Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is a large city of nearly half a million people, perched on the Atlantic coast between Chesapeake Bay and the North Carolina state line. Supporting a thriving local economy of its own, Virginia Beach is also a popular home base for folks who work in neighboring Norfolk and beyond, largely thanks to the incredible array of things to do in your down time. The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts attracts major national performers and Broadway musicals, as well as popular local and regional acts. Throughout the year, you can always catch live shows at Farm Bureau Live, the city's 20,000-seat outdoor concert amphitheater. During the summer, Atlantic Boulevard comes alive at night; family-friendly street performers line the street, and bands play at a number of stages set up on the beach, in parks, and on the boardwalk. Virginia Beach also has a wide array of exciting entertainment options for adults, including bars, nightclubs, and live music venues, especially in the Town Center neighborhood and along Atlantic Boulevard. Of course, the undisputed favorite attraction for most locals is still the beach itself, a gorgeous stretch of sand perfect for a relaxing day by the ocean.
Charlotte
Known as the Queen City, Charlotte is North Carolina’s busiest city with over 800,000 residents. Tagged as “Charlotte’s got a lot” by the community, this bustling urban oasis offers diversity, cultural experiences, and endless adventures. Enjoy live performances, family-friendly events, local cuisine, and a vibrant nightlife scene. Charlotte offers easy access to major interstates, a public transit line, and proximity to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The city of Charlotte has earned its spot on countless “Best Places to Live” lists for its seemingly endless entertainment options. Catch a live concert at the Fillmore Charlotte, explore the NASCAR Hall of Fame, catch a game at NBA’s Spectrum Theater, explore Discovery Place Science, or ride the rollercoasters at Carowinds. Locals frequent Uptown Charlotte for its local attractions, nightlife spots, and abundant shopping. Uptown is surrounded by a top-notch selection of local breweries, from Sugar Creek Brewing Company to the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. Charlotte is a major economic hub that houses numerous corporate headquarters, including nine Fortune 500 companies. Beyond the high-rises of the central business district and lively entertainment venues, Charlotte’s landscape features a mix of picturesque homes, historic buildings, luxury apartments, and lush greenery.
Chesapeake
Neighboring Norfolk in the north, Virginia Beach in the east, and the Virginia-North Carolina border in the south, Chesapeake is a nature lover’s dream. With a prime location on the Intracoastal Waterway, numerous parks, a large portion of the Great Dismal Swamp, and access to nearby beaches, there is no shortage of options for enjoying all that nature has to offer in Chesapeake. Ocean, river, lake, and canal access grant Chesapeake residents the opportunity to engage in various water sports and activities. Northwest River Park, Oak Grove Lake Park, and Chesapeake City Park are all popular destinations for outdoor recreation in addition to the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail and the Chesapeake Arboretum. Golfers have their choice of practicing their game at Cahoon Plantation Golf Course or Greenbrier Country Club. Shoppers delight in the options for retail therapy at Greenbrier Mall and Chesapeake Square Mall. The Shriner’s Annual Seafood Feast serves up fresh, delicious seafood while raising money for a good cause. The Chesapeake Wine Festival provides samples from wineries all over Virginia. Both festivals strengthen the community bond in Chesapeake.
