Kids all grown and flown? The empty nest can be a bit melancholy, but it definitely has its bright side. After all, now you can finally take that romantic second honeymoon - just the two of you, far from the hustle-bustle. Or, if you prefer, you can opt for a fun group getaway with other couples you know - a golden opportunity to reconnect with old friends you haven't seen in years.
Either way, you can relax, rewind, and refresh... without dealing with hectic family schedules or long lines at kiddie attractions.
Where should you go? Sandbridge Beach, of course. With its slower pace and secluded setting, it offers the laid-back vibe you crave. Yet it still provides plenty of fun activities, fine dining, and outdoor R&R.
What's more, as an empty nester, you can visit Sandbridge whenever you want, not just during school vacations. Come after Labor Day, for instance, or before Memorial Day, and you'll enjoy cooler temps, off-season rates, plus unparalleled peace and privacy.
Own a pooch? Many Sandbridge Beach rentals do allow dogs, so you can bring your best friend along, too.
Prefer hiking? And/or birding? Come to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, just south of Sandbridge Beach at the end of Sandpiper Road. Here you'll discover over 9,250 acres of unspoiled coastal landscape - ranging from forests to wetlands to white-sand beach dotted with grass-covered dunes.
You'll also find plenty of wildfowl, especially if you visit in fall and winter. The Refuge provides resting-and-feeding habitat for thousands of migratory birds during their annual flights along the Atlantic Flyway. Depending on time of year, you can expect to spot tundra swans, geese (Canada and snow), plus a vast array of ducks... along with endangered native species such as loggerhead turtles and piping plovers.
Love fishing? You'll be in seventh heaven. The waters off Sandbridge Beach literally teem with prized sportfish. Obtain a Virginia fishing license - available at local shops for a modest fee - and start surf-casting for drum, gray trout, mahi mahi, and more. Or, try fishing the Back Bay Watershed for freshwater favorites like crappie, catfish, and largemouth bass.
Prefer to forego a license? Come to Little Island Pier at Little Island District Park. Here, for a small daily charge - just $10 for non-residents - you can cast your line for croaker, flounder, striped bass, and more, then clean your catch at the pier's free cleaning station. No license required.
Simply want to relax? Go ahead... you deserve it. Soak up the sun on the beach. Take a leisurely seaside stroll. Wade in the warm, balmy waves. Gather seashells and driftwood for crafting. Picnic with your loved one at Little Island Park. Or simply sit on your covered porch, reading a good book, chatting with friends, or watching the waves lap the shore.
Vacationing as an empty nester at Sandbridge Beach offers the perfect opportunity to rekindle romance and rediscover relaxation. With Sandbridge Blue providing a wide array of Sandbridge Beach vacation rentals, you can find the ideal retreat tailored to your newfound freedom. Embrace this new chapter of life with a rejuvenating getaway that promises tranquility, comfort, and unforgettable memories.
