The Fresh Market
About
While The Fresh Market may not be a traditional family attraction, this upscale grocery store in Hilltop offers a surprisingly engaging shopping experience for families. Kids enjoy the colorful displays of fresh produce, the enticing bakery section where they can watch bakers at work, and the opportunity to sample treats. It's an excellent quick stop to teach little ones about fresh foods while grabbing prepared meals for easy family dining.
Highlights
- ✓Colorful, artfully arranged fresh produce displays that captivate young children
- ✓In-store bakery with visible baking areas and sweet treats
- ✓High-quality prepared foods perfect for easy family meals
- ✓Sample stations that let kids try new foods
- ✓Clean, well-organized store layout easy to navigate with strollers
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit mid-morning on weekdays for the least crowded aisles and freshest bakery selections
- 2.Let kids pick out a new fruit or vegetable to try at home,staff are friendly and often offer samples
- 3.The prepared foods section is a lifesaver for busy parents,grab ready-to-eat meals before heading to nearby parks
- 4.Ask at the bakery counter if they have free cookies for kids (many locations offer them)
- 5.Park near the main entrance for easiest cart access with little ones in tow
Best Time to Visit
Mid-morning on weekdays (9-11am) offers the calmest shopping experience with freshly stocked shelves and minimal crowds, making it easier to navigate with children and take time exploring without feeling rushed.
What to Know
This is an upscale grocery store with higher price points than typical supermarkets, but the quality and prepared food options make it worth a visit. The Hilltop location has accessible parking and wide aisles accommodating strollers.
Seasonal Notes
Holiday seasons (Thanksgiving, Christmas) feature special treats, decorated cookies, and festive displays that make browsing extra fun for kids. Summer months showcase peak produce variety with locally-sourced fruits.
Nearby Eats
The Hilltop area offers numerous family dining options within walking distance, including kid-friendly chain restaurants and casual eateries, though The Fresh Market's own prepared foods section provides excellent grab-and-go options for picnics or quick meals.
More Activities Near Hilltop
Hilltop West Shopping Center
Hilltop West Shopping Center offers a convenient one-stop destination for Virginia Beach families looking to combine shopping errands with kid-friendly dining and entertainment. With its excellent 4.5-star rating and variety of retail stores and dining options, it's perfect for those days when you need to get things done while keeping the kids happy and entertained.
The Shops at Hilltop
The Shops at Hilltop offers a convenient, family-friendly shopping experience in Virginia Beach with a solid mix of retail stores, services, and dining options all in one location. With its community-focused atmosphere and variety of family restaurants, it's an ideal spot for parents who need to run errands while keeping kids entertained and well-fed.
Kids Cove Playground
Kids Cove Playground in Virginia Beach is a beloved neighborhood gem that consistently earns rave reviews from local families. Located along the convenient Laskin Road corridor in the Hilltop area, this well-maintained park offers a perfect escape for families looking for quality outdoor play without venturing far from home. With nearly perfect ratings from over 1,000 families, it's clearly a hit with the local community.
Tidewater Community College/City of Virginia Beach Joint-Use Library
This joint-use library combines the resources of Tidewater Community College with Virginia Beach public library services, creating a welcoming space perfect for families. With regular story times, engaging children's programs, and an extensive collection of books and educational materials, it's an ideal destination for nurturing young readers and learners while giving parents access to quiet study spaces and community resources.