Nature abounds at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, where visitors get a glimpse of snow geese, ducks, swan, warblers and threatened and endangered species like loggerhead sea turtles, peregrine falcons, bald eagles and piping plovers. The 8,000-acre refuge sits atop a thin strip of coastline typical of the Atlantic coast, and habitats include dunes, woodlands, beach, farm fields and marsh. Back Bay was established in 1938 to provide habitat for wintering and migrating waterfowl.

Former New York Times Chief Art Critic John Russell sang the praises of the Chrysler Museum of Art's collection, describing the masterpieces as ones "any museum in the world would kill for." Not bad, eh? Among the highlights: Tiffany, Quezal and Steuben glass pieces; Impressionist paintings by Degas, Monet, Renoir, Gauguin and Cezanne; and 20th-century works by Calder, Matisse, Kline, Rothko and Lichtenstein.

This mile-wide barrier split between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean got its name from a resemblance to Cape Henry, and many unfortunate ship captains were lured into its shallow waters. Tram-and-walk tours of one of the few remaining undisturbed coastal environments on the East Coast are available. Leave your car behind: False Cape State Park has no vehicular access.

Ahoy! Awful Arthur's is a local favorite for the raw bar set, with a delicious selection of fresh oysters and clams to sample. If you prefer your food cooked, an extensive menu includes a variety of seafood, salads, sandwiches, sides, soups and more. The bar features a happy hour with daily drink specials, and NFL fans of all stripes enjoy football games on six TVs.

Stock up on plenty of locally produced, seasonal fruits and vegetables at the Virginia Beach Farmers' Market, open year-round. And that's just for starters-homemade jams, jellies, cookie mixes, ice cream and baked goods as well as plants, herbs and flowers are among the market's specialties. Shoppers also enjoy an organic grocery, dairy store, gift stores, meat market and a restaurant. A great way to take part in a Virginia Beach tradition!

Have fun in the summer sun at the Virginia Beach Amusement Park, located on the oceanfront at 15th Street between Atlantic and Pacific Avenues. Thrill-seekers get their fix on Skyscraper, where you'll soar 165 feet at 65 mph; and Cosmic Storm, a spinning sensation built just for the park. There are a host of great kids' rides as well, and classic midway games like Mini-Basketball and Fish Pond to test your skill.

This Virginia Beach institution is committed to significant contemporary art, with regularly changing exhibitions of painting, sculpture, photography, glass, video and other visual works by local, national and international artists. The Center also provides arts education and organizes the Boardwalk Art Show & Festival, an outdoor fine art show that with the Neptune Festival Art & Craft Show draws over 400,000 visitors annually.

"Exceptional objects by extraordinary artists" are on display at the Kane Marie Fine Arts Gallery in Virginia Beach. These exceptional objects include designer jewelry, contemporary glass, sculpture and photography. Exhibitions are regularly scheduled, including the recent "The Glory and Glamour of Glass" featuring new glass and paintings by Dale Chihuly.

Rev up the engines at Virginia Beach Motor World, a family thrill park located right in Virginia Beach. There are eight go-kart tracks to choose from: Outlaw, Cannonball, Grand Prix, Road Racer, Super 8, Family, Jr. Stock and Kiddie. This fast-paced park also has a miniature golf course, batting cages and bumper boats.

A column-free exhibit space with up to 12 breakout rooms, the Pavilion Convention Center is an ideal business and meeting destination just minutes from the surf and sand. The Pavilion also includes a professional performing arts theater with advanced technical capabilities, and provides 1,000 free parking spaces with room for 20 motorcoaches.

The Little Theatre of Virginia Beach is a local favorite, featuring drama, comedy, musicals, mysteries and more performed by regional talents at affordable prices. The 2003-2004 season includes performances of Is There Life After High School?, Ballyhoo, Camping With Henry and Tom, Waiting in the Wings and Red Herring. The oceanfront destination has been going strong since 1948.