You can’t miss the ViBe Creative District that is nestled near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and surrounded by unique neighborhoods that are full of personality and charm. Perhaps the area stands out to you for its bright, colorful and artistic appearance or maybe for its surrounding street names, like Baltic and Mediterranean to name just a few, that make you feel like you’re driving along a Monopoly gameboard. Whatever it is that you notice first, it’s no secret that the area will certainly grab your attention.
The ViBe District embodies an electric spirit intertwined with the laid-back attitude of the Virginia Beach resort area, showcasing vivid and locally crafted art while presenting itself as a small business gateway made up of beachy vibes. Boasting tons of restaurants and eclectic shops lining the streets, you can’t ignore the over two dozen wall murals that were designed by local artists and decorate the many buildings of small businesses. Consider taking part in the one-mile ViBe Mural Walking Tour to learn about the area and admire the various murals. It’s also the ultimate place for Instagram-worthy photos, with pops of color that make for the perfect backsplash in any picture. The area also hosts many events throughout the year, like the weekly Old Beach Farmers Market, various art shows, pop-up shops and some of the city’s best happy hours.
Get to Know the ViBe
The ViBe certainly wouldn’t be considered the Creative District without its dedication to presenting local art. The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) exhibits some of the most significant and impactful art of our time, offering a diversity seldom found in the arts community. These modern pieces offer insight into the age we live in. Providing an educational and supportive environment for artists, the Virginia Beach Art Center is a place for artists of all ages to engage and create. Be sure to visit The Artists Gallery located inside the Art Center. This artists’ cooperative provides an intimate setting to view original fine art and get to know more about the artists behind the work, as the space is used for creating, exhibiting and showcasing.
However, the creativity extends beyond the visual into the palatable. Creative restaurateurs have anchored themselves within the district, contributing exciting drinking and dining experiences. ViBe has become a mecca for foodies.
Craving a high-quality, handcrafted burger? Barrel 17 serves mouthwatering wagyu beef burgers piled high with an array of toppings for you to choose from.
Bad Ass Coffee and other coffee roasters have made the ViBe a go-to destination for some of the best coffee in Virginia Beach. The area also contains mainstays you’ll recognize, like Zero’s Subs. Zero’s began making oven-baked subs in 1967 and has become an institution in Virginia Beach.
You can even get to sipping, as the ViBe District is buzzing with locals and visitors dying to try craft beers, incredible spirits and delicious cocktails. Vibrant Shore Brewing brews adventurous, flavor-packed American ales and refined, balanced European lagers and ales, made with locally sourced ingredients.
Yet the variety of businesses is not limited to arts and dining. You can find everything from antiques to fine jewelry at Superior Pawn. There are also charming boutiques and shops where you can purchase handcrafted products. Shop unique items with bohemian flair at Gypsy Soul Boutique. This is the perfect place to browse if you’re looking for something to wear for a day on the beach or a night out. Find all of your home improvement needs, as well as bikes for peddling the boardwalk, flowers, plants and more, at Best Value Hardware.
The ViBe Creative District is bringing diversity and vitality to the Oceanfront. Take a walk off the beaten path and you’ll find the creative renaissance of the ViBe.
COVER IMAGE: Virginia Beach Public Library in the ViBe District
Kelsey Thomas
Arielle Patterson
