Welcome to Neptune’s Weekly - Your Guide to Virginia Beach’s News and Weekend Events

🌊 The Costal Update  

Atlantic Avenue's $75 Million Makeover: Virginia Beach Bets Big on Resort Destination

On a chilly Thursday evening, Virginia Beach residents packed into a community meeting to get a first look at the city's ambitious Atlantic Avenue Improvement Project. With a price tag that could reach $75 million, the plan isn't just about fixing a street—it's about transforming a tourism lifeline.

Project manager Jeremy Sampson isn't shy about his vision. The city aims to turn Atlantic Avenue into a resort destination that will draw travelers away from competing vacation spots. The plans are nothing short of dramatic: wider sidewalks, more trees, bike lanes, and new light posts designed to make that critical first impression count.

For Emily Archer, the Director of Economic Development, it's personal. The street represents the city's first chance to wow visitors, hoping they'll stay, enjoy themselves, and return in future seasons.

The city's strategic approach includes a key timing detail: construction will only happen during the off-season to minimize disruption to local businesses. For a street that's the primary gateway to the Atlantic Ocean, every detail matters.

But not everyone's sold yet. The project's hefty $75 million budget has raised eyebrows, with some residents wondering if the investment will truly pay off. A public online survey is now open for those who couldn't attend Thursday's meeting, inviting residents to weigh in on the biggest makeover Atlantic Avenue has ever seen.

With potential construction starting as early as next fall, Virginia Beach is betting big on creating a resort destination that stands out from the crowd. Time will tell if this ambitious plan turns Atlantic Avenue into the crown jewel of coastal tourism.

🥘 Local Eats Spotlight 

The Dirty Buffalo: A Casual restaurant offering a variety of sauces and rubs for chicken wings plus sandwiches, burgers, and cocktails. If you want to catch the local game of just hang out with the family and friends this is the spot!

🎉 Weekend Rundown 

Friday 2/7

🪙 VA Beach Coin Show: You can join the Tidewater Coin for free this Friday from 10am - 6pm and Saturday from 9am - 5pm at the VA Bean Coin Show. You’ll be able to see US and Foreign Coins & Currency, domestic & foreign gold, medals & tokens, ancient coins & artifacts, and supplies, door prizes, raffles, and free gifts for the kids!

🐻‍❄️ Special Olympics Polar Plunge: This Friday and Saturday from 10am -2pm you can hit the beach for good cause by going for a plunge in the Atlantic. You can see some Live music and get yourself free Wawa hot chocolate and coffee!

Saturday 2/8

🐝 Adult Spelling Bee: From 3-6 pm the Loan Chicken Team at Movement Mortgage invites you to come out and support a great cause at the 2025 Guys Doing Good Adult Spelling Bee! Cost: $30 to participate in the spelling contest. $10 to attend and enjoy (and laugh at all the misspellings!) Location: Elevation 27 600 Nevan Road Virginia Beach, VA 23451

🎆 Chinese New Year Celebration: Come celebrate Chinese New Year with at Tallwood High School from 1:30pm - 5:30pm! You’ll get to enjoy Traditional Chinese performances, children’s activities, free Chinese New Years gifts, and free medical consultations by the Chinese American Physicians Association.

🔫 SKG Gun Show: Check out the Gun Show at the Virginia Beach Convention Center this Saturday (9am - 5pm) and Sunday (10am - 4pm).

📽️ The Dinner Detective Comedy and Murder Mystery Dinner Show: Solve a hilarious mystery while you feast on a fantastic dinner!

Sunday 2/9

🍷 Sunday Wine Tasting: $5 wine tasting at the Virginia Beach Winery from 12pm - 5pm

🐶 Pups on the Patio: From 4pm till close head over to Three Notch’d Brewery & Craft Kitchen to enjoy $2 off draft pours and 50% off appetizers along with well behaved & leashed pups on the patio!