5 Virginia Beach Shopping Destinations That Aren’t Souvenir Stores – Dogwood

Explore five diverse and vibrant shop-portunities in Virginia Beach, which expand beyond the Boardwalk.

When you go on vacation, chances are you’ll want to bring back a special memento for yourself. Or how about gifts for friends or loved ones that couldn’t join in on the fun? 

If you’re looking to expand your souvenirs beyond a cheap magnet and keychain, these local shop-portunities are for you. 

Address: 611 18th St., Virginia Beach

What’s better than one cool store? That’s right—several stores located close to one another. In the ViBe Creative District, shoppers enter a part of the city filled with galleries, boutiques, and studios. The shops feature works created by local artists and artisans. 

“A hub for artists and spirits, roasters and restaurants, workouts and wares, museums and more, the ViBe is where our creative businesses have set up shop to share their passion and inspire a sense of discovery in locals and visitors alike,” the ViBe website read.

The area features a variety of diverse shopping interests, including: 

•     Leatherworkers
•     Sign painters
•     Jewelry makers
•     Those specializing in fashion and accessories
•     And more.

Address: 3900 Bonney Rd., Suite 111, Virginia Beach

 Be sure to plan some time to walk through this one! It’s the area’s largest antique mall, boasting more than 32,000 feet of retail space. 

Explore the 125-or-so vendors at this unique store, perfect for antique enthusiasts and vintage connoisseurs. For those with an affinity for the older flair, there’s no shortage of glassware, knickknacks, furniture, timepieces, and more.

 There are options for collectors of recently released items too, like autographed Funko Pop figures, pins, and home décor items. 

Address: 607 19th St., Unit B, North Virginia Beach

We’ve got this recommendation in the bag. Literally.

Specializing in handcrafted leather and canvas goods, the boutique offers a curated selection of handbags, purses, backpacks, accessories, and more. 

“The entire process unfolds in our shop which means every piece has been handled and re-handled with an eye to quality, strength and durability,” The North End Bag Company website read. “Our bags are much stronger than much of what is out there because our leather is tanned in the old-world style using bark tannins. Unlike chemical tanning, our organic and centuries-old process is safe and healthy for the planet and results in the strongest leather.”

Don’t see exactly what you’re looking for? Some of the items have customizable options, including:

•     Color choices for select bags
•     Handmade belts with made-to-fit sizing
•     Size options available for select accessories

Address: 1413 N. Great Neck Rd., Virginia Beach

Dive right in to this niche shopping experience, perfect for the seafarer in your life. If you’re a fan of life off the coast, then you’ve found the place to purchase scuba diving equipment and accessories.

Staying in the area a little longer or planning to return soon? The store also provides diving lessons and tours, getting you and your friends up close and personal with the vast underwater world. 

Address: 1810 Cypress Ave., Virginia Beach

Remember the ViBe Creative District up above? The area has an outdoor market, too. 

Currently operating every Saturday through October, a multitude of local vendors set up shop to sell their goods. 

Looking for the perfect mug to enjoy your morning coffee? Battle and Slay Pottery, specializing in the art of ceramics, typically sets up at the market. 

Or maybe you’re hoping to add to your home décor. Be sure to seek out C & A Pallet Designs, a local teacher-owned business that turns wooden pallets into works of hand painted art.

Want to gift something that says “you rock?” That’s where a souvenir from Sticks and Stones Lapidary comes into play.

To learn more about the vendors who usually sell at the market, follow the Old Beach Art & Eco Market online.