Susan Smigielski Acker

Nick and Mary Mathews, natives of Greece, opened a lunch counter in Yorktown in 1944 that became Nick's Seafood Pavilion. The restaurant grew into a household name around Virginia for its fine seafood and elaborate decor. The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown has an exhibit celebrating the lives of the late Yorktown philanthropists.

Yorktown museum exhibit honors the legacy and philanthropy of Nick and Mary Mathews

, March 21, 2025

The "Patrons & Patriots" exhibition includes photos, artifacts and personal items of the beloved couple that owned the iconic Nick's Seafood Pavilion and donated land and money to Yorktown.

A new exhibition at the Barry Art Museum at Old Dominion features nearly 200 Barbie dolls and celebrates her evolution over 65 years.

Arts & Culture

Barbie is 'out of the box' at new show at the Barry Art Museum

Susan Smigielski Acker

, March 13, 2025

The Barry's 'Out of the Box' retrospective of the history and fashion of Barbie includes nearly 200 dolls and life-size Dreamhouses.

USS Monitor turret at the Mariners Museum with Will Hoffman, director of conservation and chief conservator, Tuesday February 25, 2025.

Arts & Culture

The Mariners' Museum in Newport News offers a rare view of history on Saturday.

Susan Smigielski Acker

, March 6, 2025

The Mariners' Museum and Park has drained the 115-ton turret of the USS Monitor and visitors can get a look inside the Civil War-era craft.

The VA250 Mobile Museum travels around the state and features the history of Virginia before and after the Revolutionary War. It's free to visit and will make several stops in Hampton Roads this year. The VA250 commemorations are tied to next year's 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Arts & Culture

A museum about Virginia's role in the Revolution is rolling into town

Susan Smigielski Acker

, February 21, 2025

The VA250 Mobile Museum Experience, an expandable trailer with immersive displays, is traveling the state to highlight Virginia's participation in the fight for independence 250 years ago.

Bloom Within by Virginia Beach artist Briana Ariel. Ariel is one of several local artists whose work is on view in the Diversity Gallery at Norfolk Botanical Garden.

Arts & Culture

Norfolk Botanical Gardens marks Black History Month with an exhibition

Susan Smigielski Acker

, February 17, 2025

Norfolk Botanical Garden's Diversity Gallery grew out of the Garden's mission to create an inclusive community space. This is the second year for the exhibition.