Have younoticed? Families simply don't spend time together the way they used to. Accordingto psychologist Dr. Jim Taylor, writing in PsychologyToday, busy lifestyles and 24/7 technology are driving us apart. "It's gotten to the point," hewrites, "where it seems like parents and children are emailing and textingeach other [even] more than they're talking."
But nowthat's starting to change. More and more families are looking for pastimes thatlet them interact in Real Life. They're turning to fun activities that bring kidsand grownups together.
That's Where Miniature Golf Comes In
In recentyears, this family-friendly sport has been making a major comeback. Newmini-golf courses are popping up everywhere, especially in resort areas. VirginiaBeach alone has 10 mini-golf attractions, some outdoors, some enclosed.
And thetrend just keeps "puttering" on.
Now first-classminiature golf is coming to your favorite vacation spot - the hidden coastal paradiseof Sandbridge Beach, Virginia.
Sandbridge's Newest Attraction
Up tillnow, if you wanted to play mini golf, you had to drive 30 minutes (or more) upto Virginia Beach. That meant leaving the comfort of Sandbridge to battle the crowdsand traffic of a much more congested area.
No more. Thisspring a spacious 18-hole miniature golf course will be opening at Anderson's GardenCenter at 1925 Fisher Arch, right near Sandbridge Road.
Developedand owned by Anderson's, this themed outdoor course will cover approximately15,000 square feet. Weather permitting, the course will be open year 'round,seven days a week.
That meansyou and your family can enjoy putt-putting pleasure whenever you visitSandbridge.
Not Your Grandfather's Mini Golf
Miniaturegolf has come a long way from its origins in the early 20th century. Back then,the typical mini-golf course consisted of a simple putting green made of crude artificialturf - with a few small hills, curves, and banks designed to test players' ingenuitywithout over-taxing their skills.
Modern mini golf is dramaticallydifferent. It evengoes far beyond the iconic courses of the 1950s and '60s, with their familiar windmills,castles, and wishing wells.
Today,miniature golf features elaborately themed displays and amazingly creativehazards. Not to mention a lot more challenge!
A Customized Course Just for Sandbridge.The new Anderson's course will take these latest innovations to a whole new level. Each custom-designed hole will highlight a locally focused theme, such as US fighter pilots, Banker horses, Sandbridge Beach, and False Cape State Park. Skillfully crafted displays will bring local landmarks, legends, and lore to life like never before. Be prepared to be impressed!
Why Not Plan a Family Mini-Golf Outing?
If you'reseeking active excitement, this new golf course will be just the ticket. Youand your family can play through an intricate array of skill-testing obstaclesand hazards... all on a state-of-the-art course in a scenic open-air setting.It's a great way to get the whole crew outdoors for healthy fresh-air exercise.
Best of all, it's just plain fun. You can always expect the unexpected,and it's bound to be hilarious. Maybe someone will launch a ball completely "outof bounds." Or hit one into the water. Or perhaps even make a hole-in-one(surprise!). As you laugh and play, you'll forge precious bonds and makelife-long family memories.
All This Plus a Convenient Location Next to a Legendary Eatery.If you're a Sandbridge resident or vacationer, you'll always have easy access to this family-centric golf course. Come play a fun-filled round (or two)... then enjoy a scrumptious, made-from-scratch meal at adjacent Sage Kitchen Restaurant.
On Fridaysand Saturdays, when the weather's fine, you can even dine al fresco and listen to live music while your kids romp in the safenearby playground. (Sage Kitchen is open Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6p.m., Fridays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays 9 a.m.to 7 p.m.)
Ideal for All Ages, Tots to Seniors
Neverplayed miniature golf before? No problem. It's simple to learn, no matter whatyour age or ability. You don't even have to be familiar with regular golf.You'll quickly "get the swing" of the various hazards and obstacles.And, as you master the easier challenges, you can move on to trickier plays -where you'll have to think on your feet, make lightning-fast decisions, andswing with precision accuracy.
That's thebeauty of the new Sandbridge course. It's specially designed to accommodate allages and skill levels. Even the littlest putter will have a chance to sink theball. But, at the same time, the grownups and older kids will be able to honetheir skills, boost their scores, and improve their game.
It'stotally up to you. You can be as laid-back or as competitive as you want. Takeit seriously... or take it easy. Either way, you'll have a blast. And so willthe rest of your family.
