Uncovering the Best of Virginia and Nearby Adventures
Author: Krystle Kitchen
Krystle Kitchen is a travel blogger and social media marketer based in Virginia. She focuses on promoting Virginia tourism, showcasing foodie worthy spots, and sharing travel across the East Coast. With over two decades of experience in marketing, Krystle aims to inspire readers with the unique experiences, culinary adventures, and hidden gems she discovers. Through her passion for Virginia and her commitment to supporting local businesses, she invites everyone to discover the beauty and charm of her home state one story at a time. Krystle also advocates for local entrepreneurs through her guide, “Unlocking Social Media Marketing: A Small Business’s Guide to Smart Posting and Partnerships,” available on Amazon. When she’s not writing or traveling, Krystle enjoys spending time at the beach and with her pets. Follow her on Instagram @thevirginiahypegirl to discover flavors and treasures waiting to be explored! For collaboration inquiries please contact krystle@takeawalkinmyflipflops.com
Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, North Carolina is really a unique and interesting site to check out when visiting the Outer Banks. The original pier was built in 1939 and had to be rebuilt in 2011 after a hurricane. The 1000 feet long concrete fishing pier offers numerous informative signs talking about the rich history of the pier and fishing in the Outer Banks.
Inside the building at the pier there are a couple of tanks with fish on display and information about them. A walk on the pier is only $2 for adults and $1 for children (free to North Carolina Aquarium members with card). Even if you’re not interested in visiting the pier to fish it is worth it for the views. The pier also, has a North Carolina Aquarium gift shop with some items themed for Jennette’s Pier. I personally love their vintage pier post cards.
Fishing from the pier is $14 for adults and $7 for children and includes a one day admission. Other options are available for multiple days and annual passes. A NC fishing license isn’t required in addition to this fee to fish from the pier as the fee covers a person for the paid period (on the pier only). Information on different types of fish that can be caught as well as citation information can be obtained from the visitor’s desk.
One of the coolest features of this North Carolina Aquarium location is the public beach access and free parking! Jennette’s Pier Piet also, offers Summer Camps and learning experiences for schools (including free programs for Title 1 schools) and children. In addition the pier has is a beautiful rentable venue for events, special occasions and weddings. Jennette’s Pier is definitely a place you’ll want to visit on your next trip to the OBX.
Do your part to help save the ocean! 🦈🦦🐬🐳🐠🐢
I appreciate that the North Carolina aquariums contribute a lot of their resources to conservation and research. Plastic is causing many issues for ocean life. We can all do our part to reduce, recycle and reuse! Considering buying a reusable straw or skipping one all together. Each little part can add up to something big. I personally carry one of these straws on my wallet and use it almost everyday.
Save a sea turtle….say NO to plastic straws❤️🐢
If you’re interested in more information about the OuterBanks check out my article Camping on the OBXwhich includes a lot of interesting area information as well as information on the Oregon Inlet Campground and Visit a North Carolina Aquariumwhich includes a full listing of all the North Carolina Aquarium sites.
If you are a hotel, campground or business and would like me to visit and write a blog for you please contact me at krystle@takeawalkinmyflipflops.com . Thank you!
The Crystal Coast of North Carolina is known for being a beautiful vacation spot with areas of emerald green waters, delicious fresh seafood and a variety of activities. The historic home lined streets of Beaufort, North Carolina and the tales of pirate’s treasure have lured me south of Virginia many times.
There is so much to do and see in the 11 distinct communities that make up the Crystal Coast which begins below Okracoke, North Carolina. In this blog I will highlight six things I believe make the area unique enough to make you want to visit. I know every time I visit I always find new things to do and see.
Amazing Locally Caught Seafood
If you’re in the Morehead City area of North Carolina I recommend checking out one of my favorite Morehead City, North Carolina restaurants Southern Salt Seafood. At this restaurant they serve up Bekah’s Bay Oysters and the owner of this oyster company is a true girl boss. These oysters are some of the best I’ve ever had and they keep me coming back to Southern Salt Seafood Company every time we are near Morehead City, North Carolina. The drinks are also always tasty and unique.
Crab dip and pita chips at Moonrakers Beaufort, North Carolina Appetizer Special featuring pimento cheese, Dijon mustard, Foie gras, celery and bread at Moonrakers Beaufort, North CarolinaMenu at Moonrakers Beaufort, North CarolinaBaked Shrimp at Moonrakers Beaufort, North CarolinaBaby Kale Cesar Salad at Moonrakers Beaufort, North Carolina
There are many different restaurants on Front Street to visit in Beaufort, North Carolina as well. One of our favorites is Moonrakers which offers roof top dinning, a bar and a notable wine list. According to the front of the menu the restaurant is named for, “a square sail flown immediately above a skysail on the royal masts of a square rigged sailing ship”. The menu is full of delicious seafood dishes and unique local favorites. The service is great and the drinks are just as delicious as the meal.
History is Alive in Beaufort, North Carolina
After dinner in Beaufort, North Carolina I recommend walking around Front Street and looking at some of the beautiful historic homes that line the street. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Beaufort, North Carolina and some ghostly fun taking a ghost tour might be interesting. I have been on the Beaufort Ghost Walk and enjoyed the stories that were told especially about the Old Cemetery.
Historic Home Beaufort, North CarolinaBorden House 1768 Beaufort, North Carolina
One of my favorite places to visit in Beaufort, North Carolina is actually the Old Cemetery. I have to walk through it every time I’m in town. I’m not morbid, but this cemetery dates back to the 1700s and has so many stories to tell. A list of the note worthy gravesite can be found online or on paper in a small box attached to the graveyard fence. Tour Companies in Beaufort offer up guided tours of the cemetery and ghost tours that include spooky tales of those entombed in the Old Cemetery or you can grab a paper guide from the box and look around at your own leisure.
Ferns growing on the trees at the Old Cemetery in Beaufort, North Carolina
My favorite grave is that of Captain John Hill (1817-1879) his grave reads: “The form that fills this silent grave Once tossed on ocean’s rolling wave, But in a port securely fast,He’s dropped his anchor here at last.” Some of the old grave stones are quite thought provoking and interesting. The ferns that grow on the trees within the Old Cemetery add to its charm.
Wild Horses, Pirates and Seashells
The marina in Beaufort, North Carolina has much to offer for water activities and tours.
If you enjoy getting out on the water Beaufort, North Carolina also has a lot to offer for water activities. A simple walk down to the marina on Front Street and you can find a variety of boats ready to take tourist on tours, pirate cruises, fishing charters and out to go shelling on Shackleford banks. I have personally used the Island Express Ferry system and had great service.
Wild horses on Carrot Island Beaufort, North CarolinaTake a private charter and go shelling or hang out with the locals
Across from the marina on Front Street if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of the wild horses on Carrot Island. For a closer look at Taylor’s Creek and beautiful views of a crystal coast sunset I recommend taking a sunset cruise on the “WANDERER” with Captain Ron. Tales of buried pirate treasure while watching dolphins play made our trip to Beaufort very memorable.
North Carolina Maritime Museum-Beaufort
If pirates are your forté I definitely recommend a trip to the North Carolina Maritime Museum. There is a lot of interesting information about the area and pirates like Blackbeard that stalked the waters off the Carolina’s. Blackbeard called Beaufort home. The museum has so many cool artifacts relating to Blackbeard and the Queen Anne’s Revenge which is located in the Beaufort Inlet off the Fort Macon State Park. This museum kept me busy reading and exploring for a couple hours.
Pirate statue at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, North CarolinaQueen Anne’s Revenge model inside the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, North CarolinaWhale skeleton inside the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, North Carolina
If you’re not familiar with Blackbeard (Edward Teach) his former house which is known today as the Hammock House is also located in Beaufort, North Carolina. It is the oldest house in Beaufort. The house sits off Hammock Lane and is a private residence. There is a plaque outside the home noting the historic significance.
Fort Macon State Park-Atlantic Beach, NC
When you explore the Crystal Coast of North Carolina the area of Atlantic Beach is worth a visit and offers many beautiful beach spots. This area also is home to the Fort Macon State Park. The fort is a must see for Civil War enthusiasts and offers a lot of information relating the the war between the states.
Exploring the restored fort and going back in time is thought provoking. The views from the top of the fort are gorgeous and the beach area outside the fort is perfect for a beach walk. The exhibits both inside and out the fort, the guided tour and the musket/canon demonstration make this one of the places I would recommend visiting on a trip to the Crystal Coast of North Carolina.
North Carolina Aquarium-Pine Knoll Shores
Baby loggerhead sea turtle being rehabilitated at the North Carolina aquarium Pine Knoll Shores
A short drive from Beaufort is the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shore. This location has a very unique feature which is a replica of the U-352 German submarine. This submarine is very special because it is the first U-boat sunk by the U.S. Coast Guard. There is information about this submarine outside the display. This tank is very interesting to watch and often has divers inside to answer questions. I like that this tank has nurse, sand tiger and sandbar sharks along with other fish and a green sea turtle.
Divers with in the shark tank. The replica of the U-352 German submarine replica inside the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores can be seen behind them.Standing in front of the replica of the U-352 German submarine replica inside the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
In addition this aquarium also has an area dedicated to loggerhead sea turtles and their journey. Seeing hatchlings that are being rehabilitated at the aquarium is a really cool experience. In addition this exhibit offered information about helping efforts to save loggerhead turtles and to prevent pollution on our beaches. Plastic straws and plastic pollutants are especially deadly to these fragile creatures.
Crystal Coast-Come for the history and stay for the sunset!
These are just a small sample of the many things that can be found on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. The perfect summer vacation spot! Come for the history and stay for the sunsets. Historical sites that you can’t see anywhere else, delicious local seafood, prestine beaches, fun local activities, wild horses and the beautiful sunsets are in my six top reasons to want to stay for a day, weekend or week(s) on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. Whatever you find to do on your visit to the Crystal Coast of North Carolina you won’t be disappointed and you will be sure to leave with many memories. I hope you’ll enjoy one or all of these things on your next trip to the Crystal Coast of North Carolina.
Know someone planning a trip to North Carolina? Please share my article with them!
If you are a hotel, campground or business and would like me to visit and write a blog for you please contact me at krystle@takeawalkinmyflipflops.comthank you.
Winter is here and it is tempting to stay inside during the cold weather. There are plenty of places to get out though during the winter and keep warm at the same time. One of the places that I enjoy to go visit is aquariums. Aquariums are perfect to visit no matter the season because of being climate controlled and no matter how many times I go (even to the same aquariums) there is always something different to see and do. As someone who has both scuba and snorkeled many places in the Caribbean, Mexico, and abroad visiting an aquarium gives me a quick underwater fix.
Outside the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knolls Shore
There are four North Carolina Aquarium locations and even though I do not live in North Carolina I find myself in North Carolina quite a bit. North Carolina Aquariums are located on Roanoke Island (OBX), at Fort Fisher (Kure Beach near Wilmington, NC), Pine Knoll Shores (Beaufort and Atlantic Beach area), and Jeanette’s Pier (OBX). All of the locations are in areas that also, have plenty of other things to do and see around them. It is easy to make a day trip, weekend getaway, or week-long vacation around visiting one of these aquariums.
North Carolina Aquarium-Roanoke Island
On the pier overlooking the sound at the North Carolina Aquarium-Roanoke Island location
Out of the four North Carolina Aquariums, I visit the Roanoke Island location the most because my husband and I visit the Outer Banks of NC frequently. One of my favorite things about this location is the beautiful views of the Albemarle sound from the pier going out behind the aquarium. During certain times this location even has opportunities to fish and learn about crabbing from this pier.
Sea turtle rehabilitating at the North Carolina Aquarium
I also, like the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Centerat the aquarium. Typically the area where the sea turtles are rehabilitating can even be seen or walked through. Another cool feature of this aquarium is an interactive area that replicates what veterinarians and rehabilitation workers go through to help the turtles rehabilitate. I think this area is especially cool for children as it allows a hands-on look at how rehabilitation efforts are done.
Learning about sea turtle rehabilitation and virtually checking my (plastic) turtle’s shark bite.
The interactive rehabilitation exhibit starts with picking out a (plastic) turtle from a bin and then taking it to different stations to find out what is wrong with it and to learn about how a turtle with that particular ailment would be rehabilitated. Hopefully, an activity like this will encourage young minds to become curious about sea turtle rehabilitation and helping sea creatures. Sea turtles are one of my favorite sea animals because they are so majestic. Being able to see one up close can be very memorable.
A lion fish at the North Carolina Aquarium-Roanoke IslandBeautiful views of the Albemarle sound from the pier going out behind the North Carolina Aquarium-Roanoke Island
This aquarium also offers a touch tank which always seems to be a favorite of visitors. This Sea Senses area allows touching of stingrays and invertebrates. Like the sea turtle rehabilitation area, I hope that by allowing people to see sea creatures up close they are more likely to want to preserve and care about the ocean.
Shark tank at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island featuring a replica of the
The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island has many beautiful exhibits of fish and an area with reptiles as well. One of the neatest exhibits unique to this location is the replica of the S.S. Monitor. This replica is submerged inside the shark tank and is very thought-provoking to look at. For history buffs and lovers alike, the Ironclad Sanctuary is a must-see. The aquariums offer information on the history of the S.S. Monitor as well as other ships and wrecks in the Graveyard of the Atlantic exhibit.
From being able to get up close to sea turtles, to seeing a replica of the S.S. Monitor and all the well-designed fish displays the Roanoke Island location has a lot to offer. The Roanoke Island and the Outer Banks area in general have many things to do, some of which I featured in another travel post.
North Carolina Aquarium-Pine Knoll Shores
Sand sculpture exhibit during the summer at Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium
Another location for the North Carolina Aquarium is at Pine Knoll Shore. This location also has a very unique feature which is a replica of the U-352 German submarine. This submarine is very special because it is the first U-boat sunk by the U.S. Coast Guard. There is information about this submarine outside the display. This tank is very interesting to watch and often has divers inside to answer questions. I like that this tank has a nurse, sand tiger, and sandbar sharks along with other fish and a green sea turtle.
Divers with in the shark tank. The replica of the U-352 German submarine replica inside the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores can be seen behind them.Standing in front of the replica of the U-352 German submarine replica inside the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
In addition, this aquarium also has an area dedicated to loggerhead sea turtles and their journey. Seeing hatchlings that are being rehabilitated at the aquarium is a cool experience. This exhibit also offered information about helping efforts to save loggerhead turtles and prevent pollution on our beaches. Plastic straws and plastic pollutants are especially deadly to these fragile creatures.
Baby loggerhead sea turtle being rehabilitated at the North Carolina aquarium Pine Knoll Shores
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is a close drive to Atlantic Beach, Fort Macon, Beaufort, and Emerald Isle. If you have never been to this area of North Carolina I highly suggest a trip. It is an area of North Carolina I find myself going back to again and again.
North Carolina Aquarium-Fort Fisher
Standing on the second level in front of the Cape Fear Shoal exhibit at the North Carolina Aquarium Fort Fisher
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fishers is in the Kure Beach area of North Carolina close to Wilmington. My favorite exhibit at this location is modeled off the Cape Fear Shoal and can be seen behind me in the picture above. I also, like that this aquarium location has both an upper and lower level. This North Carolina Aquarium location has a white alligator that was fascinating to see too. Luna, the white alligator is located inside the Cape Fear Conservatory exhibit along with snakes and other reptiles.
Luna, a white alligator at the North Carolina Aquarium Fort Fisher
The jellyfish exhibit at the North Carolina Aquarium Fort Fisher is one of my favorites as well. This exhibit is well lit and it is easy to capture detailed photos of the jellyfish even with a cellphone camera. I like using pictures of jellyfish as my background on my tablet and Apple Watch. Jellyfish always look so peaceful and they remind me of my love of the water.
Jelly fish at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort FisherJelly fish at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort FisherPuffer fish at the North Carolina Aquarium Fort Fisher
North Carolina Aquarium-Jennette’s Pier (Nags Head, NC)
View walking up to Jeanette’s Pier
The North Carolina Aquarium at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, North Carolina is a unique and interesting site to check out when visiting the Outer Banks. The original pier was built in 1939 and had to be rebuilt in 2011 after a hurricane. The 1000-foot-long concrete fishing pier offers numerous informative signs talking about the rich history of the pier and fishing in the Outer Banks.
Inside the building at the pier, there are a couple of tanks with fish on display and information about them. A walk on the pier is only $2 for adults and $1 for children (free to North Carolina Aquarium members with a card). Even if you’re not interested in visiting the pier to fish it is worth it for the views. The pier also has a North Carolina Aquarium gift shop with some items themed for Jennette’s Pier. I love their vintage pier postcards.
Fishing from the pier is $14 for adults and $7 for children and includes a one-day admission. Other options are available for multiple days and annual passes. A NC fishing license isn’t required in addition to this fee to fish from the pier as the fee covers a person for the paid period (on the pier only). Information on different types of fish that can be caught as well as citation information can be obtained from the visitor’s desk.
One of the coolest features of this North Carolina Aquarium location is the public beach access and free parking! Jennette’s Pier also offers Summer Camps and learning experiences for schools (including free programs for Title 1 schools) and children. In addition, the pier is a beautiful rentable venue for events, special occasions, and weddings.
Do your part to help save the ocean! 🦈🦦🐬🐳🐠🐢
In conclusion, each of the North Carolina Aquarium locations is different and offers its own unique exhibits. Each location also has its own gift shop with a nice collection of souvenirs, jewelry, books, and plush animals. I am a big fan of the aquarium’s Adopt a Sea Creature/animal program allowing guests to donate money towards specific sea creatures and symbolically adopt the animal. The aquarium has different donation levels and I think it can make the perfect gift for an animal lover.
One thing all the North Carolina Aquariums have in common is the commitment to preserving our oceans for generations to come. I highly recommend visiting any of these locations if you get a chance as well as becoming an Aquarium Society member. My husband and I decided to become members of the North Carolina Aquarium Society a couple of years ago and we have enjoyed all of the benefits that come with the membership. The work the North Carolina Aquarium does to rehabilitate and foster sea creatures and animals is very noteworthy and commendable.
I appreciate that the North Carolina aquariums contribute a lot of their resources to conservation and research. Plastic is causing many issues for ocean life. We can all do our part to reduce, recycle and reuse! Consider buying a reusable straw or skipping one altogether. Each little part can add up to something big. I carry one of these straws in my wallet and use it almost every day.
I recently was on Pinterest when I saw a quote that took me back to my childhood. The pin was referring to how no one snapped green beans with grandma anymore and how it is part of the problem with the world today. Now if you didn’t have a grandma that gardened or canned this concept might seem a bit foreign. For me though growing up in Southern Virginia and coming from a long line of farmers snapping green beans on the porch was a thing.
I have fond memories of sitting at my grandma’s feet with a plastic washtub bucket as she sat in the rocking chair and snapped green beans into it. This also, was true about sitting outside on the porch taking the butter beans out of their shell too. I’m not that old (mid-30s) and reflecting on this reminds me of a slower pace and a time when social media, pressure from peers, and deadlines didn’t exist. The phone hung on the wall and when my dad left work he worried that it wouldn’t hit the dinner table or interrupt the family TV time.
Harvest Time and Unity
Harvest time or cooking up large quantities of food brought people together. Men and women sat on porches in unity snapping, peeling, or cutting up food into the late evenings. The time was used to talk and catch up with one another often kin people. Some used the time to gossip and others used it to trade recipes and family food secrets. However, this time of food preparation and harvest was used it was always a time of community and unity.
Looking at everything that goes on in the current world and the apparent lack of unity I can’t help but think we all need to take a lesson from those simpler times. Going out of the house without a cell phone feels like a missing link and many of us convince ourselves we need it to stay on top of clients and sales. Although I wonder how much of this demand is really in our minds. Many people were very successful and supported families before it.
Harvest time brought people together.
The more we depend on technology it seems the personal connections between people are fading away. A lot of people would rather text than make a phone call or email instead of writing a personalized note. Most children I know can’t even read cursive handwriting and I remember it was one of the first things we learned in the third grade. Technology is awesome and the advantages may outnumber the cons, but I can’t help to reach for things that make me nostalgic the older I get.
I’d love nothing more than to go back to sitting on the porch with my grandma or Nanny surrounded by family and pets, listening to the chatter and snapping crisp green beans. I have a feeling I’m not the only one. A Google search will prove that people are stressed and in need to find ways to unplug. The quest for a simplistic way of life might be more sought out than the media or popular culture is leading on.
Choosing a Slower Pace of Life
Growing some of my own food takes me back to my childhood and gives me a since of simplicity and peace.
Sometimes we get caught up in the world’s ideas and other people’s dreams for us and forget the simplicity. I found out the hard way the big dreams of skyscraper penthouses, bustling streets filled with traffic, and people stepping on each other going up the corporate ladder weren’t really for me. I left that world because no matter how hard I tried to fit into that role I could not.
I am not a city girl and my roots in the land, the need to run barefoot, cuddle farm animals, and drive down old dirt roads with fields of cows is what makes my heart tick. In the middle of nowhere things are quiet and the farm animals don’t judge. Turns out I didn’t need all those pieces of paper on my wall to be complete.
I had hidden things I originally dreamed about as a child because they didn’t fall into the dreams others had for me. I was pushed to go to college because no one else did. I was expected to have the six-figure job and all the things that went with it. Deep down though all I ever wanted to do was share my love of this land and good food with anyone that would listen. I dreamed of lots of animals (preferably the ones no one else wanted) and with them to be a happy place for those that needed it.
It took me a long time to allow myself to do what I wanted and not concern myself with the dreams of others. So, if you’re missing a simpler way of life or just want to learn to slow down don’t be afraid to try something new. Gardening is one of life’s many joys for example to connect back to nature and a simpler way of life.
I’ve tried to figure out ways to incorporate more personal connections into my life. I refuse to agree with everything I see in this impersonal world and to believe everyone is cold and non-friendly. I still smile at people and hello when I meet them and I think both are much needed. I try to share a bit of my time with others who seem to want to talk, no matter how busy I think I am. In the end, I think it is the little things like a wave, handwritten notes, and sharing small talk that can connect us. Life is short why live it for someone else? Maybe even try your hand at growing your green beans to snap.
We are far too occupied with being socially accepted and could all use the break to daydream of more simpler times.
When I was a little girl having an American Girl was all the rage. I was a bit of a tomboy and I didn’t play with a lot of dolls. When I told my dad I wanted an American Girl doll he was a bit surprised. My whole childhood I was the type of child that did chores and respected direction from my elders. Doing this typically meant when I asked for something from “Santa”, I most definitely was going to see it under the Christmas tree.
Standing outside the American Girl Store in Tyson’s Corner Mall
Christmas that year came and went through without any American Girl dolls. Everything else on my wishlist however was underneath the tree. Birthdays and Christmases went by and I kept asking for an American Girl doll. When the American Girl store opened in Chicago in 1998 I knew I was destined to get a doll because it was somewhere we traveled and visited. I’d cut out ads of the store information and talk about all the cool things a child could do there every time I knew we would be close by.
Kaya doll at the American Girl in Tyson’s Corner MallA kitchen play set at the American Girl in Tyson’s Corner MallAmerican Girl doll display in Tyson’s Corner Mall
Time went by and another American Girl store opened in 2003 in New York. At this point, I was a junior in High School and not a little girl focused on dolls. I had stopped asking for an American Girl. I later learned my dad had some issues with the American Girl brand and didn’t want to support them and that is why he hadn’t purchased a doll from them.
At almost 18 years old after my dad had taken a trip to New York I was finally given Josephine. This was the doll I had so desperately wanted ten years prior. She was beautiful and I appreciated the craftsmanship, but that excited feeling I’d had thinking about her at 8 wasn’t there. I honestly didn’t feel much of anything when I unwrapped the box.
Fast forward sixteen years later my husband and I were planning a trip to DC. I had mentioned the American Girl store at Tyson’s Corner. He insisted that we go and that I finally get to check out an American Girl Doll store in person. We even made reservations to eat inside the American Girl Cafe.
I must admit as a 35-year-old with no children or grandchildren I felt a bit silly walking into an American Girl store. All the magic and excitement I had over visiting didn’t flood back to me as an adult. We walked around and looked at all the dolls. My husband offered to buy me a doll of my choice, but I couldn’t justify spending $300 as an adult for something that would only sit up on a shelf. I found myself a bit sad, desperately wishing someone would have thought it was that important when I was 8.
Pretzel Bites at the American Girl Cafe in Tyson’s Corner MallThe decorations inside the American Girl Cafe at Tyson’s Corner Mall are whimsical.Menu at the American Girl Cafe in Tyson’s Corner MallThe napkin ring at the American Girl Cafe in Tyson’s Corner Mall doubles as a take home hair tieInside the American Girl Cafe in Tyson’s Corner
We waited for our lunch reservation time. The American Girl Cafe is so cute with loads of pink. They have chairs for the American Girl dolls, food items to share with the dolls and make a big deal out of celebrating for children. The American Girl Cafe even has dolls for use by children who might not have one yet, so they can experience the fun. The American Girl Cafe also has adult drinks and the food was well prepared and tasty. It was fun watching the little girls get their dolls situated and offer up food and drink to them. Watching and daydreaming it brought me back to days of tea parties and dress-up.
Cotton Candy milkshake at the American Girl Cafe in Tyson’s Corer.
For a few moments, I was that 8-year-old girl again wide-eyed and full of dreams, unspoiled by society and the demands of life. It may sound ridiculous, but it was somewhat therapeutic. This was an experience that deep inside I felt I had missed out on. Sitting there looking around I felt as if a void had been fulfilled and I am glad we went.
If you have a toy you didn’t get as a child you can still go buy it if you think it would give you joy or go visit a special place from your childhood. It is healthy to want to feel those feelings again and to connect back to the innocence that once was and bring back some childhood nostalgia. We are far too occupied with being socially accepted and could all use the break to daydream of simpler times.
The Virginia Hype Girl: Uncovering the Best of Virginia and Nearby Adventures! 
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