Tea Time Tuesday!

I'm off today party planning for Mr. O's big FIRST BIRTHDAY bash!!!

My good VA buddy Lauran is here to tell you a little about herself and the beautiful area of Southern VA! :) I hope y'all enjoy and go visit her adorable blog and leave her some love!!

Catch ya on the flip..



Hello loves! I am so excited to be guest posting here with Sarah today! I'm Lauran and hostess of my lifestyle blog The Real Young Housewife of Southern VA! Sarah and I connected over Instagram and the fact that we were both living in Virginia at the time! I've enjoyed following her daily rambles as they usually send me into a laughing fit! Her realism and give it to you straight attitude is one I can appreciate! Sugar coating?? It's for the birds!

Since the title of my bloggity blog incorporates Southern VA, I figured I'd devote this post to places to visit in my area and surrounding areas! If you are ever here in Hampton Roads be sure to check out these beautiful and fun spots! They are sure to not disappoint!

~ History Buffs ~

If you are a huge history buff or just enjoy old colonial and victorian architecture, cobblestone streets, and small quaint shops and restaurants, you have to pay a visit to Smithfield, Virginia! According to the Smithfield website, this town was first colonized in 1634 and lies on the Pagan river opposite of the James River and across the river from the Jamestown settlement. This town is also part of the Meat Packing Industry and is home to Smithfield Packing Company and Gwaltney of Smithfield, Ltd. - the pork capital of the world!

While here book your stay at, or just stop in for a fantastic brunch or dinner, at The Smithfield Inn. This adorable bed and breakfast/restaurant was built in 1752 and has served as a resting place for prominent leaders like George Washington himself! Paula Dean has even cooked in this kitchen! Why wouldn't she?! You know Paula would, without a doubt, visit this bacon making town! Make sure to take a stroll down Main Street and Church Street which are both part of the Historic District and explore all the unique shops and stores! Fun gifts, clothing, jewelry, really - something for everyone!

Main Street

The Smithfield Inn

~ Beach Lovers ~

You really can't visit the "757" without paying a visit to the coast - Virginia Beach! The oceanfront is always rocking hard from Memorial Day to Labor Day and then some! We tend to take the beach for granted being that we live so close and hate dealing with the parking but if you're visiting for a short time, beaching it is a must!

The Resort Area Beach

There are several parts of the beach you can visit, the Resort Area Beach, the Chesapeake Bay Beach, and Sandbridge Beach! If you want something more quiet and away from the nightlife I highly recommend Sandbridge! It very much reminds me of The Outer Banks of N.C.; calm, cozy, and quiet! Not a lot of hustle and bustle and not smack dab on the edge of a concrete jungle! If you are huge into nightlife and partying the evening away, the Resort Area Beach is your go to! This area is surrounded by numerous hotels, restaurants, bars and lounges and of course the sandy beach!

Whichever beach you decide to visit, make sure you check out Waterman's Surfside Grille! This amazing restaurant has been family run and owned since 1981 and is home to the world famous Orange Crush cocktail! They have mouth watering food, great entertainment, awesome drinks, and TONS of people! Always busy! If you are looking to meet new people, this is the place to do it!

Waterman's

~ Nature Enthusiast ~

If you are really big into natura and enjoying all the natural beauty of undeveloped areas you will love The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge! This refuge spans the areas of Suffolk {my hometown}, Chesapeake and Northeastern North Carolina! It's well known for its unique blending of northern and southern species, including black bears, bobcats, river otters, rattlesnakes, and over 200 species of birds, turtles, lizards, frogs and toads! 

The Dismal Swamp

While visiting here you can partake in hiking, biking, nature photography, wildlife observations, hunting, fishing, and boating! You can also participate in Swamp Safaris and Canoe Tours which give you an up-close and personal experience with this gorgeous untouched piece of nature! Trails are opened year round if you care to venture there in the winter months! 

Canoe Tours on the Swamp

~ The Shopaholic ~

If shopping is your thing, there is plenty of that around here too! Between malls, town centers, small independently owned stores, high end stores, and consignment shops, there is plenty of shopping to be done in the 757! MacArthur Mall hosts stores such as Nordstroms, Dillards, J. Crew, Pottery Barn, Lush, Williams & Sanoma, Aldo, Coach, Express so on and so on! Virginia Beach Town Center hosts stores like Ann Taylor Loft, Cache, Brooks Brothers, and Origins. City Center at Oyster Point in Newport News houses Hi-Ho Silver, Coldwater Creek, and Banana Republic!

MacArthur Mall

If you travel a bit more North you can visit the Williamsburg Premium Outlets! This is a gals best friend with stores like Kate Spade, Michael Kors, The North Face, J. Crew, Burberry, and White House/Black Market to name a few! There are also some stores for the men too! Regardless of what you are looking for, I have no doubt you will find it there, unless it's a Louis, Louboutin, or Chanel! 

The Williamsburg Outlets!

I can't thank Sarah enough for allowing me to guest post with her today! It has been a pleasure sharing my area and stomping grounds with you! If you ever visit the area be sure to let me know! I am always willing to grab coffee and give tours! Make sure you check my blog out Thursday, as Sarah will be guest posting for moi! 

XoXo!