Top Winter Activities Virginia Beach, VA
Every year, winter activities near Virginia Beach, VA consist of Christmas stories and holiday shopping for everyone in Norfolk and Chesapeake. But not anymore. This year, spice up your seasonal traditions with some of the top winter activities near Virginia Beach, VA. Check them out below!
Polar Plunge
For many, winter means warm sweaters and a nice cup of cocoa by the fire. But for others the season calls for swimsuits and a dip in Virginia Beach at the Polar Plunge. This charitable winter activity welcomes everyone to jump in and raise $100 to benefit the Special Olympics. Also, this year’s Polar Plunge will include an all-new 4 Mile Run/Walk and a 1 Mile Dash and Splash for those who’d prefer to stay out of the water. Registration fees for each activity will range from $15 to $40.
Surf-N-Santa 5 Miler
For even more active winter fun, the Great Outdoor Provision Co. Surf-N-Santa 5 Miler will take place on December 19th at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. This 5-mile race will take you through a nautical winter wonderland of holiday lights and decorations on the boardwalk. Plus, you’re encouraged to dress for the occasion in your most festive holiday gear. The race will start promptly at 4:30 pm. After, the Post Race Rockin’ Party will commence at 5 pm and go until 8 pm. During the festivities, a costume contest and award ceremony will take place. To register for the Surf-N-Santa 5-Miler click here.
McDonald’s Holiday Lights at the Beach with Santa’s Seaside Village
For a two-in-one winter experience, head over to the boardwalk from November 20th to January 2 for McDonald’s Holiday Lights at the Beach. Between 2nd and 34th Street, you can take a walk through the festively decorated boardwalk. Here, you’ll find bright lights shaped as fish, dolphins, and other Virginia Beach wildlife. Also on the boardwalk is Santa’s Seaside Village. At this merry winter location, holiday displays, carnival rides, and live entertainment are featured for the ultimate Virginia Beach winter experience. Santa’s Seaside Village is open from 2 pm to 10 pm on Thursdays to Sundays from November 27th to December 27th.
Whales & Wildlife Sea Adventures Boat Trips
Virginia Beach is a scenic location with glistening beach everywhere you look. So why not welcome the winter on the waters? This season, sign up for a Whales & Wildlife Sea Adventures Boat Trip at The Virginia Aquarium. For two hours, you’ll get a view at everything that makes Virginia Beach home. From humpback whales to brown pelicans, this excursion gives families a closer look at all the animals of the area and provides one of the most unique ways to enjoy winter.
For those tired of the same, old winter activities, don’t worry. Virginia Beach, VA has everything you need to experience the season like never before. So if you’re from Norfolk or Chesapeake, check out the top four winter activities near Virginia Beach listed above for new ways to enjoy the season.
Best Driving Schools in Virginia Beach, VA
Driving schools in Virginia Beach, VA, can benefit teens and adults alike. But with so many in the area, how can you find the one that offers the specific instruction you need? Cavalier Mazda is here to help, so check out our guide to the top driving schools in Virginia Beach, VA, below!
Affordable Driving School
Affordable Driving School in Virginia Beach, VA, offers classroom, behind-the-wheel, and driver improvement courses to help you learn and master safe driving skills.
For teens, Affordable Driving School offers an introductory classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction package to help them understand the rules of the road. This nine-day course takes place on Saturday and Sunday nights for five weeks. Upon completion, your teen will be able to take and pass the road test to get their license.
For adults, Affordable Driving School offers online driver improvement courses, private behind-the-wheel instruction, and a re-examination class so you can brush up your knowledge and skills.
Joyner’s Driving Improvement School
Joyner’s Driving Improvement School aims to provide the extensive training needed to help you drive safely. They have experienced instructors dedicated to helping inexperienced drivers develop safe habits when they get their license. They teach them the rules in a comfortable educational environment to promote learning and confidence. Overall, 96% of teens enrolled this driving school’s program pass their road test on their first try.
Joyner’s Driving Improvement School also has driver improvement programs and refresher courses if you’re looking to perfect your driving skills. Private instruction for these classes is available seven days a week.
Aapex Driving School
At Aapex Driving School, it doesn’t matter whether you’re an adult, a senior, or a teen; they offer the educational courses you’re looking for. Teens go through seven days of classes where they’ll familiarize themselves with roads and highways. And for seniors and adults, they offer improvement courses, reexaminations, and basic driver’s education. Best of all, Aapex Driving School offers CDL driver improvement classes for truck drivers.
East Coast Driving
For introductory courses, advanced driving lessons, and everything in between, East Coast Driving School has the perfect class for you. Here your teens can get the right education to understand the rules of Virginia’s roads and learn the habits needed to stay safe. Plus you can take their advanced driver class for improvement. On top of that, East Coast Driving offers teen and adult classroom instruction for all of the information needed to pass the written exam.
Driving schools in Virginia Beach are extremely helpful regardless of whether it’s your first time behind the wheel or you’ve been driving for years in Norfolk and Chesapeake. So if you’re looking to brush up on your skills behind the wheel or your teen needs introductory lessons, check out the driving schools listed above and enroll in a course today!
2016 Mazda6 Wins ‘Ward’s Best Interiors’ Award
The 2016 Mazda6 has been named one of “Ward’s 10 Best Interiors,” taking honors among a competitive set of 42 all-new interiors that includes cars, trucks, SUVs and crossovers at all price points.
“When it launched two years ago as a ’14 model, we said the all-new Mazda6 was arguably the best-looking midsize sedan on the planet, inside and out,” said Tom Murphy, executive editor, WardsAuto World magazine. “Today, that statement remains true as a refreshed Mazda6 arrives with interior upgrades that put this sedan farther ahead of its rivals. The center console and instrument panel have been expertly redesigned to incorporate a new display screen and human-machine interface that works wonderfully. Overall, the new Mazda6 interior looks and feels state-of-the-art.”
In addition to its fresh interior design, the 2016 Mazda6 also has re-engineered front and rear seats for greater comfort and improved sound deadening.
Mazda6 Sport models equipped with an available six-speed automatic transmission, as well as manual- and automatic-equipped Touring models and the Grand Touring trim, come with the MAZDA CONNECT™ suite of infotainment technologies that are displayed through a seven-inch color touchscreen display. MAZDA CONNECT™ also has a commander control knob for users who prefer using a scroll wheel for Mazda6’s connectivity functions. Features include Bluetooth® phone pairing and audio streaming, Pandora®/AhaTM/StitcherTM radio and available navigation, SiriusXM® radio and a Bose® audio system. If that weren’t enough, Mazda6 Grand Touring has an available head-up display when optioned with the Technology Package.
“Mazda’s global design team set the bar high in the 2016 Mazda6 with our efforts to create an environment that spoils its driver and passengers and provides a rewarding experience for the driver,” said Derek Jenkins, director of design, Mazda North American Operations. “We’re proud of our work and honored that it paid off with winning a ‘Ward’s 10 Best Interiors’ award.”
Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.
1 Starting price is manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). MSRP does not include $820 destination charge (Alaska $865), title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.
MAZDA STARTS PRODUCTION OF ALL-NEW MX-5
Mazda Motor Corporation today began production of the all-new Mazda MX-5 two-seater lightweight sports car (known as Mazda Roadster in Japan) at Ujina Plant No.1 in Hiroshima. The first models produced are destined for the Japanese market. Sales of the all-new MX-5 will begin in Japan around June this year and interested buyers can make an appointment for pre-sale discussions through a dedicated website from noon on Friday, March 20. Following sales start in Japan, the MX-5 will be progressively rolled out to overseas markets.
The MX-5 is an iconic model representing Mazda’s vehicle engineering philosophy: the pursuit of driving pleasure. With production exceeding 950,000 units as of the end of January 2015, the MX-5 continues to hold the Guinness World Record for the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car.
In order to respond to ever increasing demands for safety features and environmental performance while maintaining the element of fun that has always defined the model, development of the fourth generation MX-5 was carried out under the motto “innovate in order to preserve”. In addition to incorporating SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and KODO—Soul of Motion design, development focused on enhancing the senses and sensations through which people enjoy cars.
Moving forward, Mazda will continue to enrich the lives of its customers through a variety of touch points including the production of high-quality vehicles, and become a brand that maintains a special bond with its customers.
FARA Fest 5k in Virginia Beach
With warmer weather on the horizon, including for those living in the Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach area, you’ll find that numerous outdoor events such as 5K races will be taking place. One of these races is the FARA Fest Lei Day 5K in April.
If you’re interested in attending or participating in this great 5K in Virginia Beach, here’s your guide to the FARA Fest Lei Day Race.
Basic Information
The Lei Day race, which will take place on Saturday, April 18 starting at 10:30 am, is a Jimmy Buffet–themed event for Parrot Heads all over the area that benefits the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA). Friedreich’s ataxia is a rare, progressive nerve disease that impacts walking ability and ultimately the ability to live independently.
For those looking for something less intense than a 5K, you can opt to run/walk the Flip Flop 1 Mile. This event will start promptly at 10 am, right before the Lei Day 5K.
After the Race
After taking part in this fun-filled 5K race, you’ll get a finisher’s medal, finish line lei, and more. Also, if you preregister, you’ll be able to get free food and beverages.
Also after the race, you’ll be able to enjoy the Tailgate Beach Party to celebrate finishing. Preregistered runners will be able to enjoy a soundtrack from a live Jimmy Buffet tribute band, a frozen concoction stand, fun games, and more.
Registration Information
Parrot Heads and runners alike interested in taking part in the FARA Fest Lei Day Race can head to the official website to sign up.
The cost for the 5K ranges from $30 to $40 for individuals depending on when you register. For those who will be running as part of a group, it will cost $25 for a team of four or a team of 15 people or more. On the day of the race, it will cost $50 for individuals only.
For those interested in taking part in the Flip Flop 1 Mile, it will cost $15 for those 12 and under and $25 for those 13 and up. For a group of four or a group of 15 or more, it will cost $15. On race day, it will cost $30 for those ages 13 and older.
The FARA Fest Lei Day 5K Race and Flip Flop 1 Mile is a great event for those looking to contribute to a good cause while having fun at the same time. Again, it’s set to take place on April 18, so if you’re interested in participating, sign up today so you make sure you get your spot!
This information about the FARA Fest Lei Day 5K Race and Flip Flop 1 Mile has been brought to you by Cavalier Mazda, your Chesapeake Mazda dealer. Our dealership is located close to Norfolk and Virginia Beach, so stop by and see our inventory of new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles. And when you’re ready to make a purchase, be sure to ask our associates about scheduling your test drive!
Valentine’s Day 2015 Events in Virginia Beach
Valentine’s Day in Norfolk and Virginia Beach is filled with great events for you and your sweetheart to enjoy. Though plentiful, having a ton of options to choose from can be tough for couples in the area. To help you decide, your Chesapeake Mazda dealer has listed some of the great events you and your date can take part in. Below are just a few Valentine’s Day 2015 events in Virginia Beach.
Red Hot Valentine’s Day Ball
On February 14 from 8 pm to 12 am, head to the Wyndham Hotel on Atlantic Avenue for the Annual Red Hot Valentine’s Day Ball. This event is featuring great entertainment from The Right On Band, a light show and more. You and your date also have access to seven bars, two buffet tables, chocolate fountains, formal photography, a casino with prizes and more! Tickets will cost $150 per person and there are room packages available online.
Be My Valentine with Romonta and Friends
Montego Island Grill giving those all over the area with a romantic date atmosphere at their location in town. Spending the holiday at this event means a beautiful candlelit dinner table decorated and reserved for you and your Valentine. Here, both of you can try out scrumptious Caribbean food and beverages while you take in live music from Romanta and Friends. Finally, at the end of the night, you can give your date beautiful flowers and chocolates for the ultimate Valentine’s Day experience.
Down Syndromes Association’s Step Up for Love Valentine’s Gala
On Valentine’s Day from 6 pm to 9 pm, the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel will be hosting the Down Syndrome Association of Hampton Road’s Step Up Love Valentine’s Gala. The cocktail hour will start at 6 pm, and it will be paired with a silent auction and welcome speech. After that, a live auction will start, and for the remainder of the night, you and your date can enjoy dancing and music from a DJ. This is a charitable event, and all proceeds earned throughout the night will go towards the Down Syndrome Association.
Valentine’s Day Wine Tasting
Whole Foods is hosting a special Valentine’s Day Wine Tasting event for wine loving couples. Wines will be carefully selected to accompany a dinner for two style sample menu. This will feature dry aged beef, cheeses, and an indulgent dessert. If you’re thinking of attending this event, be sure to sign up soon as there are only 14 spots open.
From charitable events to decadent and delicious meals, you’ll find something great for you and your date right here in Virginia Beach. So take the cliché out of Valentine’s Day this year, and take your love out to one of these exciting and entertaining events.
And if you’re looking for a stylish Valentine’s Day gift of just need bold car to drive around Virginia Beach and Norfolk with your Valentine, stop by Cavalier Mazda and take a stroll through the showroom to check out the new Mazda vehicles today.
MAZDA3 NAMED ‘BEST-IN-CLASS’ IN THE UNDER $20,000 CATEGORY BY KIPLINGER PERSONAL FINANCE
On January 22, 2015, Mazda3 was named “Best-in-Class” in the under $20,000 category by Kiplinger Personal Finance in its 2015 Annual Car Guide and Best Value Awards. According to Kiplinger Personal Finance, the winners of the Best Value Awards are determined after a comprehensive review of hundreds of vehicles that reveal the best values on the newest models. Additional information about the award can be found in the annual buyer’s guide, “Deals on New Wheels,” which appears in the March issue and online at www.kiplinger.com/links/cars.
The 2015 Mazda3 is equipped with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, which allows it to achieve among the highest fuel economy and exhilarating driving dynamics in its respective class. Additionally, components of i-ACTIVSENSE have helped Mazda3 earn a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and receive a 5-Star Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Three Mazdas Named 2015 Most Popular by Edmunds.com
On January 12, 2015, Edmunds.com named its “2015 Most Popular” award winners which included Mazda3 (Compact Car), Mazda CX-5 (Compact Crossover SUV) and Mazda CX-9 (Large Crossover SUV). According to Edmunds.com, the three models in each vehicle segment that attract the most car-shopper consideration from January 1, 2014 through October 31, 2014 are presented with the award. Additional information about the awards can be viewed at http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/most-popular-2015.html.
The 2015 Mazda CX-5 and the 2015 Mazda3, are equipped with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY which allows them to achieve among the highest fuel economy and exhilarating driving dynamics in their respective class. Additionally, components of i-ACTIVSENSE help to assist drivers in detecting potential collision situations and aids in the avoidance of these dangers. Mazda CX-9 is Mazda’s seven-passenger SUV delivering a refined interior while serving a perfect platter of power and agile handling.
Mazda Institutes Nationwide Safety Improvement Campagin for Certain Vehicles with Takata Airbag Inflators
WASHINGTON, DC (December 11, 2014) – In addition to the actions announced on December 4, 2014, as discussed in a separate document, Mazda today announced the following steps in the Takata recall:
- Mazda will institute a nationwide Safety Improvement Campaign of 2004-2008 model-year Mazda6 and RX-8 models equipped with certain Takata airbag inflators.
- The nationwide Safety Improvement Campaign will cover the driver’s-side airbag inflator, as Mazda has not made a safety defect determination at this time. This action will support us to gather additional parts for examination and to promote customer satisfaction and safety.
- There are approximately 330,000 vehicles included in this Safety Improvement Campaign in the United States
- So far, Takata has tested a large number of inflators removed from Mazda vehicles, and NONE have been found to be non-compliant at this time
- One vehicle – a 2005 Mazda6 located in Florida – has been identified as having experienced an abnormal driver’s-side airbag deployment. Mazda has worked closely with NHTSA on this situation
- Mazda will participate in the independent, industry-wide joint testing program for Takata airbag inflators
For history, on December 4, 2014, Mazda announced:
- It would expand the area of the high-temperature, high-humidity region recall to include the Gulf Coast states. This campaign included both driver’s- and passenger-side airbag inflators
- The following states and territories comprise the High Absolute Humidity Region – Florida; Puerto Rico; Hawaii; Saipan; Guam; American Samoa; US Virgin Islands; Georgia; Alabama; Louisiana; Mississippi; Texas.
- As of December 4th, the estimated vehicles in all Mazda-Takata campaigns is 86,773. (Pending Polk Data confirmation).
Mazda is working closely with Takata to move forward the supply timing for replacement airbags. We continue to encourage customers to respond to our campaigns, and are making direct-to-customer phone calls and re-sending notification letters.
With safety as our first priority, we are cooperating with Takata to work toward finding a solution to this problem as early as possible.
This situation is fluid, and updates will be provided regularly.
Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through more than 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.
IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — The 2015 Mazda3 today received a Residual Value Award for the Compact Car Segment by ALG, making it the second straight year Mazda3 has won the award and third since 2010. ALG, the analytics division of TrueCar, Inc., is the industry benchmark for projecting future vehicle values and depreciation data. The annual ALG Residual Value Awards honor the vehicles and brands that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year period.
“We are honored that Mazda3 has been recognized by ALG for the second year in a row,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). “It is a true testament of the quality, dependability, reliability and value of the Mazda3, which has only made this segment leader stronger and customers have spoken by making it the best-selling Mazda vehicle.”
ALG recognizes 26 vehicles with segment awards, along with two brands presenting the Mainstream and Premium sectors of the industry. This year’s awards are based on 2015 year vehicles.
“Mazda kept the 2015 pricing flat on the Mazda3, allowing it to remain one of the best values in the Compact segment, and earn its second straight Residual Value Award,” said Larry Dominique, President of ALG. “Not only that, but the Mazda3 is one of the best all-around vehicles in the Compact segment.”
Previous ALG Residual Value Awards winners for Mazda were the 2014 Mazda3 (Compact Car), 2012 Mazdaspeed3 (Sporty Car), 2011 CX-9 (Mid-Size Utility) and 2010 Mazda3 (Compact Car).
Award winners are determined through careful study of the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends. Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand, and pricing and marketing strategies represent key factors that impact ALG’s residual value forecasts.
Starting at $16,945, the 2015 Mazda3 includes an array of new standard features and package content such as the manual transmission option for the more powerful SKYACTIV-G 2.5L. Touting exceptional styling and an impressive 41 mpg highway, the 2015 Mazda3 is also incredibly fun to drive. Similar to its new-generation SKYACTIV® Technology and KODO “Soul of Motion”-designed brethren such as the CX-5 compact SUV and Mazda6 mid-size sedan, Mazda’s compact car has earned itself critical acclaim by topping “Best Car” lists and receiving “Car of the Year” nods.
Mazda3 also saw the introduction of another game-changing Mazda-developed technology known as MAZDA CONNECT™. A next-generation in-vehicle connectivity system, MAZDA CONNECT’s seven-inch full-color touchscreen hub will make its way into the rest of the brand’s full lineup. Based on the heads-up cockpit concept, this new Human Machine Interface (HMI) system aims to aid drivers in maintaining a proper driving posture, keep a concentrated focus on the road ahead and promoting safer habits while behind the wheel.
For more information, visit www.mazdausamedia.com.
About Mazda North American Operations
Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.
About ALG
Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, with an office in Toronto, Ontario, ALG is an authority on automotive residual value projections in North America. By analyzing nearly 2,500 vehicle trims each year to assess residual value – which is mainly driven by used car inventory, brand strength, macroeconomic conditions, incentive spending and pricing – ALG provides auto industry and financial services clients with resale insights, forecasts and consulting services about the future vehicle marketplace. ALG, owned by TrueCar, Inc., the negotiation-free car buying and selling platform, has been publishing residual values for all cars, trucks and SUVs in the U.S. for 50 years and in Canada since 1981. For more information, visit www.alg.com.
About TrueCar
TrueCar, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRUE) is the negotiation-free car buying and selling platform. TrueCar enables a negotiation-free car buying experience by giving buyers transparent insight into what others actually paid (price confidence), upfront pricing information (price discovery), and access to a network of trusted TrueCar Certified Dealers who provide guaranteed savings certificates and seamlessly complete the car purchase. The reality is that buying a car is painful and buyers fear they are going to overpay or be surprised with hidden fees. TrueCar’s transparent upfront pricing information makes the car buying process simple so there are no surprises and buyers never overpay. TrueCar’s mission is to make car buying simple, fair and fun. Its national network of more than 9,000 TrueCar Certified Dealers, including both new car franchise dealers and non-franchise dealers, is committed to providing negotiation-free savings off MSRP and upfront pricing information for all car-buyers, including members of some of the country’s largest membership and service organizations such as AARP, American Express, AAA, and USAA. Note: Not all program features are available in all states. Go to www.truecar.com for program details. TrueCar is headquartered in Santa Monica, Calif., with offices in Santa Barbara, Calif., San Francisco, Calif., and Austin, Texas.
SOURCE Mazda North American Operations
For further information: Eric Booth, Mazda North American Operations, +1-949-727-6144 or David Gordon, Mazda Information Bureau, +1-714-913-9943
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