Our annual family beach trip typically has us driving to the Outerbanks of North Carolina, however we took a detour from our usual plans. Instead, we went to visit my sister up north and hit the New England beach scene. We were going to Seabrook Beach in southern, New Hampshire. Situated between two very busy beaches (Hampton beach to the north and Salisbury beach to the South), Seabrook Beach spans only a few miles of a sandy, peaceful and residential beach. The drive up there would be around 10.5 hours. Even with our mini-van packed up with surfboard and all, it was a comfortable and easy drive. Leaving early in the morning helps to beat the D.C. traffic out of Richmond.
A road trip through New England would not be complete with stopping in the pizza capital of the U.S. We stopped in New Haven, to enjoy some classic New Haven “apizza”. With the thin crust and minimal amounts of cheese, the kids were big fans. We went to “Modern Apizza”, one of the “Big Three” apizza establishments in New Haven. (Frank Pepe Pizzeria, Modern Apizza and Sally’s Apizza”).
No beach trip is complete without a trip to the local beach store. Catalano’s Market (Seabrook, New Hampshire)
The kids were road warriors. We spent 5 days there soaking in Vitamin D, relaxing, breathing in the salty air, and swimming in the clear, chilly waters. During this time of year (early August), Seabrook waters have reach their peak temperatures which is still a chilly 68 degrees. We went for the full New England coastal experience, diving into local lobster roll excursions and visiting the town of Portsmouth, where the kids enjoyed the boat town vibes, food, sea shell shops, art and of course ice cream.
Far from the beach, rocky shoals created a calming view of white caps and gulls
I really loved the vibes at Seabrook, what you see is what it is. It is a residential area with a view cafes, markets and restaurants, that’s pretty much it. I remember asking a local if there was anything here to see. “The beach is pretty much it!”. Perfect for us, as we just wanted to relax and catch a few waves. The water was very glassy on our last day, and the waves rolled beautifully. The Seabrook beach scene was really what we needed. As much as we love the Outerbanks of North Carolina, it was getting a little hectic there for us, and in some areas, way too overdeveloped.
As with all time near the water, it passed by too quickly. It felt like one beautiful wave of memories. The kids noted it as one of their favorite vacations, so mission accomplished. We hope to come back one day.
When I think of spring in Virginia, I envision the Blue Ridge Mountains. The beautiful pallet of light greens that paints the waking forest after a long winter slumber makes the sunlight radiate even brighter. The clear skies, are once again open to busy birds going to and fro, getting ready for the season. The sound of the rivers and creeks in the mountains as they flow and meander through an endless course, feeding life along the way. It is a special time.
I can’t believe it has already been one year since our last Earth Day weekend get-away. Last year in 2024, we spent it the Allegheny Highlands canoe camping at Lake Moomaw.
This year, we took a slightly slower pace, with a cabin just west of Charlottesville. The mornings were certainly still chilly at around 35F, but the days quickly warmed in the radiant sunlight. Everything was waking up and it was special to experience this time of year.
Mayflies are pretty amazing aquatic insects. Not just an important food source for the native brooktrout in Virginia, Mayflies are often used as the symbol for the ephemeral nature of life. Their fleeting adult lifespan of just 1-2 days is a reminder that existence is finite. They also symbolize rebirth and new opportunities for growth.
When school lets out, summer has officially begun! For many families, this means more trips to the beach! The ocean is a magical and fun place for all ages and attracts thousands of visitors each year. After countless trips to the beaches of the east coast, I’ve become more attuned to the safety precautions that everyone should be aware of prior to going to the beach, especially with their children. It is estimated that over 4000 people drown each year in the United States. It is estimated that 100 people drown each year due to rip currents along the beaches of the United States. Here are some of the things I’ve learned over the years and I hope they are helpful to anyone beach tripping on the east coast.
Tropical Storm Ernesto brought swells to Virginia Beach, Virginia. August 2024.
Swell from Hurricane Franklin 2023
CONDITIONS AND TIME OF YEAR
Simply being aware of the time of year and the weather conditions can greatly improve safety. Hurricane season on the east coast runs from June 1 – November 30. During this time, it is important to pay attention to weather updates, as systems and storms can bring significant swells to your beach. if you are considering a water outing and wish to avoid waves altogether, you could always find beaches or water ways that do not face the ocean. (Ex. bays, rivers). In these areas, you could have almost wave-less conditions. Perfect for children to play and explore.
Cape Charles is a beach town in Virginia’s Eastern Shore. It faces the Chesapeake Bay and hence has very calm waters. A good beach spot if you have little ones.There’s also plenty to see and do in the town of Cape Charles.Kiptopeke State Park is located on the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia’s Eastern shore. The water is much calmer than the ocean front.Nagshead, Outerbanks. The barrier islands of the Outerbanks in North Carolina, face the ocean so the surf and waves here can be strong, so beware.The surf can be rough but beautiful to watch in the Outerbanks of North Carolina.
BEACH FLAGS
**If you venture to the beach, you should KNOW the beach flags and what they mean.**
RIP CURRENTS
“Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that are prevalent along the East, Gulf, and West coasts of the U.S., as well as along the shores of the Great Lakes.” – National Ocean Service
Unless you know what you are looking for, rip currents are almost invisible.
It is estimated that approximately 100 people are killed each year in the United States by rip currents. So if you’re heading to the beach, just take the next few minutes to learn about them, to protect yourself and your family. The video below provides a great summary of rip currents are.
BEACH SAFETY TIPS
1. Communication and Supervision: For little toddlers and kids that have not yet learn to swim, it is critical that they are supervised closely by an adult. When multiple adults are present, it is easy to assume that the kids are being watched by someone. Practice closed loop communication and assign an adult to a child. You can switch on and off as needed.
2. Life Jackets/Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs): We don’t go near the water without them. Make sure that the life jacket is the appropriate size for the child. Also, you should also see if the life jacket works properly. Ideally, the jacket should keep the child afloat with their face upward, out of the water. Some jackets, are not balanced well, and could dangerously leave the child facing downward. Test it out prior to use.
Personal Floatation Devices (PFD)s for kids are a must.
3. Bring the water to them:
For my toddlers that are not yet ocean worthy, I’ll bring the water to them. Using a simple tarp, you can dig a shallow pool in the sand and fill it with ocean water.
You can make a mini pool in the sand using a tarp.
4. Staying comfortable and hydrated
When the body is comfortable, hydrated and fed, the brain is perfused, and this allows you to think clearly and stay alert. Hydration is important, especially when you are active, sweating and losing a lot of water from the heat. It can be particularly difficult to keep kids hydrated, especially when they are having so much fun. I find that low sugar, flavored drinks can keep them drinking without the need for encouragement. Popsicles are also a good way to keep them hydrated.
A shady base camp on a hot summer day is invaluable. Not only will it keep occupants cooled, but it will also provide shade for your food, drinks and equipment. Over the years we’ve tried all different forms of shelters. From beach umbrellas to cabanas, but so far my favorite has to be the Neso tents for shade. They provide an ample area and are pretty sturdy. Another popular brand is the Shibumi beach shades which have taken all beaches by storm. The Neso can run around $150 and the Shibumis are around $250. Totally worth it, if you’re a frequent beach goer.
The Neso tents provide a large area of shade. They just require a bit of time to set up.
SUMMARY
The beach is one of my favorite places in the world. It is a great way to connect with nature, unwind and engage in countless, fun activities. I hope this helps you to plan your next beach trip, so it can be a safe and enjoyable time for everyone.
I hope everyone had an amazing summer. We closed the season off with a paddle around Swift Creek Lake in Pocahontas State Park. This particular location is one of our favorite spots to paddle with the kids. The water is shallow, there is plenty of wildlife and it is very quiet and peaceful. This is where they learned how to paddle and this is where my son used his homemade canoe paddle for the first time. Thanks for everything summer 2024 you’ve been a great one. Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and happy fall. Load up on your vitamin D before winter!
Eager to use their homemade canoe paddleHere we goLooking for water lily bloomsSwift Creek LakeChillin in the shade after the paddle
This lake is also where we tested my son’s canoe paddle for the first time many years ago.
As summer comes to a close, we head out to the North End of Virginia Beach to spend an easy weekend. This is my preferred beach spot away from the busier boardwalk section of Virginia Beach. There’s not much else up north, other than residential housing and then First Landing State Park at the very northern tip. The weather was very pleasant and we made a lot of good memories. It’s been a hot summer but a grand one nonetheless. I hope everyone is soaking up the vitamin D for as long as we can. It also sounds like the rates of covid are also back up, so stay healthy, be safe and have fun.
A chill weekend get away to the North End of Virginia beach. Filmed on Sony a6700
On the last week of Spring we head to our annual refuge on the barrier islands of North Carolina known as the Outerbanks. This time, we stayed in the town of Nagshead, and got to enjoy a week of perfect weather, upper 70s F with sunshine. I always wondered what was so particularly rejuvenating about going to the beach and the ocean. Is it the sight of water? Is it the cadence of the waves crashing? The tactile and sensory stimulation from walking on the sand and into the cold water? It turns out it could be all of those things. A friend of mine recently recommended a book called “Blue Mind” written by marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols. In this book he explores “… the Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do”. It’s a pretty interesting read. I hope everyone stays cool out there, stay hydrated, get your rest and have fun.
Our toddler enjoying the surf at sunrisePlaying in a tidal poolThe beach at NagsheadYellow flag (indicates medium hazard, light surf and or currents). The Outerbanks is known for its strong surf and riptides, so always keep an eye out for your kids! Watching the surf
Virginia’s 40th state park is certainly a special one. It is the first one dedicated to all of the tributes of the First Nations people (Native Americans) of Virginia. The park spans a beautiful 645 acres and overlooks the mighty York River, in Gloucester County, Virginia. The heart of the park, is an interpretive area which centers around a timeline and an open-air structure that resembles a longhouse. The time-line follows the history of the first humans and first nations tribes of Virginia. A visit through the park will quickly reveal why it is so aptly named “Machicomoco”, (A special meeting place in Algonquian).
The interpretive area, overlooks the mighty York River. In the background is the Timberneck house.
The park provides a bounty of outdoor experiences. It is a wonderful place to canoe, kayak or paddleboard. Bike trails and hiking trails are also laid out very neatly. There are nearly 200 bird species in the area to view and enjoy.
The Timberneck house, currently undergoing it’s restoration.A windy, chilly spring day. The kids were too excited to be cold.The York River
During spring break, we spent a week in Gloucester County and made a day trip to visit this newer Virginia State Park. We spent most of our time at the interpretive area and then followed the interpretive trail to the water. Along the way, there is the Timberneck house that is currently undergoing restoration. It sounds like the goals for the restoration will be to provide lodging options for visitors, and a place to host events and workshops to get people involved with hands-on archaeology and preservation.
My visit to this state park was especially meaningful and serendipitous. I have been reading a fascinating book called “Braiding Sweetgrass” written by Potawatomi professor Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer. She also serves as the director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. (SUNY-ESF). The book is a series of short stories as she explores the reciprocal relationships between humans, trees and plants. I am particularly interested in her view as she bridges the connection between the spiritual world of First Nations people and the scientific world. She bridges this connection with beautiful stories that meld traditions, spirit and assesses them from a scientific standpoint. A true joy to read and would recommend to anyone who spends anytime outside.
We took our time walking through the interpretive trail, looking at native american symbology, looking at the wildlife, and picking wildflowers. The wind in the open field made for a chilly spring day, but the kids were excited to march on. This would be a wonderful place to put in the ol canoe and possibly get closer to those great egrets. If you’re looking for a place to meet with a friend, family member or just a place to think…..this is a special place.
Photos taken with Sony a6700 (tamron 28-75mm lens)
What kid under the age of 99 wouldn’t like the chance to look for shark teeth/fossils and gems? Enough said. We were all eagerly anticipating our chance to visit our 10th Virginia State Park. Westmoreland State Park in Montross, Virginia of the Northern Neck region of Virginia. The park is most known for its beaches where visitors have a chance to dig and sift for shark teeth. Legend has it that every 2 years or so, a visitor will find even a megalodon tooth! Megalodon (otodus megalodon) is an exctinct species of giant mackeral shark that live 23 to 3.6 million years ago. The average length of a megalodon was estimated at 33.5 ft! This thing would’ve snacked on Great White Sharks.
Inside the visitor center, there are amazing shark teeth specimens on display.
The kids packed up their rock digging kits, shovels, sifters and we head out to the Norther Neck of Virginia. On April 1, 2024, it was a partly overcast day with a high of 65, the wind at the beach made it feel colder though. After parking at the visitor center, the kids made the short 0.7 mile hike to fossil beach. It is a gentle decline with labels for tree identification. The trail is lined with evergreens, oaks, beech, gum and much much more.
The end of the trail opens to a beautiful view of the mighty Potomac River at the bottom of the Horsehead cliffs. It is incredible to think that embedded in cliffs are fossils and remains of all sorts of sea animals dating back millions of years ago. Erosion over time, has revealed them to us over time. Most recently an old Baleen Whale was excavated from the cliff.
The kids got immediately to work, digging and sifting. They loved their gigantic sandbox. Their excitement rose as other people around us shared their shark teeth discoveries. The wind was strong and the water was cold on this early spring day, but they persisted in the frenzy of their excitement. After finding several interesting shells and rocks, we found a tiny shark tooth through the sieve. We searched for about an hour longer but no additional shark teeth. Regardless, they were all very satisfied. After a short trip to the discovery center and the playground we all made our way back home.
the bluffs in the backgroundthe water was COLDthe fossil expedition teamiridescent shellThe one shark tooth we found!! It is absolutely tiny, but it is no doubt a shark tooth with a serrated edge.
Overall, the trip to Westmoreland State Park was fun, exciting and successful. A trip to fossil beach is a chance for kids and adults to dig, play and have their chance at discovering the next megalodon tooth. An unforgettable experience any budding paleontologist out there…..pretty much every kid.
Photos taken with Sony a6700 (tamron 28-75mm lens)
Things to bring:
toy shovels (I think real shovels are not allowed)
buckets
sieves
water bottles/snacks
sunscreen
beach umbrella or tent in the summer
consider waders when it’s colder
make sure you use the restroom at the visitor center prior to heading to fossil beach.
Trail map for westmoreland state park. The visitor’s center to fossil beach is about 0.7 miles.
Recommend taking either 64 or 95 as far as you can. The backroads are a bit winding.
2/19/2024: President’s Day 2024, my brother and I took this opportunity to take my two oldest kids to a new state park for them to explore: Lake Anna State Park in Spotsylvania, County. It was a very mild winter day with a high of 55F and full sun, we made the journey up northwest approximately 1.15 hours drive north of Richmond, Virginia. There are numerous ways to get there, but I think the easiest would be through 64 west. Some of the alternate routes may suggest the back roads however they can be very twisting and not very relaxing.
Map of Lake Anna State Park
We were one of the first ones to arrive and the kids were excited as soon as we reached the visitors center. Their excitement peaked when we saw the sparkling, diamond reflection of the 13,000 acre lake. The park boasts more than 15 miles of trails. Upon arrival, the kids took the opportunity to play on the playground and empty beach. In the heart of winter, I always find the sight of an empty beach to be calming and reassuring. We decided to take on the short 1.4 mile Railroad Ford Trail which took us in a loop at one of the parks projections. It is a popular hike for children, with bridges, ponds, streams and little elevation climb.
Railroad Ford TrailWinter Hike in Lake Anna State ParkObserving a dark colored pond in Lake Anna State park
As we approached the end of the trail, we gathered some kindling to brew some hot chocolate for the kids at one of the grills at the picnic station. I used the Eagle 1.5L Camping Kettle made in Norway, this little thing is fantastic.The kids left with smiles on their faces and all of the energy well spent. Overall, a success of a day. Happy President’s Day everyone. Please be safe and healthy out there. (Spring is almost here, start thinking of trees/flowers/plants that you wish to plant).
Eagle 1.5 L Camping Kettle from Norway is used to heat up hot cocoa Hot cocoa on a winter day’s hike in Lake Anna State Park
There are 42 state parks in Virginia. We’ve been to 9 of them. We’re getting there! All photos were taken on a Sony a6700.
WAY NORTH 