Take a Walk on the Wild Side!

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, located at the southend of Sandbridge Beach, is hosting some fun events this winter that may interest Sandbridge residents and vacationers. Come on out and enjoy these nature-packed activities.  Questions?  Contact the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge at  (757)301-7329.

Winter Waterfowl Walks

January   7, 14, 28 February  4, 11, 18, 25 Winter is an exciting time in Back Bay.  One of the unique characteristics of Back Bay is that it is an important stop along the Atlantic Flyway for migrating waterfowl. Join BBRF, Back Bay NWR, and a birding expert to learn about the different species that call Back Bay home for the winter.   The walk is approximately a mile, along the boardwalk trail around Back Bay.  Walks last approximately 1 - 1.5 hours.   The walks are free, but reservations are appreciated.  Winter weather can be unpredictable, and the walks will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Please call 301-7329 to make your reservation. Saturdays at 9 am. Join us on a one-mile hike along Back Bay NWR’s Bay Trail, guided by expert birders. We will observe and enjoy the variety of waterfowl that feed and rest here during the winter months! Bring your camera and binoculars! Details?  Call 301-7329 ext.152 to sign up!

Winter Tram Tours

January  15 February 5, 19 March     5, 19 Time: 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM Cost: $8 person  Advanced registration required! Reservations are handled by False Cape State Park, please call (757) 426-7128 to register. Join staff from Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park for a scenic ride while observing wintering waterfowl and other native wildlife while learning about the history of the area. Tours travel through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, into False Cape State Park and include a one mile hike (round-trip) to the Wash Woods cemetery site.       Trams are open air (unheated) vehicles. Please dress warmly.  Bring your camera and binoculars! Don't forget to call False Cape State Park at (757) 426-7128 to register! Winter Wildlife Festival January 20-22, 2017 Don't miss this opportunity to witness winter wildlife all around our area. There are a variety of events, including bird watching trips, nature hikes, photography workshops and more. Sign up today! The 7th annual Winter Wildlife Festival will take place January 20-22, 2017. Half-day and full-day excursions include trips to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Mackay Island NWR, First Landing State Park and more. The keynote speaker this year is Deborah Cramer who will speak on Friday night about her award-winning book The Narrow Edge: A tiny bird, an ancient crab and an epic journey. Back Bay and False Cape Trips: Terragator Trips:  Saturday, January 21 from 12:30-5:00 Back Bay and False Cape Birding Trips: Sunday, January 22 from 8:00-12:30 Pre-registration is required at: www.vbgov.com/winterwildlife Creature Comforts Love nature, but prefer the "Creature Comforts" out of the cold? Give Siebert Realty a call at 1-877-422-2200 or visit our website at www.siebert-realty.com. Think how special a beach house or condo would be this time of year... with the beautiful Atlantic as your backdrop. Treat yourself to a fully furnished Sandbridge Beach vacation rental this year while enjoying all the interesting wildlife located at the south end of the beach.   Best of all, we have dozens of rentals offering discounts this time of year, so be sure to visit our website and take advantage of all the deals. We look forward to seeing you at the beach!  Siebert Realty - "The Beach People" Vacation Beach Home and Condo Rentals Sandbridge Beach, Virginia Beach, VA www.siebert-realty.com 877-422-2200 / 757-426-6200

DISCOVER SANDBRIDGE
from a Kayak!

Beautiful Back Bay is truly a special place where state of being and setting merge.  Its wildlife sanctuary will leave you in awe as you watch osprey fly by to nest... spot, egrets, herons, ducks, and otters. When you're not at the beach, you can retreat to the peaceful bay for a little canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, dock fishing, or crabbing. And at the day's end, picture how relaxing it would be to unwind to the brilliance of a romantic sunset over Back Bay. So this year, why not introduce your family to the "other side" of Sandbridge!  

Kayak Nature Tours - Let these experienced tour guides "show you the ropes" around Back Bay. Kayak Nature Tours offers guided tours for adults and children (even beginners). No previous experience necessary with professional instructions provided. Single and double sit-on-top kayaks. Ocean Dolphin Tours - North End of Va. Beach.  Advance Reservations required.  Daily/Hourly Rentals.  757-480-1999 / 888-669-8368  /  ** Kayak Nature Tours - Click Here **

Kayak Nature Tours - Ocean Dolphin Tours:

Back Bay Getaways - "Where the road ends... the adventure begins."  Located at the southend of Sandpiper Road with direct access to Back Bay and the ocean, they offer the best in outdoor equipment, and their knowledgeable staff will assist you in getting geared up and underway.  They provide both guided tours and daily rentals, and can even outfit you for an overnight camping trip to the remote beaches of False Cape State Park.  No prior experience necessary, and they tailor every trip to your personal needs.  757-721-4484

Moneysworth Kayak Rentals - If you prefer to venture out on your own without a tour guide, Moneysworth has kayak rentals available for your enjoyment.  Best of all, they offer free delivery to and pickup from your rental unit.  800-622-2122  /  757-468-3999  /  www.rentbeachequipment.com

Sandbridge Rentals

Have you ever considered renting a beach rental on a waterfront canal or directly on beautiful Back Bay? There's a whole other world waiting for you on the west side of Sandbridge Beach! Many of our furnished vacation rentals are located on the bayside offering boat docks and breathtaking water views! Fish, crab, chill & relax, or launch your boat or kayak right from your own private vacation rental! 

Search for west side waterfront rentals offering discounts and availability at www.siebert-realty.com  See you on the water!

 Siebert Realty - The Beach People

Beach Home & Condo Rentals
www.siebert-realty.com
877-422-2200  /  757-426-6200

Explore Wildlife from... THE TERRA GATOR!

Come ride the beach transporter, Terra Gator, to False Cape State Park through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge! False Cape State Park is an isolated stretch of wilderness on the southern point of Virginia's coast, between Virginia Beach and the North Carolina boundary.  Until now, the state park was virtually inaccessible in winter except to visitors willing to hike down at least five miles of undeveloped ocean beaches along the edge of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.  But this one-of-a-kind beach vehicle can carry visitors down the coast to the 4,321-acre state park, a narrow barrier spit between the Atlantic Ocean and Back Bay.  Terra Gator enables winter visitors to expend their energy exploring the state park rather than hiking to it, said Kyle Barbour, manager of False Cape. The park's ocean-to-freshwater bay habitat includes beaches, dunes, marshes and maritime forests. It is the home of deer, fox, otter, mink, nutria, even wild pigs and horses.

False Cape is closed to automobiles year-round. From April to October, visitors can hike, bike, boat or take electric trams to the state park. Most follow an unpaved road through the interior of the 8,000-acre national wildlife refuge, which is just north of the park. But that road is closed in winter, so humans won't disturb waterfowl wintering in impoundments within the refuge.

In the park, visitors who arrive on Terra Gator have about two hours to admire waterfowl (including snow geese, tundra geese, tundra swans and ducks) in Back Bay or raptors also wintering in False Cape. Others go for walks on the beach. "They can find shells and things not found where everyone is scavenging on a beach every day," said Barbour.

Access has improved since the 36-passenger Terra Gator went into action and is "a big people-mover" said Barbour, with 56-inch tires on 25-inch rims to help it roll down the beaches.  Terra Gator is only operating on Saturdays and Sundays, unless its popularity "really starts to snowball on us" said Barbour. "Then we will extend the schedule. We also will schedule weekday trips for groups."

Barbour said the length of the trip depends on the tide. The vehicle can run faster across packed sand at low tide than it can across loose sand at high tide. He said the upper beach has "camel humps", which must be crossed slowly so passengers don't get sick.  "We do not go into the water, because of corrosion. But it (the vehicle ) is capable of going fairly deep into the water, five or six feet.  It could take wave strikes up to the windows."

False Cape and Back Bay Wildlife Refuge are among the few undeveloped areas along the Atlantic Coast. The wildlife refuge has five miles of beach, and the state park has another six miles of beach below that down to the North Carolina line. Barbour said the area is even more wild than North Carolina's Hatteras Island. It's definitely worth exploring and will open your eyes to why we're referred to as "The Outer Banks of Virginia".  

Cost

• $8 per person
• $100 for school fieldtrips
• $160 group rate
• Minimum 10 riders; maximum 36

Schedule Trip - By Reservation Only

The Terra Gator operates only on weekends from Nov. 1 through March 31. The transporter departs Little Island City Park in Virginia Beach at 9 a.m. and returns there at 1 p.m. The trip takes about 45 minutes each way. Call 1-800-933-7275 (PARK) to make reservations. (Groups may make arrangements for weekdays or other time slots, still only between Nov. 1 and March 31, by contacting the park directly at (757) 426-7128, email falsecape@dcr.virginia.gov.)

Once in False Cape, visitors can spend two hours exploring trails and the natural beach. This unique park - among Virginia's least visited state park - is primitive and has few facilities. It is not recommended for those unaccustomed to strenuous outdoor activities. Soft sand on the trail and beach makes walking difficult.  Cancellation policy: Guests are encouraged to transfer reservations - at no cost - to another date because the cancellation fee per reservation is $10. Transfers must, however, be done by the Wednesday prior to the reserved date. If fewer than 10 riders sign up by Wednesday to reserve spots, the park cancels the trip and full refunds are offered, or guests may opt for a transfer.

Plan a Long Weekend to Enjoy Nature!

If you're coming in from out of town to explore the local wildlife and are in need of lodging, contact the vacation experts at Siebert Realty! We can assist with all your lodging needs... offering fully furnished beach home and condo vacation rentals at beautiful Sandbridge Beach, located just north of Back Bay Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park.  Many rentals have toasty fireplaces and bubbly warm Hot Tubs... perfect for when you return from a day of bonding with nature.  Hope to see you soon!  

Siebert Realty

Vacation Beach Home & Condos Rentals

Sandbridge Beach, Virginia Beach, VA

877-422-2200

www.siebert-realty.com

The Magic of Virginia Beach

Ahhh… a beach vacation at last!  After all the planning and anticipation, you’ve finally arrived to Virginia Beach, VA.  Now comes the hard part…. what to do first?  Of course, the shoes are the first things to go… and the kids have already hit the beach!  But then it starts.  Decisions… decisions…  With miles of sand, surf, activities, and restaurants to choose from, you could literally fill an itinerary several times over. 

Looking for fun? Virginia Beach’s famous oceanfront boardwalk is overflowing with excitement from shops… to restaurants… to music and entertainment.  Vacationers love to stroll, jog, bike, or skate along the boardwalk as they take in the award-winning landscaping sprinkled with teak benches, whimsical bigger-than-life art sculptures, colorful flags, and, of course, the famous Norwegian Lady statue as she gazes out into the horizon.  During the summer, Atlantic Avenue turns into “Beach Street USA” and transforms itself into a little bit of Key West / Mardi Gras with professional musicians, jugglers, as well as live bands and entertainment at the 5th,17th, 24th, 31st St stages.  Whether there’s a surfing championship, art show, sandcastle contest, major headliner concerts, or a holiday festival going on… everyday is a special on the boardwalk!  

As you venture out into the city, there are always major events scheduled at the Virginia Beach Pavilion, the Farm Bureau Live Virginia Beach Amphitheater, or the Contemporary Art Center of Virginia.  The kids will love exploring the wonders of nature at the Virginia Museum and Marine Science Center, which is one of the Top Ten aquariums in the country. This interactive museum boasts 800,000-gallons of aquariums filled with river otters, sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, as well as an outdoor aviary and salt marsh preserve with nature trails.  For anglers of all ages, you can choose from several piers throughout the city or consider chartering a boat for a day of seafaring adventure!  Or take a guided dolphin or whale watching boat tour and come face-to-face with these magnificent creatures!  Perhaps a few rounds of golf is your idea of a perfect vacation. Virginia Beach offers nearly 30 top-notch courses to keep golfers well challenged.

Looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the resort area?  Venture to the southern portion of Virginia Beach where you’ll discover not only miles of picturesque horse farms, and fields of fresh fruit and vegetables, you’ll also discover the family-friendly and quaint coastal community of Sandbridge Beach.  Sandbridge is a secluded five mile beach… just a few blocks wide, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the calm Back Bay waters on the other.  Vacationers love this non-commercial family beach, which is perfect for family vacations in a more low-key setting.  Siebert Realty is the largest and oldest resort rental company in Sandbridge offering almost 400 beach home and condo rentals. 

The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge borders the southern end of Sandbridge and is a must see as it is deemed one of the east coasts’ most beautiful, unspoiled destinations.  Visitors can observe wildlife in their natural habitats along various hike/bike trails or you can now travel through the refuge via electric trams to False Cape State Park.  7,700 gorgeous acres of beach, dunes, woodland and marsh are waiting to be explored!

Of course, when it comes down to it… Virginia Beach is all about “the beach”.  Our beautiful city offers the perfect backdrop to simply slow down, relax, and take in the breathtaking Atlantic vistas.  It’s funny… but often it’s none of the exciting activities that will linger in your memory once your vacation ends.  You’ll find yourself reminiscing of a special place where the living was easy… where the locals were friendly… where you fell in love with the aroma of salt air and the sounds of gulls calling overhead.  You’ll recall a magical place where a simple stroll along the shore helped to wash away everyday problems and put your life back into its proper perspective.  It’s those quiet moments that rejuvenate the soul and keep our vacationers returning year after year.

Siebert Realty Lodging

Sandbridge Beach / Virginia Beach Vacation Rentals:

http://www.siebert-realty.com

877-422-2200 / 757-426-6200