Just in case you’re new around here, we have a fun series called “5 Things I’m Loving Right Now,” where our contributors share some local businesses and spots they’re loving at their duty station. Next up, Virginia Beach, VA:
Virginia Aquarium
After being stationed at Norfolk Naval Base for almost two years, we finally ventured to the Virginia Aquarium. Our kids loved it! While the aquarium doesn’t have the bulgua whale or penguins like Mystic Aquarium, the aquarium has plenty of sharks, turtles, otter, seal and even kimodo dragons. Also – a submarine you can walk inside! Right now the aquarium has a great play exhibit “Emotions at Play” inspired by the movie “Inside Out,” where our kids spent at least an hour. We visited on a snowy day so unfortunately the outdoor trails were closed, but we look forward to going back on a warmer day! The whale watching tours look exciting, as well.
Yorkie’s Modern Deli
Virginia Beach’s latest sandwich shop opened in the ViBe district, Yorkie’s Modern Deli. The deli has a super electic vibe with delicious sandwiches, soups and salads to choose from. We loved the Utah (oven roasted turkey, roasted peppers, provolone, aurgula, focaccia) and the Turtle (turkey, benny slaw, chili-almond crunch, cilantro, special sauce, sesame roll) with tater tots and the cucumber tomato salad. Yorkie’s also offers a kid’s menu, beer and wine, grab and go dips and snacks, soft serve and more. We look forward to going back for their weekend breakfast menu!
First Landing State Park
We’ve written First Landing State Park before and we’ll write about it again. As Virginia’s most-visited state park, First Landing is a great place to stretch your legs for a spring hike (and avoid summer crowds). The park has 20 miles of trails and 1.5 miles of sandy Chesapeake Bay beach to explore. First Landing offers some unique nature, with many unusual habitats including bald cypress swamps, lagoons and maritime forest, as well as rare plants and wildlife.
Old Beach Farmer’s Market
The Old Beach Farmer’s Market is our favorite, located in the ViBe Creative District at 611 18th Street. The market offers fresh, locally-sourced farm and food products from local vendors and producers, imcluding seasonal produce, grass-fed meats, fresh eggs, baked goods and more. Don’t miss the local food trucks serving up breakfast and lunch. The Winter Markets (November-March) occur every 1st and 3rd Saturday from 9am-12pm, with the Regular Market Season (April-October) every Saturday from 9am-12pm. Always check their Facebook page for any weather cancellations or changes. Special shout out to Nick B’s Chimichurri, we cannot stop eating it!
Punjabi Rasoi Indian Cuisine
My husband and I finally got a date night this month and found our new favorite Indian restaurant – Punjabi Rasoi in Kempsville! And let me tell you, it was so refreshing to eat food inside an actual restaurant. Given the Google reviews and the constant flooding of Uber Eats and Door Dash drivers, we knew we picked a solid spot. The food was so delicious and spicy – be wary of the stars you pick! They also have a Norfolk location.
For more Norfolk-area content, ideas and things to do, click here.