29 August 2024

Norfolk Admirals Full 2024-25 Schedule

The Norfolk Admirals, proud ECHL affiliates of the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose, recently announced their schedule for the upcoming 2024-25 season.

The Admirals will play a 72-game regular season schedule comprised of 24 Friday games, 23 Saturday games, 13 Sunday games, eight Wednesday games, three Tuesday games, and one Thursday game.

All home games on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday will be a 7:05 PM start time with Sunday’s at 3:05 PM.

Along with the traditional road trips to the North Division cities (Adirondack, Maine, Reading, Trois-Rivières, Worcester), Norfolk will travel to three South division cities (Atlanta, Greenville, Savannah). Additionally, the Admirals will be making their first trip to Iowa for a three-game series against the Heartlanders.

With the additions of the Tahoe Lake Monsters and Bloomington Bison to the ECHL, the Wheeling Nailers will be transitioning from the Central to the North Division.

A full promotional schedule for home games will be released at a later date and time.

Norfolk Admirals 2024-25 Schedule

Home – BOLD || Away – ITALIC

–Note: Dates are subject to change–

October 2024 (3 Home, 2 Away):

Friday, October 18 – vs. Adirondack Thunder

Saturday, October 19 – vs. Adirondack Thunder

Friday, October 25 – at Maine Mariners

Saturday, October 25 – at Maine Mariners

Wednesday, October 30 – vs. Worcester Railers

November 2024 (8 Home, 5 Away):

Friday, November 1 – vs. Worcester Railers

Sunday, November 3 – vs. Worcester Railers

Wednesday, November 6 – at Reading Royals

Friday, November 8 – at Adirondack Thunder

Saturday, November 9 – at Adirondack Thunder

Sunday, November 10 – at Worcester Railers

Friday, November 15 – vs. Toledo Walleye

Saturday, November 16 – vs. Toledo Walleye

Wednesday, November 20 – vs. Reading Royals

Friday, November 22 – at Reading Royals

Wednesday, November 27- vs Maine Mariners

Friday, November 29- vs Maine Mariners

Saturday, November 30- vs Maine Mariners

December 2024 (6 Home, 6 Away):

Friday, December 6 – at Adirondack Thunder

Sunday, December 8 – at Worcester Railers

Friday, December 13 – vs. Cincinnati Cyclones

Saturday, December 14 – vs. Cincinnati Cyclones

Sunday, December 15 – vs. Cincinnati Cyclones

Friday, December 20 – vs. Trois-Rivières Lions

Saturday, December 21 – vs. Trois-Rivières Lions

Sunday, December 22 – vs. Trois-Rivières Lions

Friday, December 27 – at Savannah Ghost Pirates

Saturday, December 28 – at Atlanta Gladiators

Sunday, December 29 – at Atlanta Gladiators

Tuesday, December 31 – at Greenville Swamp Rabbits

January 2025 (6 Home, Away):

Friday, January 3 – vs. Wheeling Nailers

Saturday, January 4 – vs. Wheeling Nailers

Saturday, January 11 – at Maine Mariners

Sunday, January 12 – at Maine Mariners

Friday, January 17 – vs. Trois-Rivières Lions

Saturday, January 18 – vs. Trois-Rivières Lions

Sunday, January 19 – vs. Trois-Rivières Lions

January 21-23 – All Star Break

Friday, January 24 – at Trois-Rivières Lions

Saturday, January 25 – at Adirondack Thunder

Sunday, January 26 – at Adirondack Thunder

Wednesday, January 29 – at Adirondack Thunder

Friday, January 31 – vs. South Carolina Stingrays

February 2025 (5 Home, 4 Away)

Saturday, February 1 – vs. South Carolina Stingrays

Tuesday, February 4- at Reading Royals (Education Game)

Friday, February 7 – at Maine Mariners

Saturday, February 8 – at Maine Mariners

Saturday, February 15 – vs. Reading Royals

Friday, February 21 – vs. Maine Mariners

Saturday, February 22 – vs. Maine Mariners

Sunday, February 23 – vs. Maine Mariners

Friday, February 28 – at Trois-Rivières Lions

March 2025 (6 Home, 9 Away)

Saturday, March 1 – at Trois-Rivières Lions

Sunday, March 2 – at Trois-Rivières Lions

Wednesday, March 5 – vs Florida Everblades

Friday, March 7 – vs Florida Everblades

Saturday, March 8 – vs Florida Everblades

Tuesday, March 11 – at Maine Mariners (Education Game)

Thursday, March 13 – at Worcester Railers (Education Game)

Friday, March 14 – at Worcester Railers

Saturday, March 15 – at Worcester Railers

Friday, March 21 – at Reading Royals

Saturday, March 22 – at Reading Royals

Sunday, March 23 – at Reading Royals

Wednesday, March 26 – vs. Reading Royals

Friday, March 28 – vs. Savannah Ghost Pirates

Saturday, March 29 – vs. Savannah Ghost Pirates

April (3 Home, 3 Away)

Friday, April 4 – at Iowa Heartlanders

Saturday, April 5 – at Iowa Heartlanders

Sunday, April 6 – at Iowa Heartlanders

Wednesday, April 9 – vs. Reading Royals

Friday, April 11 – vs. South Carolina Stingrays

Saturday, April 12 – vs. South Carolina Stingrays

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To inquire about ticket packages for the 2024-25 season, call 757.640.1212 or CLICK HERE.

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FOLLOW THE ADMIRALS ON ALL SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

Twitter: @NorfolkAdmirals

Facebook: Norfolk Admirals

Instagram: @NorfolkAdmirals

YouTube: Norfolk Admirals

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26 August 2024

Charm for Days: An Autumn Stroll Through Ghent

Like its Belgian namesake, Ghent is the place where Old World charm meets modern amenities, featuring boutique shopping, local eateries and impressive architecture. Its strollable streets make it the perfect Norfolk neighborhood to soak in the warm rays of fall sunshine as the days grow shorter and sweater season descends upon Coastal Virginia.

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at Little Dog Diner, an absolute classic local joint where they don’t put on any airs, but they sure know how to put the pancakes, sausage and eggs on the griddle. Enjoy a stack or go big with The Redneck Express, a split buttermilk biscuit topped with sausage, hash browns and gravy.

After breakfast, walk, scooter or ride over to Weyanoke Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary for a peaceful nature trek. This 15-acre sanctuary is home to a variety of birds, including herons, egrets, swallows and ducks. Also, keep an eye out for Christmas ferns, dogwoods and pawpaws. Fall color abounds here in early fall through the start of winter.

Eventually, you’ll make your way back to Colley Ave., the beating heart of Ghent, where shops, bars and restaurants turn on the charm offensive all year long. Step into the tastes of Mexico at Tacos Y Tequila, a popular restaurant with sidewalk dining – perfect for people-watching on a lovely autumn day. Sip on a Corona and dig into a taco, burrito or other Mexican dish accompanied by Norfolk’s famous White Sauce (if you know, you know … but if you don’t, just ask!)

Lunch at Tacos Y Tequila on Colley Ave. in Ghent.

After lunch, embark on a self-guided architectural tour of Ghent. Admire the beautiful homes and historic churches that dot the neighborhood. Don’t miss Christ and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church or First Lutheran Church of Norfolk, both a prime example of Gothic Revival style from the early Twentieth Century. Also, admire St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and Ohef Sholom Temple, the latter of which exemplifies Greek Revival style and which was built in 1918. These historic landmarks offer a glimpse into Ghent’s rich history and they look particularly photogenic with autumn leaves falling around them.

Christ and St. Luke’s Church in Ghent, Norfolk.

As you continue your exploration, browse the shops along Colley Avenue and 21st Street. Discover vintage throwback finds at Nomad’s, stylish clothing and accessories at Maison Soleil, and one-of-a-kind home furnishing items at Mrs. Pinkadot. For a healthy and delicious snack, stop by the Organic Food Depot. Wherever you shop, the cooler days of fall will mean more time walking around this breathtaking neighborhood – or exploring it on Lime bikes and scooters, which are easily located around Ghent.

For dinner, treat yourself to a Parisian-inspired meal at newly-renovated Green Onion, an eatery serving up French classics in a jazzy, cafe ambiance. Pro tip: couples can enjoy happy hour wine while splitting an order of steak frites and the hand-selected cheese board, then cap it off with a slice of chocolate fudge for a decadent and filling treat.

Afternoon beer at The Ghent rooftop gastropub.

At the end of the day, trek up to the top floor of The Ghent, a rooftop gastropub with self-serve options and views of surrounding foliage. After all, we can’t think of a better way to cap off the perfect fall day than with a local brew and the best vibes around as the sun sets over Norfolk.

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08 August 2024

Three Days in Norfolk: Labor Day 2024

Labor Day may herald the unofficial end of summer (boo), but it comes with a unique upside: three days of glorious rest and relaxation (yay!). For those headed to Coastal Virginia, Norfolk is the sweet spot that combines beachy fun, world-class dining, history and views for days. Here’s how to spend an extended weekend in Mermaid City.

Day One

Wake up, sleepyhead; rise and shine, seize the day … whichever cliché you go with, at least be discerning in your coffee choice. For that, Norfolk knows how to grind ‘em. Start with a cup at Cure Coffeehouse in the historic Freemason District, an urban spot popular with remote workers and city dwellers that also serves up breakfast sandwiches (including a couple of vegan options). Or head to Vessel Craft Coffee, an expansive space in the Chelsea District that takes latte art to new heights. Stick around for breakfast or lunch from Vessel’s busy kitchen.

Downtown Norfolk is filled with many attractions and shops, but one of the best parts is the city’s bikeability. Venture to Pedego bike shop, located within MacArthur Square, for electric bike rentals to explore our 12 tight-knit blocks—water views of the Elizabeth River, the Cannonball Trail, Harbor Park and the Battleship Wisconsin are all among the things you may see while rolling through our streets.

For lunch, hit up any of the many restaurants that line Granby St. From traditional pub fare at Grace O’Malley’s to gyros and Italian subs at Granby Bistro and Deli and melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness at The Grilled Cheese Bistro, there’s zero reason to go hungry on your visit to Norfolk.

Unwind in the afternoon with a visit to the Glass Light Hotel & Gallery. Here, exceptional works of glass art by world-renowned artists such as Dale Chihuly, Peter Bremers and Lino Tagliapietra hide in the corners and hang from the spaces around you to pique your senses and warm the glow. Marvel at the architecture and spacious interiors at the Slover Library, then head to MacArthur Memorial, which is dedicated to the life and legacy of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur. The Memorial also pays tribute to the millions of Americans who served during the Civil War, World War I, World War II and the Korean War.

Splurge on dinner at either Luce or Todd Jurich’s Bistro. At Luce (pronounced LOO-chay), tuck into authentic Italian cuisine inspired by the traditions of the north all the way down to Sicily. At Todd Jurich’s Bistro, dine in upscale casual elegance as the restaurant’s namesake prepares dishes sourced from small farmers and producers.

Day Two

Labor Day weekend usually means soaking up one last beach getaway, and lucky for you, we have 7.5 miles of beaches. With Norfolk’s location along the Chesapeake Bay, the beaches in our Ocean View neighborhood offer calm waters that are nearly waveless, making it the perfect place to bring a relaxing floatation or a fantastic spot for smaller children to enjoy the water.

In Ocean View, grab a bite at Stony’s Dockside for waterside views or down a few oysters at Captain Groovy’s Raw Bar & Grill. Get the full rundown of dining choices – including breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner – in Ocean View here.

At night (Aug. 31), the Cousinz Festival kicks off at Scope Arena and the surrounding plaza. Founded by Hampton Roads local Pusha T, Cousinz Festival will feature Jermaine Durpi, DJ Envy, the Art of Noise, Mad Skillz, DJ Lonnie B and Jae Murphy. Join in this food and music festival with a few thousand of your closest friends as you eat, laugh and dance the night away.

Still craving fun after hours? Use our guide to late-night cocktails in Norfolk to keep the party going (responsibly, of course).

Day Three

Perhaps you’re headed home on the third day, but are looking to squeeze in just a bit more fun before hitting the road. For that, Norfolk offers plenty of choices.

Start off with a morning at the Nauticus Museum and adjacent Battleship Wisconsin, where the story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military is told every day. Both attractions are located near interstates 64 and 264 for easy access to the road.

If you’re flying out, hit up the Virginia Zoo, where lions, red pandas, orangutans, snakes and other creatures roam. Directly next to Norfolk International Airport, you’ll find Norfolk Botanical Garden, a 175-acre sanctuary featuring 60 themed gardens and an endless array of plants to discover. Whatever you choose, you’ll have a blast!

When you get home, don’t forget to tag us on social media with #VisitNorfolkVA

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02 August 2024

Cork And Kettle: The Best of Both Worlds

In his 22 years as a business attorney, Earnhart Spencer has helped countless entrepreneurs purchase, sell and operate their dream shops. This knowledge has proven invaluable as he ventures into his own dream in the form of Cork & Kettle, a wine and tea bar in Downtown Norfolk.

Entering the Granby St. shopfront, you’re immediately transported to a refined space with minimalist grays and deep browns drawing the eye to either side of the restaurant. On the left, teas. On the right, wines. All throughout, a welcoming atmosphere where conversations take flight over paninis, cheeseboards and hand-selected beverages.

Cork & Kettle marries two of Spencer’s passions with 36 teas and 36 wines to purchase, and 16 of each for in-store enjoyment. Talking to Spencer, you get the sense this symmetry is no accident. In fact, everything in Cork & Kettle has been chosen by him and his wife, Nancy, his partner in life and in business.

Two Passions in One

Spencer says wine and tea make for “a nice marriage” because they “appeal to similar demographics. You don’t see it done very much. In fact, we’re the only wine and tea bar in Hampton Roads and only one of three or four in the country.”

Over time, the realization came to him that he needed to open Cork & Kettle for like minded tea and wine lovers, saying, “Instead of running around trying to find tea we love and wine we like, why don’t we just become that place?”

He says culture is often coffee-driven (and likewise beer-driven), which opens the perfect opportunity for him to offer new flavors Norfolk residents and visitors might otherwise miss out on.

“It seemed like a natural marriage for us.”

The Offerings

On the tea side, Spencer says he’s sourcing from Harney and Sons, a renowned purveyor of loose leaf and sachet teas. For each of the teas offered, there is a sniff jar to give a better sense of the tea’s flavor. Cork & Kettle offers both traditional black teas as well as herbal varieties, from traditional Earl Grey and peppermint to peaches and ginger to chocolate mint. Spencer offers 16 of these teas for in-store consumption by the cup or in one of two pot sizes, depending on the party size. Other nonalcoholic drinks include bottled teas, lemonade, ginger beer, peach and sweet black tea.

As for the wines, Spencer has hand-picked a selection of varietals from France, Spain, Italy, New Zealand, California and – of course – Virginia. More than a dozen of them are sold by the glass via a self-serve station that allows customers to have as little as a sip for one dollar before committing to a larger glass. Start a tab on a self-serve tap card and taste the night away.

The commitment to Virginia wines – including a lovely and complex Petit Verdot from Michael Shaps Winery out of Charlottesville – is strong with Spencer.

“We have 300 wineries in Virginia, making it the fifth-largest wine producing state in the nation,” he says. “Sixty percent of our wines are from Virginia and 40 percent are international organic.”

He notes that the Charolttesville AVA (American Viticultural Area) recently was honored with Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast magazine. In addition to wines, Cork & Kettle also serves ciders from local cideries.

Cork & Kettle’s kitchen may be small, but it produces some terrific options for lunch or a light dinner, including paninis, grazing boards, salads and other sides to accompany your favorite beverage. The turkey and brie panini is a customer favorite, Spencer says. On Sundays, the menu expands to offer a brunch of Belgian waffles and $5 mimosas.

Happy Hour at Cork & Kettle is Wednesday through Friday from 4-7 p.m. with $5 glasses of wine and other specials.

“Our real goal here is to introduce wine to people who may not have considered wine in the past,” Spencer says. “With our self-serve system, it allows you to go through and taste wines at your own pace. Come and try them out before you invest in a whole bottle. Try before you buy.”

Cork & Kettle is located at 420 Monticello Ave. Suit 160 just north of MacArthur Mall and within walking distance of Chrysler Hall and Scope Arena.

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01 August 2024

Find Your Ice Cream ‘Blyss’

When Norfolk’s summer heats up, there’s really only one reasonable thing to do: head straight for your nearest ice cream parlor for a little relief. If you’re downtown, that means making a beeline to BLYSS Ice Cream and Desserts.

Situated at the foot of Granby Street near Hilton Norfolk The Main, BLYSS draws its visual inspiration from the surrounding downtown core, with a splash of cheeky modern art, a touch of antique lighting and several portraits of famous locals on the walls (hello, Pharell and Allen Iverson!) Your average ice cream shop, it is not.

Looking at the mid-summer menu, flavors such as banana pudding, blueberry cheesecake, pecan praline, cookies-n-cream and vegan acai blueberry dominate. It’s all part of the plan of keeping the menu – which includes cones, sundaes, cups and milkshakes – seasonal, says owner and operator Bria Suggs.

“I bake all the goodies that go inside our sundaes and milkshakes – the cheesecake, blondies, brownies and a few other cookies,” Suggs says.

Suggs is not only a veteran of the ice cream business, but of the armed forces, as well. An eight-year Air Force vet who grew up in Coastal Virginia and was stationed at Langley Air Force Base, she previously worked at Dairy Queen and went on to start her own frozen treat truck called Shake It Up Shakes.

When she officially opened BLYSS’s doors on June 8, she wasn’t sure how people would react to the change in tone of the former Norfolk Smoothie location at 112 Granby St. But business has been brisk, Suggs says.

“The first month has gone so well and I’m so happy to be in this location,” she says. “The City of Norfolk is so supportive of my business and small business in general. It’s been an awesome experience.”

As for what’s selling the most, it may not surprise ice cream lovers to hear what Suggs says next.

“The brownie sundae is really popular,” she says. “It has vanilla ice cream or chocolate, along with fresh brownies, chocolate chips, hot fudge and another giant scoop on top with whipped cream and a cherry.”

For vegans and those who are lactose intolerant, Suggs offers at least one vegan option each week, including milkshakes.

And don’t think BLYSS is just a place to hit during the Dog Days of Summer.

“We’re expanding the menu and it switches every season. Toward the fall we switch to more savory, warm. Our pumpkin cheesecake is a big hit,” Suggs says.

She also says BLYSS will offer hot chocolate, hot tea and a specialty hot chocolate float when temperatures cool down in Norfolk.

As a solo entrepreneur, Suggs is behind the counter most of the time BLYSS is open, but has begun expanding her team.

“It’s me and one other person right now. I want to get to know all the customers personally. I want to build relationships and just meet everyone to get their opinion and feedback. As we grow we will add people to the team.”

Swing by BLYSS between 5 and 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday to enjoy an unbeatable deal: during milkshake happy hour, you can score a 12-ounce milkshake for just $5.

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24 July 2024

August 2024 Events Guide

Norfolk has an amazing lineup of events for August 2024! From festivals, summer camps, sports games, food events, there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy!

tides baseball games

Ongoing
Harbor Park

Take the family out to the ball game! The Norfolk Tides are a minor league baseball team in the Triple-A International League. As an affiliate team of the Baltimore Orioles, the Norfolk Tides play at Harbor Park on the Elizabeth River in downtown Norfolk. Save the dates for these Tides baseball home games throughout the 2024 season!

Early days: indigenous art

Ongoing
Chrysler Museum of Art

Early Days is the first survey of Canadian Indigenous art to be presented internationally. Organized by the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in collaboration with current Indigenous stakeholders—scholars, traditional knowledge keepers, and living artists—the exhibition includes both historic and contemporary art from coast-to-coast.

An American Abroad: Florence Sloan In Europe

Ongoing
Hermitage Museum & Gardens

The exhibition, An American Abroad: Florence Sloane in Europe, 1920s-1930s, sheds new light on the real-life adventures of this cultural trailblazer during an important historical period in modern world history. Rare archival collections selected for display will illustrate Florence Sloane’s impressive trek abroad and provide insight into her life and interests. Among the rare items on view are excerpts from Florence Sloane’s personal travel journal and letters in which she recounted her experiences and described places she visited in impressive detail.

Ramen night

Mondays in August
The Stockpot Norfolk

Craving a steaming bowl of deliciousness to fuel your adventures? Look no further than Stockpot Norfolk’s Ramen Night! Every Monday, they ditch the brunch vibes and ladle up hearty noodle creations and good times until 8:30 pm. So grab a seat, slurp some noodles, and soak up the atmosphere. On the go? Call ahead and take your ramen to-go and spend your evening too.

big bands on the bay summer concert series

August 4, 11, 18, 25
Gazebo at Ocean View Beach Park

Relax into the new week every Sunday night, 7-9pm with live music and sunsets on the Chesapeake Bay. This summer Festevents’ hosts the returning Big Bands on the Bay Concert Series at Ocean View Beach Park. Each week, starting May 26 and ending September 1, 2024, the Big Bands come to the Bay for an evening full of dancing and music to round out exciting summer weekends. Remember to bring your blankets/chairs for these family friendly concerts!

Thank goodness it’s Oceanview

Fridays in August
Ocean View Beach Park

Kick off your summer weekends with live entertainment and sunsets on the Chesapeake Bay at Ocean View Beach Park! Join Festevents every Friday night 6pm to 9:30pm for the returning 2024 TGOV Summer Event Series. These weekly parties commence with a breathtaking firework show on June 28th and present Backyard BBQs, New Vibes, a Salsa Dance Party, Beach Parties, a Wine and Beer tasting, and Movie Nights through Aug. 23. Bring your friends, family and blankets or chairs to enjoy live music, food, drinks, and dancing–don’t worry, there’s plenty of activities for the kids too. You won’t want to miss this.

lucky daye

August 9
The NorVa

Lucky early on in life discovered his love of music and natural gift for singing and songwriting in the musical melting pot that is New Orleans, where he was born. The devastation of Hurricane Katrina displaced his family and they ended up moving to the small town of Tyler, TX. Ultimately Lucky knew he wanted to pursue music so he moved to Atlanta for a brief stint and eventually ventured to Los Angeles to pursue his dream. After meeting D’Mile and working with him on what would become his debut album Painted, Lucky fully realized his voice and potential. His undeniable talent as a vocalist took shape and landed at him at his label home, Keep Cool, in partnership with RCA Records. In late 2018, he released the explosive hit “Roll Some Mo”, which has now has nearly 30 million streams worldwide.

run your best mile

Mondays in August
The Plot

Stop by every Monday night at The Plot on Granby Street in Norfolk’s NEON District for a refreshing summer series of 1-3 mile runs. The club, “Run Your Best Mile Powered by Wellness For Creatives,” is dedicated to promoting physical wellness and creative community engagement. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just getting started, the club offers a supportive environment to achieve your best mile, enhance your well-being, and connect with fellow creatives. Join them to embrace a healthier lifestyle and inspire creativity through running!

Savannah Bananas

Aug. 16-18
Harbor Park

The exhibition baseball team that plays “Banana Ball” to sold-out crowds across the United States comes to Norfolk August 16, 17 and 18 against the Savannah Party Animals. Bananas games always sell out many months in advance and the team has a multi-year waitlist, but tickets are sometimes available on the resale market.

41st Waterfront jazz festival

August 16-17
Town Point Park

Town Point Park, Downtown Norfolk Waterfront, VA
5pm – 11pm Daily

Friday, Aug. 16 performers:
Kirk Whalum, Norman Brown, Rebecca Jade

Saturday, Aug. 17 performers:
Larry Carlton, Bob James, Four80East with Jeff Kashiwa

virginia honey bee festival

August 17
Norfolk Botanical Garden

Presented by the Beekeepers Guild of Southeast Virginia, join us for a day buzzing with excitement. Explore educational booths showcasing the vital role of honeybees in our ecosystem, and dive into hands-on activities for kids, where they can learn about the fascinating world of pollinators. Collect stamps in your passport as you embark on a journey through the festival. Shop around from our retail vendors, and refuel with delectable delights from food trucks.

yoga + wine tasting

August 17
Sky’s the Limit Yoga Co.

Danielle will guide you through an hour long “feel good flow.” Class will be filled with fun moves, dope songs and all the feels! After class, switch gears and sip on some wine with local sommelier from Vino Culture. BYOS (aka- bring your own snacks to enjoy with the wine).

Avatar the last airbender: In concert

August 23
Chrysler Hall

Avatar: The Last Airbender In Concert presents a live orchestral rendition of the series’ iconic soundtrack, paired with a nearly two-hour special recap of the animated series’ three seasons displayed on a full-size cinema screen. The projection will feature the original dialogue and sound effects without any pre-recorded music, allowing the live orchestra to perform the legendary score live and in perfect sync with the show scenes. The result? A truly immersive and grandiose concert experience that breathes new life into “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”

Cousinz Festival: Erykah Badu, more

August 31
Scope Arena

Founded by Hampton Roads local Pusha T, Cousinz Festival will feature Jermaine Dupri, DJ Envy, the Art of Noise, Mad Skillz, DJ Lonnie B and Jae Murphy. Cousinz is a 1-day festival experience – attracting thousands of friends and family to the Scope Arena Plaza for music, food and more.

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01 July 2024

Recently Opened in Norfolk

Because Norfolk is always evolving and changing, we want to make sure you don’t miss out on all the new talented chefs, baristas, boutique owners or pitmasters opening up businesses. Whether it’s trying an innovative dish or buying a new outfit, we’re always excited to try out the new locally-owned shops and restaurants. Although we cannot list every new entity that joins Norfolk’s culture, we encourage you to follow along with us on social media for more openings and happenings within the city!

Would you like your new business featured here? Email us with details.

July 2024

Norfolk Candle

Brandon Brinkley brings local’s favorite Norfolk Candle to Selden Market (208 E. Main St.) after operating previously on Granby Street and in pop-up markets. Norfolk Candle is housed in the former location of CLTRE. | Vegan Joint, which will focus on its Virginia Beach location going forward. Brinkley’s shop features sells candles, flags, greeting cards, sweaters, scarves, beanies and a full range of PRIDE collection items.

La Brioche

Pastry lovers breathed a collective sigh of relief when La Brioche finally reopened in its new Colley Ave. digs in late June. The Parisian cafe is known for its hand-made baguettes, croissants, pies and sandwiches, a tradition that will carry on in Ghent after a move from the NEON District this spring.

BLYSS ICE CREAM AND DESERTS

Right in time for the dog days of summer, Blyss Ice Cream and Deserts opened at 112 Granby St. in early June, serving ice cream cones, cups, sundaes and milkshakes in a variety of flavors. Vegan options available.

ROLLED UP

Directly next door to Blyss at 116 Granby St. you’ll find Rolled Up, a new eggroll joint serving some seriously unique flavors. At its June opening, the Asian-inspired eatery was crafting the following eggroll flavors:

Steak cheesesteak
Chicken cheesesteak
Veggie
Apple pie
Chicken parmesan
Chorizo queso
Snickers
Butterfingers

GRAN MAYA

Plaza del Sol may be gone, but Gran Maya is here to cheer us all up. With a successful restaurant in Virginia Beach, the Mexican eatery is expanding into the Ghent Market Shops at 2200 Colonial Ave. in Ghent (with a tease on its website that it will soon open a location on Big Bethel Road in Hampton). The menu includes traditional favorites such as fajitas, quesadillas, burritos and a visually stunning Pina Rellena made with a half of a pineapple.

SLOPPY SAILORS

Found at 4214 E. Little Creek Rd. near the East Ocean View Dirty Buffalo, Sloppy Sailors serves cheesesteaks, sandwiches, burgers, dogs, sloppy fries, salads, shakes and desert. Learn more here.

May 2024

Potted: Houseplant Cafe

Part cafe, part plant shop, Potted combines two great things under one roof: brewed tea and houseplants. Situated inside Selden Market at 208 E. Main St., Potted is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. except on Tuesdays, when it’s closed. The staff crafts milk, boba and more traditional teas, and also sells loose leaf tea for home brewing. The opposite wall features a small, but carefully curated selection of houseplants. Follow them on Instagram.

508 CraftHouse

Visitors to the Chelsea District have been eagerly awaiting the grand opening of 508 Crafthouse, which happened in late April. With dishes ranging from Oysters Rockefeller and jerked quail to bourbon lamb chops and scallop gnochi, the menu looks extremely promising, as does the weekly Sunday brunch. Located at 508 Orapax St., 508 Crafthouse is open Tuesday through Saturday 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Follow them on Instagram.

District Taco

Fans of this D.C.-based regional taco chain, rejoice! Found at 2700 Hampton Blvd. across from the up-and-coming Railyard project, this taco joint features the familiar setup found at places like Chipotle, Qdoba and Moe’s, but boasts that its dishes are made fresh from scratch daily. See the menu here.

Slow and Steady Bike Goods

Slow and Steady Bike Goods, located at 2406 Colley Ave. in a former bike shop space, is the newcomer to the city’s burgeoning cycling scene. Owners Joey and Fred have set out to create a “unique and inclusive space that serves as a hub for bike enthusiasts and the community. The shop offers everything from basic flat repairs to premium tune-ups with a quick turnaround. They also host several monthly rides, the details of which are posted at their shop and on social media. Follow them on Instagram.

Virginia ABC (RailYard Branch)

One final Railyard update to add this month: Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control has added a new, clean-as-a-whistle location to load up on libations at 1225 W. 25th St. The new Store expands the choices for those living in Ghent, West Ghent, Chelsea and the ODU neighborhoods. It celebrated its grand opening April 15.

April 2024

Amale Tre Focacceria

Operated by husband and wife partner Gabriele and Nicole Pianezze, Amale Tre Focacceria crafts mouthwatering foccacias, imported meats and cheeses and other Italian delights in Selden Market. Also serving homemade breads, pasts, sauces, deserts and more. You may know the pair from their popular La Cucina di Sophia food truck. A steady stream of customers at their kiosk tells you everything you need to know about the quality of their offerings.

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

Crave Bakery & Coffee Bar

Camille Sheppard-Parrish has recently moved Crave Bakery from its Edinburgh location to the former Chocollage space at Boush and College in the Historic Freemason District. The bakery serves up coffee, pastries, ice cream and a full breakfast and lunch menu including croissants, toasts, waffles and more. 200 College Place.

Ordinaire

Located in the original Brothers restaurant space at 200 E. Plume St. in Downtown Norfolk, Ordinaire serves up a coastal Gullah-inspired menu. Appetizers include fried pickled okra, fried deviled eggs, boiled peanuts and entrees such as shrimp and grits, lamb chops, chicken and collar alfredo and more.

Studio Kuumba

This pop-up art studio and workspace began as a pop-up in Selden Market at 208 E. Main St. The concept is simple: pop in any time for simple free flow crafting like creating bookmarks, bracelets, paintings and more. Sign up for guided workshops by yourself or with a group. Also carries local art, jewelry and more, created by the owner and other talented artists. Now, the store is expanding to a full-fledged storefront.

Biscuit Belly

Slated to open mid-March in the ambitious Railyard at Lambert’s Point project is regional chain Biscuit Belly at 2401 Hampton Blvd. The eatery promises a “brunch menu filled with bold new twists on Southern favorites.”

StretchLab

Also found in the Railyard at Lambert’s Point, StretchLab offers “one-on-one, customized assisted stretching sessions. The stretches are given on our custom designed benches by Flexologists who will customize your stretch to your needs and talk you through your stretches.” Find it at 1225 W. 25th St.

Chicken Salad Chick

Load up on a dozen different types of chicken salad, served on bread, croissants or lettuce at this new Railyard entry. Find it at 1200 W. 26th St.

Cooking with Greens

Slated to open in early April 2024, Cooking with Greens is operated by Derak and Anita Green (get it?). What began as a Facebook page has transformed into a storefront in Selden Market where the Greens will sell seasonings, cookbooks, kitchenware and more. 208 E. Main St.

PJay’s Kitchen

Veteran-owned Granby Street spot for shrimp po’boys, slow-braised oxtail sandwiches, tacos and more. 323 Granby St.

The New F.R.E.D.

If you’ve spent any time downtown, you’ve likely seen F.R.E.D. roaming the streets, offering Free Rides Every Day to visitors. Downtown Norfolk recently unveiled a new, fancified battery-operated F.R.E.D. unit that transports up to 8 passengers with confort. Call 757-478-7233 to hitch a ride.

Victory Rover

Like F.R.E.D., Victory Rover has been a downtown staple for many years, but it’s worth noting that March 2024 marked the return of these ever-popular naval base harbor cruises at the Waterside. As things heat up, don’t miss the chance to see Mermaid City from a different vantage point – aboard a 149-passenger ship.

LoveWork AR Installation

As part of its “Love is in the Air” campaign, Norfolk International Airport recently unveiled its newest LOVEwork sign that features an Augmented Reality (AR) experience for those who scan the QR code. Check it out; it’s pretty neat!

Want to tell us about new business openings? Email us your tips.

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24 June 2024

Norfolk 2024-25 Cruise Schedule

As renovations get under way at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center this summer, we’re eagerly anticipating the return of Carnival Sunshine, which will offer 6-8 day sailings to the Bahamas, Bermuda and more. Others – like Princess and American Cruise Lines – are still sailing for the rest of 2024.

Date	Ship	Cruise Line
3/31/2024	Legend	Carnival
3/31/2024	American Constitution	American Cruise Lines
4/1/2024	American Constitution	American Cruise Lines
4/2/2024	American Constitution	American Cruise Lines
4/4/2024	Vision of the Seas	Royal Caribbean
4/6/2024	Viking Polaris	Viking Cruises
4/7/2024	Legend	Carnival
4/9/2024	American Constitution	American Cruise Lines
4/10/2024	American Constitution	American Cruise Lines
4/11/2024	American Constitution	American Cruise Lines
4/12/2024	American Constitution	American Cruise Lines
4/12/2024	Vision of the Seas	Royal Caribbean
4/14/2024	Viking Octantis	Viking Cruises
4/15/2024	Legend	Carnival
4/19/2024	Vision of the Seas	Royal Caribbean
4/21/2024	Pride	Carnival
4/28/2024	Pride	Carnival
5/5/2024	Pride	Carnival
5/6/2024	American Star	American Cruise Lines
5/7/2024	American Star	American Cruise Lines
5/9/2024	American Constitution	American Cruise Lines
5/10/2024	American Constitution	American Cruise Lines
5/11/2024	American Constitution	American Cruise Lines
5/12/2024	American Constitution	American Cruise Lines
5/12/2024	Pride	Carnival
5/19/24	Pride	Carnival
5/19/2024	American Constitution	American Cruise Lines
5/20/2024	American Constitution	American Cruise Lines
5/21/2024	American Constitution	American Cruise Lines
5/22/2024	American Constitution	American Cruise Lines
6/10/2024	Island Princess	Princess Cruises
6/21/2024	Island Princess	Princess Cruises
6/23/2024	Emerald Princess	Princess Cruises
6/27/2024	Island Princess	Princess Cruises
9/15/2024	Villa Vie	Odyssey
9/16/2024	Villa Vie	Odyssey
10/9/2024	Mein Schiff 1	TUI Cruises
10/13/2024	American Constitution	American Cruise Lines
10/14/2024	American Constitution	American Cruise Lines
10/15/2024	American Constitution	American Cruise Lines
10/16/2024	American Constitution	American Cruise Lines
10/18/2024	Viking Polaris	Viking Cruises
10/20/2024	Mein Schiff 1	TUI Cruises
10/21/2024	Viking Octantis	Viking Cruises
10/23/2024	American Constitution	American Cruise Lines
10/24/2024	American Constitution	American Cruise Lines
10/25/2024	American Constitution	American Cruise Lines
10/26/2024	American Constitution	American Cruise Lines
10/27/2024	Emerald Princess	Princess Cruises
10/28/2024	Mein Schiff 1	TUI Cruises
11/4/2024	American Liberty	American Cruise Lines
11/5/2024	American Liberty	American Cruise Lines
11/5/2024	American Glory	American Cruise Lines
11/6/2024	American Glory	American Cruise Lines
11/7/2024	American Independence	American Cruise Lines
11/8/2024	American Independence	American Cruise Lines
11/9/2024	American Independence	American Cruise Lines
11/11/2024	American Eagle	American Cruise Lines
11/12/2024	American Eagle	American Cruise Lines
11/13/2024	American Eagle	American Cruise Lines
11/14/2024	American Glory	American Cruise Line
11/15/2024	American Glory	American Cruise Lines
11/16/2024	American Glory	American Cruise Lines
11/17/2024	American Glory	American Cruise Lines
11/21/2024	American Glory	American Cruise Lines
11/22/2024	American Glory	American Cruise Lines
11/23/2024	American Glory	American Cruise Lines

Carnival 2025 Cruise Schedule

The Carnival Sunshine returns to Norfolk in 2025! Sailing to the Bahamas and the Exotic Eastern Caribbean, cruises will enjoy 6- and 8-day tours from Norfolk.

See the Schedule

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20 June 2024

July 2024 Events Guide

Norfolk has a great lineup of July events to heat things up! From 4th of July fireworks, festivals and live music to foodie and sports events, there is plenty of fun to be had along the Norfolk waterfront and beyond!