Need a Band to Follow? Meet The Castellows
By Butch Maier A trio of rising stars will bring their neo-traditional country sound to the Patriotic Festival on May 24 at Scope Arena in Norfolk. The Castellows—comprised of Balkcom sisters Lily (vocals), Ellie (lead guitar), and Powell (banjo)—are from little Georgetown, Georgia, and now call Nashville home. Ellie and Powell turn 23 in May. [...]
Dear Dolly (and Everyone Else), Meet Ashley Anne
ASHLEY ANNE, A COUNTRY SINGER-SONGWRITER FROM VIRGINIA BEACH, RELEASES GENERATIONAL HEARTBREAK, HER THIRD EP. By Butch Maier Ashley Anne Profession: Country singer-songwriterNew EP: Generational Heartbreak (2026)Previous EPs: Dear Dolly (2024), Call Me When You Land (2024)Hometown: Virginia BeachResidence: NashvilleOn tour: 7 p.m., Friday, May 22, opening for Zach Top, Patriotic Festival, Scope Arena, NorfolkEvent website: patrioticfestival.comOfficial website: ashleyannemusic.com Country singer-songwriter Ashley Anne—born [...]
WHAT TO SEE / FESTIVALS
Food, Folks, and Fun Festivities By Barrett Baker Our region is home to a wide range of cultural events, from pirates running amok in the streets to festivals that celebrate diversity, freedom, expression, and unity. Many of these commemorations are filled with the joys of food, music, dancing, and educational opportunities, so visitors can absorb new [...]
2026 Best Of Eastern Shore Awards
See the full list of Best Of Eastern Shore Winners Here Third time’s a charm, and Coastal Virginia Magazine’s third annual Best Of The Eastern Shore Awards has charm to spare. This open contest is based on your votes and showcases the businesses, people and destinations selected by the public as the best of the [...]
Cook’s Corner: Eggs Potential
Nutritious, energy-boosting, egg-inspired breakfasts that save time.
Lobstah King’s is on a Roll
Avery Belton craved lobster. Today, he’s Lobstah King, turning 150 pounds of Maine and Canadian lobster into quintessential lobster rolls three days a week at his food trailer at Dean and Don’s Farm Market in Newport News.
Grazing for Fresh Food: Bison Comes Farm-to-Table
If you’ve strolled through a farmers market, noshing on a hot dog slathered in dijon mustard and smokey dill-pickle relish, it’s likely you’ve already sampled everything that symbolizes Elizabeth Riffle and Riffle Farms.
Faces Of: Restorative Wellness
SPONSORED CONTENT In a world where self-care is often rushed and impersonal, The Well VB offers something more intentional. This locally owned, woman-owned wellness studio in Virginia Beach has built its reputation on thoughtful, consistent care that clients feel the moment they arrive. There’s a quiet shift that happens here. The body begins to soften. [...]
Faces Of: Real Estate
SPONSORED CONTENT In a rapidly evolving real estate market, Prodigy Realty stands out by putting people first. Based in Virginia Beach and serving the Coastal Virginia area, the team is known for delivering a seamless, relationship-driven experience for buyers, sellers, and those relocating to the region. Led by Broker/Owner Karen “Tyler,” Prodigy Realty combines deep [...]
Faces Of: Body Piercing
SPONSORED CONTENT Luna Estelle was created from a vision to elevate the body piercing experience. One rooted in intention, artistry, and respect for the craft. What began as a personal calling has grown into a studio grounded in both precision and purpose. A space where piercing is approached with care, meaning, and a deep understanding [...]
Faces Of: Philanthropy
SPONSORED CONTENT Florence Smith’s respect for doctors came to her naturally as the only daughter of Dr. Hy Smith and his wife Julia. Hy Smith was a surgeon who practiced in Norfolk and treated yellow fever victims in the 1870s and ‘80s. He passed away in 1915. Thirty-seven years later, when Florence Smith died in [...]
Faces Of: Food & Beverage
SPONSORED CONTENT Chef Kenny Sloane is a defining force in Coastal Virginia dining, with a diverse portfolio that blends culinary craftsmanship, creative hospitality, and vibrant entertainment. His flagship Fin Seafood in Port Warwick showcases contemporary coastal cuisine grounded in classic French technique, featuring fresh local seafood and seasonal ingredients. Fin & Tonic in Suffolk pairs [...]
Faces Of: Personal Injury Law
SPONSORED CONTENT Ernest Law Group, located in the heart of Virginia Beach, is a distinguished women-led legal boutique bringing together a highly accomplished team of female attorneys known for their steadfast advocacy and client-centered approach. In a profession where such representation remains rare, the firm has built a culture that not only delivers exceptional results, [...]
Faces Of: Rheumatology
SPONSORED CONTENT For more than 30 years, Arthritis & Rheumatic Diseases has been a cornerstone of advanced rheumatologic care in Williamsburg, Virginia, and the surrounding region. Led by Dr. Elena Flagg and Dr. Laila Rahbar, the practice is distinguished by its commitment to evidence-based medicine, clinical precision, and highly personalized care. Consistently recognized as Top [...]
Faces Of: Mobile Healthcare
SPONSORED CONTENT Chesapeake Regional Healthcare’s mobile fleet is breaking down barriers to care in communities throughout Southeastern Virginia. Along with their compassionate clinical teams, these vehicles bring comprehensive services that combine hands-on care with a deep understanding of the social and emotional challenges families face. Chesapeake Regional was the first healthcare system in Hampton Roads [...]
Faces Of: Orthodontics
SPONSORED CONTENT With more than 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Yugal Behl has built Behl Orthodontics into one of Coastal Virginia’s most trusted orthodontic practices. Serving patients across Hampton Roads, his approach is rooted in one core belief: every patient deserves personalized, comprehensive care that supports both confidence and overall health. Behl Orthodontics offers [...]
Faces Of: Fine Art Gallery/Pottery Studio
SPONSORED CONTENT In addition to representing over 15 amazing and emerging artists from across Virginia, the 110 Gallery features a wide range of classes to spark creativity in children and adults of all ages. Since opening in the fall of 2024, the gallery’s pottery studio has hosted a steady stream of pottery classes on its [...]
Faces Of: Foundation Repair
SPONSORED CONTENT Trust the experts. BAY Crawl Space & Foundation Repair is an Award-Winning Contractor specializing in fixing homes with moisture, mold, crawl space, & foundation issues. BAY is proud to help homeowners provide stable, safe, & healthy homes for their families. When it comes to ‘Foundation Repair’, our recommendation is always to ‘Trust The Experts’. BAY’s [...]
2026 Summer Fun Guide
The 2026 Coastal Virginia Magazine Summer Fun Guide is packed with...
2026 Top Agents of Coastal Virginia
Coastal Virginia Magazine's Top Agents for 2026 recognizes licensed real estate agents working in the Coastal Virginia region. It includes agents with sales totaling $7 million or more from 8-1-24 to 7-31-25 based on available or provided data. The list was compiled by independent research firm DataJoe based on information gathered from a variety of [...]
Season and Opportunity
Planthouse, with roots in Virginia Beach, has customers who seek houseplants in the spring and workshops in the fall
Chesapeake Regional Healthcare Celebrates 50 Years
The Chesapeake Regional Health Foundation hosted its annual gala at the Chesapeake Conference Center, celebrating 50 years of exceptional community care provided by Chesapeake Regional Healthcare. The event marked a significant milestone for the health system, which opened its doors in 1976 as a grassroots effort to bring high-quality health care closer to home for [...]
Young Survivor, a Newport News Teacher, Reflects on Her Stroke
Strokes do not check IDs.
ZZZ’s With Ease
How to make rest a priority while on the road and get better sleep while traveling.
Best Chef in Six States Washes Dishes, Presents Plates, and Raises Bar for Food
By Butch Maier / Photos By Jason Adams Chef Paul Smith was washing dishes at his restaurant when he got a congratulatory call from one of his best friends. “I actually hung up on him,” Smith said. “I thought he was joking.” Smith, the chef at 1010 Bridge in Charleston, West Virginia, soon learned that he had, indeed, received a serious honor. The [...]
The Last Cowabunga
PETE SMITH, 1939-2026: Surfing icon ‘helped put Virginia Beach on the map'
At A Crossroads
Top chef in region serves Charleston tasty chews in an effort to make West Virginia’s capital a dining destination, rather than a drive-through town.
The Vintage Advantage
With So Many Traditional Malls Closing And Thrift Finds On Consumers’ Minds, Va Vintage expands Vintage Mall Space
Five To Try: Thrift Stores
WHERE YOU CAN GO WHEN YOU HAVE $20 IN YOUR POCKET
Outlander Costumes, Star Visit Yorktown
Show's Outfits Woven in Time
Williamsburg Among the Places to Love
PBS host and former Richmond resident Samantha Brown wowed upon return visit
The Soprano’s in Training
Virginia Beach singer Shannon Crowley is selected for the prestigious Merola Program in San Francisco
Getting to the Bottom of a Story
Author-Screenwriter Mark Richard, who grew up in Franklin and lives in Richmond, finally gets The Ice At The Bottom Of The World made into a movie in Coastal Virginia
Current Scoop May/June 2026
BOUTIQUE The Sitio Hotel Opens in Virginia Beach The Sitio, a 20-room boutique hotel, opened in March at Atlantic Park, Virginia Beach’s retail, dining, and entertainment district anchored by the Wavegarden Cove surf lagoon. The Sitio, at 365 18th St., introduces a distinct design-forward hospitality experience to the Oceanfront, blending surf culture, contemporary design, art, music, and curated year-round programming. “With its thoughtful design and elevated approach to comfort and [...]
Faces Of: Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery
SPONSORED CONTENT As a skilled plastic and cosmetic surgeon, Dr. John Mancoll has made a difference in the lives of thousands of people, helping them change not only their look, but their outlook on life. As a patient of Dr. Mancoll, you’ll be met with caring, compassion and understanding. Start with a consultation, an easy [...]
