Good Morning, Hampton. 🌊

You’re reading The Hampton Current, your quick guide to what’s happening around town. Each issue highlights local news, upcoming events, business spotlights, and the hidden gems that make Hampton such a special place to live, work, and explore. 🌊

In this week’s issue:

🏫 Hampton Schools Rank Among VA’s Best

🏄‍♀️ New Inclusive Playground Opens at Buckroe Beach

📅 Weekend Events: March 27–29

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Let’s get into it.

During segregation, which Hampton Beach was a popular spot for Black families?

Hampton City Schools just made Virginia Living’s Top Schools list for the 8th straight year. The district’s new Master Plan 2.0 is focused on real-world learning and closing opportunity gaps.

Construction is underway on a new playground at Buckroe Beach, with a summer opening in sight.

The city says the design came from community input, especially from folks in the Buckroe neighborhood. The old equipment was removed late last year to make room for something better.

This new space is being built with inclusivity in mind, featuring shaded areas and sensory-friendly equipment.

If you had a personalized fence picket from the old playground, you can still pick it up by reaching out to the city to arrange it.

The Weekend Guide: March 27-29

If you haven’t pulled up to Bowman’s Soul-N-The Wall yet… this is your sign.

Tucked off North Armistead, this spot isn’t trying to be trendy. It’s just good. The kind of place where the food hits, the vibe is laid back, and somehow everybody feels like a regular.

💬 What people are saying: Folks keep coming back for the same reason. Big portions, real flavor, and service that makes you feel like family. First visit doesn’t stay your last.

🍗 What to get: The “Crack Wings” live up to the name. Sweet heat, messy in a good way. Turkey wings fall off the bone. Meatloaf comes smothered and serious. And that New Orleans pasta? Creamy, Cajun, and not playing around.

🍠 Don’t skip the sides: Mac and cheese is baked right. Sweet potato casserole is a fan favorite. And yeah… you’re getting cobbler before you leave.

🌆 Why it matters: With all the growth happening around Hampton, spots like this keep the city grounded. It’s not just food. It’s culture, community, and that “you good?” energy when you walk in.

If you’re in the Coliseum Central area and hungry… you already know where to go.

A Step Back in Time at Robert’s Antiques

If you are wandering through the historic streets of Phoebus, it’s easy to get swept up in the modern energy of the new breweries and cideries. But for those who know where to look, the real magic of the neighborhood is tucked inside an 1874 brick building at 26 E. Mellen Street.

Robert’s Antiques isn’t just a store; it’s a living timeline of Hampton’s history. Originally the Kaiser Meat Market and later a hardware store and a beloved clothing shop (Mugler’s), the building itself is an artifact. Since 1969, the Sauer family has curated a collection here, making it a true "hidden gem" for locals and collectors alike.

Bay Shore Beach