I remember years ago, when the project was first discussed, the vision that there should be a revitalized pathway between the Oceanfront & the Convention Center. The area would provide a walking zone for tourists, turning the rundown area into an arts & entertainment center. Fast forward to 2015 when City Council voted to establish the ViBe Creative District. In addition to the city's participation, a nonprofit organization was created and the vision of the ViBe began to be created into reality. An area adjacent to the Oceanfront didn't need to be filled with rundown buildings and vacant lots. It deserved to be a vibrant area that both locals and tourists would love and appreciate. Today the area contains restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries and a plethora of beautiful murals. Longtime popular surf shop WRV shares new neighbors that range from a distillery to leather smiths. The district is home to an annual mural festival and the Old Beach Farmer's Market. It's an area that calls for walking and exploration, rather than driving to a favorite eatery or coffee shop. If one motors through the area today there isn't a lot of foot traffic, even during tourist season. That's disappointing. Hopefully its new neighbor, the long anticipated Atlantic Park, will change that. The Dome Concert Arena has already opened as has the Surf Park, the only man made wave park in the world located near an ocean. Under construction are still urban residences, office space, shopping & restaurants. The future looks bright for the ViBe Creative District. So park your vehicle and walk the area built on the vision of a world where art is an integral component of the community. read more

Absolutely love wandering around & bringing friends to see all the cool art in the Vibe District! :) read more

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It's definitely worth an afternoon to tour the many fun murals in the Vibe Creative District of Virginia Beach. We found a list and a 2024 festival walking-map online. It would take several hours to walk them all, and it was mighty hot, so we got ourselves some luscious ice cream at Lolly's, and then more-or-less followed their map to drive around between 17th and 21st, Baltic and Parks, and on 17th out to about Washington. We saw about 20 cool wall-paintings, some along the entire length of a block. There's creative shops along the way, and you have a choice of at least three brew-pubs to finish your tour :-) read more

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Nice breezy day for a stroll through the Vibe District! They really upped their game with the new art installations and the rubber walk of path. read more

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Just walk That's all the advice I have Next time you visit anywhere near the oceanfront just take a walk You will find some of the most beautiful artwork on almost every block Whether it's a giant mural on the side of a building or the painted parking spots near the convention center or even the whole wooded walkway of art on the fences or something as simple as the electric boxes being decorated You will find art and love everywhere I just adore it and I tend to find something new every visit read more

Vibe Creative District - Local Flavor Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

This is a very hip area located off of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. It is art at it finest. Roads, sidewalks, trees and local business walls, are all fair game and used as a canvas. Any artist over the age of 18 are eligible to submit their work for a chance to have it displayed here. It has a few restaurants, bars and an assortment of other business that are all decorated by some very impressive murals. It took me a while to make it through theses murals and I do not think I got to every one of them. The area's mission is to "promote, support, connect, and inspire the arts and creative industries to boost our local economy, grow jobs, and enhance our quality of life". The area's motto is "There is always something happening in the Vibe." It is host to weekly, monthly, and special events like the Mural Festival, Old Beach Farmer's Market, Mural Tours, Flea Market and Second Saturdays. Some of the area's businesses include Freedom Carwash, Bad Ass Coffee, 701 - Coworking, Meeting & Event Space, Zero's Subs, Chesapeake Bay Distillery, Vibrant Shore Brewing, 17th Street Surf Shop, Pilates Fitness Club, Anchor Realty of Virginia, Inc. and Wareing's Gym. This area is very colorful and bright and full of energy and life. There are many places to pull into and park for free to view the different pieces in the area. It was a nice walk and you will really get your steps in. I did it on a nice evening. It was so cool and peaceful. This is a must see if you are in Virginia Beach, whether you are a public art lover or not. They do periodically offer day and evening tours of the murals. The area really does give off a positive vibe and is nice to see this wonderful collective come together to better their area. read more

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I found out about this area of Virginia Beach when I was making plans to go down there to visit my son, who was in the area for work. While researching things to do, the Vibe Creative District popped up and luck was on our side....they do an "Art Walk" the second Saturday of each month. It's about 1-1.5 hours of a guided tour around the area and the guide talks about the art and artists as well as some of the things that the VIBE District is doing to create new art space in the area. (NOTE: The tours start at the 3-Dimensional LOVE art installation). We visited many murals, a butterfly garden with art on the fence, and another area of land claimed for the VIBE District that currently an open air art space but they have plans to improve it to make it even better! I am so very happy that the timing worked out for me, my son and his friend to do this art walk. Everyone loved it! read more

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Coffee shops. Good eats. And awesome local artists mural! I wanted to make sure to support my very talented friends art out! When you're in the area pls stop by and take pics! She has a FB and an IG make sure to check her out and rh either artists out as well. Support local and small businesses. And the vibe district has all the amazing places that needs and would love your support! read more

Vibe Creative District - Checking out my friends mural! - Local Flavor Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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The VIBE reminds me of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. The VIBE has transformed the area. It's beautiful. I'm am a local. This use to be an eye sore but the VIBE transformed the look and the personality of the area. It's GREAT!!! It has brought me great joy to watch my local area become beautiful with amazing art and fantastic food. The restaurants are all amazing. I have gone to everything in The VIBE. I'm working on all my reviews. It has been a beautiful adventure over the years. read more

Nothing more fun than taking a long stroll through the vibe district on a beautiful day. So many talented artists have put a creative touch on so many buildings around the "district" If you've got friends or family in town...I would highly recommend snagging a cup of your favorite brew and check out all the awesome murals throughout the Vibe District. read more

Vibe Creative District - Farmers market - Local Flavor Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

So you like Norfolk's Neon District? Then you'll really like Virginia Beach's ViBe Creative District! It's much larger than its counterpart in Norfolk and full of colorful artwork for many blocks. Here you will find artwork of all shapes and sizes. Paintings, street art, sculptures, signs and more and more. Throughout the season there's always events, public art and more. Don't forget to check their website for them if you're looking to volunteer your own talents. Go down to the oceanfront with friends, family or even by yourself and check it all out. You definitely won't take it all in during one visit that's for sure. Don't forget your camera! read more

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Totally a fan!!!!! And's not til after I got home that I realized that I only touched a small nugget of the Vibe District!!! So I have more discovering to do on my next visit.. I am a lover of art, especially street art and murals!!! I am always on the hunt and in search of the most creative parts of a city. While there is a map that outlines the walking way to tour all the art to be seen, there is also food to eat, drinks to drink and stores to visit!! There was some construction taking place so it made it a little wonky getting around but I would highly recommend mapping out your excursion and just park and take on all the sites by foot. Sooooo many picture worthy spots, you cannot help but stop and take pics!!! read more

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Sometimes a name just hits the nail on the head. "Pizzeria" or "down home" or "Chad". It perfectly describes the business. In this case, the area. I will begin by saying if I lived closer (we were here on vacation), I would be in this part of Virginia Beach on a weekly basis. That's if I didn't find a place to live within the district. It is an artist's dream come true. And anyone seeking creative sparks. Coffee (from Hawaii), ice cream (in a plethora of wonderful, delicious flavors), antiques, art galleries. Places to grab a quality drink or burger or both. There are leather smiths, graphic artists, and so much more. Also, murals everywhere! No, seriously. Every turn is another one. If I hadn't been there to spend time at the beach I would have spent all of my time here. I did visit at least one business on a daily basis though. If you live nearby or are making a trip to the area soon, carve out time for the District. It will leave you as refreshed as a day laying on the sand. read more

This place just keeps getting better as more art is added and more local businesses are established. The prefect spot to spend a relaxing afternoon at the Oceanfront if you aren't feeling the beach. The City of Virginia Beach has been working hard to revitalize this area that used to just be known as "that shady area by the convention center." It's not 100% there yet, but its incredible to see the area continue to transform into something cool every time I return. Here are a few of my favorite attractions: 1. The new 3D "LOVE" statue. Great for Instagram and just cool to see in general! 2. There are three different coffee shops to choose from, grab a cup, and take a walk! 3. Donation based yoga classes all summer long offered by Bhav Brigade. Pay what you think the class is worth and a portion of their proceeds are cycled back into the community to support local charities, nonprofits and other worthwhile organizations. This area just keeps getting better as the city is on board with helping it grow. The ViBe Connectivity Plan is currently working on connecting the Virginia Beach Convention Center to the Oceanfront with wider sidewalks, more crosswalks, better pedestrian lighting, on street parking, and of course more local art in the ViBe. It's kind of a pain dealing with the construction right now, but I am confident it will be well worth the growing pains. read more

Vibe Creative District - Local Flavor Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

This is such and vibrant place to come with the family. It is very up and coming! There a couple of really cool spots located in this distract. There is parking and everything is walking distance from anywhere you park in this district. The art is always inspiring, and locally focused. I think it's great way to get local artists highlighted for locals to see! I love the events that are constantly going on here. You have to check it out if you are at the ocean front! read more

Vibe Creative District - Local Flavor Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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Vibe Creative District is wonderful. There is so much to see, explore and experience. I'd really love to just walk around and see all of the murals, take them in and photograph them I wonder where would be the best place to park before embarking on a walking tour. Ther are lots of little cafe's around for good eats. This is a very cool artsy area welcoming you to visit soon. Come check out the district's personality. read more

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I've known about the art at the ViBe district for a while and have been hearing all about it and the MOCA but have yet to spend an afternoon just walking around, looking at all the art, and really enjoying it. Sad, because I live just down General Booth, but we typically don't explore our own backyards as much as we do other spots. Yesterday, I was downtown on a sunny and beautiful Saturday with nothing to do after running an early morning Rock N Roll Half Marathon weekend 1-Miler and decided to see what ViBe was all about. We started with the Old Farmer's Market near Java Surf Cafe and walked across the street to the Craft Market and then walked to the MOCA which is unfortunately in the middle of switching displays and will not be open again until 21 SEP I believe... but we did get to see some arty crosswalks on the walk over and back. We came back and decided to start with the ViBe LOVE sign and move on from there down 17th street. We saw about 10 murals and a few more crosswalks and other sidewalk art. Some favorites were the ones painted by a Disney licensed artist at the carwash who hide mickey mouse heads and tinker bell in his works. An extremely friendly and polite attendant working there offered up some info and closed the door on the side building for me so my photos turned out better. I've eaten at a few of the restaurants in ViBe such as Hearth, Bad Ass Coffee, and Three Ships. There are many others I want to try like Commune and Esoteric and I love seeing more and more pop up. Most have fresh and local menus with ingredients sourced from the local area and rotating menu items. Lolly's ice cream has recently opened on 17th as well and who doesn't love fresh ice cream? This is a fantastic revival of a previously run-down part of the city and I love it! So glad this area is thriving and being reborn with yummy places to eat and art to be seen. read more

For those not familiar with the food, cultural and art movement occurring in the 19th Street/Virginia Beach Blvd area of the beach you may need Cliff Notes. The city in 2015 created the VIBE Creative District. It seems like so few know about this it's laughable. But hey, you got to start some where and they have a sweet start. I usually don't include links, but many need to play catch up. http://www.thevibedistrict.com/ A few of my favorite hangouts are in the VIBE such as Commune, Hearth, The Stockpot & Esoteric. As well as my favorite food truck Hashi are based out of this newly created area of Virginia Beach. But there is more and the area is quickly evolving with new development. They have a way to go on the beautification and branding of the location, but it's cultivating nicely. The city is putting money in for improvements and the VIBE community are pitching too! Evidence of community is a green privacy fence that displays local art murals. If your looking for the next big thing at the beach I think it's clear...it's the VIBE. read more

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Vibe district is a culmination of the need to revitalize run down areas of Virginia Beach and recreate it into something better and spread some personal growth for small businesses as well as to help cultivate the appreciation of the arts as well. It's a healthy relationship that gave this once down trodden area of town a chance for a facelift and redefine itself into something beautiful and breathe life into it again. It covers several blocks including WRV, Oceanfront library and towards Commune and Esoteric. Here you'll find places to brunch and dine with a flare for craft burgers to farm to table healthy options at commune and esoteric. Java Surf makes a pretty mean, delicious craftsman smoothie. I'm ordering you to try it ;-) it's heaven in your mouth! To be honest.. I hadn't known I was in the Vibe District many months ago because a while back I went to meet up with one of my sisters and her family at Java Surf and I was fascinated with Onie Tonie's bold colored fun, aquatic murals on their building. At that time there were no signs or as many murals. Fast forward to the present and I'm with my friend who had invited me to check out the free tour of the 10 recently new murals. Kate was our tour guide and it was a delight despite the heat on a sweltering Friday evening. I learned that there's some stipulations to getting a mural on your business even if you own the building. The Vibe District was allotted $50k for the ten murals. During this tour we learned about the different artists all experts in their own rights with multitudes of various skills and strengths. The Vibe district doesn't just focus on local artists but they help promote artists in general. They don't believe in limiting the Arts to one city. In fact, one of my favorites happened to be from Connecticut. That would be Arcy who is a 30 yr old who is also a Disney licensed artist, this allows him to incorporate a hidden Mickey in his artwork. Go see it in person and see if you can spot the hidden Mickey Mouse! Or you can be lazy and just look at my pic. But trust me.. things are much better when you experience it yourself. It's on the backside of the Stock Pot/ Wareing Gym building. He utilized spray paint to complete his two murals and completed his in two days. Each artist that was chosen had up to 10 days to complete their work. He finished early and chose to do a second mural that was a nod to the Wareing owner modeled after his statue at the beach. During this free tour you were able to gain knowledge about each individual artist and their chosen styles. The only female artist that was chosen for the newest ten murals is local and it was her first mural ever. (Evidently this artist happens to be the sister of one our Yelp Elite's best friend! ) I recommend taking a stroll in the Vibe District and checking out the murals which is totally free to do and check out one of the coffee shops or restaurants which isn't free. It's a good way to get some fresh air, enjoy the weather, enlighten yourself and broaden your horizons and get some exercise while supporting the Art scene and local businesses! That's a whole lot of giving back and symbiosis going on there! Is your mind blown yet?! ;-) Oh and wait! There's more! They do free concerts on the second and fourth saturdays of each month starting in June through August I believe and have partnered with Commonwealth Brewery for this- evidently they will be selling various beers geared towards the different themes. I'm not the authority on this so check it out for yourself on their website. Old beach farmer's market is at the Croc's parking lot every Sunday too I believe. read more

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I love go walking and listen about the different murals that are in the Virginia Beach area. It gives me a different perspective.