Oceanfront Oasis: Virginia Beach's Coastal Gem

• HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya
  [see yuh]
• YesYup
  [yuhp]
• NoNah
  [nuh]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [pleez / no prob-lem]
• Thank youThanks
  [thaynks]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [par-dn me / my bad]
• How are you?How y'all doin'?
  [haw y'all doin']
• Fine. And you?Jus' fine. How 'bout you?
  [jus' fine. how 'bout yuh]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [yah speak ing-glish]
• I don't understandI ain't catchin' on
  [i aint katch-in on]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, please?
  [kan i see the men-yoo, please]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat no meat
  [i don't eat no meat]
• Cheers!Bottoms up!
  [baw-tums up]
• I would like to pay, pleaseCan I settle up, please?
  [kan i set-ul up, please]

• Help!SOS!
  [es-oh-es]
• Go away!Git!
  [git]
• Call the Police!Ring up the Po-lice!
  [ring up the po-lice]
• Call a doctor!Holler for a doc!
  [hol-ler for a doc]
• I'm lostI done lost my way
  [i dun lost my way]
• I'm illI'm feelin' poorly
  [im feelin' poor-lee]

• I'd like to buy...I'm fixin' to buy...
  [i'm fixin' tuh buy]
• I'm just lookingJus' browsin'
  [jus' brow-sin']
• How much is it?What's the damage?
  [whats the dam-mij]
• That's too expensiveThat's a bit steep
  [thats a bit steep]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya do any better on the price?
  [kan yuh do any bet-ter on the price]

• What time is it?What's the time?
  [whats the time]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its one]
• Half past (10)Ten-thirty
  [ten-thur-tee]
• MorningMornin'
  [mornin']
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [after-noon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [evenin']
• YesterdayYest'day
  [yest-day]
• TodayToday
  [to-day]
• TomorrowTomorrer
  [tom-or-er]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [four]
• 5Five
  [five]
• 6Six
  [six]
• 7Seven
  [seven]
• 8Eight
  [eight]
• 9Nine
  [nine]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the... at?
  [wheres the at]
• What's the address?What's the addy?
  [whats the addy]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out (on the map)?
  [kan ya point it out on the map]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus rollin' through?
  [whens the next bus rollin' through]
• A ticket (to ....)A pass (to ....)
  [a pass to]

Before European contact, the Oceanfront area of Virginia Beach was inhabited by the Chesapeake and Powhatan tribes. These Indigenous peoples thrived on the region's rich natural resources, including fish and shellfish from the Atlantic Ocean. Their culture, centered around communal living and sustainability, laid the foundation for the area’s relationship with the ocean.

In the early 17th century, the area now known as Virginia Beach began to attract European settlers. The establishment of the Virginia Colony in 1607 marked the beginning of significant changes in the region. By the late 1600s, the Oceanfront area was being used for agriculture and fishing, contributing to the economic foundation of the colony.

In the late 19th century, with the advent of the railroad, Virginia Beach began to develop as a popular seaside resort. The first hotel at the Oceanfront, the Atlantic Hotel, opened in 1880, attracting visitors seeking leisure and recreation. This transformation led to the establishment of boardwalks, amusement parks, and a lively community centered around tourism.

In 1963, the City of Virginia Beach was officially formed by the consolidation of several communities, including the Oceanfront area. This unification aimed to better manage the growing tourism industry and local governance, allowing for the development of infrastructure and services to support visitors and residents.

The Oceanfront has become a cultural hub, hosting numerous events and festivals that celebrate the area's rich history and diversity. Events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, established in 1973, showcase local art, music, and cuisine, embodying the vibrant culture that has evolved from its historical roots.

Oceanfront is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. If you are arriving by car, take Interstate 264 and follow the signs for Virginia Beach. The area is also served by local public transportation, including the Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) bus system. The Coastal Route 20 bus connects Oceanfront with other parts of Virginia Beach, including the Town Center and the Norfolk area. For those coming from the Norfolk International Airport, taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available, typically taking about 20 minutes to reach Oceanfront.

Oceanfront is a walkable area, especially along the boardwalk, which stretches for 3 miles and is perfect for strolling, biking, and rollerblading. You can rent bicycles from local shops, and many hotels offer bike rentals as well. The HRT bus system operates within Oceanfront, providing easy access to attractions further afield, but the area is generally best explored on foot. Taxis and rideshare services are readily available for those needing a ride.

Oceanfront is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Areas with higher crime rates include some parts of the inland neighborhoods, especially after dark. It is advisable to avoid walking alone late at night on the less populated side streets. Keep personal belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The Virginia Beach Police Department has a presence in the Oceanfront area, and there are several urgent care clinics nearby for non-life-threatening medical situations. It is advisable to have travel insurance that provides coverage for medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available along the main strip.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for beach activities. Swimwear is acceptable on the beach, but not in restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and be mindful of any religious events occurring in the area. Public Transport: Do be courteous on public transport and offer your seat to the elderly. Don’t eat or drink on buses. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile; a simple 'hello' goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood and dine at waterfront restaurants. Don’t engage in public drunkenness, as it can lead to legal issues.

To experience Oceanfront like a local, visit the farmers' market held weekly during the summer months for fresh produce and local goods. Engage with local vendors and artists along the boardwalk. For a unique experience, rent a bike and explore the less-traveled pathways along the beach. Don’t miss the chance to watch the sunset from one of the many beachfront bars. Additionally, checking out local events and festivals can provide a glimpse into the community's culture.