What to Do in Winter in VA

As we are greeted by frosty weather this New Year, it can be tempting to get lost in schoolwork and let the days slip away. But don’t let the cold stop you from getting out and enjoying the season with friends! There are plenty of ways to stay warm and make the most of this semester. Below are just a few!

Host a Dip and Movie Night
On one of these quick-to-darken winter evenings, invite some friends over for a night of good company, food and entertainment. Why dips? They are delicious, affordable and only require three ingredients: dip, chips and friends! Fan favorites include buffalo chicken dip, artichoke dip, homemade guacamole and salsa. Pairing your appetizers with a movie will be the figurative cherry on top. Some great options include Little Women, Miracle, Narnia, The Ultimate Gift, Cutting Edge, Ice Age, Cloud Nine, National Treasure and Tuesdays with Morrie.

Catch a Sports Game
Track and Basketball seasons are here, so get out of the house and have fun with friends while supporting our school by attending a Regent Royals home game! Their game schedules are provided on the sports page and can also be accessed online for updates. Make sure to go decked out in Regent colors, and if you need new swag, check out the gift shop with its winter collection.

Attend Shows
Watching shows is a relaxing, warm and cultural activity that I love! We have two great ones coming up in our very own Dede Robertson Theatre. Marvin’s Room will run the last two weekends in February and Schoolhouse Rock Live! will play April 13-16. You can also branch out into the community by attending the Virginia Opera or Virginia Symphony Orchestra; both are excellent experiences and have student discount options. A few notable upcoming shows at the symphony include a Broadway night with all the classic hits (showing at the end of March) and a Star Wars evening, which is ironically scheduled for May 4. There are also plenty of other shows, so learn more about all three of these options on their respective websites.

Rent an Igloo
Have you ever wanted to lounge in an igloo? Our local ice cream shop, the Sweet Spot, has magical, icy caves that you can rent for two hours at $89.99. This charge includes a personal waiter, Alexa speaker and board games. The space is designed to seat up to eight people, which works out to $11 a person to reserve. The heated igloos also feature an electric fireplace, fur-covered seating and a chandelier, perfect for an intimate celebration with friends under the winter stars.

Go Ice Skating
Looking for some of that snowy fun, even in Virginia Beach? Lace up some rented boots and try ice skating! This classic activity is ideal for those looking to participate in a winter sport with a group of friends. Two nearby options for skating are Iceland Family Skating Center (ten minutes from campus) and SK8 House (16 minutes from campus). If you bring four or more people to skate at SK8 House, it’s only $8 per person.

Paint Pottery
Put your creative skills to use and try painting pottery! A cute local spot to do this is Color Me Mine, a bright shop in Norfolk that’s only twenty minutes from campus. They have a vast array of colors and a huge collection of pottery pieces to choose from, including mugs, plates and vases. This activity is great for a group of friends looking to do a fun activity together indoors. The studio fee is $8 per person and covers unlimited paint as well as glazing and firing. There is also a cost for the pottery piece you paint that varies depending on your selection; prices start at $18. Your creation is ready for pick up after 7-9 days.

Jordan Lance

Jordan Lance

Jordan Lance is the Editor-in-Chief of The Daily Runner.