Lighthouse Brushstrokes: Art & History Tour

 

 

 

Lighthouse Brushstrokes: Art & History Tour 

Join us for a day where creativity meets history, and you leave with not just a watercolor painting, but a memorable experience etched in time.

This is a public tour. It is also available as a private customizable group tour for up to 16 people. Email info@TheNatureBus.com to arrange.

TOUR DATE: Saturday, April 6, 2024 

(Rain date is Sun April 7) Before purchasing your ticket, be sure you can go on the actual tour date and the rain date.

TIME: 10:00 – 3:30 (5.5  hour tour) 

PRICE: $65/person + 2.6% credit card fee = $66.69 (includes admission to climb the lighthouse, all painting supplies) 

*Important Note: We do not offer ANY refunds after tour is booked.

DEPARTURE LOCATION: REI 350 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA  (Private groups can choose the pick-up location.

DESCRIPTION: Embark on a delightful journey of artistic expression and historical discovery with our Plein Air Watercolor Painting Tour at the iconic Cape Henry Lighthouse! Immerse yourself in the rich tales of the two lighthouses that grace the landscape, with the first standing tall since 1792 and the second proudly erected in 1881.

Our day begins with a captivating exploration of the historical narratives surrounding these maritime beacons. Ascend to the pinnacle of the original lighthouse, where panoramic views await, offering a firsthand glimpse into the past. Following a leisurely lunch break, our experienced guide will usher you into the world of watercolor artistry with a step-by-step tutorial featuring the Cape Henry Lighthouse as your muse.

No prior painting experience is required, as our patient guide will facilitate warm-up exercises and provide expert guidance throughout, ensuring you craft a beautiful masterpiece to cherish. Join us for a perfect blend of creativity and history against the picturesque backdrop of the Cape Henry Lighthouse.

We look forward to seeing you on the tour! Check out all of the 5-star reviews, so you will be super confident that you will have an amazing experience! You can read these reviews at TheNatureBus.com > click the REVIEWS tab or click this link: https://thenaturebus.com/reviews/

If you have any questions, please text/call the owner. Suzanne 757-288-9595

Everyone In Virginia Should See Inside The Old Cape Henry Lighthouse

Planned itinerary/loose timing/subject to change as needed to enjoy nature:

• 9:30 am Check-in at REI 350 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach(select your seat; use restroom)
• 10:00 am sharp – Departure
• 10:00 – 10:30 Travel to Fort Story/Cape Henry Lighthouse (CHL)
• 10:30 – 11:00 Military base inspection procedures (must have a valid driver’s license to enter naval base).  CHL will provide a docent to deliver a brief history and allow time for photography of lighthouse. Also time for a bathroom break.
• 11:00 – 11:30 Option to climb the lighthouse for an amazing view OR visit the lighthouse gift shop while others are climbing.
• 12:00 – 12:30 Picnic lunch (bring your lunch; picnic blankets and/or folding camp chairs provided)
• 12:30 – 2:30 Watercolor painting class of the lighthouse (beginner friendly; warm-ups and instruction)
• 2:30 – 3:00 Bathroom break and return to the bus
• 3:00 – 3:30 Travel back to REI

Check-in and tour duration: Please arrive at the bus (REI 350 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA) at 9:30 am (15-30 min before departure).  Seat selection is based on the order that each individual checks-in. The check-in procedure takes some time. Have your printed/signed waiver + ID ready. Departure is promptly at 10:00 am. Return to REI approximately 3:30 pm. The tour is approximately 5.5  hours round trip: 10:00 – 3:30 (ish) – Flexible return time/Traffic + guest dependent. We “often” return later than the stated time due to a variety of reasons (one being that everyone is enjoying themselves). We do TRY to come back on time, but before purchasing your ticket, be sure you are ok with coming back later if that is how the day plays out.

“Adopt the pace of Nature: her secret is patience” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

WHAT’S INCLUDED:
– Expert pre-planning services
– Transportation: Departure from: REI 350 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach > travel to 583 Atlantic Ave, Fort Story, VA 23459 (approximately 30 min ride each direction).
– Air conditioned/heated, clean vehicle; this is a “school bus” with bench seats. It is a comfortable “eco tour bus” ready for adventures! (not a luxury vehicle with bucket seats)
– All fees (including gasoline, insurance, tolls, permits/admission fees when applicable to the destination locations; excluding food/drink)
– Admission fee for CHL docent and entrance to climb the lighthouse
– watercolor supplies (paints, brushes, paper, smocks)
– step-by-step guidance by an experienced watercolorist
– picnic blankets and/or folding camp chairs
–MEET YOUR GUIDE Stephanie Molloy:  https://thenaturebus.com/our-team/

THINGS TO BRING:

– Optional: Binoculars and/or camera for viewing wildlife (we cannot guarantee wildlife sightings as nature is unpredictable). Some guests like to bring a nature journal + pen(cil).
– Must have your COMPLETED WAIVER FORM: When you purchase a ticket for a tour, your name automatically appears on our tour “check-in list.” So, you do not need to bring your actual ticket. But . . . your signed waiver is your TICKET TO BOARD! We will collect this waiver at the door of the bus. Please print it at home, fill it in, sign it, and bring it with you. Here is the link to the required waiver form: https://thenaturebus.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/NB_Waiver1.pdf
– You are required to show ID. Only the original ticket holder can board the bus (names appear on our check-in sheet). Both Cape Henry lighthouses are located on a naval base. You are REQUIRED to show a valid driver’s license. 
– Please, bring your lunch. Pack your lunch into your own “very small” insulated lunchbox with ice pack (ie: the type children use for school lunches). We encourage you to “go green” by using washable/reusable containers instead of single use plastics. We provide picnic blankets and/or folding chairs.
– Bring a refillable water bottle filled with ice water. We encourage you to “go green” by not using single use plastic water bottles.
– We recommend that you also pack “pocket-snacks” in your pocket or backpack – ie: granola bars, power bars, trail mix, or something else that is very EASY to snack on while walking outdoors. Please respect our strict policy: Eating, drinking, chewing gum is not permitted on the bus. The bus is SO clean and we want to keep it this way. For fear of choking hazards, we do not allow anything (even mints) while the bus is in motion. 

– CASH! It is customary to tip your guide (Stephanie) 15% gratuity. (15% = $10) 

 

– Optional – $25 cash if you’d like to purchase a Nature Bus t-shirt! You’ll love it. The expression on the t-shirt is: “SAY YES TO NEW ADVENTURES!” Can only be purchased on board the bus and only with advanced ordering. T-shirts are light blue or grey (as supplies last). If you’d like one, TEXT us 757-288-9595 with your t-shirt order ahead of time. Text this exact information: your first + last name, tour name, tour departure date, size of t-shirt (sm, m, lg, xl), color selection.

 

WHAT TO WEAR? 
– Wear closed-toe shoes. Flip-flops/sandals are not appropriate foot wear for nature outings.
– Dress for the weather. Famous quote: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing” by Alfred Wainwright (a Norwegian saying). And another saying: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning how to dance in the rain” (unknown author/motivational quote).  Hot days > sunscreen, sunhat, lots of ice water, comfortable walking shoes (bathing suit, water shoes, towel for some tours). Cold days > warm layers, hats, gloves/mittens, warm boots, air-activated heat packs/inserts for your socks and mittens (available at REI). Rainy days > rain jacket, rain hat, umbrella, comfortable waterproof footwear (trails can be muddy if it rained the day before). TICKS: For forested or meadow trips >protect yourself from insects/ticks!  We recommend long pants tucked into light colored (white) knee-high socks to easily see ticks. Bring insect repellent and/or “the bug suit” (a thin mesh jacket + pants) (Google: the bug suit). After nature tours, especially if you have been in a forest or meadow, be sure to shower immediately and do a thorough “tick check.” You can Google “how to do a self tick check” for accurate instructions.

Really important notes  “Know before you go” ~

*We go “light rain” or shine or cold. Please dress for the weather. In the case of light rain, we simply take cover and wait it out. In the case of heavy rain, high wind or extreme temperatures, we will move the tour to the pre-arranged rain date. Not all tours have rain dates. See above for date (and rain date) associated with your tour.  ALL SALES FINAL/NO REFUNDS for any reasons, including sickness/covid. Only the ticket holder can board the bus. You are required to show ID. Tickets are not transferable. Only YOU have completed the registration (with emergency info, allergy info, etc). Please stay home if you are not feeling well or have a fever. To avoid a call on the day of the tour, please notify us via text 757-288-9595 if you would like to remove your name from the check-in list. Food/Drink: Again, eating, drinking, chewing gum is never permitted on the bus. There will be opportunities to eat (off of the bus) during the tour. WATER is always allowed on board the bus, and recommended.  Arrival: Please arrive 15-30 min before departure. The check-in process takes some time. Seat selection is based on the check-in order. When we check you in, you will receive a temporary bracelet with a number on it. This is the order you will board the bus and select your seat. Some seats are more desirable than others. The “hot seat” is the back seat. Some bus seats have wheel wells.  Waiver: Other tour guests do not want to wait (and loose time on their tour). Please save everyone time at check-in by bringing your signed waiver. No restroom on board the bus; arrive early enough to use the rr at REI (opens at 10 am) or Fresh Market (opens at 8 am) before boarding the bus. The tour itinerary includes restroom stops. Departure: We cannot wait for latecomers because we must adhere to our planned itinerary. Therefore we must pull away at the exact departure time. We cannot receive telephone/text calls to let us know you are running late because we will driving and using the phone as a GPS.

*ALL OUR TOURS INVOLVE WALKING; GUESTS SHOULD EXPECT VARYING DEGREES OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. We apologize, but there is no room on board to accommodate wheel chairs or walkers. Our tours require participants to be ambulatory and in reasonably good physical health to manage our nature excursions. There are three (3) large steps to climb to enter the bus. There is one (1) handrail on the left of these steps. Health/COVID Safety Measures: We care about the health and safety of those participating in our nature experiences. The bus is sanitized between each tour. Feel free to crack open your window if you prefer. Please stay home if you are not feeling well or have a fever. Federal Law no longer “requires” masks be worn on airplanes, trains and buses. Masks are optional.

• We must meet our minimum number of participants for a tour to GO! Most of our tours fill up FAST. But if we do not meet the minimum, then we will cancel the tour and you will be reimbursed (- minus the 2.6% credit card processing fee). We will notify you 48 hours before the tour departure via email.
• Share on your social media and with everyone you know! Let them know you are going on a really amazing tour! Spread the word! Help fill up the bus 🙂 See you soon!
• If you have any questions, please text/call the owner. Suzanne 757-288-9595