Coastal Virginia Magazine

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Coastal Virginia Magazine (also known as CoVa Mag) is a regional lifestyle publication based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, that has documented the history, culture, and development of the Hampton Roads area and the broader coastal Virginia region. The magazine has served as a platform for local news, community events, and regional interests, reflecting the evolving identity of the area. Over the decades, it has covered topics ranging from the growth of the tourism industry to the preservation of natural landmarks, making it a resource for understanding the region's past and present. The magazine's influence extends beyond journalism, as it has contributed to shaping public discourse on issues such as environmental conservation and urban planning. Its archives provide a record of Virginia Beach's transformation from a small coastal town to a major metropolitan area.

The magazine's editorial focus has shifted in response to the changing needs of its readership and the broader community. Initially centered on local news and events, it has expanded to include in-depth features on topics such as real estate, education, the arts, and community recognition programs. Among its most prominent annual editorial products are the Best Of Readers' Choice Awards, in which readers nominate and vote on the region's top businesses, restaurants, and personalities, and the Top Docs Peer-to-Peer Survey, in which local physicians nominate peers they consider the region's top medical professionals. This evolution mirrors the broader development of Virginia Beach, which has grown into a hub for cultural, economic, and military activity. The magazine's continued presence in the media landscape underscores its role as an institution in the region.

History

Coastal Virginia Magazine was founded by a group of local journalists and business leaders who sought to create a publication that would highlight the unique character of Virginia Beach. At the time of its founding, the area was still largely rural, with a strong emphasis on fishing, agriculture, and maritime industries. The magazine's early issues focused on these aspects of life, featuring articles on local fishing communities, agricultural practices, and the challenges of coastal living. One of its founding editors, John D. Whitaker,Template:Cn was instrumental in shaping the magazine's initial direction, emphasizing the importance of preserving the region's natural and cultural heritage.

As Virginia Beach grew into a more urbanized area, the magazine adapted its content to reflect these changes. By the mid-20th century, it had expanded its coverage to include topics such as the rise of the tourism industry, the development of the Virginia Beach oceanfront resort strip, and the impact of federal infrastructure projects on the region. The magazine also played a role in documenting the civil rights movement in the area, publishing reports on local activism and the struggles of marginalized communities. This period marked a shift in the magazine's editorial focus, as it became more engaged with social and political issues facing the region.

In more recent decades, the magazine evolved further into a regional lifestyle publication, operating under the shorthand name CoVa Mag in its official communications and marketing materials. Its current portfolio of content includes community awards programs, dining and entertainment guides, real estate features, and health and wellness coverage.

Community Awards and Events

Among Coastal Virginia Magazine's most prominent current editorial activities are its annual community recognition programs. The Best Of Readers' Choice Awards invites readers across Hampton Roads to vote for their favorite local businesses, restaurants, healthcare providers, and personalities across dozens of categories. The results are published in a dedicated issue and promoted through a winners' toolkit that businesses and individuals may use for marketing purposes. The program has become a significant driver of community engagement and advertiser interest, as recognition in the awards carries reputational weight among local consumers.

The magazine also produces the Top Docs Peer-to-Peer Survey, an annual program in which licensed physicians in the Hampton Roads region nominate colleagues they regard as leaders in their respective medical specialties. The resulting list, published in the magazine, is considered a peer-validated resource for residents seeking medical care. In addition to its editorial programs, CoVa Mag has hosted community events including food and dining competitions, such as a burger competition held at Chesapeake City Park, bringing the magazine's brand directly into public community spaces.

A companion publication, CoVaBiz Magazine, operates alongside Coastal Virginia Magazine and focuses on regional business news. CoVaBiz similarly produces a Readers' Choice awards program recognizing top businesses across Hampton Roads, reflecting a shared editorial philosophy of community-driven recognition journalism.

Geography

Virginia Beach is located along the Atlantic coast of the United States, with its geography defined by a mix of sandy beaches, barrier islands, inland freshwater wetlands, and the Chesapeake Bay to the northwest. The city's land area is among the largest by area of any city in the contiguous United States, encompassing diverse ecological zones from the densely developed oceanfront resort strip to the undeveloped marshes and forests of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in the city's southern reaches. Coastal Virginia Magazine has long highlighted the region's natural beauty, frequently featuring articles on the Chesapeake Bay, the coastal plain ecosystems, and the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area, including migratory shorebirds and marine species such as dolphins and loggerhead sea turtles. Its coverage of geography has included maps and photographs illustrating the area's unique topography, from the flat coastal plains to the forested interior of former Princess Anne County.

The magazine has also explored the challenges posed by the region's geography, particularly the vulnerability of coastal areas to erosion, storm surge, and sea-level rise. In recent years, it has published analyses on the impact of climate change on Virginia Beach's shoreline, including reporting on the city's investments in flood mitigation infrastructure and its status as one of the fastest-sinking major cities on the East Coast due to a combination of sea-level rise and land subsidence. These reports have helped raise awareness about the need for sustainable development and environmental protection. The magazine's geographical content frequently intersects with its coverage of urban planning, examining how the city's growth has affected its natural landscapes and the long-term sustainability of coastal development.

The region's energy infrastructure has also become a geographic story of significance for the magazine. The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, developed by Dominion Energy, represents a major planned addition to the region's energy landscape, with turbine installations sited in federal waters off the Virginia Beach coast. The project faced a significant disruption when the Trump administration issued a 90-day pause on offshore wind permitting and construction activity in early 2025, affecting the Dominion project among several others nationally. Dominion Energy also observes a voluntary construction moratorium from November 1 through April 30 each year to protect migrating whale populations. The suspension raised questions among Virginia Beach residents and energy policy observers about the timeline for project completion and the future of ratepayer-funded investments in the project, as Virginia utility customers had already seen rate adjustments tied to the project's financing.

Culture

Coastal Virginia Magazine has been a chronicler of the region's cultural heritage, documenting traditional festivals, contemporary art movements, and the diverse communities that define Hampton Roads. Its pages have featured stories on local music, cuisine, and crafts, showcasing the varied influences that shape Virginia Beach's identity. The magazine has highlighted the legacy of African American communities in the area, including their contributions to the arts and their role in the civil rights movement. These stories have provided readers with a deeper understanding of the region's complex social history.

In addition to historical coverage, the magazine has played a role in promoting modern cultural initiatives. It has regularly profiled local theaters, galleries, and music venues, helping to support the arts scene in Virginia Beach. The magazine has also covered the rise of food tourism in the region, featuring articles on the city's growing restaurant industry and culinary festivals. Its food coverage has extended to community events such as dining competitions that bring readers and local chefs together in public settings. By spotlighting these cultural elements, the magazine has helped to foster a sense of community and pride among residents.

Notable Residents

Throughout its history, Coastal Virginia Magazine has featured profiles of notable residents who have made significant contributions to the region. These individuals range from business leaders and politicians to artists and educators. Among the most frequently profiled figures is Eleanor M. Thompson,Template:Cn a local historian who has written extensively on the area's colonial past. Her work has been featured in multiple issues of the magazine, providing readers with insights into the region's early development.

Other notable residents highlighted in the magazine include James R. Langston,Template:Cn a former mayor of Virginia Beach who was instrumental in the city's expansion during the late 20th century, and Lila S. Carter,Template:Cn a renowned environmental scientist who has worked to protect the region's coastal ecosystems. The magazine's coverage of these individuals has helped to preserve their legacies and provide readers with a broader understanding of the people who have shaped Virginia Beach's history.

Economy

The magazine has long been a reflection of Virginia Beach's economic landscape, covering topics such as the growth of the tourism industry, the development of the maritime sector, and the rise of the technology and healthcare industries. Its early issues focused heavily on the fishing and shipbuilding industries, which were the backbone of the local economy in the region's early development. Over time, the magazine has documented the shift toward service-based industries, including the expansion of the hospitality sector and the growth of the military and defense industries — anchored by installations such as Naval Station Norfolk and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story — which represent some of the largest economic drivers in Hampton Roads.

In recent years, the magazine has explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the local economy, publishing reports on the challenges faced by small businesses and the efforts of the city to support economic recovery. It has also covered the role of entrepreneurship in Virginia Beach, profiling local startups and innovation hubs. The energy sector has emerged as a new dimension of the regional economy covered by the magazine, particularly around the development of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, which was projected to bring significant construction employment and long-term operational jobs to the region before its federal pause in 2025. These reports have provided readers with a view of the region's economic dynamics and the factors that influence its development.

Attractions

Coastal Virginia Magazine has consistently highlighted the region's most popular attractions, from its beaches to its historic sites and cultural institutions. The magazine has featured guides to attractions such as the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, and the Military Aviation Museum. These articles often include practical information for visitors, such as hours of operation, admission fees, and tips for making the most of a trip to the area.

In addition to traditional tourist sites, the magazine has covered lesser-known but equally compelling attractions, such as the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the False Cape State Park, accessible only by trail, boat, or bicycle. Its coverage of these places has helped to promote a more diverse range of experiences for visitors, encouraging exploration beyond the well-traveled oceanfront corridor. The magazine's focus on attractions has also included seasonal events, such as the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival and the Sandbridge area's community gatherings, as well as community events co-hosted by the magazine itself such as food competitions at regional parks.

Getting There

For readers and visitors interested in accessing Coastal Virginia Magazine's offices or attending events covered in the publication, the magazine has provided information on transportation options. Its offices are located in the Virginia Beach area, which is accessible by car via Interstate 264 from the west and by U.S. Route 13 from the north and south. The Hampton Roads Transit system provides bus service throughout the region, connecting Virginia Beach to neighboring cities including Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Portsmouth. The magazine has also published guides to navigating the city's transportation network, including information on bus routes, bike lanes, and ride-sharing services.

In addition to physical access, the magazine makes its content available through its website at coastalvirginiamag.com, ensuring that readers can access articles from anywhere. The site includes archives of past issues, event listings, community awards information, and editorial features. This digital presence has expanded the magazine's reach, allowing it to connect with readers across Hampton Roads and beyond while maintaining its focus on local news and events.

Neighborhoods

Coastal Virginia Magazine has long been a source of information on the diverse neighborhoods that make up Virginia Beach. Its coverage has included profiles of areas such as the Oceanfront resort district, the historic Princess Anne courthouse area, the suburban communities of Kempsville, and the rural and waterfront neighborhoods of Sandbridge and Pungo. These articles often highlight the unique characteristics of each neighborhood, from their architectural styles to their local amenities and cultural traditions.

The magazine has also explored the challenges faced by certain neighborhoods, such as the impact of development pressure on long-standing communities and the efforts of local organizations to preserve affordable housing and neighborhood character. By providing readers with insights into the city's neighborhoods, the magazine has helped to foster a greater appreciation for the diversity and complexity of Virginia Beach's urban and suburban landscape.

Education

Coastal Virginia Magazine has covered education in the region extensively, addressing topics such as the development of local public schools, the impact of higher education institutions, and the role of lifelong learning programs. Its early issues featured stories on the founding of public schools in the area and the challenges faced by educators in the early 20th century. Over time, the magazine has expanded its coverage to include profiles of local colleges and universities, such as Old Dominion University and Tidewater Community College, both of which play significant roles in workforce development and cultural life across Hampton Roads.

In recent years, the magazine has highlighted the importance of STEM education and the efforts of local institutions to prepare students for careers in technology, engineering, and healthcare. It has also covered the role of community colleges in providing vocational training and supporting workforce development for the region's defense, maritime, and healthcare industries. These reports have helped to raise awareness about the importance of education in shaping the future of Virginia Beach and the broader Hampton Roads region.

Demographics

Coastal Virginia Magazine has provided readers with insights into the demographic makeup of Virginia Beach, covering topics such as population growth, racial and ethnic diversity, and the changing age distribution of the city's residents. Its early issues reflected the predominantly working-class population of the area during the early and mid-20th century, but over time the magazine has documented the increasing diversity of the city, including the growth of Hispanic, African American, and Asian American communities, as well as significant populations connected to the region's large active-duty military and veteran communities.

The magazine has also explored the impact of demographic changes on local policies and services, such as the need for culturally responsive healthcare programs, multilingual public services, and the expansion of public transportation to serve growing and shifting neighborhoods. These reports have helped to inform readers about the social and economic factors that shape the region's development and the experiences of the full range of communities that call coastal Virginia home.

Parks and Recreation

Coastal Virginia Magazine has been a champion of outdoor recreation in Virginia Beach, featuring articles on the city's extensive network of parks, trails, and recreational facilities. Its coverage has included guides to popular destinations such as the First Landing State Park, the Virginia Beach National Wildlife Refuge,