Shopping

You name it; we’ve got it—from upscale indoor malls in Virginia Beach and Norfolk to the new outdoor ones that attempt to recreate an urban downtown in Hampton and Virginia Beach. There are flea markets and thrift stores for those on a budget and high-end fashion outlets for those who prefer custom service. Nearly every corner seems to have an auto dealership—another perk brought to you by all those sailors and soldiers returning with bulging pockets after months-long deployments.

Want to explore the outdoors? Will that be by land or sea kayak, sir? There are legendary surf shops and a wealth of marine dealers ready to sell you something a little more substantial than a boogie board.

We have a variety of grocery stores, from the big chains to those serving the area’s many ethnic communities. (Thanks again to the world-traveling military.) And when the weather gets nice, farmers’ markets open up around the area and growers invite you in to pick your own strawberries or other fresh favorites.

In an area so rife with history, you knew there’d be an abundance of antiques shops, and they’re scattered throughout the region with a couple concentrated hot spots.

You’ll also find all of the familiar big box retailers here, and the malls are crowded with the merchants you will find nearly every place in America. So let’s look at it by genre.