PRIDELY ~ Virginia Beach & Hampton Roads

TOP 5 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Next International Trip

Whether it’s your first international trip or your fifth, traveling is all about discovering the unknown. It’s no surprise that there can be problems along the way. Extra planning and learning from these common travel mistakes can help you focus on enjoying your trip without worrying.

Mistake #1 is overpacking - too many packed items can be hard to organize and be uncomfortable to travel with. Mistake #2 is overspending - sticking to a realistic budget and leaving room for unexpected expenses is always best. Mistake #3 is not doing enough research - it’s always safe to do extra research when traveling aborad including weather, laws, and international costs. Mistake #4 is carrying valuables with you while exploring - pick pocketers are notorious for targeting tourists, so keep your valuables locked away safe in your hotel if possible. Most importantly, mistake #5 is not notifying your bank of your international travel plans - otherwise, your debit or credit card may be blocked due to “unusual activity” unfortunately if you don’t do this ahead of time.

Restaurants

FIREBREW Bar & Grill

Relaxed tavern with a warm vibe offering American fare, self-serve wine stations & patio seating.

1253 Nimmo Pkwy Suite 117, Virginia Beach, VA 23456

Phone: (757) 689-2800 | Web: fire-brew.com

The Barking Dog

4330 Kecoughtan Rd, Hampton, VA 23669

Low-key waterside joint serving hot dogs & sausages, plus burgers, sandwiches & fried seafood.

Phone: (757) 325-8352 | Web: hampton.thebarkingdogvatogo.com

Le Yaca Virginia Beach

À la carte & tasting menu options in a white tablecloth dining room, with light wood interior.

701 First Colonial Rd Suite 107, Virginia Beach, VA 23454

Phone: (757) 500-4773 | Web: leyacawilliamsburg.com

Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.

Venture Kitchen & Bar

Brick-oven pizza & tapas pair with cocktails & craft beer at this contemporary American kitchen. 9 E Queens Wy E, Hampton, VA

Tautog’s Restaurant

Popular local seafood eatery set in a cozy Victorian cottage near the beach, with porch seating. 205 23rd St, Virginia Beach, VA Park Lane Tavern

American pub food served in a stylish setting with wood decor inspired by the taverns of London. 4200 Kilgore Ave, Hampton, VA

Whiskey Kitchen

Rustic, warehouselike pub with locally sourced comfort food, regional brews & whiskey cocktails. 2149 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA

Tommy’s Restaurant

Casual diner serving American comfort food for breakfast & lunch in old-school digs. 3406 W Mercury Blvd, Hampton, VA

Terrapin Restaurant

Sleek, refined venue with a bar & outdoor seating offering locally sourced New American cuisine. Pinewood Square, 3102 Holly Rd, #514, Virginia Beach, VA

Mission BBQ

Casual chain featuring BBQ & classic sides, plus memorabilia honoring soldiers & first responders. 2035 Von Schilling Drive, Hampton, VA

Hot Tuna

Seafood-focused eatery with an eclectic menu & lively bar scene fueled by DJs & colorful cocktails. 2817 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA

Smitty’s Better Burger

Circa-1956 burger joint with drive-up service makes foot-long franks & other American classics. 1313 N King St, Hampton, VA

EVENTS

Feb 5-6

Coastal Virginia Wine Fest

Enjoy tastings from our featured wineries and cideries, try samples in the distillery den and shop from a variety of specialty vendors. There will also be live entertainment, a cash beer garden, a local celebrity grape stomp and so much more. Plan for a special occasion and enjoy the BEST wine festival in Virginia! Visit coastalvirginiawinefest.com.

Mar 31

Transgender Day of Visibility

The LGBT Life Center, the Transgender Assistance Program of Virginia, the Southeastern Transgender Resource Center, and New Life MCC are organizing a day of centering, celebrating, and uplifting the transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming communities of Hampton Roads. Visit lgbtlifecenter.org for details.

Apr 23

Spring Craft Show and Vendor Fair

Shop for crafts and treasures and stay for lunch! Many crafters offering hand-made jewelry, art, hand made greeting cards and paper crafts, toys and much more, even some direct sales and vendors mixed in. Find us on Facebook for details.

Apr 30

Atlantic Coast Kite Festival

Kite fliers and spectators of all ages will experience a visual feast at the Atlantic Coast Kite Festival. This popular event features a variety of activities appropriate for all ages and all levels of kite aficionados. Admission to the kite festival is free. beacheventsvb.com.

May 6-7

Virginia International PANfest

Join world-class performers for a spectacular celebration of Caribbean

music on the oceanfront in beautiful Virginia Beach! The festival’s casual atmosphere appeals to the island community and people of all ages who are intrigued by the unique sounds and style of steel drum music! Fusing together the rhythm of steel bands, ocean breezes, and great international food, the breathtaking Virginia Beach oceanfront becomes an “island paradise” for the weekend. Learn more at www.vapanfest.org

Jun 24

Suffolk Library Pride

Celebrate Pride month and the LGBTQIA+ community with SPL at Parking Lot Pride! There will be informational tables, local resources, including the LGBT Life Center and PFLAG, grab-and-go activity kits, open mics to share your stories, and food trucks. Parking Lot Pride welcomes all ages. Visit https://suffolkpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/8962193.

Jun 25

Hampton Roads Pride PrideFest is the largest annual LGBT festival in Virginia and the City of Norfolk’s largest one-day festival! Beyond Main Stage entertainment, enjoy Family Fun & Games, Club PrideFest, and a History and Equality area! PrideFest combines entertainment, vendors, and fun activities for all ages. Visit hamptonroadspride.org.

Jun 28

Silver Pride

We are proud to announce the return of Silver Pride* – an event focused on centering on and uplifting the voices of LGBTQ+ folx that are 50+ and thriving. Please join us on the anniversary of Stonewall as we honor the legacy and celebrate the progress of our community while honoring those who paved the path for us today. Attendees will enjoy an evening social featuring drinks, appetizers, games and activities, music, and more! This event is free of charge. Details at eventbrite.com.

Most Profitable Blog Niches

Making money online with a blog has never been easier.

There are so many areas you can explore when developing content for a blog. Making a profit from doing this is definitely possible, but it is essential to make sure you are creating high-quality content to help you monetize. Here are some quick tips and ideas to help you get started.

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Digital Marketing

Don’t overestimate the value of digital marketing in today’s businesses.

SEO, email campaigns, social media, and influencer marketing are just some of the broad range of strategies used in digital marketing.

Blogging for Profit

There are many valuable ways to write and help people make money online.

Some of these blog topics include freelance writing, working as a virtual assistant, and even starting your own online business.

EVENTS

Jul 23

Suffolk Pride Festival

Suffolk Pride returns to Bennetts Creek Park for the 2nd Annual Suffolk Pride Festival hosted by Suffolk’s very own Jennifer Warner with DJ Wolf Pup. Surprise guests and performers all day from 11am-5pm. Join us at 3000 Bennetts Creek Park Rd, Suffolk, VA 23435. Food, music, entertainment and a pride kayak departing every 30 minutes on the water. Find us on Facebook for details.

Sep 24

VA Pridefest

The free event will feature entertainment on two stages, 10 food trucks and more than 120 non-profit and merchandise vendors. Headline entertainment on the Truist Main Stage includes the Queen of Bounce, Big Freedia, Leikeli47, a rap artist with ties to Virginia and Celebrity Drag Queen, Rosé from RuPaul’s Drag Race. The jam-packed line-up includes local bands and regional acts, DJs, drag performances and much, much more. The CarMax Youth Pride Pavilion will offer a full day of entertainment, activities and vendors for LGBTQ and allied youth and their families from a second stage. Visit https://www.vapride.org/pridefest.

Oct 20-21

Norfolk’s NEON Festival

The NEON Festival is a two-evening festival celebrating and encouraging visitors to explore and discover the NEON District, Norfolk’s first official arts district. The NEON District is anchored by the Chrysler Museum of Art and Harrison Opera House and extends to The Plot on Granby Street.

Dec 5

Arts for Life Benefit Concert

A World AIDS Day Benefit Concert for the LGBT Life Center, hosted by TR Dance. Hampton Roads artists perform to benefit LGBT Life Center. Learn more at lgbtlifecenter.org.

LGBT LIFE CENTER

LGBT Life Center is a trusted leader that empowers the LGBTQ communities and all people affected by HIV through improving health and wellness, strengthening families and communities, and providing transformative education and advocacy. Web: lgbtlifecenter.org

HAMPTON ROADS PRIDE

Hampton Roads Pride unites the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) and allied communities in support of inclusion, dignity and equality of all people. Web: hamptonroadspride.org

HAMPTON ROADS LGBT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Our mission is to empower and support LGBT and allied member businesses and professionals and provide our community an inclusive and welcoming environment to live, work, and grow. Web: hrbor.org

PFLAG NORFOLK / HAMPTON ROADS

PFLAG is the first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and their families. Web: www.pflaghr.com

GENDER SPECTRUM

Gender Spectrum works to create gender sensitive and inclusive environments for all children and teens. Web: genderspectrum.org

HAMPTON ROADS LGBTQ LIAISON

The Hampton Police Division’s LGBTQ liaison addresses the needs of the lesbian, gay, transgender and questioning community and connects that community with the police and other members of law enforcement. Web: hampton.gov/3298/LGBTQ-Liaison

THE SILVER RAINBOW

The Silver Rainbow of Hampton Roads aims to improve the lives of older LGBTQ adults in coastal Virginia via advocacy, social events, support and lifelong learning. Membership is free and open to interested persons of any age, sexual orientation or gender expression. Web: facebook.com/groups/silverrainbow757

Health & Fitness

Online fitness classes have become more and more popular over time.

There are many areas of fitness content to include such as workout videos, fitness courses, and one-on-one training sessions.

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Finance & Investing

People are constantly seeking ways to manage their money better.

You can help people manage their money wisely in ways like saving for retirement or making the right investments.

Food Recipes

People love to learn about quick and easy meals and diets.

Getting creative with this is the fun part as you can put own twist on popular dishes or share innovative recipes.

Self Care

Now more than ever, people are tapped in to their mental wellness.

There are so many beneficial topics to create content on inlcuding routines, stress management, mindfulness, and journaling.

ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Owl Creek Veterinary Hospital 17

APPAREL

Born Primitive back outside cover

BAKERY

Empowered Plant Cakes 1

CHILD EDUCATION

Hampton Roads Classical 2

CHILD FITNESS & PLAY

The Little Gym front cover

COMMUNITY RESOURCES & SAFETY

Samaritan House 11

DENTAL

Dr. Arthur Rex Jenkins Dentistry 17

DINING

The Grey Goose 3

EDUCATION

Hampton University 13 HEALTHCARE Intrepid USA 3

INTERIOR DESIGN

Julianne Casey Interiors 11

MASSAGE

Massage Norfolk back inside cover

OPTOMETRY

Southern Eyesore Associates 2

PAINTING

AA&D Painting 17

REAL ESTATE

Triumph Realty 13

SKIN CARE

The Spa & Laser Center 3

WEDDING PLANNING

Amber Justine Events 8-9