Owners of Get Lost, Todd and Stephanie Askins at the walk up window of Get Lost.
Calee Lukowski |Marlin Chronicle
Get Lost is a Hawaiian shaved ice shop at the Oceanfront that just celebrated its one year anniversary on Sunday. The brightly colored shop is a wonderful place to stop and grab an afternoon snack.
The walk-up window style is anything but impersonal with friendly workers ready to help you make a selection. With options for indoor and outdoor seating depending on the weather and season, the atmosphere of Get Lost is one of a backyard get together with old friends you haven’t seen in a while.
The workers are friendly and have a great attitude. One employee, Isabelle McGrath, said, “It’s just a great environment to work in. There’s a great sense of community.”
Regardless of your taste, there is a flavor for everyone. If you can’t find a flavor that you think you’ll enjoy, Get Lost offers the option to mix and match your own flavor. Be sure to be on the lookout for special flavors of the month. October’s spooky specials are “spookies and cream” and “franken-apple”.
The portion sizes are pretty large, making it easy to share with one or more friends. Overall, Get Lost is a great place to hang out with friends, catch up, and take a break from the busy push and pull of everyday life.
ABOVE: Get Lost sign and logo outside the shop located at 510 Virginia Beach Blvd.
Calee Lukowski |Marlin Chronicle
With dairy free options and all gluten free syrups, Get Lost offers a sweet treat that can be enjoyed by everyone. Most of the syrups used at Get Lost are made in house and from scratch at the beginning of every week. Get Lost also works with a local creamery to get most of their ice creams locally.
“It’s such a great place to spend some time at. It’s also so cool to see small local businesses supporting each other this way,” said VWU sophomore Madison Mellon.
Get Lost was an idea first thought up by co-owners Stephanie and Todd Askins while on their honeymoon in Hawaii. While there Stephanie fell in love with the traditional dessert and wanted to bring something like it to Virginia Beach. “So on the plane ride back, we were already writing our business plan,” Stephanie said.
CUTOUT: Get Lost’s September special, Blueberry Cheesecake.
Calee Lukowski |Marlin Chronicle
Stephanie, a self proclaimed dessert fanatic, spoke about how desserts are her love language. “That’s how I like to express love and appreciation. I’ll order, you know, Crumbl Cookies or take people to my favorite dessert spot, if they’re having a bad day,” Stephanie said.
That business plan soon came to life in an adorable island-themed dessert shop located in the Vibe District of Virginia Beach, fitting in beautifully with other local eateries and shops. Artistically decorated with bright colors and beautiful wood schemes, the shop brings a little bit of island life to Virginia Beach.
Get Lost isn’t only a dessert shop though. They also have a food truck that can be seen at many of the events at the Oceanfront. There are also some events in the works for the new business. “I’m in talks right now with a couple of women owned businesses that are in the oceanfront area. We’re going to try to do, like, a vendor event later in November,” Stephanie said.
Hawaiian Shaved Ice isn’t all that Get Lost sells. They have lots of fun printed merchandise for sale as well, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and more. If dessert isn’t really your style, they also offer a select variety of drinks with their in house syrups.
If you’re interested in a sweet treat, check out Get Lost’s instagram page @getlostvb for their hours, specials and more. If you’re in the Vibe District, be sure to stop by 510 Virginia Beach Blvd. for an experience you won’t regret.
By Calee Lukowski