10 Popular Things That Don’t Exist in Virginia Anymore

VIRGINIA STATE - Virginia may be steeped in colonial tradition, but the modern era has claimed many of its most beloved landmarks. From high-tech retail experiments to historic wooden coasters, here are 10 popular things that no longer exist in the Old Dominion.

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1. Amazon Fresh (The NoVA "Just Walk Out" Era)

In a major retail retreat, Amazon is winding down its Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go physical grocery stores across Northern Virginia this spring. Locations in Fairfax, Alexandria, and Falls Church—once touted as the future of shopping with "Just Walk Out" technology—are being shuttered as the company pivots toward its Whole Foods brand.

2. Ocean View Amusement Park

For over 70 years, this Norfolk landmark was the "Coney Island of the South." Its wooden coaster, The Rocket, was world-famous, even starring in the 1977 film Rollercoaster. The park closed in 1978 after it could no longer compete with the rising popularity of Busch Gardens, and the coaster was famously blown up for a television special the following year.

3. The Original Stone Balloon

While a namesake alehouse exists today, the original Stone Balloon in Newark was once named the best college bar in America by Playboy. It was a legendary, gritty concert venue that hosted icons like Bruce Springsteen and Metallica. The original building was demolished in 2006 to make way for condominiums, ending a massive chapter in Virginia’s rock history.

4. Big Lots (Statewide Exit)

A staple for bargain hunters from Virginia Beach to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Big Lots is executing its final "clean sweep" in 2026. Following a total bankruptcy liquidation, the remaining Virginia storefronts are completing their final sales this spring, marking the end of the discount giant's presence in the state.

5. The "Volcano" at Kings Dominion

For 20 years, Volcano: The Blast Coaster was the crown jewel of Kings Dominion. It was the world’s first inverted catapult coaster, launching riders out of the top of a massive man-made volcano. To the heartbreak of fans, the ride was abruptly retired and demolished in 2019 due to maintenance complexities.

6. Landmark Mall

Once the premier shopping destination in Alexandria, Landmark Mall languished as a "dead mall" for years before being demolished in 2022. It was so iconic in its vacant state that it served as the filming location for Wonder Woman 1984. The site is now being transformed into a massive mixed-use hospital and residential campus.

7. Joann Fabrics (Virginia Locations)

A blow to the state's crafting community, Joann Fabrics completed its exit from Virginia in late 2025. Following bankruptcy struggles, the last 20 locations across the state closed their doors, with many of their private-label brands being acquired by competitors like Michaels.

8. The Roanoke Colony (The "Lost Colony")

While technically in present-day North Carolina, this was the original "Virginia" colony. The disappearance of over 100 settlers in 1590 remains America's oldest mystery. Though the story lives on in history books, the actual settlement vanished, leaving only the word "CROATOAN" carved into a post.

9. Rite Aid

Following a national trend across the Mid-Atlantic, Rite Aid officially completed its exit from Virginia in 2026. After years as the go-to neighborhood pharmacy for many, the final stores in Northern Virginia and the Tidewater area were shuttered this spring.

10. Buckroe Beach Park

Before modern theme parks took over, Buckroe Beach Park in Hampton was the place for family summer memories. It featured a carousel, a wooden roller coaster, and a popular dance hall. The park closed in 1985 to make way for residential development, though its historic 1920 carousel was saved and relocated to downtown Hampton.

Virginia News