Virginia Beach, VA

Wonderful place, many things to do. Fishing, beach, etc...Very pretty scenery. and close to the North Carolina Outer Banks. Great place to really lay back, and Relax.

Weather you like to run, walk or bike, there are many things to do. The Beach is always fun, no matter if its tourist season or not. You do not have to go to the tourist beach, which is the main strip. But, you have access to Chicks Beach as well, and Sandbridge is also nice. You also have access to Back Bay National Wild Life Refuge, and False Cape State Park, and Seashore State Park for hiking, and biking. No real MTB Trails, Seashore has one that's ok, and Marshview Park is a new addition that has some unimproved trails that are fun. There are many great places for food and entertainment. Chi-Cho's is a good place and has been a place for locals since the 60's, the Pizza is good, and they usually have some good locals bands. Gringo's is a Taqueira that has the best Fish Taco's and Shrimp Burrito's I have ever had. Surf Riders is very good as well, and offers several locations, the best one is seasonal off of Great Neck Road near the Intersection of Shore drive. There's a great deal more. You can learn to surf, it's a very huge thing here, even though the waves aren't that big. Worse case you can always surf in the Outer Banks of North Carolina which is less than an hour away. This area is also a huge place for diving wrecks, as this was part of the Grave Yard of the Atlantic. History is everywhere here. Smithfield, Bacon's Castle, Williamsburg, and Yorktown, etc... are all within an hours drive. And, DC is within 3 hours. There are a few places open for hiking, and trail biking nearby, Seashore State Park has a small trail ride. False Cape State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is nearby, all offer trails to ride on as well. If you're into Downhill MTB, there are numerous trails up around Richmond, and there are bunches up along the Blue Ridge, Skyline Drive, and Shenandoah Valley.

The tourists, they're all mouthy and think they walk on water. Car Dealerships, the prices are high, and they will try and screw over because you're in the military. Your best bet would be to drive up to Richmond or Emporia and buy a car. Or get one from your hometown dealership. The Car Dealers in this area know military when they see them, as the entire area revolves around the military, 10 installations within 50 miles. Don't be afraid to ask questions of your command, see if there is a base off limits list, and adhere to it, there are people who come to this location just to rip off the military, you might find some people running scams, report these people quick

Make friends with the locals, don't be the typical stereotyped military douche bag, that thinks they can walk on water. Many of the people in Virginia Beach are military brats, or have had some family that was military, they don't really have a tolerance for bullshit. As I stated before, everything, and every body has some connection to the military. Other than that, sit back, sink your toes in the sand, and Relax. There are many things to do, just keep your eyes and ears open. Apartments may seem expensive, but, it's going to based on location. The closer to the Ocean, the more expensive. Don't be afraid to Rent from an owner, sometimes you get better deals that way, and nicer locations.