Attendees to the 2013 BankTravel Conference will escape to the beach in the middle of winter on Feb. 5-7. The conference will introduce guests to Virginia Beach, Va., and its marine life, historic buildings, museums and always-impressive ocean views.
Here is a quick look at some of the main attractions bank travel directors will discover in Virginia Beach.
Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
Over 800,000 gallons of water hold incredible creatures in this acclaimed aquarium. Hands-on exhibits, an outdoor aviary, a nature trail and marshlands allows visitors to experience the marine wildlife of the area without getting wet. Guests can pet a stingray, watch a river otter swim and see a Komodo dragon eat in this immersive aquarium.
www.virginiaaquarium.com
Old Cape Henry Lighthouse
Once a beacon protecting the coast and now enjoyed as a thing of beauty, the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse was the first government-constructed lighthouse in the country. Built in 1792, the lighthouse provides sweeping views of the coast at the top. Nearby is the “new” Cape Henry Lighthouse, which was built in 1881 and remains the tallest iron-encased lighthouse in the country. A visit will teach travelers the long-reaching history of these two lighthouses.
www.preservationvirginia.org/visit/historic-properties/cape-henry-lighthouse
The Boardwalk
A must-see for anyone visiting Virginia Beach is the Boardwalk. Stretching three miles from Croatan Beach to the south up to North End beaches, this walk goes by local restaurants, unique shops, museums and historic sites. The Virginia Legends Walk runs alongside the Boardwalk to provide information on some of Virginia’s most famous citizens including Thomas Jefferson, Robert E. Lee, Edgar Allen Poe and Ella Fitzgerald.
www.virginiabeach.com/attractions/boardwalk
Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum
Carving local wildfowl out of wood is a tradition celebrated in the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum. Housed in an 1895 cottage, the museum records the history of local wildfowl and the Virginia Beach area. Visitors can watch live wood carving demonstrations in case they decide to start whittling themselves.
Other Sites of Interest:
1.) First Landing State Park
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/fir.shtml
2.) False Cape State Park
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/fal.shtml
3.) Mount Trashmore
http://www.virginiabeach.com/attractions/amusement-parks/mount-trashmore
4.) Adam Thoroughbred House
http://www.museumsvb.org/museums/pages/francis-land-house.aspx
For more information about Virginia Beach, visit www.visitvirginiabeach.com. For more information or to register for the conference, visit www.banktravel.com.
