The 1880s boardwalk that anchors a multi-generational family ritual in Virginia Beach

A rented house on 52nd Street in Virginia Beach serves as the fixed point for an annual September gathering that has structured the lives of a dispersed family for over a decade. The location was chosen specifically for off-season rates, a logistical decision that prioritized affordability over the high-cost summer tourism season. This recurring event has replaced the less organized family vacations of previous decades, creating a predictable rhythm for relatives who now travel from various parts of the country to reunite.

The family connection to Virginia Beach predates the current arrangement by several generations. The author’s parents, Marianne and Tom, were from Richmond but maintained strong ties to the coast. They returned to Virginia for every vacation during the author’s childhood, splitting their time between Richmond and cousins’ properties on the river. However, the author identifies Virginia Beach as the preferred destination. It was not a high-end resort area like Sandbridge, Nags Head, or Myrtle Beach. It was a local, accessible spot that the family referred to as “Va Beach.”

The area’s physical character has remained consistent for more than a century. The boardwalk in the region dates back to the 1880s. Over the decades, the strip has alternated between periods of mild neglect and careful restoration. Despite these changes, the area has maintained a low-key atmosphere. The commercial strip is described as tacky but contained, offering standard tourist items such as saltwater taffy and postcards. In earlier years, local businesses like Pete Smith’s Surf Shop sold T-shirts to children who had saved their allowance. This accessibility defined the location for the family, distinguishing it from more exclusive coastal destinations.

The shift from summer to September travel occurred after a period of missed family reunions. As schedules for the adults became complicated, vague preferences for variety or different amenities developed. The author notes that while other locations offered whiter sand or finer food, nothing matched the specific cultural anchor of the family’s history, including the memory of a deli that no longer exists. The grandmother took over the organization of the trips, selecting September to take advantage of lower costs and a different weather profile.

The September setting creates a distinct social dynamic compared to summer visits. The lower angle of the sun means sunscreen is less of a concern, and the water appears brighter. Fewer people swim, but the group gathers in the low chairs, often with kites. This time of year allows for a specific generational mix. Three generations are present at a stage where most participants are old enough for a late afternoon beer. The grandmother, referred to as Ticki, is walked down the beach by family members while others carry her chair. The group lounges together, creating an atmosphere that the author describes as sounding like home.

The author reflects on photographs from these dinners, which feature the same lime green tablecloth year after year. These images document the aging of the group as in-laws joined the gatherings. The consistency of the setting highlights the passage of time and the changing demographics of the family unit. The author recognizes that their parents are entering their own “autumn” years, a term adopted from a friend approaching age 60 who preferred the neutral label over definitions based on comparative age. This seasonal metaphor aligns with the timing of the family’s chosen vacation period.

The family’s linguistic habits also reflect their regional roots. The author grew up in New Jersey and Pennsylvania but notes that their parents had pronounced Richmond accents. This led friends to view the author as bilingual. The use of “sir” and “ma’am” was a marker of their identity, wearing their outsiderness with a sense of pride. These cultural markers persist in the current gatherings, maintaining a continuity of identity despite the geographic dispersion of the family members.

The next step in this ongoing pattern is the continuation of the September gathering. The family has established a reliable schedule that centers on the rented house on 52nd Street. This structure allows for predictable planning and ensures that the multi-generational group remains connected. The physical location, with its historic boardwalk and specific coastal atmosphere, continues to serve as the backdrop for these recurring reunions.