My penny-pinching days started in college when I discovered the back of an Arby’s receipt. I’m not sure if they still do this nowadays, but 15 years ago, the Arby’s in Danville had receipts that gave the option to call a number, take a survey, and receive free food in return.
As a typical college student taking out loans to pay for my education, I was flat-out broke—to the point where I realized if I could spend $3 on food per day, that’d be $100 a month. I’d order a snack size curly fry, get the receipt, and then have a free beef and cheddar sandwich ready to go for my next drive-thru lunch.
In the Virginia Beach area, a number of restaurants ensure that their youngest diners get a quality meal at no charge, oftentimes complimentary with the purchase of an adult entree. We’re featuring a few of those places today, and I’m so glad you’re here to read about them.
|
|
|
Children 5 and under eat for free at Cooper’s Restaurant & Lounge. (Cooper’s Restaurant & Lounge)
|
By Aila Boyd
Here’s what you need to know: Dining out can be expensive. Luckily, some Virginia restaurants let kids eat for free when paired with an adult meal. We’ve found some of the best deals in and around Virginia Beach.
Our top picks:
-
Pop’s Diner Co. in Virginia Beach is known for its kids eat for free all-day, every-day offering. The lunch menu offers kids the option of chicken tenders, grilled cheese, creamy macaroni and cheese, and a kids’ burger.
-
Eating at Cooper’s Restaurant & Lounge in Portsmouth is like pulling up a chair at the family dinner table to enjoy some of grandma’s home cooking. The Southern soul food ranges from items like pig’s feet and collard greens to smothered pork chops and candied yams. The restaurant allows children 5 and under to eat for free at all times.
- Ocean Grill Buffet in Virginia Beach offers all-you-can-eat seafood and more. Menu items include sushi, salads, ribs, Chinese dishes, hibachi, dessert, and more. The buffet is free for children under 3 and under 38 inches in height. Both requirements need to be met to qualify for the free meal.
Hungry for more? We’ve got more offers for you at the link below.
|
|
|
Virginia has its fair share of strange happenings. This one started with the tragic collapse of the Church Hill Train Tunnel—with a train inside at the time.
Eyewitness accounts claim that a person with a disfigured appearance emerged from the wreckage. This is where the stories split.
Some say a “vampire” with fangs and decomposed flesh ran toward Hollywood Cemetery and disappeared into the mausoleum of W.W. Pool.
Others told the story of Benjamin Mosby, the train’s fireman, who escaped from the tunnel, but succumbed to serious burns and injuries at a nearby hospital the following day.
Stories about the incident sprang up quickly, with some blaming the “vampire” for the collapse.
|
|
|
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden workers on strike on July 29, 2026. (Photo by Eryn Boyle)
|
By Michael O’Connor
Two local bands have canceled their performances at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in support of unionized workers there fighting for better pay.
The Dan Schutt Band sent an email to the garden canceling its performance.
“The Dan Schutt Band has decided not to perform at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens today, August 20th at 5 pm in support of the efforts by the LGBG Workers United Union to seek livable wages,” the message read. “Sorry for the late notice.”
Schutt said in an interview his four-piece band lost out on about $800 by canceling the show at Lewis Ginter. He said he loves performing at the venue and realizes he’ll probably never be able to do so again, but added that it didn’t feel right to perform there while the workers are not being treated fairly.
His decision is part of a growing pattern. Another local band, Ramona and the Holy Smokes, canceled its performance on Aug. 13 in support of the Lewis Ginter workers, following similar cancellations from high-profile artists Jesse Welles and Graham Nash.
|
|
|
Have you shared this newsletter with a neighbor?
|
|
|
Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Knowles. Amie is a lifelong Virginia resident and mom to a fantastic 8-year-old who loves Pokémon. This edition includes stories from Aila Boyd and Michael O’Connor. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.
Dogwood is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.
|
|
|
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.
Our mailing address is:
Dogwood / COURIER Newsroom
3229 Greenpoint Ave., PMB 532
Long Island City, New York 11101
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or from this list.
|
|
|
|
