by: Anna Chen, Jeremy Tanner

Posted: Jun 25, 2024 / 01:52 AM EDT

Updated: Jun 25, 2024 / 01:52 AM EDT

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. (WDCW) – Virginia authorities said a Goodwill employee recently discovered a 4-foot snake in a box of donated books.

“No snakes, employees, or deputies were harmed during the incident,” the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) said in a news release.

The captain of animal control responded to a Goodwill, located at 72 Doc Stone Road, after a 4-foot-long basilisk was found slithering in a box of donated books.

Stafford Sheriff officials couldn’t resist adding in a Harry Potter reference while explaining what happened to the “Slytherin Suspect.”

“Using his powers of persuasion, and a bit of Parseltongue” the captain was able to capture the snake and release it into the wild again, SCSO said.

It’s not clear how the reptile ended up in the box, but it goes without saying that live snakes are not accepted donations at the Virginia Goodwill, along with flammables, guns, old TVs, mattresses and broken furniture, among other items.

TAZEWELL COUNTY, Va. (WVVA) -Southwest Virginia Community College’s ‘Adventure Ready Camp’ teaches many of the skills needed to survive in the wilderness, from learning how to start a campfire to navigating the land with a map and compass. But the organizer for the camp says the skills learned here go beyond survival situations.

“…and it’s not necessarily the idea of doing survivor or survival. It’s more of… it’s given me the chance to where I can enjoy what’s around me because there’s a lot in this region available that sometimes people don’t see,” says Michael Brown, an associate professor at SWCC.

Kids aged nine through thirteen could learn a variety of wilderness skills and ways to have fun in the great outdoors. But this camp also benefits those outside that age group, with this camp being led by students in the college’s Environmental Management and Forest Ecology Program.

Ryan Lamb, one of these student-counselors says leading this camp is both a way to fulfil a class requirement and an opportunity to share his passion for the outdoors and his field of study.

“…I think it’s a wonderful program. I think that all the teachers that I’ve had so far have been amazing, and they really want to help you out and make sure you succeed,” says Lamb.

The camp also had a visit from someone who works at a state park who told the kids about the many opportunities available to them if they choose to make a career out of this program. Brown hopes holding the camp for this age group will inspire the kids to pursue their passion for the outdoors and potentially become the program’s next generation.

“Some of them actually get excited about the outdoors even more afterwards, so hopefully by the time they get to high school level and college level age group, then they’ve got that spark going really big, to where it’s like, ‘hey, I want to go into this program.’ And that’s kind of where that fits in,” says Brown.

Brown adds, he hopes these kids will share what they learned with their parents, making the fun to be had outdoors into a family activity.

If you would like to find out more information about the adventure ready camp, Brown says you can go to the Southwest Virginia Community College website.

Copyright 2024 WVVA. All rights reserved.

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Latifah Al-Hazza, Contributor

Forbes Vetted

Virginia Beach has become a popular destination for an oceanfront vacation, and the best hotels in Virginia Beach have excelled at keeping up with the city’s growing popularity. Although most travel to Virginia Beach for its expansive beachfront and surfable waves, the city also offers a flavorful culinary scene, a vibrant nightlife and endless adventure sports. From oceanfront hotels to interesting historical hotels, guests of all ages can enjoy a variety of accommodations to choose from.

If you’re looking for an ultra-luxurious stay near the ocean, our top high-end recommendation is The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club. For kid-friendly amenities, the Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront offers plenty of activities for young ones. The Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront is home to one of the best rooftop restaurants in the city, while The Pink House is the perfect place to celebrate a milestone. Below, the best hotels in Virginia Beach for 2024.

Best High-End Hotel In Virginia Beach: The Historic Cavalier Hotel And Beach Club, Autograph Collection

The Historic Cavalier Hotel And Beach Club, Autograph Collection

Reserve At Expedia

Who Will Love It: Couples; families; groups

All-Star Amenities: Access to the private beach club; an extensive garden and lawn; frequent entertainment; golf cart transportation

What Not To Miss: Afternoon tea in The Raleigh Room; lounging at the private Cavalier Beach Club; sipping your way through a bourbon tour and tasting at Tarnished Truth

The Cavalier has been a staple of Virginia Beach since the 1920s; the hotel was handed over to the U.S. Navy in 1942, when it was turned it into a radar training site. It later reopened as the original Cavalier in 1976, and underwent a four-year, multi-million-dollar renovation in 2012, when it was restored to preserve its original neoclassical style, seen in its pilasters and columns. Having taken inspiration from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, The Cavalier has welcomed prominent historical figures such as Muhammad Ali, Jimmy Carter, Dwight D. Eisenhower, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, JFK, Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor, to name a few. Today, the stunningly grandiose hotel remains the best luxury property in Virginia Beach and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It features three restaurants, a distillery, a spa, an indoor pool and a private beach club. The hotel also offers plenty of weekly entertainment, ranging from live music to movies on the lawn.

Best Hotel In Virginia Beach For Foodies: Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort

Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort

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Who Will Love It: Marriott loyalists; couples; friend groups

All-Star Amenities: Bicycles are available for guests to cruise down the boardwalk

What Not To Miss: Sunset drinks at Orion’s Roof; indulging in ice cream from We Scream on the ground floor

The Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort is located across from The Historic Cavalier. Having opened in 2020, the hotel sits directly on the ocean, offering quick access to the vast, sandy beach. This is a great property for foodies, as the hotel offers one of the best restaurants in the city. Orion’s Roof offers phenomenal views of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, handcrafted cocktails, and an Asian fusion menu. Additionally, Tulu Seaside Bar & Grill serves fresh and local ingredients in its seaside dining experience.

The salty ocean air can be felt from all of the hotel’s rooms and suites. The ocean view rooms with balconies are by far the best rooms, but all rooms have limited, if not full views of the ocean. Guests can enjoy an indoor/outdoor pool or lounge at the beach in one of the hotel’s loungers. Bocce ball, fire pits and a terrace for entertainment are located directly in front of the ocean.

Best Pet-Friendly Hotel In Virginia Beach: Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront

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Who Will Love It: Pets; solo travelers; young creatives

All-Star Amenities: Skittles and drink vouchers upon check-in; a heated outdoor pool

What Not To Miss: The large foosball table on the second floor

Stylish with a minimalist yet beachy flair, Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront opened its doors in 2023. Located on the south end of the beach, near much of the oceanfront’s nightlife such as bars and clubs, it’s also within walking distance to putt-putt and mini golf courses. Attractions within a short drive include the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, an excellent excursion for a rainy day, and First Landing State Park, a perfect place to explore with your pup. Dogs are welcome at the hotel with a $50 fee and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. Water bowls can be found throughout the hotel.

The rooms are small, but the hotel has plenty of communal spaces to lounge around in. The lobby has TVs and a shuffleboard table, while the outdoor area offers a terrace and lawn games. The hotel is located right on the boardwalk allowing easy access for a sunrise or sunset stroll along the beach.

Best Hotel In Virginia Beach For Families: Embassy Suites By Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort

Embassy Suites By Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort

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Who Will Love It: Families with children

All-Star Amenities: Complimentary breakfast and an evening reception

What Not To Miss: Aqua fit classes in the pool

Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront opened its doors in 2023 and became the city’s best family-friendly resort. There are no shortage of activities here that cater to young ones, such as kids’ crafting, mermaid meet and greets, pirate parties and beach metal detector usage. The resort is located next to the Marriott Oceanfront Resort and The Historic Cavalier, which allows for easy access to additional entertainment and happenings. The resort offers an indoor and outdoor pool and two eateries; an open-air Mexican restaurant that feels like dining at a tropical beach shack in Mexico and a 1920’s themed restaurant serving classic American fare and cocktails. Situated on the oceanfront, all rooms offer beach chairs and bicycles for guests who wish to bask in the sun or explore the boardwalk. Book an ocean-facing room and you may get lucky and see dolphins jumping in the air at sunrise.

Best Hotel In Virginia Beach For Shopping and Entertainment: Westin Virginia Beach Town Center

Westin Virginia Beach Town Center

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Who Will Love It: Friend groups; couples

All-Star Amenities: An excellent location close to all local entertainment

What Not To Miss: A comedy show at Funny Bone and enjoying the nightly activations

The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center is the perfect place to call home while exploring the city’s food and shopping scene. It is located 10 miles from the oceanfront and is where visitors can find boutiques unique to the area as well as chain shops like Bluemercury, Anthropologie, Nike, and Lululemon, to name a few. The hotel is ideally situated within a three-block walking radius to these shops as well as a variety of coffee shops, restaurants and cocktail bars like Town Center Cold Pressed, Twist Martini & Associates and Cantina Laredo.

Just across the street you’ll find the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, where theatrical and musical performances take place multiple times a week. Around the corner is Funny Bone Comedy Club which offers live performances along with dinner Wednesday through Sunday, and down the street there is a Drybar to pamper yourself before a night on the town. Apex Entertainment will keep the children occupied, and if you’ve brought your pooch along but don’t want to leave Fido alone, Dogtopia is a few minutes away and offers doggy daycare services. During the summer months, Town Center showcases movies in the plaza.

Best Budget-Friendly Hotel In Virginia Beach: Delta Hotels Virginia Beach Waterfront

Delta Hotels Virginia Beach Waterfront

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Who Will Love It: Travelers who want to be near the water but away from the touristy part of town

All-Star Amenities: A private beach to relax on

What Not To Miss: Tides Pool Club for cocktails and the outdoor swimming pool

Away from the hustle and bustle of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront lies Delta Hotels, a waterfront hotel on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. The hotel offers panoramic views of the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States. The hotel’s private beach allows for an enjoyable beach day or lounge by the outdoor pool overlooking the water. The property is home to Tides Coastal Kitchen, a water view restaurant serving Chesapeake Bay oysters and crab cakes, fresh fish and Virginia Beach’s signature orange crush drink.

Local attractions such as the Cape Henry Lighthouse, Ocean Breeze Waterpark, and Hunt Club Petting Farm are just a short stroll away. Bayville Golf Club is within a four-mile radius of the hotel, and Great White Water Sports offers exciting dolphin tours on jet skis. Nearby restaurant staples include Bay Local Eatery, CP Shuckers Café and Raw Bar, and Hot Tuna, which offers live music most evenings.

Hotel With The Best Views In Virginia Beach: Hyatt Place Virginia Beach / Oceanfront

Hyatt Place Virginia Beach / Oceanfront

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Who Will Love It: Fitness enthusiasts; those seeking great views

All-Star Amenities: Complimentary breakfast; a guest laundry room; no resort fees

What Not To Miss: An ocean-facing room and the fitness center overlooking the outdoor pool

Located steps from the quieter side of the boardwalk at the north end sits the Hyatt Place Virginia Beach/Oceanfront. The hotel opened in 2022 and has become a go-to stay for those seeking epic views of the Atlantic Ocean (read as: watching dolphins play in the waters). As a new hotel, the rooms are fresh with a beachy vibe. Carpets have been removed and replaced with tiles to keep sand lingering from sandy toes at bay. The Hyatt Place offers stunning views of the ocean or picturesque views of the city, depending on the room chosen, from the private balcony.

The hotel’s backyard is home to Hillier Ignite Fitness Park, which is complete with rope climbing and monkey bars in the sand. Even if you don’t plan to workout, it’s worth watching the athletes show off their skills (or muscles). A block away is a beachfront playground, perfect for children. If you’re spending the day on the beach, a nearby café called Taste will deliver your delicious order to the sand.

Best Bed And Breakfast In Virginia Beach: Barclay Cottage Bed & Breakfast

Barclay Cottage Bed & Breakfast

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Who Will Love It: History buffs and couples looking for a quaint and romantic getaway

All-Star Amenities: A two-course breakfast and beach cruiser bikes

What Not To Miss: The memorabilia on display in the cabinets

Barclay Cottage Bed & Breakfast remains one of just two original beach cottages in Virginia Beach. Built in 1895, the original plan was to convert it into a golf clubhouse. In 1916, the property was sold to Christopher Columbus Barclay, the first treasurer of Virginia Beach, who had 11 children, 10 that didn’t live past infancy. The one child that survived, Lillian S. Clair Barclay, tutored children in 1922, leading to the guest house turning into classrooms. The school closed in 1972 and was turned into an inn in 1991. Staying at this charming cottage offers guests a glimpse into history. It’s ideally situated two blocks from the oceanfront and is next door to the Vibe District Creative District. The property offers five cozy guest rooms, a great room and a massage room.

Hotel With The Best Location In Virginia Beach: Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront

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Who Will Love It: Couples; friend groups

All-Star Amenities: Its proximity to Virginia Beach hotspots

What Not To Miss: An evening drink at the hotel’s rooftop bar

Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront is situated in the most ideal spot on Virginia Beach’s boardwalk. Its location is significant because it is next to Neptune Park’s small outdoor arena, which often hosts live performances, food and art festivals, as well as the city’s notable King Neptune Statue. The hotel’s Catch 31 restaurant is situated on the ground floor with statue and ocean views from indoors and outdoors and offers large fire pits where guests and locals mix and mingle. Guests who want to relax and soak in the ocean breeze while people watching can unwind in one of the hotel’s many rocking chairs placed alongside the boardwalk. The 21st floor has a rooftop Sky Bar that transforms into a lively scene with a DJ on summer evenings and into igloo dining spaces during winter. The outdoor and indoor pool is also located on this floor, the highest floor. Must-visit nearby restaurants include Love Song for dinner, The Atlantic on Pacific for happy hour, Dough Boys for a quick pizza, Duck Donuts for a decadent sweet treat, and Beachside Social to enjoy a full bar with shuffleboard and bocce ball.

Best Rental Property In Virginia Beach: The Pink House

The Pink House

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Who Will Love It: Lovers of pink

All-Star Amenities: Solo stove; outdoor gas grill

What Not To Miss: Utilizing the pink golf cart that comes with the rental

Virginia Beach’s The Pink House certainly stands out—it’s quite literally all pink. Its walls are decorated with art pieces from all over the world, while its kitchen is decked out with upscale Café and SMEG appliances. The bungalow has three bedrooms and two full baths, which allows up to seven guests to sleep. Sonos speakers, pool and beach towels, beach chairs, toys for children and four beach cruisers with locks and a pump all come with the rental to make any Virginia Beach vacation easy and enjoyable. The heated saltwater plunge pool, pool loungers and stylish umbrellas urge guests to stay and relax.

The boutique rental takes on characteristics of original Virginia Beach homes with flare from the Playa Grande Beach Club in the Dominican Republic. A highlight of renting this property is that it comes with a pink golf cart to cruise around the oceanfront. It is located minutes from The Vibe Creative District, the city’s cultural arts hub. Nab a reservation at nearby restaurant The Pink Dinghy to pair well with your pink vacation theme.

About Latifah Al-Hazza, Your Los Cabos All-Inclusive Resorts Guide

I am an Emmy Award-winning travel journalist and documentary filmmaker who graduated with journalism degrees from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (BS) and the University of Southern California (MS). I enjoy writing about all things travel, whether it’s about a tribe in the Omo Valley or the latest luxury hotel opening in the Maldives. My first international flight was when I was three months old; since then I’ve traveled to over 55 countries. When I’m not writing, you can find me (still) traveling solo, with my parents, or with my 4 pound Pomeranian. In addition to Forbes Vetted, my work can be found in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Travel + Leisure, Fodor’s, INSIDER, CNN Travel, The New York Times, TimeOut, and more. I am also the co-founder (along with my mother) of Femscape Sojourns, a boutique women’s travel company. I currently reside between Virginia, Chicago, and Kuwait. Follow my adventures on Instagram @tifahtravels.