MediterraneanGrocery Wholesalers in Virginia Beach, VA

VIRGINIA BEACH —Thousands of small American flags waved in the hands of onlookers as bands marched, antique cars rolled by and small floats were pulled along the Oceanfront.

Patriotism and appreciation for the U.S. Armed Forces were on high display Saturday during the Tidewater Veterans Day Parade.

First came what seemed like at least 100 motorcycles followed by a U.S. Fleet Forces band, color guard and four stately horses trailed closely by a city street cleaning vehicle.

Four women wearing old-timey bonnets passed out hand-held slags to everyone in sight as a couple more held a sign advertising the Princess Anne County Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the Revolution.

“Woohoo,” one of the bonneted women yelled.

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Members of the Vietnam Veterans of America take part in the Tidewater Veterans Day Parade in Virginia Beach, Va., Nov. 11, 2023. (Peter Casey / For The Virginian-Pilot)

A contingent of the Tidewater Chapter 48 of Vietnam Veterans marched down Atlantic Avenue, with veteran Tom Lafferty looking on from the sidewalk. The 64-year-old who spent 42 years in the Navy, 26 of them active duty, stood with shoulders back and wearing a brown sweater with dozens of service medals pinned to its front.

“I came out because the community has always been very supportive of the military,” he said. “They’ve done a lot for us.”

After graduating from West Virginia University, Lafferty worked in a bank for about a year before enlisting.

“I walked across the street from that bank and joined the Navy,” he said. “I joined on a Friday, was in the Great Lakes on Monday and never looked back.”

Lafferty spent most of his career on amphibious warfare ships that carried helicopters, landing craft and Marines.

“I went to Grenada, then went to Beirut, did a couple tours in El Salvador, then got commissioned,” he said.

He retired as a commander in 2006 after having been the Chief Staff Officer of Naval Beach Group 2 in Little Creek. Passersby in the parade kept waving at him.

“No, I don’t know them. They see my medals, and so, they’re waving at me,” he said, pointing toward his three The Meritorious Service Medals, Commendation and Achievement medals and the other gold pieces pinned in rows on his chest.

The Kempsville High School band paraded by in blue and red uniforms, and not too far behind, a Churchland High School JROTC unit came a-marching.

Had there been a award for loudest parade participants, it would have gone to the “Confederate Veterans” who fired a volley of blank rounds from muskets at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and 17th Street, prompting several surprised screams.

The apparent biggest crowd pleaser: An Armed Service YMCA bus packed with kids chanting “U.S.A., U.S.A, U.S.A. …” drew cheers and smiles the length of the parade grounds.

The Lakeland High School was well represented by its Air Force JROTC, and the Salem High School marking band wore red, silver and grey.

Rich O’Hanlon, a retired U.S. Navy Admiral, watched from near the Virginia Beach Convention Center. He and his wife brought their grandchildren to see the festivities and gain an understanding and appreciation of Veterans Day.

“It’s just nice to see the hometown pride and various patriotic groups and especially the young people in the parade,” he said. “It’s important that we pass on these traditions to our younger people.”

Someone close-by yelled into air: “Thank you for your service!”

Colin Warren-Hicks, 919-818-8138, [email protected]

You might know Virginia Beach for its classic boardwalk. This is a three-mile long stretch complete with outdoor dining, surfboard and kayak-rental kiosks, and even an island park playground for the kids. But don't be fooled by the quaint seaside breeze: Virginia Beach, Virginia, is much more than its oceanside attractions. With a variety of local businesses and a thriving arts scene, this family getaway has so much to explore.

Walk the Boardwalk

Virginia Beach's oceanside promenade promises a lovely sunrise or evening stroll. The Oceanfront District offers plenty of options for shopping, dining, and family-friendly entertainment. During the summer, you'll find live music and boardwalk entertainment on one of the promenade's four open-air stages. Snap a photo with the 24-foot-tall King Neptune statue, which sits on the boardwalk at the entrance of Neptune Park.

Here, you'll also find the city's famed oceanfront resorts and a pristine stretch of sand. Be sure to spend a day relaxing by the water. To avoid the crowds, check out Sandbridge Beach, an equally beautiful, less-trafficked, duned shoreline located just south of the Oceanfront District.

Explore the ViBe Creative District

Catch a vibe in the ViBe Creative District. "The ViBe Creative District, encompassing 13 blocks between the Convention Center and the boardwalk, is a non-profit initiative designed to foster creativity and community in Virginia Beach," writes Brianna Simmons for Southern Living. Walk around to see the murals and street art, tour the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, and check out a few local businesses. Some highlights include the crepes at farm-to-table café Commune, the hand-painted signs and pinstriping at Igor's Custom, the craft beers at cool bistro Esoteric, and the infused spirits at Chesapeake Bay Distillery.

Get Outdoors

Catch a wave or bike along the shoreline—Virginia Beach is made for outdoor adventure. The coastal city has plenty of trails for running, walking, and biking: It's possible to go completely car-free in this city. Hike or bike the Sand Ridge Trail in False Cape State Park and the Cape Henry Trail in First Landing State Park—of the latter, Simmons writes, "Home to a unique maritime forest ecosystem, with miles of trails winding past bald cypress and salt marsh—it's no wonder this is Virginia's most visited state park." For more outdoor adventure recommendations (including some spots that are family-friendly), Visit Virginia Beach has all the information you need.

Eat Local

Start your morning at Three Ships Coffee, a local coffee roaster with locations in the ViBe District and the Shops at Hilltop. Then prepare to be utterly charmed by The Bee and the Biscuit, a first-come, first-serve cottage restaurant known for its buttermilk biscuit benedicts and freshly-baked cinnamon rolls (which the daytime joint also offers to-go). Pair your all-day breakfast with a specialty latte in unique flavors like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Honey Lavender, and Lucky Charms. Pro tip: Arrive early to snag a seat in the quaint garden for brunch.

For a special occasion, indulge in the picnic of your dreams with VB Picnic Co. The local business curates stunning, stylish pop-up picnics at your location of choice. For a laid-back vibe, check out Zeke's Beans and Bowls, a local spot for coffee, acai bowls, and Hawaiian poke. You can never go wrong with the Cali-style Mexican food at Pelon's Baja Grill—be sure to scope out the happy hour deals. For a classy evening, dine at Orion's Rooftop, which boasts an unbeatable ocean view and a refined Asian-fusion menu.

Other Virginia Beach Towns

Long ago a peaceful fishing village, Chincoteague Island, Virginia, now has its fair share of visitors, welcoming them with the best local seafood, ample lodging, shopping, and family activities.

On the southern end of Virginia's Eastern Shore, kids are active on the pier with their fishing rods, locals share stories while hanging out at the hardware store, and the whole place looks as if it tucks in for the night not long after the sun goes down.

Lake Anna isn’t technically on the coast, but it is the the second largest lake in Virginia. It is known for its 17 miles of sparkling water and sandy beaches, so the opportunity to play should not pass anyone by.

The new off-price home store offers high-quality furnishings and home accessories for an extraordinary value.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., Oct. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Homesense, the latest retail experience from the TJX family of brands, will open its newest location in Virginia Beach, VA on October 26. The store is located in Landstown Commons.

Homesense features a wide array of furniture, a Rug Emporium, a wall art and mirror gallery, an extensive lighting department including chandeliers, and a General Store section with an incredible selection of project supplies. Customers can also shop for seasonal items, including décor and entertaining essentials, all at prices 20-50% less than full-price retailers, including department and specialty stores.

With new merchandise shipments arriving every week, customers can discover an exciting assortment of quality merchandise at can't miss prices. The selection includes a mix of artisan-crafted and top-brand pieces, unlocking the opportunity for shoppers to be inspired by bold, statement-making pieces, without breaking the bank. No matter where shoppers are in the design stage, there is something for everyone.

"Homesense makes curating your dream space even more attainable with its exceptional selection of incredible, quality pieces sold at great values," said John Ricciuti, President of HomeGoods and Homesense in the U.S. "We are thrilled that those in the Virginia Beach community can look to Homesense for a standout shopping experience and unlock unlimited design possibilities in their homes."

GRAND OPENING:

Local shoppers can enjoy the newest Homesense store opening on October 26 at 8:00 a.m. EST. To learn more, visit: https://us.homesense.com/grand-openings

STORE FACTS & FEATURES

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

In celebration of its new store location, Homesense will contribute to the Virginia Beach community by presenting a $10,000 donation to Help and Emergency Response, Inc. (H.E.R. Shelter), an organization that has provided a multi-faceted program for victims of domestic violence for over fifteen years.

ABOUT HOMESENSE

Homesense operates 54 stores in the U.S. and is the newest retail banner of The TJX Companies, Inc., the leading off-price retailer of apparel and home fashions in the U.S. and worldwide. As of July 29, 2023, the Company operated a total of 4,884 stores in nine countries, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Poland, Austria, the Netherlands, and Australia, and seven e-commerce sites. These include 1,305 T.J. Maxx, 1,190 Marshalls, 907 HomeGoods, 83 Sierra, and 49 Homesense stores, as well as tjmaxx.com, marshalls.com, homegoods.com, and sierra.com, in the United States; 299 Winners, 154 HomeSense, and 106 Marshalls stores in Canada; 636 T.K. Maxx and 79 Homesense stores, as well as tkmaxx.com, tkmaxx.de, and tkmaxx.at in Europe; and 76 T.K. Maxx stores in Australia. For a look inside Homesense, please visit https://us.homesense.com/360. For store locations and additional information, please visit www.homesense.com and www.tjx.com.

SOURCE Homesense

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — The Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center opened in Virginia Beach on Friday, Nov. 10.

The facility held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the occasion, inviting Gov. Glenn Youngkin and other elected officials to speak. The center is named in the memory of veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service: Colonel William A. Jones III and Staff Sergeant Christopher A. Cabacoy.

The facility was years in the making, having its first groundbreaking in 2017 and construction finishing up this year. It offers short and long-term nursing care, rehabilitation and more for veterans.

The center features eight 16-room households, each one with a living room, kitchen and dayroom with access to the outside courtyard. There’s also a chapel, game room, barber shop and more for residents to enjoy.

The center already has its first resident and Youngkin said he had a chance to speak with him.

“He’s extraordinarily grateful which is why our veterans are such heroes,” Youngkin said. “He’s grateful that we’re doing something that we should be doing anyway. And that’s the heart of a hero, and that’s why I’m so excited that this facility is opening now,”

Many people toured the building after the ribbon cutting.

Ralph Hensley, Department Commander of AM Vets with the Department of Virginia told 10 On Your Side what his favorite parts were.

“I walked in, and I like the chapel,” Hensley said. “I also thought it was kind of funny that there’s a barber shop, beauty shop there.”

The day’s speakers said the center will allow veterans to come together, sharing stories of their days in service and Hensley agreed.

“We are all U.S. service members, we are all brothers and sisters in arms and this place will be a great home for those that come here, and they will have the comradery that they seek and need,” Hensley said.

Youngkin said this center is one big thank you to those who have served this country.

“I want to say thank you to all of our veterans across Hampton Roads, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and across America,” Youngkin said. “Thank you for loving our nation, thank you for serving our nation and we honor you today.”

Currently, the facility is only accepting one to two veterans.

It’ll be about 30 to 45 days before they are running at full capacity.

For more information on how to apply to live at this center go to Virginia Department of Veterans Services.

On Tuesday, Nov. 14, Attorney General Jason Miyares is hosting a free Veterans Legal Services Clinic at the new Care Center. Click here for details.

What is the best internet provider in Virginia Beach?

The best internet service provider for most households in Virginia Beach is Cox Communications. Although all of the provider’s plans enforce a 1.25 terabyte data cap, customers won’t have to sign a contract to receive the lowest price possible per month. If you’re interested in a fiber or fixed wireless ISP, Verizon Fios and T-Mobile Home Internet are also solid picks depending on what’s available at your location.

For those looking to pay the lowest price for home internet, Xfinity’s Connect More plan offers 200 megabits per second for only $25 per month. If speed is what you need, Cox’s 2-gigabit plan for $120 monthly is the fastest service you’ll find in the city.

Our methodology

CNET considers speeds, pricing, customer service and overall value to recommend the best internet service in Virginia Beach across several categories. Our evaluation includes referencing a proprietary database built over years of reviewing internet services. We validate that against provider information by spot-checking local addresses for service availability. We also do a close read of providers' terms and conditions and, when needed, will call ISPs to verify the details.

Despite our efforts to find the most recent and accurate information, our process has some limitations you should know about. Pricing and speed data are variable: certain addresses may qualify for different service tiers, and monthly costs may vary, even within a city. The best way to identify your options is to plug your address into a provider's website.

Also, the prices, speed and other information listed above and in the provider cards below may differ from what we found in our research. The cards display the full range of a provider's pricing and speed across the US, according to our database of plan information provided directly by ISPs. At the same time, the text is specific to what’s available in Virginia Beach. The prices referenced within this article's text come from our research and include applicable discounts for setting up automatic payments each month -- a standard industry offering. Other discounts and promotions might also be available for things like signing a term contract or bundling with multiple services.

To learn more about how we review internet providers, visit our full methodology page.

Best internet in Virginia Beach in 2023

Our take - Named as one of the best cable internet providers of 2023, Cox is a solid ISP if you’re looking to bundle your internet with a television service.

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Or call to learn more: (877) 541-1140

Check with Cox

Compare

Connection

Cable, some fiber

Speed range

25 - 2,000 Mbps

Price range

$40 - $100 per month

Show more details

Our take - If Fios is available at your address, it’s tough to beat in terms of broadband. Although Verizon 5G Home Internet is also highly rated by CNET, Fios offers symmetrical speeds through its fiber connection -- a perk that fixed wireless service (or cable or satellite, for that matter) can’t match.

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Or call to learn more: (877) 545-6781

Check with Verizon

Compare

Connection

Fiber

Speed range

300 - 2,000 Mbps

Price range

$50 - $120 per month

Show more details

Best fixed wireless in Virginia Beach, VA

Our take - Although primarily known for its mobile plans, T-Mobile also offers a home internet service. It’s fairly straightforward and simple -- and if you aren’t looking for too much speed, T-Mobile Home Internet is a decent pick for broadband.

Read full review

Or call to learn more: (877) 687-6988

Check with T-Mobile

Compare

Connection

Fixed wireless

Speed range

72 - 245 Mbps

Show more details

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Other available internet providers in Virginia Beach

Cheap internet options in Virginia Beach

If you’re hunting for the lowest internet service in the city, look no further than Xfinity’s Connect More plan. For $25 per month, customers can reach speeds up to 200Mbps. But if Xfinity isn’t accessible at your household, check out T-Mobile Home Internet. This provider offers the best value for cheap plans: $50 monthly for 245Mbps with no data caps, monthly equipment fees or required contracts. Plus, you can save $20 per month if you’re an existing mobile customer.

Most of the providers we've mentioned also participate in the FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program, which gives eligible low-income households a $30 monthly discount (or up to $75 for households on tribal lands) for high-speed internet. You can use the ACP toward any internet plan -- not just the cheapest ones -- from participating providers.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

How to find internet deals and promotions in Virginia Beach

The best internet deals and the top promotions in Virginia Beach depend on what discounts are available during that time period. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.

Virginia Beach internet providers, such as Cox Communications, Xfinity and Spectrum, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many, however, including T-Mobile and Verizon, run the same standard pricing year-round.

For a more extensive list of promotions, check out our guide on the best internet deals.

How fast is Virginia Beach broadband?

According to Ookla speed data, Virginia Beach has a median download speed of about 242Mbps, with Cox and Verizon being the city’s two fastest providers. But if you’re wanting an internet connection faster than that mark, many providers offer plans faster than 242Mbps.

Cox Communications brings home the gold with its 2,000Mbps plan, which is the fastest speed Virginia Beach residents can reach. This plan costs $120 per month and includes a 1.25TB data cap.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

What's a good internet speed?

Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines -- and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.

For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.

How CNET chose the best internet providers in Virginia Beach

Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it's impractical to personally test every internet service provider in a given city. So what's our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary database of pricing, availability and speed information that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.

But it doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.

Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:

While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.

To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.

What's the final word on internet providers in Virginia Beach?

As we like to say, you can’t go wrong with a fiber connection for your household. In addition to offering symmetrical download and upload speeds, fiber service is also less prone to lags and delays caused by network congestion. If you can get your hands on Verizon Fios in the Virginia Beach area, that should be your top pick for home internet. But Fios coverage misses almost half of the area’s residents, so for most addresses, your top option will be Cox Communications. Cable may not be able to match all of fiber’s capabilities, but it’s still a reliable connection type that should allow most households to do all they need to do.

Internet providers in Virginia Beach FAQs