A Birthday celebration at the beach

One of the things we love about living where we do is how close we are to many different attractions. We're about two hours from Washington, D.C.; about two hours from the mountains and about two hours from the beach. This weekend we decided to have a birthday get away to Virginia Beach to celebrate my husband's birthday. We left home right after work on Thursday night, stopped for dinner and loved waking up Friday to a beach view.

This was the view from our balcony.


Looking directly down are lawn chairs on the lawn.


Looking to the right you can see the ocean, the sand, the boardwalk, bike paths and the lawn area. The weather was beautiful, sunny and warm.


Looking to the left you can see we were at the end of the boardwalk.


We enjoyed seeing the bikers, walkers, joggers and dogs being walked. Not too many people in the ocean, but lot's of activity all day. We also enjoyed the indoor pool, hot tub and indoor lazy river - very relaxing.


It was the perfect place to finish up my summer "beach read". Good book.


After coffee and pumpkin bread at Starbucks on Friday, we strolled the boardwalk. Here's a statue of King Neptune.


A view of the palmettos.


One last look back at "The King."


We also enjoyed the fall decor along our stroll. Pumpkins on the beach.


We went into several shops - but this was the most charming one about two blocks off the beach.


Loved the way it was painted -- The Ragged Robin -- cute shop.

Halloween treats right inside the door.


Lots to see...


in all the nooks...


and crannies.


I found several goodies most of it on sale -- I'll be showing you my beach treasures in another post.


Enjoyed shopping and I'll be visiting them again next time we're at the beach. They had so much to see -- housewares, georgous china and crystal - party ideas, books, cards stationary, Vera Bradley purses -- just too much to take in on one visit.


Friday evening we went to eat at a restaurant right on the beach, Lavern's. We each had a wonderful meal. Rick enjoyed shrimp, scallops and a crab cake. I had soft shelled crabs. Forgot to take a picture -- but we enjoyed every morsal.


The weekend before was the annual Neptune Festival. I was surprised to see some of the sand sculptures were still in pretty good shape. This was one of my favorites.


See the cute little dog on the left?


Looks like they're all ready for watching T.V.


She's playing a video game.



I have no idea what this was -- sort of spooky though -- perfect for Halloween.

We sure hated to leave today to come back home after such a great time ... but it's good to know that we're close enough to know we'll be able to go back again soon.

Hope you've had a wonderful weekend as well!

See ya!.