This summer, there are new dining options and cultural attractions for anyone going to Virginia Beach to enjoy.
New Eats & Drinks
The retro-cool Chic’s Laundry is now open in northern Virginia Beach. This former laundromat is now a neighborhood restaurant for modern Mid-Atlantic cuisine. Think creative cocktails with playful names, pizzas on house-baked sourdough crust, and sustainably sourced seafood entrees.
Newly opened casual eateries are also rich in atmosphere. Vang’s Sushi Shack, a bold new venture from the owner of Sushi Vice, is a walk-up window and drive-thru sushi place in the Haygood Shopping Center area. It features a colorful graffiti exterior and spicy signature rolls, some featuring Hot Cheetos and garlic chili crisp.
The popular Sleepy Cowgirl Coffee opened its first brick-and-mortar store at La Promenade shopping center in the Hilltop district. The pink color palette and cowgirl-themed decor of its original vintage horse trailer location is now at a sit-down space. You’ll find pastries, signature lattes, matcha, and expanded food offerings.
The Lucky Penny is a casual bar and restaurant with pool tables and patio seating. Locaed near Naval Air Station Oceana, it has a stage for live music and a daily happy hour. The menu that leans into America’s 250th celebrations with smashburgers and fried chicken sandwiches named after U.S. presidents.
Beloved oceanfront hangout Ocean Edie’s Seafood has debuted a new rooftop patio. Sit and savor tropical drinks and raw oysters from the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier.
Stop by a select Virginia ABC store to snag one of only 2,400 limited-edition sets of the Virginia Spirits 250th Celebration Trio Pack. It includes gin, whiskey, and rum from nine top distilleries in the state, including Virginia Beach’s Chesapeake Bay Distillery.
America250, Museum, and Aquarium Updates
On the morning of June 19, Virginia Beach will serve as the launching point for an exciting maritime event of America’s 250th anniversary, Sail250. An international flotilla of more than 50 tall ships, military vessels, and historic ships from around 20 countries will gather near the Lesner Bridge. The Sail250 Virginia Parade of Sail will float into the Chesapeake Bay and on to Norfolk. Secure a spot along the Chesapeake Bay side of Virginia Beach for a front-row view.
The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (Virginia MOCA) launched its new home on the Virginia Wesleyan University campus after more than 70 years at the Oceanfront. The 35,000-square-foot, $25 million facility has more than a 20% increase in exhibition and education space. New galleries are designed to accommodate large-scale installations.
Two inaugural exhibitions, Nina Chanel Abney: The Pursuit of Happiness and Seamless: Art and Design, will run through August 16. Programming for all ages is set to include the Monster Drawing Rally live art fundraiser on August 14, where more than 70 local artists will create original works live.
There are new animals to see at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center as part of its Animal Ambassador program. The additions include Virginia opossum Willow, striped skunk Maple, and spectacled owl Mahogany. Guests can see all three during the aquarium’s daily Animal Ambassador presentations at 11:30 a.m., included with general admission.
Jazz & Shopping
Virginia Beach is honoring Juneteenth with the inaugural Jazzteenth festival on June 20. Jazz and R&B artists, among them Keke Wyatt and Vivian Green, are set to perform at the family-friendly festival. The day will also feature local vendors, visual arts, community showcases, and educational experiences to celebrate Black culture and history in the region.
The Teal Eagle Boutique has a new custom hat bar offering a personalized hat experience for customers who want to design one from start to finish. Hats start at $85 and appointments must be booked in advance.
Feature image courtesy Visit Virginia Beach
