Whenever I come home to Virginia Beach for the weekend or on holidays, I always make sure to stop at a few of these places. One of the main reasons I'm proud of where I was born and raised is mostly because of our scenic parks, quirky festivals, and growing local businesses that are run by humans with hearts of gold.
The Hampton Roads area continues to grow, but still carries that vivid sense of family. If you are ever planning a trip in the area, here are a few of my personal favorite hidden gems. Okay, many of them are in plain sight, but give me this moment, anyway, to present them to you in no particular order!
1. Old Beach Farmers Market (OBFM).
Every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., a variety of vendors set their tents for display at the Old Beach Farmers Market on 19th street. Seasonal fresh fruits and veggies are sold by local farms, while baked goods, and unique handmade items are made available to all those who are interested in admiring and purchasing.
2. Three Ships Coffee.
I was unaware that cold brew could taste so refreshingly good until I tried Three Ships Coffee. This roaster sells mini growlers of cold brew as well as regular sized ones, and homemade baked goods, like hazelnut pop tarts. Aside from their official location, they usually have a set spot at the Old Beach Farmers Market. They even sell their own coffee beans online, too.
3. The Bakehouse at Chelsea.
These wood-fired flat bread pizzas and breads are heaven sent. You are definitely missing out if you have not tried the pizza here. It is not every day you get to witness your pizza being made in their open kitchen through a wooden fire, which is quite the humbling experience.
4. The Cutting Edge Cafe.
There are always curious eyes wandering in at the Cutting Edge Cafe. Their menu of paninis, salads, and soups are made with love, care, and fresh local ingredients. They have specials, which you must order. You should try it at least, and all the other items on the menu are made to complement them. I am telling you that you will regret it if you don't. Other than that, my favorite so far is the sweet potato fries and the goat cheese and roasted veggie panini.
5. Pendulum Fine Meats.
This local butcher shop knows their meat. Other than selling meat, they also provide locally farm fresh eggs, churned butter, a variety of cheeses to go alongside your meat, and even Virginia craft beers. During the day, the meats they use go into their own savory lunch sandwiches and in the convenient dinners to-go. When you decide to stop by, try the flavorful Cuban sandwich. You're welcome.
6. Alkaline.
Not your average specialty ramen and Asian-style street foods pop-up restaurant, which currently opens for dinner inside of Pendulum Fine Meats. Their music reverberates all around making all customers feel right at home with a mighty fine bowl of ramen and street foods. First time eaters: order the okonomiyaki tater tots and the tonkotsu ramen. There is also a miso ramen option available for vegetarians. Try their food and slurp the noodles because you will be glad that you did.
7. Cafe Moka.
This coffee shop is a great place for catching up with friends, while relaxing in its calming atmosphere, and getting your daily dose of caffeine. I come here mostly for lattes and tea, but Cafe Moka sure knows how to handle their coffee. You have the option of having your coffee brewed in five different ways: pour over, Aeropress, Chemex, french press, and Yama siphon; not many coffee spots in this area provide those options.
8. Hashi food truck.
Hashi food truck serves breakfast and lunch, which intertwines the food culture of Virginia and the art of Asian cooking. They can usually be found at the OBFM, so it is vital that you do not miss them! Try the Hashi Hash. It is a bowl of humble brilliance.
9. Slover Library.
Slover Library is relatively new, but is not only a cornucopia of knowledge, but its interior and exterior design is jaw-dropping. It fuses together the traditional functions of a library with modern day to focus on enhancing the potentials of the learning community today. It feels good to be in a place where learning is fully appreciated.
10. The Naro.
Want to catch that recent independent film or the classic Rocky Horror Picture Show? Well, you can certainly do so at the Naro. Ever since its opening in 1936, this theater has been going strong. Its a pleasure to watch a film in such an antique space that throws you back to the 1930s.
11. Munden Point Park.
Out in the stretch of greenery of Pungo, lies Muden Point Park. My cousin brought me here to play disc golf for the first time, and I was a disaster, but it was one of the most fun I had at this park. This place is perfect for taking pictures, kayaking, and simply playing outside. I recommend watching the sun set here because the view beautifully silencing.
