When you’re on vacation in Virginia Beach, there’s no shortage of fun things to do, especially when you’re conscious of the budget. When the rainy days hit, or maybe you caught a little too much fun in the sun, the great indoors will be calling your name. Instead of hitting the typical tourist hotspots, check out some fan-favorite antique malls and thrift stores for the ultimate beach vacation souvenir. Read on for our recommendations.
Top Antique Malls in Virginia Beach
Skip the traditional souvenir shop and head to an antique mall for a totally unique keepsake from your Virginia Beach vacation! These places pack a serious punch, and you may want to bring a snack because you’ll be exploring the aisles for a while! They are each about a 15-20 drive from beaches, so you’ll experience more of our city!
- VA Vintage | 1650 General Booth Boulevard, Suite 105A
- Virginia Beach Antique Mall | 3900 Bonney Road
- Barrett Street Antique Mall | 2645 Dean Drive
Best Thrift Stores in Virginia Beach
Some of the best thrift stores in Virginia Beach are just a few minutes away from the North End and Resort District. We’re talking year-round holiday sections, stacks of coveted silver and pewter, and aisles of funky vintage clothing. The best part is that two of the three stores directly benefit local charities, so you do good while you shop!
- CHKD Thrift Store | 550 First Colonial Road #310 (Benefits the local children’s hospital)
- Goodwill | 1661 Laskin Road
- SOS Thrift Store | 5193 Shore Drive #109 (Benefits Virginia Beach Teachers Fund)
Vintage Adventures in Chesapeake
Looking for even more adventure or a day trip away from Virginia Beach? Luckily for you, the author of this article is a very serious antiquer and thrifter, so she’s willing to share some of her favorite places to find some serious goodies. Take a scenic drive to our sister city of Chesapeake to the original Virginia Vintage at 800 S Battlefield Boulevard. Filled to the brim with treasures, so just bring your phone, payment method, keys, and put them in your back pocket because you'll need all of your flexibility to move through the aisles and don’t want a purse to swing and hit something. (Been there, done that.)
Pack up the car for a fun day trip, and head to Virginia’s Eastern Shore for fabulous antiquing at great prices. The Blue Crow Antique Mall at 32124 Lankford Highway is about a 90-minute drive, but it's worth every minute. Massive, fantastic prices, every type of antique, and with an entire warehouse dedicated to Christmas, it’s an antique lover’s dream. Stop at the Machipingo Trading Company for some lunch to fuel up for the adventure with fantastic sandwiches and cookies; you can’t go wrong with any of their menu choices.
Souvenirs to Scoop for Ultimate Beach Memories
With all of these fantastic places to stop into, you will surely find something unique. Here are some “vintage Virginia” items for the ultimate Virginia Beach vacation souvenir and thrift/antique score! We included links to help inspire the visual hunt!
- Chesapeake Blue Crab plate
- Fish plates (any kind, pick your favorite!)
- Tidewater on the Halfshell Cookbook
- Rick Romano art print (famous local artist)
- Boardwalk Art Show print
- HarborFest print
- Beachy resin frame
- Glass lamp to fill with shells from beach walks
- Oyster plate (These can get pricey, starting around $50 in antique stores and going up from there)
- Wood duck decoy
After all that, we hope you’re ready to make your memories on a Virginia Beach vacation!
Plan Your Next Virginia Beach Vacation
Plan your perfect coastal escape and book a Virginia Beach vacation rental in one of the area's top destinations. Stay steps from the ocean in the lively Boardwalk and Resort Area, unwind in the laid-back surf town of Croatan Beach, or soak up the local charm at Chesapeake Beach and the North End. Choose from a variety of vacation homes, including pet-friendly rentals and properties with a private pool, perfect for relaxing after a day at the beach. Whether planning a family trip or a weekend getaway, the right vacation rental puts you close to the sun, sand, and surf. Browse available homes and book your Virginia Beach stay today.