Sip N' Stroll Colonial Beach

Sip, Stroll, Shop & Discover Downtown Colonial Beach

Sip N' Stroll is a unique downtown experience that allows visitors to enjoy a beer, wine, or cocktail while exploring participating businesses throughout Colonial Beach's Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA).

This program is a partnership between Downtown Colonial Beach (DCB), the local affiliate of Main Street America, and the Town of Colonial Beach Department of Economic Development, Grants, and Tourism. Through Virginia's Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area legislation, Colonial Beach is able to host up to 16 Sip N' Stroll events annually, creating fun, walkable experiences that support local businesses, arts, tourism, and community engagement.

Whether you're visiting for Art Walk, shopping local boutiques, browsing galleries, or enjoying our waterfront downtown, Sip N' Stroll offers a relaxed and social way to experience all that Colonial Beach has to offer.

How Sip N' Stroll Works

During designated Sip N' Stroll events, guests may:

Purchase an alcoholic beverage from a participating ABC-licensed establishment within the DORA zone.
Carry and enjoy that beverage while walking throughout the designated Sip N' Stroll area.
Visit participating shops, galleries, cultural venues, professional offices, and other businesses that welcome Sip N' Stroll guests.
Explore downtown Colonial Beach while supporting local businesses.

Important Guidelines

To comply with Virginia ABC regulations:

Beverages must be purchased from a participating ABC-licensed establishment within the DORA zone.
Drinks must remain in the official Sip N' Stroll cup provided by the establishment where purchased.
The cup must display the name of the participating establishment.
Alcoholic beverages purchased from one ABC-licensed business may not be carried into another ABC-licensed establishment.
Guests must finish or properly dispose of their beverage before entering another ABC-licensed location.
Alcoholic beverages may not leave the designated DORA boundary.

Maps and participating business lists are available during each event.

Supporting Local Businesses and Downtown Vitality

Sip N' Stroll is more than just a fun evening out—it is an economic development tool designed to:

Increase foot traffic throughout downtown.
Encourage visitors to discover new businesses.
Support local restaurants, breweries, bars, galleries, and retailers.
Create a vibrant, walkable downtown experience.
Strengthen connections between businesses, residents, and visitors.

Participation is voluntary and open to qualifying businesses within the designated event area.

Community Fundraising Opportunities

Local nonprofit organizations can use Sip N' Stroll events as creative fundraising opportunities while helping support the event experience.

Participating 501(c)(3) organizations may:

Host donation-based activities.
Staff welcome stations and information tables.
Conduct community engagement activities.
Increase awareness of their mission and programs.
Raise funds while interacting with residents and visitors.

Examples include:

Firefighter boot donation drives.
Sports-themed games and challenges.
Face painting and family activities.
Donation stations staffed by volunteers.
Community outreach and educational exhibits.

Organizations interested in participating should be prepared to provide volunteers throughout the event and coordinate with Downtown Colonial Beach and the Town of Colonial Beach.

Volunteer as a Sip N' Stroll Ambassador

Sip N' Stroll Ambassadors play a vital role in creating a welcoming and safe experience for everyone.

Ambassador Responsibilities

Welcome visitors to Colonial Beach.
Distribute event maps and information.
Answer questions and provide directions.
Help guests understand Sip N' Stroll guidelines.
Monitor DORA boundaries.
Ensure beverages remain within the designated zone.
Help maintain compliance with Virginia ABC regulations.

Ambassadors serve as friendly representatives of Downtown Colonial Beach and help create a positive experience for residents and visitors alike.

Interested in volunteering? Contact info@downtowncolonialbeach.org to learn more.

Sip N' Stroll & 2nd Friday Art Walk

Many Sip N' Stroll events coincide with Colonial Beach's popular 2nd Friday Art Walk.

Hosted by the Colonial Beach Artists Guild, Art Walk invites visitors to explore local galleries, studios, and participating businesses from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on the second Friday of each month. The combination of art, shopping, dining, and Sip N' Stroll creates one of Colonial Beach's most popular downtown experiences.

Guests can enjoy:

Local art exhibitions
Gallery openings
Live demonstrations
Shopping specials
Dining and refreshments
Waterfront evening strolls

Together, Art Walk and Sip N' Stroll showcase the creativity, hospitality, and charm that make Colonial Beach a destination worth exploring.

Join Us

Whether you're a resident, visitor, business owner, artist, volunteer, or community organization, Sip N' Stroll offers a fun way to connect with the people and places that make Colonial Beach special.

Come sip, stroll, shop, discover, and experience downtown Colonial Beach.