Miles of beaches and warm sunny skies are the ideal ingredients for a family spring break vacation in Virginia Beach. When selecting a family vacation, it’s important the destination offers something for everyone and Virginia Beach has activities to keep both kids and teens occupied, as well as mom and dad. Check out these things to do in Virginia Beach.

Everyone’s a beach baby in Virginia Beach. Recognized as the “World’s Largest Pleasure Beach,” the area offers families 35 miles of fun, fabulous beach. The kiddos will enjoy building sandcastles while the teens will enjoy a little sun-worshipping or joining in a game of beach volleyball.

Aquatic activities are aplenty in Virginia Beach. Teens can learn how to hang 10 with a surfing lesson, take a parasailing adventure or paddle in an ocean kayaking adventure. Kids can splash in the Atlantic or Ocean Breeze Waterpark. Or, visit the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center to view live animal exhibits, more than 300 hands-on-exhibits and be wowed with the 3D IMAX screen.

Go play in a park! Virginia Beach is home to Mount Trashmore Park, once a landfill and now home to Kids Cove with a playground, skate ramps, fitness trail and other recreational amenities. For the outdoorsy-types, head over to Virginia’s most visited state park, First Landing, for activities ranging from boating and swimming to hiking and biking.

Virginia Beach has fabulous courses but for family fun, everyone can tee it up and perfect their putting skills on a mini golf course.

It’s not under the boardwalk in Virginia Beach but on the Boardwalk where things happen. The Boardwalk parallels the beach and is ideal for leisurely walking, jogging, biking and rollerblading. Don’t worry about backing your blades or bikes in your beach bag, these can be rented. And, enjoying refreshing Italian ices is a popular Boardwalk activity.

Indeed, Virginia Beach is the ideal family spring break destination. Visit the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau for more things to do and book your affordable Virginia Beach accommodations with Resort Rentals.

Some may think the official Christmas season begins the day after Thanksgiving with a Black Friday shopping extravaganza. Those who vacation in Colonial Williamsburg know better. The Christmas season in Colonial Williamsburg begins the first Sunday of December with the incredible Grand Illumination.

Windows of historic buildings dance with twinkling candles and Colonial Williamsburg’s sky is the backdrop for an explosive evening with fireworks and music. Illuminations were common during the 18th century to commemorate birth of reigning sovereign or other special events as a birthday of a queen or king. Homes and public buildings placed lit candles in windows to commemorate such special occasions and sometimes fireworks and firing a cannon accompanied the celebration.

While kings and queens aren’t ruling Colonial Williamsburg, the historic destination marks the Christmas season with the Grand Illumination, an evening of musical performances and spectacular fireworks display in the Historic Area. Festivities begin just after 4 p.m. with fireworks around 6 p.m. which lasts about 20 minutes. Entertainment winds down after 7 p.m.

The event is free and there are three viewing areas for the fireworks, Governor’s Palace, the Magazine, and the Capitol.

8 Tips for Visiting Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination

• Book your Colonial Williamsburg accommodations now and stay at least on Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4. Heck, you may as well stay a week! Grand Illumination is one of the busiest events of the year, by booking now, you’ll have a better chance at finding a great deal;
• Make a day of it by arriving early in the day and spend the rest exploring the Historic District;
• Take advantage of walking tours, concerts and other events happening Dec. 4 for the full Colonial Williamsburg experience;
• Pack along a cooler with snacks and beverages for later in the day; it’s important to stay hydrated even in cooler temperatures;
• Don’t forget a blanket and/or portable chair to sit on during the spectacular display (the ground may be too cold to sit on);
• Dress for the weather which means in layers and warmly;
• Consider being and early bird diner and take advantage of one of many Grand Illumination Dinners offered by area taverns or, stick around after the fireworks display to dine;
• Expect crowds and remember to bring your merriment and good cheer, it is a holiday celebration after all.

Wondering how such an amazing display is pulled off? Listen to the podcast “Behind the Scenes Interview: Planning the Grand Illumination” to learn more.

Visit www.history.org for a complete schedule of events for Grand Illumination and allow Resort Rentals International to find your Williamsburg accommodations.

Image Source: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Williamsburg, Va.

The period between Thanksgiving and Christmas is a most wonderful time for a vacation because not many others are traveling. This means it’s easier to find affordable lodging accommodations, discounted airfare and other sorts of deals. It’s also a terrific time of year to travel because many destinations pull out the lights, garland and merriness for the holidays. Colonial Williamsburg, Va., is one of those destinations and between Thanksgiving and New Year’s there are more than 300 holiday themed programs to enjoy.

Transport back in time, a time before iPhones, texting and automobiles existed. Amble along cobblestone streets to see garlands of apples, magnolia and pine adorning colonial homes. Hear the jingle of bells as a horse-drawn carriage trots by and listen to cheery carolers and a drum band.  Sip hot apple cider, savor holiday dining in historic taverns and restaurants, and learn to dance like they did back in the 18th century, well before Dance Dance Revolution.

The holiday feel flows into the destination’s most popular theme park. Christmas Town: A Busch Gardens Celebration is a winter wonderland on select dates between Nov. 26 and Dec. 31, 2010. More than a million lights twinkle, a 45-foot lighted-animated Christmas tree entertains and the aroma of fresh backed holiday cookies are guaranteed to ignite sparkle in everyone’s eyes.

Unwrap the magic and create family traditions this holiday season in Williamsburg. Resort Rentals International will help you find the most affordable accommodations even Kris Kringle would love to receive.
Image Source: www.visitwilliamsburg.com