Midgett Preti Olansen

Treat your sweetie to a day at the beach that isn't filled with the challenge of fighting the crowds and all the stress that goes with it. Instead, plan to spend a relaxing day on a romantic date at First Landing Cross. The area is also known as Chesapeake Beach and you can comfortably stretch out on your beach blanket to sunbathe, take in the scenery or swim in the protected shallow waters.

Virginia Beach's Old Coast Guard Station has an interesting past. It was founded as a Life Saving Station in 1903 and then became a Coast Guard Station from 1915 until 1969. The structure sat idle for ten years and faced demolition but was rescued by financial backers who then turned it into the historic facility that it is today. This fascinating maritime museum not only chronicles its own history with various presentations about the Coast Guard, but it also offers many interactive exhibits and attractions that detail the mission of the brave men and women whose job it was to protect, serve and search and rescue those in distress.

If you're searching for something truly unique, then make your way to the Virginia Beach Spring Craft Market. This festival, held every March, welcomes the warmer season with an incredible selection of items that include fine arts, hand crafted jewelry, wood, glass, photography, candles, woven baskets, clothing, toys, folk art and specialty food, among many other items. The event happens at the Virginia Beach Convention Center from Friday through Sunday and its efforts benefit the work of the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia.