Not my first visit, not even my first visit with Southend (that was called off an hour before kick off), but my first chance to watch the Shrimpers at the Crown Ground.  The open terrace was pleasant as the day was dry and the pub, with which the ground shares its name, is welcoming to away fans.  Get there in good time and on street parking is available very close by.  I can also highly recommend the chips in the home end from a previous visit.  Just watch the weather forecast if you're travelling from afar - the pitch is very susceptible to flooding.