Virginia Beach Blog & Daily Deals!

Feb 22, Reduced Admission at Norfolk Botanical Garden - Last Few Days!

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:07:24 GMT

Take advantage of ridiculously warm winter weather to visit the Norfolk Botanical Garden now through the end of February and you'll pay just $5 (instead of $9). Plus, you'll be able to do something you normally can't at the Garden: ride your bike! For details, go to their website. Here's some family fun ideas for Norfolk that won't break the bank: Hunt for mermaids, have a hot glass lunch, take the girls out for afternoon tea, climb on a battleship...Here's how!

Feb 22, My Poignant Visit to Antitetam Battlefield

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:07:24 GMT

I still have goosebumps from it. I've never been a big fan of visiting Civil War battlefields. But all that's changed after visiting Antietam Battlefield near Sharpesburg, Maryland, yesterday. Walking the hallowed ground where America experienced its single biggest loss of life in one day-- of any US war-- was a profoundly moving experience. Nearly 25,000 Union and Confederate soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing in this 12-hour battle on Sept. 17, 1861. Despite heavy casualties on both sides, and no clear winner, President Lincoln used the "victory" as the opportunity to announce his Emancipation Proclamation. Walk the quiet fields now and you'll hear nothing but birds, the wind rustling through the grass, and the occasional tourist quietly taking photos of the many monuments. But it's not hard to imagine the din of cannons, rifles, and the cries of the wounded and dying as they lay strewn over the fields. You'll walk away changed. Run by the National Parks Service, the battlefield has a Visitor's Center with a film, a small museum and gift shop, and excellent brochures to guide you on the tour, whether by car, bike, or by foot. To learn more about visiting Antietam Battlefield, click here. To learn more about the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, I recommend a visit to the White House of the Confederacy in Richmond. Or visit the Civil War Trust website.

Feb 17, Williamsburg Resort Getaway at 50% Off

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:51:22 GMT

Get a two or three-night stay for up to six people for as little as $99 at Historic Powhatan Resort in Williamsburg with this amazing Groupon deal. You'll save about 55% off the usual rate at this historic resort, parts of which date back to 1735. Plus, you'll be at the perfect spot from which to tour Colonial Williamsburg, frequently called the world's "largest living history museum." To get the deal, go to Groupon and then click on "Getaways." Or for more ways to visit Colonial Williamsburg on a dime, go to our "Secrets of a Cheap Colonial Williamsburg Vacation page. And go to my dedicated Groupon and Living Social page for more ideas on how to save big on travel, restaurants, and fun.

Feb 17, 52% Off Admission to Colonial Williamsburg

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:51:22 GMT

Get your colonial history fix for 52% less when you take advantage of Living Social's Colonial Williamsburg admission deal. Just $11 will get you an adult ticket (or get a kid's ticket for $5) at Colonial Williamsburg, frequently called the world's "largest living history museum." To get the deal, go to Living Social, or for more ways to visit Colonial Williamsburg on a dime, go to our "Secrets of a Cheap Colonial Williamsburg Vacation page. And go to my dedicated Groupon and Living Social page for more ideas on how to save big on travel, restaurants, and fun.

Feb 17, Bring a Friend for Free Month at Colonial Williamsburg

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:51:22 GMT

Now through Feb. 29, if you hold a Colonial Williamsburg Annual Pass or a Good Neighbor Annual Pass you can bring a friend for just $10! For more Colonial Williamsburg deals and ways to enjoy this great historic attraction for less, click here.

Feb 17, Get in Free at Colonial Williamsburg on President's Weekend

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:51:22 GMT

Leadership has its privileges at Colonial Williamsburg President's Day weekend. Show evidence that you're the president of a group or organization (a letter, ID card, etc.) and you'll get a free ticket good for a single-day admission Feb. 19-21. For more Colonial Williamsburg deals and ways to enjoy this great historic attraction for less, click here.

Feb 14, BOGO Coffee on Valentine's Day

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:44:11 GMT

Make your heart flutter on Valentine's Day-- literally -- by taking advantage of these buy one, get one free coffee deals: - Caribou Coffee - Buy one coffee, get one free with this coupon, Feb. 14 only. - Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf - Buy one coffee, get one free with this coupon, Feb. 14 only. (You may need to be logged in to Facebook to see these deals.) For more cheap eats deals, including how to get free pancakes at IHOP, click here.

Feb 11, Feb. 11-17 Buy One Get One Free at Nauticus

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 23:53:12 GMT

Think of it as a Valentine's gift. Visit Norfolk's Nauticus Feb. 11-17 and get one free admission ticket with every paid admission. Here's why Nauticus is one of our kids' favorite aquarium/museums around. Afterward, stop by Doumar's for a blast from the past drive-in burger and malt. Then go on a free Mermaids on Parade scavenger hunt. It'll be a cheap family day you'll never forget!

Feb 11, Buy 1 Dozen Krispy Kremes, Get 1 Dozen Free

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 23:38:57 GMT

Who doesn't like free donuts? Now through Feb. 14, when you buy one dozen Krispy Kreme donuts, you'll get one dozen Valentine's Day cards, each good for a free donut. Give one to each of your Valentines...or be greedy and keep them all for yourself. The offer is good at all participating Krispy Kreme locations. For more cheap eats deals, including how to get free pancakes at IHOP, click here.

Feb 11, Cheap Eats Tips, or How to Eat Well for Less

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:57:12 GMT

Cheap Eats Tips - Kids Eat Free Deals, How to Eat Well for Less-- $25 Dining Certificates for $3, 90% off promo codes, and More...

Feb 3, Want to See the Superbowl on the Biggest Screen Around?

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:38:10 GMT

Superbowl die-hards, it doesn't get better than this: See the Patriots vs. th Giants on the Peninsula's biggest screen for free at the Virginia Air & Space Museum's IMAX. Yes, I said "free"! Doors open at 5 pm and kickoff starts at 6:30 pm (as if you didn't know). Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. Beer and munchies are available for purchase. For details, go to www.vasc.org. And if you don't want to watch the game, you can still make it a family outing by visiting the museum's amazing exhibits while THEY watch the game!

Feb 3, Michie Tavern Discount Coupon for February

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:38:10 GMT

Ever long for the good ol' days? You can experience them again with a trip to Charlottesville's historic Michie Tavern and a mouth-watering buffet of colonial fare. Served by costumed tavern "wenches," the fried chicken, mashed potatoes, to-die-for biscuits, gravy, and more make a meal to remember. And if you're a local resident, you can do it all for $4 less with this coupon good during the month of February. Learn more about Michie Tavern and its wonderful tavern tours in my article in the Fluvanna Review.

Feb 3, 30 Whales Spotted Off Virginia Beach

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:31:53 GMT

It's been a banner year for whale-watching at Virginia Beach. Thanks to unusually warm weather that has caused an abundance of fish they feed on, at least 30 whales have been spotted recently off the coast of Virginia Beach. Now through mid-March, take advantage of this phenomena to take a Virginia Aquarium whale-watching trip starting at $28 per person. Or, take advantage of whale-watching packages deals like these including hotel, whale watching excursion, admission to the Virginia Aquarium, an IMAX movie, and even free breakfast! And for more great winter activities in Virginia, click here.

Feb 3, Romantic Special Events at Colonial Williamsburg

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:28:30 GMT

Colonial Williamsburg is offering Valentine's themed dinners, getaway packages, and even chocolate events during the month of February. For more details, check out the VA Gazette. And for more romantic ideas, check out my Romantic Weekend Getaways page.

Feb 2, Winter Events at Virginia Beach & Beyond

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:16:10 GMT

Winter Events at Virginia Beach & Beyond, from Holiday Lights on the Beach, to Whale Watching, to Virginia Beach Restaurant Week, to the Popular (and Frigid) Polar Plunge...

Feb 2, February Beach Stay Deals in Virginia Beach

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:07:23 GMT

Got the winter blues? Sibert Realty just posted over a dozen Sandridge Beach rental specials that will allow you to enjoy the peace and quiet of Virginia Beach away from the strip...and at greatly reduced prices. Click here to check out their special rental deals for February, March, and April. And to plan the perfect the Virginia Beach vacation with the best attractions, restaurant deals, and more, click here.

Feb 2, Hampton Roads Family Fun for 50% Off or More

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:07:23 GMT

Looking for cheap family fun? Here's two entertainment deals just posted on Groupon that may float your boat (while saving you money!): - 54% off ice skating outing and skate rental at Iceland of Hampton Roads - 51% off a season-long mini golf pass at Virginia Beach's Jungle Golf To get the deals, go to Groupon, or for more cheap things to do in the greater Hampton Roads area, check out my Free or Cheap Things to Do page. And go to my dedicated Groupon and Living Social page for more ideas on how to save big on travel, restaurants, and fun.

Feb 2, Planning a Virginia Beach Vacation?

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:57:42 GMT

Planning a Virginia Beach Vacation? Get Discount Tickets & Deals on Hotels, Restaurants, Attractions, Shopping, and Free or Cheap Things to Do

Feb 1, 50% Off Williamsburg Ghost Tours

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:16:26 GMT

If you've ever thought of taking a Williamsburg ghost tour, it won't get much cheaper than this: Living Social is offering 50% off Axwild Ghost Tours. Just $16 will get two of you (gotta take a friend to clutch onto!) a two-hour tour down historic Duke of Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg. You can buy up to 6 tickets. To get the deal, go to Living Social, or for more on other ghost tours in Williamsburg, go to our Ghost Tours page. And go to my dedicated Groupon and Living Social page for more ideas on how to save big on travel, restaurants, and fun.

Feb 1, Win Free Trips in Norfolk Sweepstakes

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:16:39 GMT

The only thing better than a vacation, is a free vacation. That's why Virginia Tourism is offering a sweepstakes for four vacations on the water, including OpSail 2012 in June. Here's a sampling of what the OpSail package includes (all for a family of four): - Four nights lodging, round trip airfare for four and a rental car
- Special tours of tall ships
- VIP tickets for the fireworks show
- Tall ship cruises
- Free admission to Nauticus, the Virginia Air and Space Center, the Hampton History Museum, and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
- A $200 cash card and more They also offer drawings for three more water-themed vacations. To enter the sweepstakes, click here.

Feb 1, A Polar Plunge Without the Cold? Find Out Saturday!

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:16:39 GMT

With temps running 20 degrees higher than usual, the upcoming Polar Plunge in Virginia Beach February 3-4 may not be so "polar" as usual. But even if the temps stay warm, that water will still be mighty cold, so the chills and thrills will still abound at this annual event to support the Special Olympics. For more the Polar Plunge, go to our Winter Events page.

Jan 29, Romantic Weekend Getaways - Virginia IS for Lovers

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:42:43 GMT

Romantic Weekend Getaways in the Lovers' State...Romantic Inns, Package Deals, Bed & Breakfast Deals, Best Romantic Restaurants...

Jan 27, Cheap or Free Holiday Events This Weekend

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:44:04 GMT

TGIF! Now what to do? Here's some suggestions for a weekend of fun that's free or dirt cheap! - See a movie at Cinema Cafe - First-run movies for as little as a buck? No kidding! Choose from several locations in the Hampton Roads area for a cheap movie while you dine. - Enjoy the Virginia Beach strip and boardwalk without the crowds (it's a high of 59 degrees tomorrow). Stop by the free Atlantic Waterfowl Museum while you're there. Or, fly a kite, hop on a playground, or hike to the top of Mount Trashmore, the highest point in Virginia Beach. Here's more cheap or free things to do in Virginia Beach. - Check out our Discount Travel Guide for ways to save on museums, restaurants, and more.

Jan 27, Cinema Cafe - Dinner Theater on the Cheap

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:42:48 GMT

Cinema Cafe -- Budget-Conscious Dinner Theater Lets You Watch While You Dine. See 1st Run Movies for $1 With These Discount Tips...

Jan 27, Entertainment Books 35% Off This Week

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:07:20 GMT

For a limited time, 2012 Entertainment Books are 35% off. That means you'll pay $22.75, plus $1.99 shipping. If you're a heavy coupon user, you'll appreciate being able to start using the coupons immediately, and boy, can they save you hundreds on restaurants, entertainment, travel, and more. BUT, if you a bottom-line penny-pincher like me, you're hearing Conga music and singing "How low can you go?" If so, you may want to wait for the price to drop further (although you'll have less time to use your book). Confused? Don't worry: I've mapped out the likely price drops through June at my dedicated Entertainment Book page!

Jan 23, Virginia Beach Hotel Rooms at Rock-Bottom Prices

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:54:22 GMT

Winter is the cheapest time of year for a Virginia Beach getaway...not to mention the quietest. And one of the cheapest way to go is with coupons from Room Saver.com. A quick look through their current catalog (picked up at a McDonald's in Richmond) and I found a coupon for a room for $39.95 per night (1-3 people) at the Schooner Inn right on Virginia Beach boardwalk! Or, nab a two-room suite (and free breakfast) at the oceanfront Barclay Towers for $65.95 per night. Some restrictions apply (rates are good for walk-ins only with the coupons, and weekend rates are higher) but it's still a dirt-cheap way to enjoy the ocean, great Virginia Beach restaurants, and local sights like the Virginia Aquarium! For details on how to get this and other great hotel deals, click here.

Jan 23, Dare to Do the Polar Plunge at Virginia Beach?

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:54:22 GMT

I already feel like ice runs through my veins. So you won't catch me at the annual Polar Plunge in Virginia Beach February 3-4. But if I weren't so cold-blooded, I'd race to join the thousands of people who'll take the plunge at this amazing event to support the Special Olympics. For more the Polar Plunge, go to our Winter Events page.

Jan 23, Time is Running Out for Whale Watching Deals!

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:54:22 GMT

Now through mid-March is the best time to see rare fin and humpback whales off Virginia Beach. Virginia Aquarium offers trips starting at $28 per person several days a week. Or, take advantage of whale-watching packages deals like these including hotel, whale watching excursion, admission to the Virginia Aquarium, an IMAX movie, and even free breakfast! And for more great winter activities in Virginia, click here.

Jan 23, Best Virginia Beach Hotels and Accommodations

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:43:29 GMT

Virginia Beach Hotels for Less - Discount Hotel Deals, Oceanfront Rooms for $39.95 per Night, Resorts, Kids Eat Free Deals, Rentals, Hostels, Camping, Everything From Popcorn to Pet-Friendliness

Jan 21, Last Two Days for VA Beach Restaurant Week

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 21:07:10 GMT

She-crab soup with Madeira wine? Penne ala vodka? Tiramisu? Oh-my-gosh. My SIL had an amazing experience at Mannino's Italian restaurant during Virginia Beach Restaurant Week-- this 3-course meal for just $20.12. Just two days left to sample Mannino's and other great Virginia Beach restaurants for a reduced, fixed price. Enjoy 2-course lunches for $11.12 and 3-course dinners for as little as $20.12! For details on Virginia Beach Restaurant Week, click here. And to plan YOUR meal at Mannino's, click here.

Jan 18, VA Beach 3-Course Dinner for $20.12? Sign Me Up, Scotty!

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:20:14 GMT

Want a 3-course dinner for $20.12? You can Jan. 15-22 at Virginia Beach Restaurant Week! Sample the best Virginia Beach restaurants for a reduced, fixed price. Enjoy 2-course lunches for $11.12 and 3-course dinners for as little as $20.12! For details, click here.

Jan 18, Entertainment Books $24 Plus Free Shipping

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:13:03 GMT

Prices are dropping! All 2012 Entertainment Book are now $11 off-- just $24 each, including free shipping. Buy now, and you'll be able to start using the coupons immediately. Boy, they can save you hundreds on restaurants, entertainment, travel, and more. If you know you'll be doing some traveling this year, consider buying a book for that city too! Question: Can you get the books cheaper?
Answer: It depends. Go to my dedicated Entertainment Book page to see when prices are likely to drop further, and whether now is the best time for YOU to purchase!

Jan 16, Kings Dominion

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:26:43 GMT

Kings Dominion Ticket Deals - 2012 Season Pass Prices, Save up to $26 per Ticket, Free Military Discounts, Season Pass Deals, Coupon Codes, and More

Jan 16, Virginia Named to Top Wine Destination List

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:05:11 GMT

Wine Enthusiast Magazine recently named Virginia one of its top 10 wine travel destinations for 2012. It joins California's Napa Valley and Santa Barbara on the list. Virginia boasts over 200 wineries, many of which offer open tastings and tours. For details, including wine package tours, go to www.virginia.org.

Jan 16, Bush Gardens Williamsburg Events

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:55:16 GMT

Bush Gardens Williamsburg 2012 Concerts, "IllumiNights" Summer Fireworks, Christmas Town, Howl-O-Scream, Glory at the Gardens, and Other Events

Jan 16, Remember: National Parks are Fee-Free Today!

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:13:28 GMT

In honor of Martin Luther King Day, nearly 400 US National Parks are fee-free today! For 2012, entrance fees will be waived around these holidays and events: - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend (Jan 14-16) - National Park Week (April 21-29) - The first day of summer in June (June 9) - Public Lands Day (Sept. 29) - Veterans Day Weekend (November 10-12) In Virginia, that means you can save when you visit these parks...

Jan 16, 2012 Busch Gardens Schedule & Hours Now Available

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:47:49 GMT

Spring will be here before you know it, and now's the time to start planning your Spring Break visit to Busch Gardens Williamsburg. To help you plan, I've updated Busch Gardens schedule with 2012 days and hours. Find it here.

Jan 16, More Upcoming Home School Events!

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:47:49 GMT

If you home school, winter should be your favorite time of year, since attractions try to make up for thinner crowds by pulling out home educator discounts! Here are a few to keep in mind: - Homeschool Day at Norfolk's Nauticus (Thurs, Feb. 2, 10 am - 5 pm):
Get reduced admission plus hands-on educational activities for homeschoolers. Go to our Nauticus page for details. - Spring Homeschool Event at Colonial Williamsburg (Feb. 11-26):
Experience special homeschool activities and reduced rates of just $7.50 for adults and $5.50 ages 6-12 (ages 5 and under are free) when you pre-order tickets by Jan. 27. For details, click here. - Jamestown Settlement & Yorktown Victory Center Homeschool Program (Feb. 18-26):
A special admission rate of $10.50 per person entitles you to an interactive tour of each site. Students can also attend one of three grade-specific classes at each location. Call (757) 253-4939 to preregister. - Home Educators’ Day at Monticello (March 7):
Experience a day of special indoor and outdoor activity stations, plus take a house tour for just $15 per adult and $6 ages 6-12.

Jan 16, Nauticus - The National Maritime Center

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:40:09 GMT

Nauticus - Discount Tickets, Discount Days, and More at this World-Class Museum Where You Can Touch a Shark, Climb on a Battleship, Pilot a Sub, Touch a Tornado, and More...

Jan 16, Busch Gardens Hours & 2012Operating Schedule

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:23:29 GMT

Busch Gardens Hours & 2012 Operating Schedule Plus Christmas Town, Howl-O-Scream, Discount Ticket Secrets, Coupon Codes, Best Shows, and More...

Jan 13, Busch Gardens Virginia 2012 Admission Deals

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:17:32 GMT

Busch Gardens Virginia Admission Deals -- THE Cheapest Place to Get a Fun Card, Free Preschool Pass, Friend for Free Discount Tickets, Parking Deals

Jan 13, Busch Gardens Williamsburg Free Preschool Pass is Back!!

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:01:16 GMT

It's back! Once again, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is offering the free "Preschool Pass" deal to Virginia residents. The Preschool Pass gives unlimited admission (ages 5 and under). But this year, they've sweetened the deal. Here's how...

Jan 13, 400 Fee-Free National Parks Jan. 14-16

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:01:16 GMT

Time to get back to nature. On Jan. 14-16, nearly 400 US National Parks are fee-free! For 2012, entrance fees will be waived around these holidays and events: - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend (Jan 14-16) - National Park Week (April 21-29) - The first day of summer in June (June 9) - Public Lands Day (Sept. 29) - Veterans Day Weekend (November 10-12) In Virginia, that means you can save when you visit these parks...

Jan 13, Busch Gardens Williamsburg - Let Us Save You Money!

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:15:51 GMT

Save on Busch Gardens Williamsburg! We Have Discount Ticket Secrets, Free Preschool Pass for 2012, Videos, Upcoming Events & Best Days to Visit,...

Jan 12, Southeast Gun and Knife Show Jan. 21-22

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:37:28 GMT

Don't miss the Southeast Gun and Knife Show Jan. 21-22 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. The show features a myriad of vendors and displays tailored to every gun or knife enthusiast. For details, click here. And afterward, why not make a day of it by stopping by one of the restaurants participating in Virginia Beach Restaurant Week?

Jan 12, 3-Course Dinner for $20.12? It's Virginia Beach Restaurant Week!

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:37:28 GMT

Let your appetite run wild during Virginia Beach Restaurant Week Jan. 15-22. Sample the best Virginia Beach restaurants for a reduced, fixed price. Enjoy 2-course lunches for $11.12 and 3-course dinners for $20.12 and $27.12. For details, click here.

Jan 8, Spring Homeschool Events

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 20:16:11 GMT

Winter is the time when attractions try to make up for thinner crowds by pulling out discounts for homeschoolers. Here are a few to keep in mind:
- Spring Homeschool Event at Colonial Williamsburg (Feb. 11-26):
Experience special homeschool activities and reduced rates of just $7.50 for adults and $5.50 ages 6-12 (ages 5 and under are free) when you pre-order tickets by Jan. 27. For details, click here.
- Jamestown Settlement & Yorktown Victory Center Homeschool Program (Feb. 18-26):
A special admission rate of $10.50 per person entitles you to an interactive tour of each site. Students can also attend one of three grade-specific classes at each location. Call (757) 253-4939 to preregister.
- Home Educators’ Day at Monticello (March 7):
Experience a day of special indoor and outdoor activity stations, plus take a house tour for just $15 per adult and $6 ages 6-12.

Jan 8, Shhh! Colonial Williamsburg Virginia Admission Secrets

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 19:51:26 GMT

Get "in" Colonial Williamsburg Virginia for free, Winter Deals, Bring a Friend Deals, Local Resident Deals, Spring Homeschooler Event, Cheap Places to Eat, and More Ways to Visit on a Dime...

Jan 8, Colonial Williamsburg - How to See it For Less

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 19:38:07 GMT

See Colonial Williamsburg for Less: Admission Deals, Winter Packages, Military Discounts, How to Get in for "Free," 2012 Homeschooler Experience, Top 5 Things to See, and Free Things to Do...

Jan 7, Hampton Roads International Auto Show This Weekend

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 16:58:57 GMT

The first all-electric car from a major manufacturer is just one thing you'll see this weekend at the Hampton Roads International Auto Show at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. For show hours and admission-- and for upcoming events like the Virgina Beach Restaurant Week-- click here.