Veterans Day is a significant occasion in the United States, marked by widespread community appreciation for military service members and veterans. In the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, which includes cities such as Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton, Newport News, Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Portsmouth, local businesses and attractions participate in this tradition by offering special deals, free products, and discounts. These offers span various categories, including food, pet products, entertainment, and services, providing tangible benefits to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families.
The Hampton Roads area is home to several military installations, resulting in a high concentration of military families. Consequently, many businesses structure their promotions to honor this demographic. Offers are typically available on or around Veterans Day, often requiring proof of service such as a military ID. The following guide details verified freebies and discounts available in the region, based on reports from local news and military discount resources.
Free Food and Dining Offers
Food-related freebies are a prominent feature of Veterans Day promotions in Hampton Roads. Several establishments provide complimentary meals or beverages to veterans and active-duty members.
In Norfolk's Ghent neighborhood, Crystal Palate hosts a Military Appreciation Night. On Veterans Day, the venue offers a complimentary tasting, $10 glasses of wine, and a 10% discount on retail purchases. This offer is extended to all veterans, active-duty military personnel, retired service members, and military spouses, who must present a military ID. Tastings are available from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The Casual Pint of Virginia Beach distributes tickets for a complimentary beer to veterans. Tickets are available starting on November 11 and are provided until supplies run out.
For those in North Carolina, Kill Devil Grill and South of Kill Devil Grill offer free meals to veterans on Tuesdays.
Riffle Farms Market in Norfolk provides a 10% discount to all veterans on Veterans Day. Additionally, Pawsnickity Pets in Norfolk's Ghent neighborhood offers free bags of select pet food for military members, addressing the needs of pet-owning military families.
Entertainment and Attractions
The region offers numerous discounts on recreational activities and cultural attractions, allowing military families to enjoy local amenities at reduced costs.
Museums and Educational Centers
Nauticus, a science center and museum in Norfolk, offers a $3 discount on admission for active-duty military, veterans, and their spouses. The facility features interactive exhibits, the Battleship Wisconsin, and the Hampton Roads Naval Museum.
The Virginia Air and Space Center in Hampton, which serves as the visitor center for NASA Langley Research Center and Langley Air Force Base, provides a military discount off daily admission tickets. Local MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) offices may also offer additional discounts for this attraction.
The Norfolk Botanical Garden, a Virginia Historic Landmark, offers $2 off general admission tickets with a military ID. The garden features themed gardens, bird and butterfly species, and a seasonal "Garden of Lights" display from Thanksgiving night through December 31. Military discounts for the holiday display are typically offered, though consumers are advised to check the website for specific details during the holiday season.
Recreational Activities
Topgolf in Virginia Beach offers a range of discounts through its Heroes Program. Active-duty military and veterans receive 10% off game play, a 20% discount on select monthly memberships, and a 10% discount on event game play or room rentals when booking through a sales associate.
Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, an indoor water park, offers a discount of up to 40% to military families through its Howling Heroes program.
For those interested in unique experiences, iFLY in Virginia Beach offers indoor skydiving. While specific Veterans Day offers are not detailed in the source material, it is listed as a destination for military families.
Hospitality and Travel
Airlines serving Norfolk International Airport offer discounts subject to availability to active-duty military travelers and their dependents.
Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg offers a discount of up to 40% to military families through their Howling Heroes program.
Services and Retail Discounts
Beyond food and entertainment, various service providers and retailers in Hampton Roads offer year-round or event-specific discounts to military personnel.
Moving and Relocation
Hercules Moving, based in Virginia Beach, assists families moving to and from Norfolk, Hampton, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach. The company offers military discounts and free moving quotes, catering to the frequent relocations associated with military service.
Sports and Recreation
Nauticus offers a $3 discount on admission for active-duty military, veterans, and their spouses.
General Retail and Events
The Casual Pint of Virginia Beach provides complimentary beer tickets to veterans on Veterans Day, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Crystal Palate in Norfolk hosts a Military Appreciation Night with complimentary tastings and discounts.
Accessing Offers and Verification
Most businesses require valid military identification to redeem discounts and freebies. It is advisable for veterans and active-duty members to carry their military ID when visiting participating locations.
Many offers are seasonal or specific to Veterans Day. For attractions like the Norfolk Botanical Garden's "Garden of Lights," consumers should verify the availability of military discounts by checking the attraction's official website closer to the holiday date. MWR Information, Tickets, and Tours (ITT) offices are also a resource for discounted tickets to parks, museums, movie theaters, and concerts in the area.
The list of participating businesses and offers is dynamic, with new deals potentially becoming available as Veterans Day approaches. Consumers are encouraged to consult local news sources and official business websites for the most current information.
Conclusion
The Hampton Roads region provides a diverse array of freebies and discounts to honor veterans and active-duty military members. From complimentary meals and pet food to reduced-price admission to museums, water parks, and entertainment venues, the community demonstrates strong support for its military population. While many of the most prominent offers are concentrated around Veterans Day, several businesses provide ongoing discounts throughout the year. To ensure eligibility and availability, military members should always carry proper identification and verify specific offer details with the participating business or attraction before visiting.