Good Morning Virginia Beach!

One of our favorite things about living here is that there's always something new to discover, even in places we think we know well. This week brings a little of everything we love sharing, from local happenings and weekend plans to the people making a difference in our community. Some stories are just too good not to pass along.

Lets dive in!

— Kim Checcio

by Valeria L. Palmertree, Atlantic Park Surf

In honor of Veterans Day yesterday, Atlantic Park Surf hosted Wave Warriors presented by ADS, a half-day event that offered surf sessions for those living with military service-related injuries or setbacks, and immersive surfside events for active-duty military, veterans and their families through the Navy SEAL Foundation, WWP, Patriot Guard, UDT/Seal Association, Kaizen Athletics, SOCOM Care Coalition, Jones and Cabavoy Veterans Care Center, Navy Wounded Warrior and the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Battalion-East.

Wave Warriors is the first event in Atlantic Park Surf’s Healing Waves philanthropic program and officially kicked off the surf park’s collaboration with ADS, building on the brands’ shared commitment to the local military community.

“With a mutual love for water and for our community, Atlantic Park Surf is proud to join forces with ADS in providing those who serve with the opportunity to connect with one another and harness surfing’s healing power,” said Nate Stevens, General Manager of Atlantic Park Surf.

The two community-minded entities' ongoing collaboration includes multiple veteran-focused events over the next year, and rebranding the lagoon’s control tower as the ADS Command Center.

“ADS was founded right here in Virginia Beach, with a passion for the water and a mission to serve those who serve our country. Nearly 30 years later, it’s amazing to see those roots come full circle through our collaboration with Atlantic Park Surf,” said Ryan Angold, CEO of ADS. “Wave Warriors is about more than a day on the water. It’s about creating opportunities for connection, community and healing for the military members, veterans and families who have given so much.”

Learn more at atlanticparksurf.com, or follow @atlanticparksurf on Instagram or Facebook for ongoing updates.

Who says the kids get to have all the holiday fun? The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is hosting an adults-only holiday celebration, giving the 21-and-over crowd a chance to enjoy the aquarium after hours.

Sharks After Dark: Holiday Edition takes place Friday, December 11, from 6 to 9pm. Guests can trade their usual Friday night plans for an evening surrounded by marine life, holiday festivities and a chance to show off their favorite ugly Christmas sweaters.

The event is part of the aquarium's popular after-hours series, which brings a completely different atmosphere to its exhibits once the daytime crowds have gone home.

Tickets are $38 for general admission and $19 for aquarium members.

👉🏼 Click Here: Plan Your Adults-Only Holiday Night

Barbie fans, this one's for you! The iconic pink Barbie Truck is rolling into Virginia Beach for one day only, bringing exclusive merchandise you won't find in stores or online.

The 2026 Barbie Original Icon Tour is making a stop at Lynnhaven Mall on Saturday, November 14, from 10am to 7pm. Look for the truck near the main entrance by T-Mobile.

Inspired by Barbie's original 1959 debut, the collection features vintage and Y2K-inspired apparel, denim jackets, sweaters, handbags, drinkware and collectible accessories. The traveling boutique has visited more than 100 cities since 2019, and now it's our turn!

A little heads-up before you go: merchandise is available while supplies last, and purchases are credit card only.

Click Here: Get the Details Before Barbie Rolls Out

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Meeting new people as an adult does not have to mean awkward networking or forced introductions.

The Hampton Roads Dinner Club makes it a lot more fun. You take a quick matching quiz, reserve your seat and get paired with five other locals for dinner at a surprise Virginia Beach restaurant.

The next dinner is Wednesday, November 18th at 6:30pm, and the restaurant stays under wraps until closer to the event.

Six people. One table. Good food. New connections. That’s it.

👉🏼 Click Here: Take the quiz and join the next Hampton Roads Dinner Club.