VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Nicholas Mason of Flamingo Joe’s has been serving up traditional summer drinks on the oceanfront for years, while hosting guests from all over the world.
“Yeah, that’s my whole job,” Mason said, yelling out to passersby, “How are you today?” “I’m just trying to make sure everything’s going well.”
He said this season hasn’t been as busy as in recent years. Many national travel statistics show annual growth rates have plateaued since the COVID-19 lockdown. For the oceanfront, Mason said the main cause of the slowdown is the weather.
“It’s raining,” he said. “It’s really bad for business because no one wants to come out here and eat.”
Atlantic Avenue Association president D Nakhnani said despite weather disruptions, business was strong from mid-May through to July 4. Even on a swelteringly hot and swampy humid weekend, the oceanfront remained packed.
“They come to the beach, so they don’t mind,” Nakhnani said. “They’re usually from the East Coast, so it’s hot and muggy. The last thing they hate is thunderstorms and lightning.”
We’re set for a sunny weekend with high temperatures staying in the 80s F. Nearly perfect weather for sightseeing.
“When it rains, it feels like it’s raining on everyone,” Nakhnani said, “and when it’s sunny, it feels like sunshine on everyone. So I’m happy it’s sunny this weekend. And if it’s not, don’t tell me.”
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Nakhnani said the unofficial end of the tourist season is around Labor Day, but he’s looking forward to fall, when a slew of music festivals will be a bonus season for him.
