THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, August 3, 1996 TAG: 9608030002
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 34 lines
I've read tourists' complaints about the Virginia Beach beachfront after dark. I'm a resident, and I wouldn't go there after dark either. In fact, I try not to go there between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Parking is difficult to find, crowds are not what I want to escape to, and there are limited attractions - mainly clubs, restaurants and junk shopping.
OK, you say, what would tickle my tourist fancy? I'd like a four-day package deal based out of a beachfront hotel.
Friday I find my hotel and park my car for the duration. I spend the day on the beach, with reservations that night at the amphitheater, transportation provided. Saturday I want the bus trip to Busch Gardens - close the place down. Sunday take me to Colonial Williamsburg for the day and dinner on the Norfolk Harbor. Monday put me back on the sands at the beach until it's time to find my car and drive home.
Of course, any of a number of equally interesting attractions besides the ones I've mentioned could be substituted.
Two things should stand out in this dream vacation, however. First, public or private mass transit. I hate to drive in heavy traffic in unfamiliar areas. Second, my vacation takes place in the Hampton Roads area, not just Virginia Beach. Maybe it's just me, but I get ``beached out'' easily. I need a wider spectrum of entertainment, which is what Hampton Roads offers.
There is a lot of talk these days about train lines and regional unification. There are also a lot of tourists who expected a pleasant vacation, but their trip to Virginia Beach failed to meet their expectations.
Perhaps it's time to move ahead while the tourists are still coming.
JAMES A. GRACE
Virginia Beach, Aug. 1, 1996 by CNB