loved mine on my wedding day and it was a different person than did my trial). The owner of Ambiance lives across the street from me. I personally wasn't impressed with Amy, but I love the family. :) Tommy is always interested in hearing feedback and I love to be able to tell him both the good and the bad of what I hear!

[Kimberland30]

Alice, I can't remember who did my makeup. I know that she's pregnant. My friend and I both loved her though, she's very calming. :)

I personally didn't have a problem with anyone that worked there, they really went out of their way to make sure I was calm being that we were so late to our appointments. I was more worried about their next bridal party showing up than I was us getting out of there on time. :) But it all worked out, they had two people working on me to get my hair done on time, and everyone in the salon seemed to pitch in so I wouldn't freak out. Which is why I was surprised that my friend had such a different experience. I was also surprised about the $50 consultation fee since I wasn't charged it, and my bridal party was twice as big as hers. Maybe it's new, I don't know. My friend did say that they got a "private room" and snacks, but she wasn't impressed with either - I don't think they even got a room. I'll ask her about it again when they get back from their HM and let you know what she tells me.

[evagatesgreen2]

Bumping this back up!

[VASLP]

This is going back a bit, but since good DJs are hard to find I thought I would pitch in.
We had an AWESOME DJ for our wedding...he was not at all an "MC" which a lot of them tend to be. My parents were very worried about using a DJ, they wanted a band, because they had been to too many weddings where the music was overwhelming. And I have to say they LOVED him!! :D In fact I think we have gotten more compliments and people asking for referrals on him than any other aspect of the reception...3 of our guests have since used him.
I don't have the contact info here but he is Stan Glaser Disc Jockeys . I will get back here and post his info when I get a chance but he's easy enough to find in the phonebook or online.
-Maryann

[evagatesgreen2]

Thanks a bunch Maryann! :D

[shouldaeloped]

Hey guys. . just to add my two cents on the vendor list.

we got married on october 19, 2002. somethings are worth commenting on, others. . not so much.

6pm wedding, saturday night,

location
Botanical Gardens.
the scenery was perfect, the reception was exactly what I wanted. I would not recommend getting married outside on a saturday night there. it's so close to the airport and an airplane decided to warm up it's engines during our vows. no one heard a thing. thankfully I have a good sense of humor. it you pick the botanical gardens in the evening on a saturday, find an indoor location.

flowers
Fairfield Florist
absolutely affordable, absolutely beautiful. I have had friends copy my bouquets. the owner of the shop personally delivered the flowers, she was creative but stayed within the paramaters I set. . I couldn't have asked for anything better. A+++++.

caterer
Cuisine and Company
we worked with Patrick and not only was the food amazing, he was able to work with my very demanding mother the entire time without so much as a small complaint. people 3 years later are still talking about how good the food was. he coordinated everything. the alcohol, the lighting, the decorations. I would have been lost without him. relatively affordable. again. . A+++++++++

photographer
Dee Akright
I liked Dee. . her pictures are tremendous. I got the feeling she thought I was a little overweight (I'm a size 12) and made a few inappropriate comments. . but whatever. I was able to shrug that off. I told her I didn't many posed pictures. I got none. be careful what you ask for.

DJ
Astro
don't do it. too expenisve and they screwed up everything. DJ yourself if you have to.

Cake
Custom Cakes
nice people, my cake tasted good and looked good. refused to use fresh flowers and I am still angry about that. affordable.

Tuxes
Gingiss
did a great job. hard to screw up but it has been known to happen. we were pleased.

hair/make-up
Avalon Day Spa- I wasn't that impressed. my mom found this place last minute and I was pleased for what we paid for but the atmosphere was lacking and I hated my make-up. she used some nasty orange color. I would probably look for another place.

I think that's it. sorry I don't have websites or other contact information.

hope this helps someone.

[Belm]

My wedding was 2 1/2 years ago, but here is my review. April 26th was a simply wonderful day. I did a lot of research for my vendors and most of it paid off.

Make up
Kim Wadsworth Style www.kimwadsworth.com
Grade: A
Her make-up team did a fantastic job. Everyone looked phenomenal. They came early and even stayed to see me get changed. The make up stayed on all day despite the rain and me dancing for 2 1/2 hours straight. They are a bit on the pricey side, but I really think that they were worth it.

Hair
M2Hair Systems in Fairfield Shopping Center
Grade: A -
Mark & Stand did a marvelous job on everyone's hair. Everyone's hair stayed in place all day long. All of my BM's wanted an updo and they did each one very differently, but they all came out great. They were a little bit more expensive than I thought it was going to be, but I'm glad that I went with them.

Photography
Veronica Dana www.veronicadana.com
Grade: A ++
I loved her, loved her, loved her! She did an amazing job with my pictures. I'm so glad that I went with her. I did not even realize that she was there and she got some terrific shots. If you want a photojournalist photographer, I would highly recommend her. But, she is on the pricey side. If you want to see my pictures on line, just e-mail me!

Bride's Bouquet & Reception Flowers
Flowers by Kay
Grade: A-/B +
Kay did an amazing job on my bouquet. It looked exactly as I wanted it too. The reception flowers were not what I had ordered (they did not have any Bells of Ireland ~ and I had specially requested that be in the arrangement). However the arrangements that I received, were actually better than the picture that I gave her. My dad did go back and complain that we didn't have any Bells of Ireland in it, so they went out special delivered some to the house.

Loose Roses, Centerpieces & Church Flowers
Norfolk Wholesale Floral
Grade: A
We ordered fresh roses from Norfolk Wholesale Floral, so that we could make our own bouquets for the BM, nosegay's for the mom's and boutonnières for the GM's. All of the roses were beautiful. We picked them up on Friday morning, made all of the bouquets that afternoon and kept them in water and they opened up beautifully.

I ordered live Ivy topiaries from them for centerpieces. All of them were very healthy. We did have to bend all of them into heart shapes ourselves, but they turned out great.

I went in with 2 other 4/26 brides at my Church for 2 Floral Arrangements at the Church. We wanted to keep it cheap, so we each paid $40 and had them do a spring arrangement. We told them that we wanted a lot of blue, pink & purple in it, but did not tell them what type of flowers in it. It turned out beautifully.

Videographer
Jim Letempt www.letempt.com
Grade: B
Jim did a good job. The only problem was that the mike was not working that was clipped to Chris so you couldn't here our vows (we re-dubbed it later, but it isn't the same). The camera techs also were having communication problems during the wedding and some of the shots could have been a lot better.

Dress
I found my dress at All of the Rage. They would not honor their deal about matching internet pricing, so I bought the dress online through www.discountbridalservice.com. The dress came in 2 months early and was beautiful. Plus, I save $700.

Alterations
Eileen's Originals
Grade: A
They did the alterations on my dress & all of the BM dresses. They did a great job and were very reasonable. I had to have about 4 inches taken off my dress since I am so short & take in the top. They also pressed the dress and my 14 foot cathedral length veil.

Tuxes
Eileen's Originals
Grade: A -/B+
They were the most reasonably priced for the Ralph Lauren tuxedos. However, there was a mix up with the shoes and we did not get the ones that we had lorded until Saturday morning. It all worked out, but it was just a little bit of unnecessary stress.

They did however altar the tuxes quickly, since some of the GM did not even pick up their tuxes until 4:00 on Friday. They were ready to be picked up the next morning at 10:00

Cake
Gourmet Bake Shoppe http://www.gourmetbakeshoppe.com/
Grade: A
Chef Emily does a fantastic job. She does talk your ear off, though. The cake looked exactly how we had pictured it. However, we were under the impression that she would put the rose petals into the cake free of charge. After checking the contract, we were wrong. It was our own fault for not checking the contract more carefully.

Church
St.Gregory's the Great Catholic Church
{you can't really grade a Church, can you?}
Father Marrio did a wonderful job. The Mass ended a lot quicker than most Catholic Masses that I have been too. We were also able to stay after and take pictures without being yelled at.

Cantor
Cindy (if you want her info just email me)
Grade: B +
She worked through the Church and did a great job. She was on the $$ side for singing for just 50 minutes, but we had to use someone through the Church. She was very hard to get a hold of & there was some miscommunication between her and the string quartet.

St. James String Quartet
Grade: B
The head of the string quartet told me 2 weeks before the wedding that she wasn't going to be there & she was going to have someone else fill in for her. I was a little bit irked that I found out on such short notice (especially since she knew about it for a while).

The Quartet did do a lovely job. But, there was a long pause between the bridesmaids/groomsmen entrance song and the bridal processional. I'm not sure what happened there. They should have changed over to the entrance song for me, much sooner.

Event Coordinator
Event Masters
Grade: C-/D+
I was initially really impressed with Rhonda at Event Masters. But, at our final meeting she was extremely rude to my mother and I. She did show up the Rehearsal (about 5 minutes late) and did stick around to watch what was going to happen (which wasn't in her contract).

At the wedding, she wore an ivory, flowy pant suite. It was completely inappropriate. It was obvious who the bride was, but I would never ever wear ivory or white to someone's wedding. Especially, when the bride is wearing ivory. While she technically did do everything in her contract, she just did a half a** job. The Reception flowers were not put out for the Cocktail. The lights for the centerpieces were turned on about 6 hours to early and had burned out by the time 7:00 pm rolled around. She did tell us when to line up, when to cut the cake, etc & did keep things moving. But, they were definitely not worth the money that we paid them.

Reception
Shifting Sands at Dam Neck Naval Base
Grade: A for food
Grade: B - for ambiance
The food was absolutely wonderful. We got so many compliments on the food. They also kept the liquor flowing all night long ~ which was a major plus.

However, Shifting Sands did not look the prettiest. We did a lot of decorating to make the place look better. We even rented chair covers, because the chairs looked ugly. Although, it had a major update since my wedding!

The price is definitely right at Shifting Sands and I am very happy with the way the room turned out. But, I know that I didn't go through all of the trouble of decorating it, I would have been very disappointed. I'm so glad that I spent the extra time & $$ to dress the place up. The location is wonderful ~ right on the beach with a wonderful view of the Atlantic. Unfortunately, it was raining so we didn't get to enjoy the view that much.

DJ
Astro's ~ Trevor
Grade: A
9 days before the wedding, the DJ that was supposed to do our wedding could not longer do it anymore. So, Astro's picked out Trevor for us. We interviewed him and he seemed a little bit nervous. He did a very good job & stuck to our play list. We got a lot of compliments on having a wide variety of music. DH & I spent quite a few hours compiling a play list. Trevor played every song that we wanted him to play and did not deviate from the list.

[andrew&shannah]

Hi ladies - Sorry to hop in (I'm a NOVA girl myself) but my parents live in Hampton Roads and I am hoping to find somewhere to take them for their birthday dinner over the weekend. I figured the best place to go was the experts...any suggestions?

TIA!

[camberne]

Depends on which geographical area you want to stick to (Hampton Roads is a big area - do you want VB/Norfolk/Chesapeake or Hampton/Newport News/Wmsburg area?) and how much you want to spend. There's a new Chris Ruth's Steak House at the VB Town Center, but it is quite pricey... steak is just as good (in my opinion) at the Grate Steak (still pricey, but not nearly AS pricey). Also, any particular type of food you're going for??

[Kimberland30]

Aldo's is my FAVORITE italian restaurant in Virginia Beach. They are on the pricy side also (especially drinks), but definately worth it.

[andrew&shannah]

Depends on which geographical area you want to stick to (Hampton Roads is a big area - do you want VB/Norfolk/Chesapeake or Hampton/Newport News/Wmsburg area?)

They live in Suffolk so something in the Norfolk or Chesapeake might be best but it doesn't really matter. I guess somewhere with 30 miles or so of Suffolk (so that excludes Williamsburg for sure).
As for types of food, nothing too exotic (my dad is a fairly picky eater). Steak, seafood, italian are all fine. So is Mexican.
Price isn't really an issue but it doesn't HAVE to be a really fancy restaurant either. Just good food and good ambience.

Thanks again!

[shouldaeloped]

Steinhilbers- phenominal seafood restaurant in Thalia/Princess Anne area in Virginia Beach.

they have the best shrimp and seafood around, it's very classy and people celebrate occassions there all the time. might want to think about reservations though. .

good luck and have fun!

ETA: No Frill Grill in Norfolk is great too.

[Kimberland30]

Steinhilbers- phenominal seafood restaurant in Thalia/Princess Anne area in Virginia Beach.

I thought they closed? If they are open again, I wanna go soon!

If you are looking for something fun, you could also try Joe's Crab Shack. I love the fun atmosphere there (waitresses dancing the Cha-Cha Slide) and their food is really good.

Then again, I haven't been there since they first opened, so it could be different now. :o

[andrew&shannah]

Thanks for all the suggestions ladies! I called Steinhibler's but they don't take reservations for parties over 6. I only had 5 so...

We actually ended up with reservations at Ruth's Chris. Everyone loved it and the atmosphere was nice!

Thanks again!

[Kimberland30]

So how was the food? I've only heard that they are pricy, but I really want to check it out.

[shouldaeloped]

I thought they closed? If they are open again, I wanna go soon!

nope. . my parents go there for everyone's birthday. we were just there in September for my mom's 60th. i love that place!

[andrew&shannah]

So how was the food? I've only heard that they are pricy, but I really want to check it out.

The food was yummy. It is on the pricey side...especially when you consider that you have to pay extra for any sides. However, I felt it was certainly worth it!
We had:
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms - these were actually my favorite of the whole meal! They were filled with tons of crab...not mostly breadcrumbs like a lot of places
Oysters Rockafeller - I don't eat Oysters so I can't say firsthand but my grandpa liked the appetizer so much that he ordered it as his entree too!

4 of the 5 of us got Filets (i had petit with shrimp) and they were cooked to perfection! Absolutely wonderful...
We also got a few sides to share: sweet potato casserole, sauteed mushrooms, and giant onion rings

I think in total for 5 of us we spent a little over $300. So not ridiculous but then again...I'm used to paying at least $80 - $100 for a decent meal for 2 around here...
Also, you pay for the service too which was excellent. We had a waitress plus assistant. They were beyond excellent...so good that I would actually request them if we were to go back again!

[Kimberland30]

I don't think your bill was too bad considering you had 5 people. My DH and I will spend about $100 for the both of us at Aldo's (but the martini's are just over $10 each and we usually have a few). :)

Our 6-month wedding anniversary is coming up in a few weeks, so maybe we'll check Ruth'sChris out for our special dinner.

[Jill1228]

I am no longer in the area, but I grew up in Virginia Beach...Princess Anne grad

[Kimberland30]

Hi! My DD went to Princess Anne last year, but is at Kempsville now. What year did you graduate?

[Jill1228]

I graduated in 1985...yes I am old! :)

[Kimberland30]

Hey now, I graduated in 89 so you aren't THAT far ahead of me!! :)

ETA: I graduated from Kempsville, and it's amazing the school rivalry that STILL exists between our two schools. Crazy.

[shouldaeloped]

kimberland: I went to Kempsville too. . graduated in 1990. I wonder if we bumped into each other in the halls!

[camberne]

My husband went to Kempsville!! I believe he graduated in 1990 too!!

I'm a 1988 Princess Anne graduate!! :) Go Cavs!! Scalp the Chiefs!!

[Bee]

Hello Girls!
I've been waiting to post this for about month now, but didn't want to jinx our chances by jumping the gun on the research! Hubby has a job offer in Hampton and although we haven't decided for sure, I think we'll be taking it. Can you guys fill me in on some basics about the area? What are the good & bad things about living there? Which areas are affordable, but maybe up & coming? Where is traffic a problem? (We're coming from NoVa, so traffic should be relatively better, but it's one of the things we're hoping to get away from!) What areas would & wouldn't be possible to live in while commuting to Hampton? Thanks for any info you can give - I know we'll feel better making the final decision knowing that we have a little knowledge on our possible new home!

[Kimberland30]

kimberland: I went to Kempsville too. . graduated in 1990. I wonder if we bumped into each other in the halls!

No kidding! PM me your name and I'll see if I remember. My DD has my yearbook out (she's in 10th grade there) so she's been looking up teachers.


Alice, same thing, what is your DH's name? I hung out with a lot of Juniors when I was in my senior year, so I could very well know him...or not. :)


Bee: I can't help. I live in Virginia Beach and don't venture over to that side of the tunnel much. If Andrea comes back (HINT HINT ANDREA), she could probably help you out!

[evagatesgreen2]

I'm back! :-p I've been anti-social all over the place lol! I will try to come up with some numbers and such for the Hampton area.

[Kimberland30]

Hi Andrea, long time no see!

[shouldaeloped]

Hey guys... I grew up in VA Beach but haven't really lived there in many years. my sister and my 2 year old neice are coming to visit my parents in va beach next week. as my Mother is a horrible planner of activities and since I haven't lived there in so long, I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for fun things to do with young kids in the area. I really don't want to sit around and stare at each other all day!

TIA!

[Kimberland30]

I know my kids really like the Marine Science Museum (or the Virginia Aquarium and Science Museum - it's new name) on General Booth Boulevard. They have a lot of interactive exhibits that the kids can touch. We had a family membership but it's expired and we decided not to renew only because all our schedules are nuts.

[evagatesgreen2]

It is a little out of the way but I thought of Jillian's.

http://www.jillians.com/

[shouldaeloped]

thanks guys. I think we'll check them both out!

[Niko&Troi]

Now we just have to get Lorraine back down here... in another year or two, I guess, now that she's closing on a house and everything.


Alice posted this in June and I'm just finding this thread.


I've lived in Va Bch from 1992 until May of last year. We're now in DE but we still want to move back to DE. My sis, mom & FIL are there so it's home for us. We try to visit as much as possible, but when we come down, we're always bombarded with seeing family and don't have time for friends. Like Thanksgiving. We're coming down Wed night, Thurs is with my family, Fri we're moving some stuff for my sis and we're coming back either late Fri or early Sat. Plus when we come with the dogs, it is so much more than just a trip.

Now that I've found this thread, I will be here more often too.

~~Lorraine

[evagatesgreen2]

I keep meaning to post a lengthy response but I am running behind as usual. But here is the link to the Hampton page that includes info for newcomers.http://www.hampton.gov/

[Kimberland30]

Welcome Lorraine!

Two of my friends have just moved back to VA Beach. I haven't had the chance to see either of them yet because they are just now getting caught up with their families. I know how hectic it is to try to see everyone when you are down here for a short time.

When we go visit my DH's family - in upstate NY - they all live near eachother so we can see them all at once. It makes it nice. :)

[evagatesgreen2]

Just wanted to stop in and say hi! :) Hope all is well.

[Kimberland30]

This poor thread never gets any action. :(

[evagatesgreen2]

You should see the Hampton Roads thread I started on another site. I keep bumping it up but no one comes in. There never seems to be an abundance of VA members.

[camberne]

I'm such a slacker... I'm rarely here anymore. Hi everyone!!

[Kimberland30]

Hi Alice! LTNS! :)

I've been a total slacker these days too. Never enough time.

[Belm]

I'm such a slacker... I'm rarely here anymore. Hi everyone!!

Ditto! I'm pretty busy at work, so I don't get to play around anymore like I used to. :D

~ Brenna

[Belm]

I need some help!

My SIL is getting married on a Sunday. We are looking for a salon (or recommendations on hair stylists that will come to the house). She has already called Ambiance. Does anyone else have any suggestions?

Thanks,
Brenna

[camberne]

Sorry, Brenna, I have no clue. I do know of a gal out in Pungo, but I can't remember her name or how I came to meet her to save my life!! If it comes to me, I'll let you know! I'll ask around!!

Any more word regarding Lorraine's condition? I emailed up to them, but I haven't heard anything. Good Luck on Sunday!!

[Belm]

Hey Alice ~ Lorraine is doing okay. She is at home right now. I talked to her very briefly on Sunday night.

SIL's wedding is not until September, so hopefully we can find a hair dresser before then. :D

[camberne]

OH, on "A" Sunday, not THIS Sunday! I missed that! I'll definately ask around.

[evagatesgreen2]

I would mention a salon but it is in Newport News! I feel like the freak of the group because I'm all by myself in Hampton lol!

[camberne]

Yeah, Andrea, what a freak!! ;)

[evagatesgreen2]

:D I can't help it! It's who I am. ;)

[evagatesgreen2]

Great! I'm just a big old thread killer!:(

[Belm]

Does anybody have any info on renting at Trolley? The company that I used is out of business and my SIL is looking to rent one for her wedding.

Thanks!

~ Brenna

[FutureFirstLady]

My cousin got married in 2002 and used the HRTransit Trolley. It drove us from Portsmouth to NOB - it was really nice. Not sure if they still offer that service (couldn't find anyting on the website) - Hampton Roads Transit (http://www.hrtransit.com/) - but you can always call them!

Good Luck!

[FutureFirstLady]

Sure is lonely in this thread. :(

[Bee]

Hello Girls!

DH & I just moved to Hampton Roads this winter. After a brief stint in Hampton, we've settled in Newport News... more specifically Kiln Creek if anyone knows where that is. So far we really like it. I'm about to be unemployed so will spend my spring gardening, cooking, painting, etc. Hopefully it will be fun and not boring.

I'm sure I'll be back with questions now and then. We're really trying to find some nicer restaurants - something different than all the chains!!

~B :)

[evagatesgreen2]

LOL, we are practically neighbors! I'm right down the road from Kiln Creek.

[Bee]

Sweet! I love that everyone knows where it is! We sent out the "we've moved" email & got so many responses from friends/family who knew of it! I guess a lot of people are familiar with the area because they've lived there with the military. There certainly is a lot of that!!

[evagatesgreen2]

Sometimes I wonder if DH and I are the only non-military couple in the apartment complex. ;)

[Kimberland30]

Brenna, are you still looking for a trolley? Call Venture Tours in Chesapeake, that's who we used. They have the only trolley for hire in this area.


Boy, this thread is so dead. What has everyone been up to? Jeff and I just celebrated our first anniversary on Sunday. Our first year went by so quick! We are buying our house, we hope to close by the end of the month. I'm just waiting for the processor to call me back so we can schedule the appraisal and inspection. WooHoo!

Hope everyone is doing well!

[Dizzy]

Bumping this up. Any Hampton Roadies out there? :) I'm new to the area and am bored bored bored. Any ideas on some cheap outings or activities in the area?

[Belm]

Hey Dizzy!

Welcome to the area. What are you interested in?

If you are an outdoors type person, there are some great walking trails at First Landing State Park (Va Beach) and Dismal Swamp (Chesapeake). If you have dogs, I know all of the area dog parks and can give you rec's. Norfolk Botanical Gardens is another great place to get out as well. Of course there is the beach once the weather warms up. I stay away from the tourist area (Oceanfront) and head to Chick's Beach instead.

For night life, I head down to Granby Street in Downtown Norfolk. We also love to eat in Ghent - lots of independet resturants with lots of different types to chose from.

I also teach yoga on the side, so if you are interested in that - I can give you a run down on some of the area yoga studios.

~ Brenna

[camberne]

Hi Dizzy, welcome to Hampton Roads! Brenna gave you a pretty good rundown of things to do. We like Waterside - particularly Crocodile Rocks, for a bar-type night out. We're not bar people, but like it there.

I'd definately check out the Botanical Gardens. It's right by the Norfolk Airport, so relatively easy to find. We always recommend people to see the USS Wisconsin in Norfolk (next to Nauticus). It's an impressive sight and it's FREE.

If you're a history person, May 19th is the Bayside History Trail in Virginia Beach which highlights some of this historical houses/sites in VB from 10-4. That's free, too (and you'll get a patch from the local library if you get your "passport" stamped at a certain number of the historic sites)!

What types of things do you like to do?

[Dizzy]

If you have dogs, I know all of the area dog parks and can give you rec's. Norfolk Botanical Gardens is another great place to get out as well. Of course there is the beach once the weather warms up. I stay away from the tourist area (Oceanfront) and head to Chick's Beach instead.

For night life, I head down to Granby Street in Downtown Norfolk. We also love to eat in Ghent - lots of independet resturants with lots of different types to chose from.

I also teach yoga on the side, so if you are interested in that - I can give you a run down on some of the area yoga studios.

~ Brenna

Hi Brenna! Thanks for the welcome! I do have dogs, so a dog park recommendation would be AWESOME!! (and maybe a vet rec, too, if you have one...?) Botanical Gardens sound great; I didn't even realize that existed, hehe. And I'm hoping to get out more when the weather is better. THis weekend has been way too cold for the beach. Chick's beach, eh? I'll have to check that out. Is it a public beach?
What restaurants to you recommend??
And, yes, yoga would be great!

[Dizzy]

If you're a history person, May 19th is the Bayside History Trail in Virginia Beach which highlights some of this historical houses/sites in VB from 10-4. That's free, too (and you'll get a patch from the local library if you get your "passport" stamped at a certain number of the historic sites)!

What types of things do you like to do?

Hi Alice! Thanks for the welcome! I'll have to check out Crocodile Rocks, for sure. I'm not a bar person myself, so it's hard to find a bar that appeals to a "non-bar" person, ya know?
We've checked out the Wisconsin, which was VERY cool, but not the botanical gardens. Will have to put that on my list for next weekend!
I love the Bayside History Trail idea. I would never have known about it!

We like book stores, live music, art, theater, comedy, etc, and DOing stuff. Like dancing, hiking, surfing...

Thanks for the recs!!

[ManteoChik]

Hey ladies. NC lady here needing some Va Beach advice. SO just took a job in Va Beach, and luckily its only 1.5 hrs from us here on the OBX...which is great because we just moved home from FL and for the past couple of months he was still working there.

Anyway, his job is giving him a monthly housing allowance and neither of us are too familiar with the area. Seriously, I shop at MacArthur and can get myself from the OBX to the mall and thats its...lol.

His job will be at Rudy Inlet, and so he'd like something close by (within like 10 min) if possible. Any recs or a nice apartment complex. It doesn't have be the taj mahal but he def doesn't want something sketchy or in a bad section of town. He's interested in apartments, but not opposed to a townhouse or small house if the price is right.

Any help would really be great. Also any recs for a good sushi bar in the Rudy Inlet/Va Beach area?

[Belm]

Oh I love Ghent - that whole neighborhood has such a good feel to eat! We are probably head down there at least a few times a month. We love No Frill Grill, Cora's, Kelly's is good for burgers. I can't remember the name of the Italian restaurant (Zia's - I think) but they are pretty decent too and they have great happy hour specials.

For dog parks, there aren't a whole lot in Norfolk. Chesapeake City Park has a huge one and is where we take our dogs - http://www.chesapeake.va.us/services/depart/park-rec/citypark.shtml
Our vet is at Providence Square Clinic (Dr. Smith) and we love them - plus they have some evening and Saturday appointments. Providence Square Clinic is in Virginia Beach and is probably about 20 minutes or so from Ghent.

For yoga, My Yoga Spirit is off of 21st Street - http://www.myyogaspirit.com/index2.html They have a few different style classes and some really great instructors.

If you like hot yoga, come check out Chesapeake Hot Yoga www.chesapeakehotyoga.com where I teach.

Make sure to check out the Downtown Norfolk Council's website - http://www.downtownnorfolk.org/ they usually have updates on fun (and not so fun things like traffic updates) events that are going on.

For movies, the Naro theater shows great independent films. Hmmm, for a non-bar person you may want to check out the Wine House (they serve more than just wine) but it has a nice laid back atmosphere - plus it is non-smoking.

Yep, Chick's Beach is a public beach - well technically it is the Bay. It is off of Northampton Blvd. But since you live in Norfolk, it would be closer for you to go to Oceanview - Norfolk's "beach" (again it is really the bay). Oceanview has come a long way in the past 5 -10 years. The bay isn't as nice there, but you can take your dogs there until Memorial weekend. All of the area beaches ban dogs from Memorial Day to Labor Day (during the day).

Feel free to PM if you have any other questions!

[Belm]

Courtney ~ Let me check with my DH about sushi rec's. I'm not a big shushi person, but he is.

I can't think of any apartments off the top of my head, but maybe check out www.pilotonline.com. The whole Rudee's Inlet area is a little bit on the $$$ side. I'll ask around about places though!

[Dizzy]

Brenna: Thank you SO MUCH for the recommendations!! It really is so so sweet of you to take the time to type all that! I've actually printed out your post and hopefully will be able to hit a couple of those restaurants and the dog park this week/end.
Thanks again!

[Belm]

Dizzy ~ Are you feeling more at home yet? Have you gotten a chance to do some exploring?

Courtney ~ Any luck on finding a place?

[Niko&Troi]

As a HR reject I can sort of recommend a few apt complex's for ManteoChik.

We lived at these apts - Arbor Trace - on Suhtai Court behind the Super K on Birdneck. They are close to the beach, sorta cute, but very overpriced IMO. They do have the option of full washer/dryer in the apt so that is a plus. Also, no bacony what so ever, so your living area is your apt, nothing outside. They used to have a tanning bed that the residents can use, but that was booked up a lot. Also had the jet noise from Oceana.

Then there was Thalia Garden Apts. They are not the newest apts (although they may have been updated since we lived there in 99) but they were the best bet for the $$. Very large, even the 1 bedroom. They have stackable washer/dryers in the apts and they used to include gas for heating, cooking and hot water. We really liked them a lot. Our living room used to have a queen size sofa sleeper, a love seat, huge entertainment center and a full desk w/chair. There was also a seperate dining area, table sat 6 and a hutch/buffet in the room. The kitchen was very large too. We lived there before we moved to Richmond and couldn't move back there cause we had a rottie. If we didn't have her, we would have went there in a heart beat.

The last place we had was Linkhorn Bay Apartments. There is a Linkhorn Place Apts, those are cheesy. They were pretty big too and right before we moved, 3 years ago, they just replaced all the windows and redid the kitchens and bathrooms. Their downside to me was we had to pay for water, and it was based on the size of the apt. So even though there were only 2 of us, we paid the same amount as the people over us in the same size apt, even though there were 6 of them living in there. Our water billed averaged $34 a month, we pay about $66 a year in DE now. They had the option of washer/dryer but it was more $$. You will also be right under the final approach path for Oceana Naval Base. You get used to it, but at 11PM Sunday and 3AM Monday there is always a cargo/commuter flight and those are REALLY LOUD.

Stay away from Harper's Square & Plaza Apts. They are not in a good neighborhood at all.

We explored tons of other places too so if you have something in mind, then email me (nikotroi@aol.com) and I can tell you about them.

[jeepgirl]

Wow. No one has posted here in over a year? Anyone out there? ;)

My hubby has an interview tomorrow in hampton roads. We are actually going to drive up there this afternoon/tomorrow morning, let him have his interview, and then look around the area/go out to eat. We'll see if he gets the job. If he does, we'll be moving! I know NOTHING about the area, but since we have a lease on our townhome through January, I may have to stay back and trail behind hubby. (Hubby is a pilot, I am a nurse.) We'll see how it all works out.

Any ideas on where good/bad neighborhoods are, cost of living, etc. would be appreciated! If hubby gets the job it would be in the Chesapeake area. Thanks.