Pictured above: Virginia Beach Farmers Market
Along with tourism, agriculture is a major industry in Virginia Beach. The City’s deep agricultural heritage is apparent throughout its districts, particularly its Pungo community in its southern region. From farmers markets to farm-to-table dining to farm attractions, Virginia Beach has loads of ways to enjoy fresh produce and support local farmers and small businesses.
During your next visit to Virginia Beach, consider setting aside time for spending time at a local farm or stopping by a farmers market. Adding farm fun into your itinerary is a nice way to fit in some quiet time while visiting the resort city.
If scheduling permits, take a scenic drive into Virginia Beach’s countryside. The exciting attractions at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and other urban areas, such as Virginia Beach Town Center, are wonderful but escaping out of the hustle and bustle and into the country offers a refreshing retreat.
Pungo is a charming section of Virginia Beach where there is a peaceful pace. Here back roads take you through a tranquil, rural atmosphere consisting of marshes, trees, farmland and barns. Along with a prevalence of local farm stands, Pungo is home to a selection of farm-to-table focused restaurants, where diners can count on delectable dishes created from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
While in the Pungo area, be sure to spend some time at the beautiful Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, a 9,175-acre area near Sandbridge Beach. This natural area is home to diverse ecosystems, from beach to marshes and fields, is an excellent location for wildlife viewing and trail hiking.
May is strawberry season in Virginia Beach, so be sure to have some fresh strawberries at some point during your spring trip. “U-Pick” opportunities abound throughout the area, and a family-friendly activity for all ages. If strawberries aren’t a favorite, then many of the farms offer other picking options including a variety of fruits and vegetables. The farms typically also have a farm stand, where you can buy fresh local produce and products, such as honey, jams and salsa.
Hunt Club Farm is an especially popular farm attraction that goes above and beyond your typical farm experience. Year-round the ultra family-friendly farm hosts a wide variety of seasonal festivals. Not far from the oceanfront, the farm is a destination filled with a Petting Farm, TreeWalk Adventure and numerous other activities.
If you prefer to stay closer to the center of town but still want a taste of the farm, head to one of Virginia Beach’s farmers markets. Old Beach Farmers Market, located on 19th Street in the ViBe Creative District, is a beloved open-air market where you will find locals and visitors perusing vendor tents for produce, baked goods, art, flowers and so much more. This outdoor marketplace is open for business every Saturday morning and well worth a visit.
Further inland and located off Princess Anne and Dam Neck Roads, Virginia Beach Farmers Market is another don’t-miss market. Open year-round, this farmers market—housed in an indoor-outdoor building structure has a combination of produce stands and specialty stores including a café, ice cream shop, gift stores and more. Throughout the year, the Virginia Beach Farmers market holds various festivals and seasonal events.
While in town, experience the local flavors of Virginia Beach and feel good about helping to support the local community while doing so.