Quarterly news & updates

Oct. 1, 2024 | Issue 1

 

Current & Upcoming Events


 

A Month of Hispanic Heritage Culture & Flavor

Newport News has embraced National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15, by recognizing the city’s cultural diversity. Highlights included the city’s first-ever Hispanic Heritage Restaurant Week, featuring discounts from local Hispanic-owned eateries. The month-long recognition also showcased events that honor the rich contributions of our Hispanic community. READ MORE


Fall Fun & Holiday Magic Await

Experience the seasonal beauty of Newport News. As autumn colors sweep across the city, fall festivals fill the calendar, quickly transitioning to magical holiday events like Celebration in Lights and tree lightings. Whether you’re exploring fall foliage or holiday festivities, Newport News is the ideal destination for seasonal fun. READ MORE

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Service Spotlight

 

Explore the Legacy of Newport News Shipbuilding

Get ready to dive into the legacy of Newport News Shipbuilding. A new immersive exhibit at City Hall brings the history of the shipyard to life, revealing how its innovation has shaped the city and the nation. Explore even more with our online story map. Trolley tours showcasing key sites are planned for the near future. READ MORE


Celebrating African American Culture in Newport News

A new campaign, African American Cultural Experiences, was recently unveiled to promote the rich cultural heritage of our African American community. Explore the story map to find landmarks, support Black-owned businesses, and see contributions in the visual arts. After exploring online, plan your visit in person and ask about our Bandwango pass that offers rewards for visiting key locations. READ MORE

New Developments in Newport News

Your perfect getaway is just a click away!

Newport News Tourism launched a new website in August with user-friendly navigation, beautiful visuals, and personalized trip-planning tools. Whether you’re exploring attractions or building your dream itinerary, this site is the perfect guide to your next Newport News adventure. Start exploring today and uncover the very best of Newport News!

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Newport News Opens New Transportation Hub

A newly built Newport News Transportation Center brings Amtrak trains, airport shuttles, buses and taxis together under one roof. This 10,050 sq. ft. facility at 500-B Bland Blvd. opened Aug. 22. With modern amenities and convenient access, it’s never been easier to explore Newport News. We’re proud to offer travelers a warm, welcoming gateway to our city.

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Spotlight on New Businesses

Feature HeadingComing Soon: A New Culinary Experience

A 17,000 sq. ft. food hall is on its way, featuring a grilled cheese bar, brewery, taco bar, distillery, and more. With shops offering fresh meats, seafood, wine, and baked goods—plus duckpin bowling and arcade games— it’s the ultimate spot for flavor and fun. We can’t wait to welcome you to this culinary gem! Check out the website here.

Coastal Fermentory is Expanding with a New Location


Coastal Fermentory is opening a second spot, “Coastal Fermentory Uptown,” near Newport News/Williamsburg Airport. Expected to open later this year or early 2025, the new location will offer even more great beer, community events, and charitable efforts. Cheers to exciting new brews and more good times ahead!

 

Fresh Flavors Coming Soon to City Center


Saladworks is bringing its fresh, create-your-own salad concept to City Center at Oyster Point. Known for its made-to-order salads, wraps, grain bowls, and soups, Saladworks offers both customizable options and chef-inspired signature dishes. It’s the perfect place to enjoy something healthy, flavorful, and made just for you.

New Culinary Gem Downtown


Corkscrews & Brews, a delightful addition to the Yard District, opened its doors in June 2024. Located at 208 23rd Street, this cozy spot offers a selection of wines, coffee, and a menu featuring breakfast and lunch sandwiches, wraps, pastries, and charcuterie boards. It’s the ideal place for a relaxed meal or just catching up with an old friend. 

 

Global Pastry Favorites Come to Newport News


Tous les Jours, a French-Korean bakery café, recently opened its first Coastal Virginia location in Newport News. Featuring hundreds of pastries, cakes, and breads baked fresh every day, the café offers unique treats like Japanese cloud cakes. And, of course, their coffee and tea selections pair nicely with their sweet offerings.

A Coffee Journey Awaits at Anderson's Garden Center 


Pangaea Coffee Emporium recently opened its second location on the Peninsula at Anderson’s Garden Center on Jefferson Avenue. This cozy spot, created by two Air Force veterans, serves globally inspired coffee drinks and light bites. Enjoy unique offerings like Dalgona coffee and cloud cheesecake in a cool Icelandic-themed, cavern-like environment. 

New Korean Spot Brings Bold Flavors to Newport News


Choice Korean Food Hall and Pub offers a culinary adventure with dishes like beef bulgogi and soft tofu soup. Don't miss their famous fried chicken, seasoned with a secret blend of herbs and spices for an ideal balance of crunch and juiciness. With such a variety of dishes to try, we’re thrilled to welcome them to Newport News!

Tastefully Philly Brings Comfort to Newport News


Located inside Paperbacks Ink Bookstore in the Hilton Shopping Center, Tastefully Philly offers comfort food inspired by the flavors of Philadelphia. With a mission of togetherness and hospitality, this spot serves up iconic dishes from the city of “Brotherly Love” in a welcoming, cozy environment.

 

Celebrating Achievements and Awards

Newport News Shines at State Hospitality Awards

Three local stars were selected as finalists for the prestigious VRLTA 2024 Ordinary Awards: Restaurateur Kenny Sloane, Jr., Second Street Bistro kitchen supervisor, Enrique Linares, and downtown brewery, Coastal Fermentory. We’re incredibly proud of their dedication and the honor of being recognized at the state level, showcasing the wealth of talent in Newport News.

The Mariners’ Museum and Park Wins Award

The Mariners’ Museum and Park has earned a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, placing it among the top 10% of attractions worldwide. A true gem in the heart of Newport News, the museum holds a special place in the story of Newport News and is a source of pride for our region.  


Our Legacy of Excellence

Newport News Tourism has been nominated once more for the ConventionSouth Readers’ Choice Award. Following our wins in 2018 and again in 2022, we’re thrilled to be recognized yet again among the best meeting sites in the South. Winners will be announced later in 2024, so stay tuned for additional updates and don't forget to vote!

Vote Here

Newport News: An All-America City Award Winner

In June, Newport News was chosen as one of 10 All-America City Award winners after competing with communities nationwide. The jury praised our grassroots efforts to solve national issues, including innovative programs addressing gun violence, youth accountability, and mental health. Newport News is making a difference where it matters most.

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Additional New Developments

Newport News Unveils Interactive Visitor Kiosks


Two new smart kiosks are making it easier for visitors to explore Newport News. Offering real-time information on attractions, dining, lodging, and more, these user-friendly kiosks can be found at the East Coast Gateway Welcome Center and the new Newport News Transportation Center. Now you can plan your upcoming Newport News experience with just a few taps!

New Elegant Event Venue


The Historic Boxwood Inn, a grand 1896 mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is now an event venue. With elegant antiques, hardwood floors, a sunroom, and four fireplaces, this 10,500 sq. ft. space can host up to 85 guests for any special occasion. Don’t forget to ask about their next high tea! 

Strike a Pose at the Newport News Visitor Center


A custom-built walk-in photo booth is now available at the Newport News Visitor Center. It features a “breakthrough” art opening that ties into the city’s new brand: Newport News: Built on Breakthroughs. And because Newport News is known for its magnificent sunsets, the backdrop shows the sun setting over the river. Say “Cheese!” 

All Aboard: Two New Trolleys


Two new trolleys were recently unveiled by Newport News Tourism. These vibrant, eye-catching trolleys have been rolling through town for special events and customized tours, adding a nostalgic touch to the streets of Newport News. As they make their way across the city more often, they’re sure to become a memorable part of the city’s landscape. 

Transforming the Cityscape Through Art


Art and culture have come to life with the Newport News Street Museum, a mural project that kicked off in 2023. These stunning works, created by regional and national artists, breathe new life into older buildings – and some newer ones – across the city. Don’t miss this colorful journey.

Coming Soon: Wild Care Center at the Virginia Living Museum


A sneak peek of the Virginia Living Museum’s new 5,000 sq. ft. Wild Care Center was held in August. When open, this $4.3 million expansion lets visitors observe veterinary care and animal nutrition for 250 native species through expansive windows. It’s here that you’ll be able to discover the behind-the-scenes care that keeps the museum’s animals healthy and thriving. 

New Empowerment Center for Newport News


Former NFL star Antoine Bethea is giving back to Newport News with his new SafeHaven Empowerment Community Center. This facility will offer tech labs, an e-gaming room, a music studio, and crucial mental health services. A true homecoming, the facility also supports underserved residents with essential resources, like a clothes closet, barbershop and hair salon. 

James River Strand: Connecting Parks and Enhancing Waterfront Views


The James River Strand will soon link Victory Landing and Christopher Newport Park with a scenic multi-use walkway. This $6.7 million project will feature an outdoor amphitheater, improved river views, and upgraded facilities, adding a fun new attraction to the Yard District and boosting the appeal of our downtown waterfront.

 

Discover Boating Freedom in Newport News


Looking for a hassle-free way to enjoy boating? Freedom Boat Club, now open at Deep Creek Landing Marina, offers members a choice among four different boats. Skip the responsibilities of ownership and enjoy training from qualified captains to ensure you’re confident at the helm. Learn more.

Hungry for More? Visit Our Website

Newport News Visitor Center


13560 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA 23603 

Phone: (757) 886-7777

Toll-Free: (888) 493-7386


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