The Founders Inn and Spa

• Full-service resort spa
• 26 landscaped acres with walking trails
• On-site pet park
• Restaurants on site
• Indoor and outdoor pools

• Best for: dog owners wanting an upscale inland stay (landscaped walking trails, on-site pet park), spa trips and formal dining away from the Boardwalk
• Consider skipping if: wanting to walk to the beach (it's inland in Kempsville)

• Address: 5641 Indian River Rd, Virginia Beach, VA
• Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/orffiup-the-founders-inn-and-spa/

Last verified 2026-07-10.

• Angie's Guest Cottage Bed & Breakfast

  Oceanfront$$

  An early-1900s former Coast Guard surfmen's boarding house two blocks from the Boardwalk, run under the same family lore that gave it its name.

  • Hidden Gem

• Barclay Cottage Inn

  Oceanfront$$

  The oldest lodging in Virginia Beach still open to guests — an 1895 cottage with five rooms and wrap-around porches two blocks from the boardwalk.

  • Hidden Gem

• Cutty Sark Motel and Historic Cottages

  Oceanfront$$

  A mid-century motel-and-cottages boutique property near the boardwalk, mixing retro charm with modern rooms and an outdoor pool.

  • Family Friendly
  • Free Parking

• The Historic Cavalier Hotel & Beach Club

  Oceanfront$$$$

  The restored 1927 grand hotel on the National Register — ten U.S. Presidents, an in-house distillery, SeaHill Spa, and Beach Club access.

• 17 Hands Coffee

  Kempsville$$

  Kempsville espresso bar and scratch bakery near Centerville Turnpike, with cakes, pies, and quiche, dog treats at the counter, and free parking.

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Free Parking

• 77 Coffeehouse

  Kempsville$

  Regent University's campus coffeehouse, named for the school's 1977 founding class of 77 students, serving espresso and tea in the Dede Robertson Student Center.

• Back Bay's Farmhouse Brewing Co.

  Kempsville$$

  Farmhouse taproom on Kempsville Road pouring both beer and cider, with big outdoor grounds, food trucks, an on-site market, and a coffee shop.

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Family Friendly

• Bodega Cafe

  Kempsville$

  Bodega-style cafe serving Cuban cafecito, a coconut Coco Loco Espresso, and Puerto Rican quesitos in a small, regulars-first space.

• Buko Resto-Bar

  Kempsville$$

  Filipino-American restaurant and karaoke bar on South Independence Boulevard, serving Sizzling Sisig and Crispy Pata alongside DJ nights and pool tables.

  • Open Late

• C4 Coffee

  Kempsville$$

  Veteran-owned Kempsville cafe serving authentic Colombian coffee and empanadas alongside boba tea and made-to-order rolled ice cream.

• Autumn in the Air

  November 7, 2026 · annual

  Kempsville

  A newer addition to the city's Parks & Recreation calendar, this single-day fall festival takes over Mount Trashmore Park with folk, americana, and rock bands on an outdoor stage, food and drink for purchase, and activities scattered across the lakefront lawn. Now in its third year, it's grown into the city's answer to a proper autumn street festival without the Oceanfront crowds -- bring a lawn chair or blanket, since tents and large coolers aren't allowed in the event area. Free admission and parking make it an easy afternoon add for anyone already in Kempsville.

• Santa's Stocking Old Fashioned Craft Bazaar

  November 14, 2026 – November 22, 2026 · annual

  Kempsville

  Now in its 48th year, Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation's holiday craft bazaar splits across two weekends and two recreation centers: Princess Anne Recreation Center hosts November 14-15, then Kempsville Recreation Center takes over November 21-22. Crafters sell handmade items ranging from stocking stuffers to fine art at budget-friendly prices, with Saturday hours 9am-4pm and Sunday hours 10am-3pm each weekend. Admission and on-site parking are free at both locations, making it an easy holiday-shopping stop regardless of which side of the city you're on.

• Mount Trashmore July 4th Celebration

  July 4, 2027 · annual

  Kempsville

  Virginia Beach's inland Independence Day tradition fills Mount Trashmore Park -- the converted landfill hill that gives the park its name -- with live music, food trucks, and family activities before a fireworks show over the lake at 9:30pm. It's the free, low-key alternative to the Oceanfront's Stars & Stripes Celebration the same night, drawing families from the Kempsville and Town Center side of the city who'd rather skip beach traffic. Free admission and free parking, with the park's grassy hill doubling as a natural amphitheater for the fireworks.