Good Morning Virginia Beach!

Our city just earned a spot on a national list alongside some of the country's most celebrated food destinations, and that's not the only reason VB is making headlines this week. A Grammy-winning group gets a permanent place in our city's history, a beloved holiday tradition is getting a major makeover, and there's a new spot for barbecue lovers to check out.

Lets dive in!

— Kim Checcio

Virginia Beach foodies, this one's for us!

Yelp and Lyft have named Virginia Beach one of America's Top 20 Foodie Cities for 2026, putting us alongside major culinary destinations like New Orleans, Charleston, San Diego and New York City.

VB landed at No. 20 in the national ranking, which combined Yelp restaurant searches, reviews and other user activity with Lyft rides to restaurants to identify where people are discovering and exploring great food. Richmond also made the list at No. 17, giving Virginia two spots among the country's top foodie destinations.

From our incredible seafood restaurants to neighborhood favorites and an ever-growing dining scene, it's exciting to see Virginia Beach getting some national recognition. Now the question is, which local restaurant would YOU recommend to someone visiting VB?

Click Here: See America's Top 20 Foodie Cities

Virginia Beach just gave one of its most iconic musical groups a permanent place in the city's history. Grammy-winning R&B group Blackstreet, formed right here in the 1990s, now has a boulevard named in its honor. Hundreds of fans, family and friends joined group members Chauncey “Black” Hannibal, Levi Little, Mark Middleton and Eric Williams on Saturday for the unveiling of new “BLACKstreet Blvd” signs along Beasley Drive. The street will keep its official name, but the honorary designation celebrates the group's Virginia Beach roots and its lasting influence on R&B and hip-hop.

Click Here: Read more about Blackstreet Boulevard

Note: This article may require a paid subscription.

After 31 years of lighting up the Oceanfront, one of Virginia Beach's favorite holiday traditions is getting a major makeover. The former drive-through Holiday Lights at the Beach is moving to the Virginia Aquarium's Nature Trail and becoming an immersive, walk-through experience called Holiday Trail of Lights. Expect dazzling light displays, music and plenty of holiday magic as you explore the illuminated trail on foot.

The new experience runs November 20 through January 3, and tickets went on sale yesterday. Admission ranges from $19 to $22 for adults and $12 to $15 for children, with discounts available for military families on Mondays and Aquarium members. Tickets are limited, with timed entry, so you'll want to plan ahead.

Click Here: Get a First Look at the New Holiday Lights Experience

Have a college student in your life? Here's a deal worth passing along. DoorDash is offering eligible college students a FREE year of Student DashPass when they sign up by October 12. That includes $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders, 5% back in DoorDash credit on qualifying pickup orders, and even discounts on eligible Lyft rides.

The offer is available to new DashPass subscribers who verify their enrollment through SheerID. Just keep in mind that the membership automatically converts to a paid plan after the free year, so mark your calendar if you don't want to continue.

Click Here: Claim Your Free Student DashPass Before October 12

From food truck to brick-and-mortar - Coastal Beach BBQ has opened its first restaurant at 455 S. Lynnhaven Road, near Lynnhaven Mall. After spending nearly a year building a following through local events, brewery partnerships and catering, co-owner Corey Lott and his team are bringing their award-winning barbecue to a permanent home.

The menu features Texas-style brisket, Carolina-style pulled pork, Kansas-style ribs and chicken, plus house-made sides and sauces. One of the most popular items is the brisket grilled cheese on garlic Texas toast. Coastal Beach BBQ also took first place for ribs and turkey at Norfolk's 2025 Smokin' Up the Lot competition. The team plans to continue its popular pop-ups and events while expanding into its new space.

Click Here: Read more about Coastal Beach BBQ

Note: This article may require a paid subscription.

VB Living is more than a weekly newsletter and social media platforms sharing all positive things happening in VB. Each month, we also publish private community magazines that highlight the people, families and stories that make Virginia Beach neighborhoods feel connected.

Back Bay Living

This month we are excited to feature the Lewis family of Ashville Park. Chris and Kate made Virginia Beach their permanent home in 2024, drawn to the coast after years of dreaming about life near the water. Together with their two adult children, Kara and Grayson, they have built a family centered on shared adventures, a love of the outdoors, and a deep appreciation for community.

Courthouse Living

Our Courthouse Living magazine features the Goodwin family of Courthouse Estates. Jason and Jen are lifelong Virginia Beach locals whose love story famously began over chicken wings at the original Wing King. Nearly three decades of marriage later, they have built a life centered on family, friendship, and giving back. Along with their rescue dog Chuck, the Goodwins embody everything that makes this community special.