Beach Events: Beach Music Weekend

Beach Music Weekend 05/17/2012 – 05/20/2012

Beach Music Weekend blends the best of the “oldies” with dancing under the stars in a jam-packed blast to the past! Settle into the sand as the top Beach Music bands from up and down the East Coast descend on the Virginia Beach oceanfront in a nostalgic salute to the “good old days” of cool cars and hot tunes.

A three-day series of free concerts is presented on a stage built right on the beach at 30th Street. Evening shows on Thursday and Friday give way to a full day of entertainment on Saturday and more daytime concerts on Sunday.

All beach performances on the beach are free to the public. Thursday’s ticketed show takes place in a local restaurant. The festival atmosphere is enhanced with beer and food served in tents on the sand alongside a sea of beach chairs and dancing couples! Boardwalk sponsors and vendors overlook the beach, luring visitors from the boardwalk into the fun of Beach Music Weekend! A giant 20-foot inflatable jukebox on the beach towers over the fun as festival-goers kick off their shoes and dance their cares away on the sands of Virginia Beach.

SCHEDULE:

Thursday, May 17 (Pre-Festival Party) *Ticketed Event*
Neptune's Restaurant
7:30-10:30pm, The Entertainers

Friday, May 18 *FREE*
30th St. Beach Stage
7:30-10:30pm, Craig Woolard Band

Saturday, May 19 *FREE*
30th St. Beach Stage
Noon-2pm, Coolin' Out
2:30-4:30pm, Bill Deal's Rhondels
5:00-7pm, The Mystic Soul Bubba's
7:45-10:30pm, The Embers

Sunday, May 20 *FREE*
30th St. Beach Stage
Noon-3pm, Main Event
3:30pm-6pm, Band of Oz

WHERE:

Beach Music Weekend
On the Beach at 30th Street
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

 

Special Event: International Fashion Expo

Special Event: International Fashion Expo

Virginia Fashion Week and Splash Model Management will be hosting the International Fashion Expo. The fashion expo will be a tribute to the tall ships that will be sailing in from around the world for the Virginia OpSail 2012 festivities. The event will feature fashion designers participating in the 2012 Virginia Fashion Week. Also, the expo event will feature a segment on vintage fashion with live musical performances.

The International Fasion Expo will be held June 10th, 2012 from 7:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event will be held at  the New Colony Theater located at 43o High Street, Portsmouth, Virginia. Tickets are $25.00 +2.37 Fee.

Featuring Designs By:

Azi Blass * Gohar Ayvazyan Beaver * Lizzi London

Mikasa La’Charles * SeharPeerzada * Willie Charles

Stephon Stallings * Ivelisse Nieves * Ma’Mitons

Vintage Feature!

Doors open at 7 p.m., the show starts at 8 p.m. Purchase tickets here: International Fashion Expo.

Restaurant: Norfolk Ramen

Restaurant: Norfolk Ramen

Yes, otaku's and Japanese food enthusiasts, you read that correctly. Norfolk has it's very own ramen shop, called Norfolk Ramen. This has definitely made me love Norfolk. I just happen to run across it while surfing the web.

It has become so popular that the Virginia Pilot has completed a review of the restaurant.

From the Virginia Pilot:

"Occasionally, I have what I'd call a big-city restaurant experience right here in Norfolk. And I don't mean a place with big-city prices or standing-room-only crowds. I mean a restaurant that dares to try something new and that carves out a previously unoccupied niche to do so. On Sundays, I find just that at Norfolk Ramen.

This restaurant is all about authentic Japanese ramen, a dish of noodles, broth and whatever else a chef tastily packs in. Ramen shops have started up in some major cities - New York, D.C., San Francisco - but for our area, Norfolk Ramen seems to be testing new ground. It's a mini-restaurant of sorts, making waves on social media. Check it out on Twitter and Facebook, where I first got wind of it.The eatery is open on Sundays only inside a spot otherwise occupied by Chin's Chinese Cafe, owned by the ramen chef's family.

The menu is small and focused. The shop serves piping hot bowls of its namesake dish for $8 a pop in two varieties - pork and vegan. The pork option is officially called a Norfolk Bowl and is packed with pork broth, noodles, a sous-vide egg, sliced pork and mustard greens. Request "spicy", and you'll get a dollop of a house-made hot sauce to stir in.

(Chef Paul Chin told me that when he opened a few months ago, customers asked for sriracha to give the ramen some heat. He thought he could make something better in the kitchen, and he was right. The paste-like hot sauce gives the broth the kick it needs.)

After a few trips, I can attest that the dish is just about perfect every time. The pork is tender, the greens fresh. The noodles have a good, chewy bite. You'll slurp up the salty, homey broth to the very bottom of the bowl. Eggs are not my thing, so I order mine without. But my dining companions praised the texture they add.

The Norfolk Ramen experience goes beyond the bowl, though.
A visit is complete only with a side of char siu bao - pork buns. The dough is divine, and the tender pork inside has a bit of spice. If you're extra-hungry or have a big group, add an order of rice flour dumplings, filled with taro for a unique flavor. But skip Norfolk Ramen's third appetizer offering: the cold tofu sashimi. I found the tofu mushy and the accompanying sauce nothing special.

My group of four barely touched the plate. I must assume the vegetarian ramen bowl has better quality tofu. Though I have not tried the dish - which also has mushrooms and scallions - others have raved about it. Your Sunday experience at Norfolk Ramen can be enhanced by the beer selection, including my favorite, the Japanese Sapporo.
Sunday is still the weekend, after all. Ramen shops in D.C. and New York should look out. They've got some competition for the hottest bowl down here."

The Norfolk Ramen sounds like a place worth checking out.  Remember it's only open on Sunday's.  More Information:

Norfolk Ramen
8401 Hampton Blvd #11,
Norfolk, VA 23505
Hours: Sunday

11:00 am

-

9:00 pm

Facebook

By Janelle Cogan
The Virginian-Pilot
© May 9, 2012

Nightlife: Comedy Clubs

Comedy Clubs

The Hampton Roads area has some good comedy clubs. Many famous and infamous names have grace the stages of the 757's local clubs. Comedy clubs not only offer a dose of laughter but drinks, food, and even dancing. Creating a great atmosphere and fun times for all. Checkout this list of Hampton Roads comedy clubs:

The Funny Bone
217 Central Park Ave
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(757) 213-5555

Website

The Funny Bone is a comedy club located in The Town Center area of Virginia near The Westin Hotel and Pembroke Mall. There have been many notable names at Virginia Beach Funny Bone making it a prime spot for laughter and fun.

Cozzy Comedy Club & Tavern
9700 Warwick Blvd,
Newport News, VA 23601
(757) 595-2800

Website

Cozzy's Comedy Club & Tavern, located in Newport News, offers food and laughter.  They offer lunch and dinner plus VIP memberships. They have weekly performances form national acts.

Hampton Roads Events: May 2012

The Virginia Art's Festival is in full effect this month with performances across Hampton Road. Grab the kids and head for the Pirate Beach Party in Virginia Beach and don't miss the Pungo Strawberry Festival. This month is full festival bringing in the summer season.

Events for the May 2012:


Cinco De Mayo
May 4th, 2012
Norfolk,VA

Virginia Beach Gospel Festival
Friday, May 4, 2012 - Saturday, May 5, 2012
Virginia Beach,VA

6th Annual Town Center Art and Wine Festival
May 5, 2012
Virginia Beach,VA

Atlantic Coast Kite Festival presented by The Oceanfront Inn
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Virginia Beach,VA

6th Annual AT&T Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival
May 12, 2012
Norfolk,VA

PANorama Caribbean Music Festival
Friday, May 11, 2012 - Saturday, May 12, 2012
Virginia beach,VA

Pirate Party on the Beach
Friday, May 18, 2012 - Saturday, May 19, 2012
Virginia beach,VA

11th Annual Virginia Beer Festival hosted by Virginia Arts Festival
May 19, 2012
Norfolk,VA

9th Annual Int'l Spring Wine Festival
When: May 19, 2012
Virginia Beach,VA

Pungo Strawberry Festival
Saturday, May 26th, 2012 - Sunday, May 27th, 2012
Virginia Beach,VA

Virginia Arts Festival: Week 5

Week Five of the Virginia Arts Festival May 14-20, 2012

		The Daedalus Quartet COFFEE III Tues. May 15, 10:30 AM Ohef Sholom Temple,  Norfolk
		The Daedalus Quartet André-Michel Schub, piano Raymond Jones, host Wed. May 16, 7:30 PM Trinity Episcopal Church,  Portsmouth
		Virginia Beer Festival Sat. May 19, 2-6 PM Town Point Park, Norfolk
		Attucks Jazz Series Tim Warfield, saxophone Sat. May 19, 8:00 PM Attucks Theatre, Norfolk
		Chris Botti, trumpet Sun. May 20, 7:30 PM Sandler Center for the  Performing Arts,  Virginia Beach

Information taken from the Virginia Arts Festival Newsletter

Wildife & Eco Tours

Checkout these website for wildlife tours, dolphin watching, kayaking lessons, and more. 

Rudee's Inlet Virginia Beach,VA Website

Kayak Nature Tours Virginia Beach,VA Website

Cheaspean Tours Chesapeake,VA Wesbite

Wild River Outfitters Virginia Beach,VA Website

List: Hampton Roads Bakeries

Looking for some sweet treats? Want to do a food tour? Then Check out these local bakeries and see what they have to offer.  Bread, pies, cakes and more. You will not be disappointed. All located throughout Hampton Roads. Remember this list is not final it will be updated regularly.

Norfolk

Simply Sweets
1413 Westover Ave
Norfolk, VA 23507
(757) 627-9338

Sassi Cakes & Sweets
330 W 22nd St Ste 104
Norfolk, VA 23517
(757) 321-6759
www.sassicakesandsweets.com

French Bakery & Delicatessen
4108 Granby Street
Norfolk, VA 23504
(757) 625-4936 ‎

Naa's Bakery
3527 Tidewater Dr
Norfolk, VA 23509

Lew Lou's Sinsational Bakery
4515 Colley Ave
Norfolk, VA 23508

Portsmouth

Artisans Bakery & Cafe
711 Washington St
Portsmouth, VA 23704
(757) 321-6759

Silverspoon Bakery
4715 Portsmouth Boulevard
Portsmouth,VA
(757) 673-8431
www.silverspoonva.com

The Cake Place
132 Chowan Drive
Portsmouth,VA
(757) 488-8851
www.thecakeplace.net

Virginia Beach

Sugar Plum Bakery
1353 Laskin Road
Virginia Beach
(757) 422-3913
www.sugarplumbakery.org

Bliss Bakery
1496 Lynnhaven Parkway #102
Virginia Beach
(757) 368-2253
www.theblissbakery.com

Incerdible Edibles Desserts
1640 Donna Dr. Ste. 101
Virginia Beach
(757) 463-9980
www.incredibleediblesdesserts.net

Angie's Bakery
3501 Holland Road
Virginia Beach
(757) 431-2070
www.angiesbakery.net

Newport News

Bella Cakes
1405 - I Kiln Creek Parkway
Newport News
(757) 254-7814
www.bellacakes1.com/

Couture Cakes By Nika
10373 Warwick Boulevard
Newport News, VA 23601
www.couturecakesbynika.com/

Aromas Specialty Coffee & Gourmet Bakery
706 Towne Center Drive Suite 104
Newport News, VA 23606
www.aromasworld.com/

Williamsburg

Carrot Tree Kitchens 
1782 Jamestown Rd
Williamsburg, VA 23185
(757) 229-0957
www.carrottreekitchens.com

Raleigh Tavern Bakery
Duke of Gloucester St
Williamsburg, VA 23185
(757) 229-2141

Jamestown Pie Company 
1804 Jamestown Rd
Williamsburg, VA 23185
(757) 229-7775

Chesapeake

Bennetts Corner Bakery
1457 Mt Pleasant Rd Ste 111
Chesapeake, VA 23322
(757) 546-3320

Storybook Bakery
752 Dissdale Ln
Chesapeake, VA 23320
(757) 436-1249

Hampton

The Magic Cupboard
2115 Executive Drive
Hampton,VA
(757) 826-2160
www.themagicupboard.com/

Maria's Bakery
414 Rotary St
Hampton, VA 23661
(757) 827-7622

Chinatown Bus: Norfolk to New York City

If you've been in the Hampton Roads area for awhile then I'm sure you've heard about a cheap bus going to New York City called the (Not Greyhound) Chinatown Bus. The Chinatown bus runs all year round and is the same price even on HOLIDAYS. The usually start at $25.00 each way. It's always operating! This is perfect for anyone wanting a day trip (it can be done in a day) or a weekend getaway. It takes you straight to New York City's Chinatown district. From Chinatown, you can take the subway (which are conveniently right next to the bus stations) or bus to your destinations.

It's not a fabulous way to travel nor is it luxury but, it gets you to your destinations at an unbeatable price. Greyhound isn't even that cheap or efficient. I'm sure some of you have heard horror stories about these buses. I personally have never had any problems with the Norfolk - New York routes and, I taken this bus four times.  However, I recommend you proceed with caution and book with a good company. NOTE: If something does happen to your bus while in New York they will send another bus but, if things get rough just walk to another bus company and pay for a ride to Norfolk. Majority of the companies are located on Canal St. and Broadway.

You can order online or in person on day of your departure. If you choose the day of your departure, I recommend arriving an hour early. You can bring as many bags as you choose and pick any seat. Sometimes, they play movies and there is a bathroom available (bring tissue).

Currently, the only cities available are Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton & Newport News. Apex Bus is the only bus for Newport News to New York. Sprinter Bus is the only service city of Hampton. To book online I recommend the following:

Goto Bus
Apex Bus
New Everyday Bus
Sprinter - Drops off at Penn Station. Does not go to Chinatown.

For Detailed Information I highly recommend:

NYChinatown.Org: Chinatown Bus - This website has the most detailed information about buses, routes, and times.

Remember, once your in NYC it's easy to visit New Jersey and Phildelphia since they are so close. If you have time and up for the journey then visit these other states. Please be safe, plan accordingly, and enjoy your time in New York City.

The Club at Lynnhaven Mall

Lynnhaven Mall in Virginia Beach, Virginia is one of the best malls in the Hampton Roads area. It has the largest variety of retailers and restaurants. It is also surrounded by shopping plaza and business offices. This mall is definitely worth a stop if your in Virginia Beach.

The food court is one of the best which has international cuisine like sushi and noodles. I love "Jelly Ball" because it's the only place that serves milk tea with the pearls. Cold Stone's is also available if you're in the mood for a cold treat.

There are so many stores! Here's a list: Aeropostale, American Eagle Outfitters, Baker's, Banana Republic, Bath & Body Works, Cache, Build-A- Bear, Charlotte Russe, Claire's, Old Navy, Pacsun, Sephora, Spencer's,Swarovski, Torrid, Yankee Candle, & lots more.

A few others: 

"We Are Nuts" - You will smell this if you enter the mall through Macy's! Believe you will want some by the time you leave the mall.

"Spencer's" - This is a trendy store for teens or young adults. The sell novelty items. 

"Fedrick's of Hollywood" - Selling sexy and seductive lingerie. If you're in Virginia Beach for a special night with your partner and need some special attire then this is a good start.

"Jessica McClintock" -  Ladies if you need a party dress immediately this place is worth a try. They  supply party and prom dresses.

"Gymboree" - This is a cute children's store. Great for the little ones.

These are only a few stores and restaurants, please check the Official Website for more details and information.

TIP: Sign-Up for "The Club" special offers newsletter. I highly recommend it for anyone staying or living in the Hampton Roads area. The offer amazing coupons and discounts. I recently received a coupon for 20% off one item at H&M. The also offer free gift cards with your purchases. Sign Up Here!

Hampton Roads Shopping Malls

Hampton Roads Shopping Malls

Here is a quick list of malls, centers, and plazas in the Hampton Roads area for shopping. The two top mall in the area would be Lynnhaven Mall and MacArthur Mall. If you're in the mood for some outdoor shopping Williamsburg Premium Outlets is a great place to do your shopping. There will be more shopping facilities added to list so, please check back for more updates.

Shopping Stops:

Macarthur Center Norfolk,VA

Lynnhaven Mall Virginia Beach,VA

The Shoppes at Hilltop Shopping Center Virginia Beach,VA

Virginia Beach Town Center Virginia Beach,VA

Red Mills Commons Virginia Beach,VA

La Promenade Virginia Beach,VA

Others:

Military Circle Mall Norfolk,VA

Coliseum Shopping Mall Hampton,VA

Pembroke Mall Virginia Beach,VA

Greenbrier Mall Chesapeake,VA

Farmer's Market Virginia Beach,VA

Oceanfront Shopping Area Virginia Beach,VA

Janaf Shopping Center Norfolk,VA

Patrick Henry Mall Newport News,VA

Peninsula Town Center Hampton,VA

Guide: Hampton Roads Food Tours

Hampton Roads Food Tours

I have compiled a short list of companies offering food tours in the Hampton Roads area. Norfolk and Virginia Beach are the main focus of the tours. However, there is a company offer 2-3 day food tours in HR Region including the Easter Shore. The operate in small group going into popular areas like Ghent's Colley Ave. and Downtown Norfolk's Granby Street. The tours start at moderate prices and can accommodate a group of people. If I find anymore tours I will post them up.

Norfolk Walkabouts: Starting at $15.00 Website

They focus on Town Point & Freemason areas of Downtown Norfolk. Also, the Ghent area which is very close to Downtown Norfolk. Scheduling tours from Virginia Beach to Hampton Roads local Farm Market along with AM & PM tours.

Coastal Food Tours Of Virginia: Starts at 57.00 Website

This company not only offers food tours for the Hampton Roads areas but they service all parts of Virginia plus the DC metro area through a sister company. They also offer a motor coach food tour that's four days long!

Cloud9 Living: Starts at $85.00 Website

Cloud9 offers unique experiences for your loved ones. They cater to making memorable moments. One of their moments is private food tour in Norfolk. They also offer one for Virginia Beach at $79.00.

News: Hampton Roads Berry Farmers Seeing Red

 Hampton Roads Berry Farmers Seeing Red

Across the region, farmers are seeing red like never before.

"We're not even ready," said Carolyn Lilley, who manages her family's strawberry fields in Chesapeake and Suffolk. "Everything is ripening right in front of our eyes. All these berries!"

Southeastern Virginia farmers produce the bulk of the state's $7 million strawberry crop. Usually, the 50 acres of local U-pick fields open to the public in late April, but not this year. Many fields opened this week, and a few farmers sounded the call even earlier.

"This never, never, never happens," said Robbie Vaughan, who grows four varieties of berries on the Pungo farm that has been in his family for more than three centuries. "If someone had told me I'd have strawberries ready on Easter Sunday, I'd have said, 'There's no way possible.' "

But the early season has some farmers worried that perfectly ripened berries will rot on the ground because Tidewater residents are programmed to migrate to the fields around Mother's Day.

On Wednesday, about a dozen pickers bent over rows at the Flip Flop Farmer fields in Pungo, plunking crimson berries into plastic buckets and occasionally sampling the crop.

"We've been busy for the first of April, but not May busy," said Bruce Henley, the Flip Flop Farmer.

Perennial picker Nancy Hubbard was among the early birds. Wednesday marked her second day in the patch of Sweet Charlie berries, the earliest variety to ripen.

"They're awesome; they're all perfect," said the Virginia Beach resident, whose berries were destined for jam.

Henley even opened a few rows for picking in late March, an unheard-of feat that he accomplished by covering a swath of Sweet Charlies with immense lengths of a dryer-sheet-like fabric that allows sunlight to penetrate but traps moisture and heat.

He's also experimenting with a newer variety, Albion, which could extend the local season beyond June and into July, even August. Clusters of massive, perfectly shaped Albions were just starting to ripen, and Henley invited pickers to have a taste.

By next week, the Sweet Charlies are expected to give way to the Chandlers, a bigger berry that makes up the bulk of the local crop. Henley's father, Wink Henley, 72, the most veteran of the Virginia Beach strawberry farmers, bent down to inspect some Chandlers in his Virginia Beach field. He, too, is in awe of the season.

"I think this year is going to be first-class," he said. "If nothing happens to them."

Barring a late frost, hail or torrential rain, Bruce Henley agreed: "It's going to be one of those years when you say, 'Remember that year...?' "

Source:
By Lorraine Eaton
The Virginian-Pilot
© April 12, 2012

Monthly Events: Hampton Roads April 2012

Hampton Roads Events: April 2012 

Here is a list of Hampton Roads events happening in April. This list includes the Spring Fountain festival in Norfolk's Town Pointe Park. This festival celebrates the opening of the water fountain in the park. It will include food, fun, and games. Also, don't miss the International Tattoo Festival this month because it will be an amazing show.

A list of events for the month of April 2012:

Cherry Blossom Festival
Sunday April 1st, 2012
Virginia Beach,VA

Cruisin' Virginia Beach Car Show
April 14th, 2012

Virginia beach,VA

3rd Annual Spring Fountain Fair
Saturday, April 21, 2012
10am-3pm
TowneBank Fountain Park
Norfolk,VA

Virginia International Tattoo
Thursday, April 26, 2012-Friday, April 27, 2012
Norfolk,VA

American Indian Pow Wow
Saturday, April 28th, 2012
Virginia Beach,VA