24 September 2022

Activities for Small Meeting and Professional Groups

Norfolk is an ideal meeting destination for many reasons. Our convenient location in the middle of the Eastern Seaboard makes Norfolk easily accessible via plane, Interstate 64 or Amtrak. Our meeting spaces are top-of-the-line and designed with you in mind. The city’s restaurants offer elevated culinary experiences that veer far from ordinary. Finally, our close proximity to water combined with beautiful outdoor experiences make us home to a multitude of off-site activities (because we believe in a healthy combination of work and play).

The city is equipped to host meetings and conventions of all sizes, including those smaller groups that enjoy a more intimate, tailored experience. Whether you’re hosting a board retreat, VIP experience for clients or company workshop for your top performing teams, Norfolk has what it takes to elevate the experience from underwhelming to unforgettable. Here are our top picks for team building, dining and leisure activities for professional groups with less than 100 attendees.

Team Building

Get Creative

Gather your group in the spirit of creativity and give them the tools necessary to discover new talents. Norfolk is home to several activities in which groups work together or side-by-side to conceive something unexpected. As a bonus, participants get to head back home with a unique piece of Norfolk with them. The Chrysler Museum’s Perry Glass Studio offers group classes and workshops geared to the exciting world of glassmaking. No experience—only patience—is necessary to create a stunning masterpiece.

Norfolk is known as Mermaid City due to the extraordinary collection of mermaids that can be spotted throughout. Locally founded Mermaid Factory gives guests the chance to paint and decorate their very own mermaid (or shell, starfish or dolphin) using a fun assortment of paints, glitter, sand and other accessories. Projects can be taken home right away to enjoy.

Nothing brings out a creative spirit like a spirited sip. Pinot’s Palette hosts teambuilding events centered on painting and sipping, and they have private rooms available for groups. Their helpful and professional artists will guide your team each step of the way and provide all the necessary supplies: canvases, brushes, paints, palettes, aprons and more. They’ll even provide wine/beer, glasses, corkscrews, ice and buckets, plates, napkins and plasticware. Appetizers or snacks are welcome.

learn something new

Norfolk is quite a fascinating city due to its rich history, diverse culture, impressive arts scene and stunning architecture. Don’t just take our word for it though. Book an outing with Norfolk Tour Company to take a deeper dive and learn something new about our city. Your group can join a tour focused on Norfolk’s mural art, African American history, architecture or even its haunted past.

Want to learn more about Norfolk’s naval base—the largest in the world? Book a cruise for your team aboard the Victory Rover. Their two-hour narrated cruise departs daily from Nauticus to explore naval station and Port of Virginia, cruising past vessels such as destroyers, cruisers, submarines, aircraft carriers and more.

Here are more opportunities to learn something new during a tour of Norfolk.

Break Out of Your Comfort Zone

There’s nothing that will keep a team on their toes and foster collaboration more than taking part in an improv class. Norfolk’s Push Comedy Theater specializes in workshops geared to smaller groups of professionals to strengthen skills in leadership, agility and communication. Improv is an art form that energizes participants through play and teaches lessons in listening skills, mental agility and shifting to a group mindset to improve chances of team success. It may seem uncomfortable at first, but soon enough, your group will be laughing their way to new achievements.

See more creative team building opportunities here.

Dining

Irresistible Views

No better view of Norfolk’s skyline can be enjoyed than from the Elizabeth River itself. On board a City Cruises vessel, your group can be treated to a fantastic buffet, superior service and unprecedented views of Norfolk while cruising along the Elizabeth River. Music from professional DJs, dancing and a blissful breeze from the upper deck makes the experience one to remember.

International Eats

Omar’s Carriage House was originally built in the 1840s as a place to keep horses and carriages. There’s no horsing around here today though; their focus is on the finest Moroccan-inspired cuisine in the city. Omar’s private dining area seats up to 45 guests for brunches and dinners, and their outdoor tent is available to rent for up to 65 guests.

Orapax is one of our region’s premier Greek restaurants with a menu that focuses on authentic, fresh Greek cuisine combined with some Italian and American options as well. Orapax’s private dining room, The Taverna can accommodate up to 60 guests and features a full-service bar with the option of a private bartender, plus a folding glass wall system giving guests the feel of an outside dining experience. Best of all, Orapax can provide custom menus to ensure fabulous options for every member of your group.

Elevated Experiences

Known for chops, seafood and spirits, Brothers is a Downtown Norfolk restaurant offering a fine dining experience that’s vibrant, inviting and entertaining. Founded by NBA referee and Norfolk native Tony Brothers, the restaurant boasts a broad menu that will entice the most sophisticated and adventurous palate.

Whether you’re here for the superior steaks or the top-notch caviar service, Byrd & Baldwin is a Norfolk staple in fine dining that won’t steer you wrong. They source beef from premiere stockyards and feature Harris Ranch as a source of their chophouse selections. While you’re there, consider a bottle from their award-winning, extensive wine selection.

For five-star cuisine and world-class wines in a relaxed atmosphere, bring your group to Todd Jurich’s Bistro. Offering a unique experience in upscale dining, Todd Jurich’s takes great measures to utilize small farmers and producers who practice natural and ecologically sound agriculture. Their talented chefs can also accommodate requests for vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free or gluten-free dishes.

Top-Notch Sips

Dining at Codex is an experience for the senses. Their brief yet impressive menu always features the season’s freshest fare prepared in the most exciting and extraordinary methods. While the food is forever rave-worthy, the bartenders sure do know their way around a cocktail. Come here for something out-of-the-ordinary, including hard-to-find beers and wines.

Did you know that Norfolk has its own winery? The appropriately named Mermaid Winery produces small batches of well-balanced wines using Virginia grapes. The vibe is sophisticated and welcoming, with menu options including multi-course meals, buffet packages and a la carte options. Beverage packages feature wine flights or wines by the glass. The winery’s dining room is ideal for hosting functions from 15–100 guests.

See more restaurants ideal for group dining here.

Leisure Activities

Experience Norfolk from a watery vantage point when you book a cruise with American Rover Sailing Cruises. This three-masted topsail schooner offers two-hour narrated harbor tours and sunset cruises from April through October. The experience can be as interactive as your group desires. Once on board, guests can choose to hoist a sail with the crew, take a turn at the helm or just sit back and enjoy the scenic view.

Take in the city’s esteemed culture with a museum visit. The Barry Art Museum at ODU features internationally-known glassmakers, while the Chrysler Museum has its own impressive collection of glass, along with 30,000 original works of art spanning more than 5,000 years. The Hermitage Museum & Gardens features 12 acres of gardens and grounds and a permanent collection of over 5,000 objects representing 30 countries. See more of Norfolk’s incredible museums here.

Norfolk is known for its rich maritime history, and your group can explore the past and present with a visit to Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin. Nauticus is a maritime discovery center telling the story of the maritime environment, industry and military. The Battleship Wisconsin is one of the last and largest battleships built by the U.S. Navy, and we’re so fortunate to have the ship berthed in Norfolk as a piece of history for all to explore.

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15 September 2022

Tours of Norfolk

When visiting a city for the first time (or revisiting after some time has passed), it’s important to familiarize yourself with the area’s things to do, see, eat, drink and experience. Stopping by our Tourist Information Center is a great start that will allow you to chat with our friendly, welcoming staff, pick up a City Guide, ask questions about the places you want to explore and even shop our Mermaid Market for Norfolk souvenirs (and gifts for yourself too!). Another option for learning more about things to do in Norfolk is embarking on a tour. After all, what better way to experience a place than by seeing and doing as the locals do, with a local Norfolkian as your guide? There are history, architecture and haunted tours, floating excursions and even some sipping and peddling activities, all in the spirit of charting your course to experience Norfolk your way.

Walking Tours

Norfolk Tour Company

What are you most interested in learning about Norfolk? Art? African American history? Architecture? Local haunts? Whatever the topic, Josh Weinstein and his knowledgeable crew of guides will have the answer. Weinstein, who has a degree in history, a background in art and knowledge of Norfolk’s cemeteries, started Norfolk Tour Company in 2018 to provide engaging, entertaining and educational experiences to both locals and visitors. The tours walk attendees through the streets of Norfolk in neighborhoods including Downtown, NEON District, Historic Freemason, Ghent, the Elizabeth River Trail and more. A perk of this company is that they often offer free tours, so check their calendar to see what’s coming up. Be advised that haunted tours fill up fast, so book your tickets early for those.

Water Tours

Victory Rover

Are you truly experiencing all there is to see in Norfolk if you’re not getting out on the water? Book a tour on the Victory Rover to get up-close views of naval destroyers, submarines and other vessels. The two-hour narrated cruise departs daily from Nauticus and cruises the waters of the Elizabeth River to give a fascinating perspective of Norfolk’s naval fleet. There’s plenty of comfortable seating, an air-conditioned deck, open-air shaded upper deck, snack bar and even a souvenir shop to commemorate your unforgettable tour.

City Cruises Norfolk

This one isn’t a tour in the traditional sense of hearing a narrator describe the various landmarks you’re passing by, but it is a neat way to take in Norfolk’s beautiful skyline from a watery vantage point. The tasty buffet, assorted cocktails and DJ entertainment certainly don’t hurt either. Cruising year-round, the Spirit of Norfolk offers lunch, brunch, dinner, cocktail, moonlit cruises and more.

Norfolk Kayak Rentals

Feel like steering your own boat? Norfolk Kayak Rentals offers a Nature & Eco Tour along Norfolk’s Lafayette River. It’s an ideal way to learn about the river’s ecosystems, marine wildlife, issues facing the river and restoration efforts. You may even be lucky enough to spot a pod of dolphins swimming by or a bald eagle flying above. This 90-minute tour covers nearly three miles on the water and benefits the Elizabeth River Project, aimed at restoring the environmental health of the Elizabeth River.

Tours on Wheels

Pedego Electric Bikes

Pedego Norfolk is conveniently located near Elizabeth River Trail, a 10.5 mile bike/walking trail along Norfolk waterfronts and through picturesque neighborhoods. Locks and helmets are included with every rental.

You can rent Pedego’s speedy electric bikes to cruise through Norfolk at your own pace in a self-guided excursion, but the company also offers guided tours through Norfolk’s waterfront neighborhoods focused on history, culture and art. You can hear brief narrations about history, artifacts and works of art during a three-hour or half-day tour.

Blue Ridge Excursions

A bit of education, a bit of exercise and a lot of fun–it’s all in store for you when you book a scooter tour through Blue Ridge Excursions, based in Downtown Norfolk. You’ll get free, local advice on activities and things to do in the area while listening to music and cruising safely on the sidewalk and street, stopping for photos and fun facts about the area.

Cemetery Tours

Norfolk is home to eight historic municipal cemeteries that are loaded with history and intriguing stories from the past. These cemeteries are honored and educational places offering cultural and recreational resources for Norfolk’s community. The Norfolk Society for Cemetery Conservation offers a variety of captivating tours to provide history about Norfolk’s cemeteries and highlight many of Norfolk’s notable past residents. Learn about Norfolk’s cemetery tours here.

Bus Tours of the Naval Station

New for 2024: take the Norfolk Naval Station Bus Tour from $20. Get on board for an approximately 50 minute to one hour guided bus tour of Naval Station Norfolk – the world’s largest Naval installation. Our tour guide will provide a “Navy-approved” tour that includes the homes of the 1907 Jamestown Exposition, Chambers Field Air Station, the ships of the fleet and much more.

Learn More and Book Now

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10 September 2022

Student Outdoor and Eco Adventures

Today’s students are environmentally conscious and deliberately mindful about their impact on our Earth, not just in everyday life but in travel too. If you thought Norfolk was all concrete streets and cityscapes, let’s explore further. We have 144 miles of shoreline with plenty of opportunities to get out on the Elizabeth or Lafayette River or the Chesapeake Bay. Our Elizabeth River Trail beckons bikers, walkers and joggers to get outside and experience some of Norfolk’s most beautiful scenes. You’ll also find that some of our attractions are centered on sustainability and ensuring a bright future for Norfolk’s ecosystem. Here are some fun, fascinating and eco-friendly excursions for student groups.

On the Water

American Rover Sailing Cruise

Sail across the Elizabeth River on the American Rover Sailing Cruise. This majestic, three-masted tall ship was modeled after the cargo schooners that once sailed the Chesapeake Bay. On board, students can lend a hand with the sails, take a turn at the helm or just sit back, relax and enjoy the experience. Educational classes, private events and party DJ cruises are available for group cruises.

Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise

Tour the world’s largest Navy Base by water aboard the Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise. Students will see destroyers, submarines and other vessels while taking in the sights of the harbor on a two-hour narrated cruise.

Norfolk Kayak Rentals

Norfolk Kayak Rentals offers a unique way to explore the beautiful Lafayette River. Kayaking is a safe, eco-friendly and calming way to explore Norfolk’s waters and the creatures that inhabit them.

Sail Nauticus

Sail Nauticus features many opportunities to engage students in a fun, outdoor environment. Students will learn the basics of sailing in a two-hour first sail experience with basic terminology and boat handling. Customized programs can also be arranged to best fit the group’s needs.

Outdoor Tours and Excursions

Elizabeth River Trail

This 10.5-mile urban biking and pedestrian trail runs adjacent to Downtown and is a great way to see Norfolk from a different view. The trail begins at Harbor Park and goes through Downtown, Freemason, Fort Norfolk and more while finishing in Lochhaven, where the Hermitage Museum and Gardens is located. Bikes can be rented Downtown for tours.

Historic Cemetery Tours

Learn the history, secrets and untold stories at Cedar Grove Cemetery or Elmwood Cemetery. Tours are outdoors and about an hour in length.

Norfolk Tour Company

Take a guided walking tour of Norfolk learning the history of this great seaport city. Private tours can be customized for groups.

Pedego Norfolk

Spend half the day on a guided bike tour! Pedal or use Pedego’s electric power on a guided tour of Norfolk’s art and history. Expert instruction and a practice session are compulsory prior to launching. The tour includes a pit stop at The Bakehouse at Chelsea for a pastry, an exploration of Norfolk’s colonial origins along the Elizabeth River and a ride through Norfolk’s NEON Arts District for a short mural tour.

Museums, Arts and Attractions

Battleship Wisconsin

Learn about the largest and last battleship ever built by the U.S. Navy. Free educational programming and historical interpretations will occur throughout the day.

Virginia Arts Festival

The Virginia Arts Festival offers a series of phenomenal performances each spring including jazz, ballet, chamber music, theatrical performances and top musicians and groups from around the world. Be sure to check out the Virginia Arts Festival calendar of events to see what’s coming up.

The Virginia Zoo

Go where education gets wild! From the towering Masai giraffe to the tiny poisonous dart frog, the Virginia Zoo is home to more than 700 furry, feathered and scaly animal friends, not to mention countless plants as well. Plants and animals include exotic representatives from Africa, Asia, Australia, North America and more.

Hermitage Museum and Gardens

The Hermitage offers educational group tours for various grades and ages highlighting different areas of the collection, house and grounds. Try the Wetlands Enrichment Tour (WET), a hands-on outdoor education program aimed at bringing the Hermitage’s living shoreline restoration to life for students. Tour the Hermitage’s boardwalk while observing and touching live creatures found in the wetlands.

Norfolk Botanical Garden

The garden offers a variety of educational programs for all ages that change with each season. Students will enjoy the outdoors with a guided tram tour of the Garden or an educational outreach program. The garden also offers STEM programs to give students a look into different gardens.

Restaurant and Food Experiences

American Rover Sailing Cruise

Sail across the Elizabeth River on the American Rover Sailing Cruise with a Student Party Cruise. This majestic, three-masted tall ship is modeled after the cargo schooners that once sailed the Chesapeake Bay. The cruise leaves from the downtown Norfolk pier for a one-and-a-half to two-hour harbor cruise. On board, groups can enjoy private events or party DJ cruises with meal options to dance the night away.

City Cruises Norfolk

Aboard the Spirit of Norfolk, students can enjoy a nautical setting with dancing, great food and live entertainment all while enjoying the panoramic skyline of Norfolk. With an outdoor top deck and two lower decks, there are many great options for private group spaces. It is the perfect meal with entertainment for all ages!

Waterside District

The Waterside District is a family-friendly destination filled with exciting eateries and entertainment. Here you will find The Fudgery, Rocky Mountain Grill and Carolina Cupcakery. Kiosk options include Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse. Private event spaces and outdoor dining options are available for groups.

Doumar’s

Every day is ice cream day at Doumar’s! Abe Doumar is credited for inventing the waffle cone by rolling and shaping a waffle into a cone, to which he then added his homemade ice cream. Groups can experience a private waffle cones demonstration being rolled on the original four iron waffle machine, built in 1904.

Stripers Waterside

Norfolk is celebrated for its fantastic seafood options and beautiful riverfront views. Stripers combines both these perks into one delightful dining experience that’s ideal for large groups. Their diverse menu consists of seafood, pasta, steak, sandwiches and more, all of which can be enjoyed while overlooking the sparkling Elizabeth River.

See more student dining options here.

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08 September 2022

Unique Group Shopping in Norfolk

There are many perks to traveling with a group, including amazing packages to take advantage of, complimentary planning services and overall the joy of gathering a bunch of like-minded people to experience someplace new. One of the misconceptions with group travel is that individuals won’t get to enjoy some of the activities typically geared to smaller parties, such as dining at a top-notch restaurant or shopping for a special gift or souvenir. Norfolk is an ideal destination for group tours because our locations for large gatherings are so unique, they’ll feel personally tailored to each individual. So, if you’ve got a group that loves to shop, here are some fabulous Norfolk shopping locales to visit.

Colley Avenue

Located in the adored neighborhood of Ghent, Colley Avenue is the place to go for supporting small businesses and scoring a truly one-of-a-kind find. Locally owned shops are scattered throughout four blocks along Colley Avenue. Kitsch features handmade jewelry, original art and prints from more than 100 regional makers, creatives, artists and crafters. Texture is a woman-owned and operated gift boutique with an ever-changing selection of housewares, jewelry, gifts for pet lovers and children’s/baby items. Less Than features eco-friendly products made from natural ingredients that are free from harsh, synthetic chemicals and stem from makers who are environmentally aware.

D’Art Center

What if you could visit a local art exhibition and then have the option of buying the incredible works of art on display? At D’Art Center, art lovers’ dreams will come true as items from the Center’s national juried show and solo show are available for sale. Purchases are available after exhibitions end, but guests can make it theirs right on the spot after viewing and falling in love with the various pieces.

Norfolk Premium Outlets

Who doesn’t love a great deal? At Norfolk Premium Outlets, groups will have a grand time wandering from store to store scoring fabulous name brands at discount prices. Among the options are Coach, Gap, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger and many others. Plus, with the popular Scandinavian shopping destination IKEA within less than five minutes, it’s easy to spend an entire day shopping and saving nearby.

Perry Glass Studio

Norfolk is growing in the world of glass art with multiple opportunities to view extraordinary pieces. If you’d like your group to experience Norfolk’s glass art in person, first you should read about the many experiences for group tours to enjoy glass art. Secondly, you should plan on taking them to the Perry Glass Studio’s gift shop where they can take home a remarkable piece of glasswork with them. From beautiful blown glass pitchers, decanters and wine glasses to tree ornaments and toppers, there’s something fantastically fragile for each person in the group.

Selden Market

This collaborative space in Downtown Norfolk features a rotating lineup of the city’s up-and-coming concepts in retail, plus food. Groups will enjoy perusing the many different stores to find items such as luxury scented soy candles and plants, modern jewelry, quality leather products and so much more.

VisitNorfolk Mermaid Market

Come by our very own VisitNorfolk Visitors’ Center! Not only will you meet some friendly faces and gather some helpful information for navigating our fine city, but you can also leave with a piece of Norfolk with you. Our Mermaid Market welcomes groups to come explore our collection of mermaid wares—including shirts, ornaments, mugs and more—plus home goods, drink accessories, Norfolk novelties and Virginia-centric items.

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07 September 2022

Student Tour Itinerary: Explore Norfolk

Great fun is always in season on the Virginia waterfront. Norfolk, Virginia offers students an endless array of opportunities to explore, perform and learn! With a multitude of festivals, internationally acclaimed museums, performing arts and attractions, no other Mid-Atlantic destination offers students more!

Day 1

Day 1
Arrive in Norfolk in the afternoon and visit Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin. Nauticus is an interactive science and technology center where students can explore and learn about the power of the sea. While there, students can experience what it feels like to be in the shoes of a United States Navy Sailor aboard the Battleship Wisconsin, one of the last and largest battleships built by the U.S. Navy. Then students can tour the Hampton Roads Naval Museum and experience 200 years of naval history in Coastal Virginia.

Jennifer Collins Photography for VisitNorfolk

Set sail for dinner across the Elizabeth River on the American Rover Sailing Cruise. This majestic, three-masted tall ship is modeled after the cargo schooners that once sailed the Chesapeake Bay. The cruise leaves from Downtown Norfolk for a narrated two-hour harbor cruise. On board, students can lend a hand with the sails, take a turn at the helm or just sit back, relax and enjoy the experience. Educational classes and party DJ cruises are available for students’ cruises.

Day 2

Start the morning at the Virginia Zoo and discover the wildlife! The most exciting expansion in the Zoo’s history, the African habitat Okavango Delta, consists of 10 acres of unobstructed animal viewing. Spot lions, tigers and many more animals on board a train that runs throughout the Zoo with stops along the way. The Virginia Zoo’s education department is also available to provide student education classes and other wild experiences.

Add a little history into the afternoon program with the MacArthur Memorial. Discover the compelling story of General Douglas MacArthur, a five star General of the Army. The Memorial pays tribute to the millions of men and women who served with General MacArthur in World War I, World War II and the Korean War. The MacArthur Memorial consists of a museum, archives and research center, education center, theater, welcome center and gift shop.

Time to board City Cruises Norfolk, where students can enjoy a nautical setting dinner with dancing, great food and live entertainment all while enjoying the panoramic skyline of Norfolk.

End the evening with a stop for ice cream with a famous waffle cone from Doumar’s. Doumar’s is famous for the invention of the waffle cone we all know and love today. Abe Doumar invented the waffle cone by taking a waffle and rolling it into a cone, to which he added ice cream. Doumar’s continues to bake cones on the original cone machines. Students will take delight in learning the history of how the cone was invented while watching the Doumar family make fresh cones from the original machine with advanced notice.

Day 3

Before heading back to school, students can discover one of the largest collections of azaleas, camellias, roses and rhododendrons on the East Coast at theNorfolk Botanical Garden. Students will experience 155 glorious acres by guided tours on foot, tram or boat. Students can get their hands dirty (or keep them clean) with interactive educational programs presented by the garden.

2023-Itinerary-–-Explore-The-Bay Download

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28 August 2022

Group Tour Itinerary: 3 Days in Norfolk

Norfolk, Virginia is a city on the water but never watered down. Find inspiration on our shores. Explore our neighborhoods. Share our love of art. Experience our local flavors. Walk in our history. Never be afraid to loosen your sails and go wherever the wind takes you; a little change will do you good.