15 August 2023

Things to Do Labor Day Weekend in Norfolk

While Labor Day marks an unofficial end of summer for many, the holiday provides an opportunity to relax and revel in what’s still considered summer weather. Whether you’re mourning the end of summer or looking forward to fall, Labor Day in Norfolk is time well spent. With multiple outdoor activities, miles of beaches and the best places to shop for back to school clothes (or back to fall wear for work), Norfolk is an ideal destination for your final long summer weekend.

^{above photo: @norfolkkayaks, Instagram}

Head to the Beach

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.

Farmers Markets

As the warmer days start to escape us, so does summer Virginia produce. While our farmers markets continue on through the fall, their summer flavors don’t last all year. Visit one of our highly attended farmers markets over Labor Day weekend for your last chance to grab strawberry and blueberry homemade pies, peach flavored scones and lavender iced coffees. The East Beach Farmers Market is hosted every Saturday across the street from the beach, contributing to your last amazing beach getaway of the year.

Seasonal Shopping Spree

Whether your wardrobe needs a seasonal update, the kids new a few more outfits for school, or you’re just looking for some locally crafted treasures, Norfolk has some options for you. With the Norfolk Premium Outlets, Selden Market and our local boutiques, you can easily make a weekend out of shopping here.

Kick Back With friends and strangers

Kick back with old friends, new friends, work friends, brew friends. Get your social game on the quick track at the Norfolk Kick Back! This event held after the workday on every last Thursday of the month is the ideal time to catch up with pals, make new friends and associates and ease into the weekend.

Embark on a gospel cruise

Hop aboard City Cruises Norfolk to enjoy live entertainment, an all-you-can-eat buffet and good fellowship, featuring performances by Chris Evans. This month’s cruise will be held Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. No alcohol will be served on gospel cruises.

Give a little roar and a big pour

The Virginia Zoo and the Coastal Virginia Brewery Alliance are partnering to host an annual gathering of hyper-local brewers for an all-new event on Sept. 2: Roar & Pour!

Join the Zoo for unlimited beer samplings from the finest that Coastal Virginia has to offer, alongside extended exhibit hours, a Food Truck Rodeo, live music, games, a kids’ play area and much more.

Join a block party

The RnB Block Party turns one year old, and it’s time to celebrate! Take it back to how it all started as your favorite DJs from home return to the Block Party Stage located at Scope Arena Plaza on Sept. 2.

Make a run for it

The 44th Annual Elizabeth River Run 10K, held Sept. 3, 2023, starts on the Old Dominion University campus, weaves through tree-lined historic neighborhoods, passes sweeping views of the Elizabeth and Lafayette Rivers and finishes in a beautiful, private park located at the Port of Virginia. The Elizabeth River Run is the only race to be held exclusively on the Elizabeth River Trail, a 10.5-mile multi-modal trail with award-winning amenities. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy Norfolk’s greenery before the leaves change.

Attend the Season’s Final Big Bands on the Bay

Big Bands on the Bay ends the weekend with a sunset celebration on the Chesapeake Bay. Guests are invited down to the Gazebo at Ocean View Beach Park for live Big Band music and dancing. The final concert features Glen Boswick & the Sounds of Swing on Sept. 3.

Want some ideas for making summer last longer? Check this out.

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14 August 2023

What to Do Along the Elizabeth River Trail

The Elizabeth River Trail, also known as the ERT, is Norfolk’s 10.5-mile-long walkable and bikeable pathway that takes you through multiple neighborhoods with different waterfront views. Starting out at Norfolk State University, the trail winds you through historic neighborhoods and ends in the beautiful neighborhood of Lochhaven. The ERT is trickled with breweries and delicious restaurants along the way, and if you are not familiar with our city, it’s a great way to explore like a local.

You can experience the ERT by bike, scooter or your own two feet. With Lime scooters scattered throughout the city, you can easily hop on and off the trail from just about any location. Renting bicycles at Pedego, located in Downtown Norfolk is also an option to explore.

To help guide you along the ERT, we have put together information on what to expect and where to stop within each section.

Happy trailing, and don’t forget to tag us (@visitnorfolkva with the hashtag #visitnorfolkva) in your Elizabeth River Trail photos for a chance to be featured below!

Norfolk State University – 0.38 Miles

The Elizabeth River Trail’s east entrance starts at Norfolk State University, a Historically Black College/University that was founded in 1935. NSU hosts football games (#GoSpartans), Black History Month programs and activities and an annual MLK Observance including a march and often a featured speaker.

Harbor Park – 0.89 miles

This stretch of path showcases Harbor Park, home of Norfolk’s minor league baseball team, the Tides. While you’re here, don’t forget to have your picture taken with the Norfolk Tides official mermaid out front!

Downtown Waterfront – 1.14 miles

Once you have passed Harbor Park, you will see beautiful views of the Elizabeth River on the edges of Downtown. This portion of the ERT will lead you behind the Waterside District and through Town Point Park until you get to Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin. The Waterside District makes for the perfect stop to grab a bite to eat. Indulge in sweet treats at Carolina Cupcakery before you set off on the rest of your excursion.

Freemason – 0.73 miles

With the Battleship Wisconsin now behind you, you will find that the trail is lined with picturesque cobblestone streets, homes from the 1800s, including the Hunter House Victorian Museum, and boutique cafes, like Cure Coffeehouse. A hidden gem in this neighborhood is the Pagoda & Oriental Garden. You know you’re exiting this section of the trail once you pass Four Eleven York Restaurant & Inn toward Brambleton Avenue.

The Hague – 1.48 miles

Once you go under and over a bridge, you will have overlooks of The Hague with European vibes along the ERT. At the end of The Hague, you’ll spot the Chrysler Museum of Art and the Glass Studio. If you are there around noon Tuesday through Saturday, be sure to watch their free daily glass blowing demonstration. As you continue along, you will pass private homes ranging in styles from Queen Anne to Shingle styles and Colonial Revivals in Ghent continuing to Redgate Avenue toward Chelsea and West Ghent.

Fort Norfolk/Plum Point Park – 0.92 miles

Hop off the trail and head to Fort Norfolk, the last remaining of 19 harbor-front forts authorized in 1794 by President George Washington. Quick tip: you will need an ID to enter the fort. Located on five acres of land, Plum Point Park is a site for environmental restoration with magnificent views of the river.

Chelsea – 0.33 miles

This portion of the trail is worth a couple hours of your time. Some of Norfolk’s most beloved restaurants and breweries are located all within the Chelsea District and within walking distance from one another. Hop off your bike or scooter and head to Smartmouth Brewing Co. and Benchtop Brewing, the Birch Bar, Torch Bistro or a local’s favorite, Orapax, a Greek restaurant. One of Chelsea’s newest eateries, Grandiflora Wine Garden, is a vegetarian restaurant and natural wine bar featuring an on-site garden and Turkish breakfast on the weekends. If you want to experience more than one place at a time, we recommend ordering a brick oven pizza from Chelsea Bakehouse and enjoying it next door at The Birch.

West Ghent – 1.42 miles

Leaving Chelsea, the trail will get a bit more scenic where you will travel near enormous pine trees that tower over you along Redgate Avenue, pass by Lamberts Creek and weave through Jeff Robertson Park—perfect for tossing the frisbee in the daytime or achieving the perfect glowup at night. Jeff Robertson Park is home to the Glowline, the first glow-in-the-dark trail on the East Coast. Also not to be missed in this section is the Weyanoke Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary, open on the weekends and featuring wooded walking paths that will make you forget you’re even in a city. The Sanctuary is maintained by Norfolk Master Gardeners.

Lamberts Point – 1.09 miles

Leaving the park, you’ll pass the busy street of Hampton Boulevard but quickly end up in a quaint residential neighborhood. Lamberts Point community garden can be found here, featuring a serene atmosphere.

Old Dominion University – 1.13 miles

After meandering through Lamberts Point, you’ll arrive on the ODU campus. Wander by the Powhatan Fields, Perry Library, the student center and Foreman Fields, passing by Monarchs on their way to and from class.

Larchmont – Edgewater – 1.32 miles

Adjacent to ODU’s campus is the charming neighborhood of Larchmont. Weave through the streets where you’ll find the waters of Edgewater Haven and Myrtle Park, perfect pit stops to take a water break and enjoy the view. Right off the ERT is D’Egg West, a local’s favorite spot to refuel.

Lochhaven – 1.53 miles

The last part of the trail, Lochhaven, is where you’ll pass stunning residential homes, the Norfolk Country Club Marina and the Hermitage Museum & Gardens. The Hermitage is part of the prestigious Smithsonian Affiliations program and showcases a nationally recognized art collection spanning 5,000 years, contemporary exhibition galleries and 12 acres of gardens.

After passing the gardens, you will find yourself continuing through the neighborhood until you reach the end. If you are feeling ambitious, turn around and head back toward Downtown Norfolk to make your trip a total of 21 miles!

For a virtual map click here!

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01 August 2023

Breweries in Norfolk

Breweries have become beloved neighborhood pubs, and lucky for us, Norfolk’s brewery scene has taken off! With multiple breweries in Norfolk, each serving up something a little different, there’s a brew to match every mood. Here’s a guide to exploring the breweries in Norfolk.

Afterglow Brewing

Afterglow is a fun, family-friendly/pet-friendly brewery crafting delicious beers and seltzers in all styles. They brew with state-of-the-art BrewHa equipment from Canada and are the first brewery to use this system in the state of Virginia. They also pride themselves on recycling their used grain to local farmers in the Hampton Roads area. Check them out in Norfolk’s up-and-coming Railyard.

Armed Forces Brewing Co.

Located at 211 W. 24th Street, Norfolk’s newest brewery has a 650 person, multi-level tap room with 32 taps, a performance stage for live entertainment, and a covered outdoor beer garden with 12 more taps. The owners say it is “a great space for our Military and Veteran community and for everyone to hold events, parties and meetings, or to just stop by and drink some great American beer!” (Kid and Pet friendly)

Benchtop Craft Brewing Company

Located in Chelsea, Benchtop offers some of the most unique beer combinations you may ever sip on. Owner Eric Tennant started his career as a food scientist but left his role to further his creativity in the form of beer. Benchtop uses Norwegian yeast which ferments at a much higher temperature allowing them to produce beer faster. They’re one of the only breweries in the country to utilize this method, and it allows them to try new recipes more frequently. Just how unique are their beer creations? We suggest visiting the brewery for yourself to find out, but to tease your taste buds, their Quick Pickle beer is a gosa created with carrots, cucumbers and sea salt.

Bold Mariner Brewing Company

Located in an old bank building in East Beach/Ocean View, this veteran-owned craft brewery will have you feeling like a local in no time as their welcoming demeanor is contagious! Housed inside Bold Mariner is Bar-Q, a local favorite barbecue spot that specializes in beef brisket and craft scratch sausages. Don’t stress; Bold Mariner’s revolving draft selections are equally as flavorful as the food. Frogman Lager is their fan favorite and has won numerous awards.

COVA Brewing Co.

COVA Brewing is nestled in the heart of East Beach/ Ocean View and is owned by two local families whose passions brought this project to life. COVA’s building was formerly an auto repair shop but has been beautifully transformed into a coastal influenced brew-house, offering both craft beers and coffee. Cedar slatted counters imitate beachy dune fencing, and the color schemes throughout reflect the palette and sheen of sea glass. COVA has 14 taps dedicated to signature craft brews and weekly new releases, whether you’re looking for something hoppy, dark, light or sour. If beer’s not your thing, they also have premium sourced wines available.

Their slogan, “there’s always something brewing at COVA…” not only refers to the frothy liquids that fill their fermenters but also their tasty craft coffees. Coffeehouse by day and brewery at night, COVA has mastered quenching thirsts no matter the time of day. What’s truly unique is that you can pour your own beer with their self serve taps from copper handles, chosen for their antibacterial properties.

Elation Brewing

Elation Brewing brings great happiness, hence the name, to Norfolk’s Larchmont neighborhood. Here you’ll find black leather chairs and high top tables made of reclaimed bowling alley lanes. The bar itself is created from beams more than 400 years old taken from a demolished Suffolk Peanut building. As much as you like the architecture, you’re going to love the beer. Larchmont Lager, Notice This, Rose Gose and Highland Park Hazy are all part of their flagships, but rotating taps include guest beers from around the world, ciders, meads and even four wines on tap.

What goes better with beer than pizza? Not much, especially considering it’s Bakehouse pizza. A trusty staple for crusty breads and pizzas, the Bakehouse at Chelsea opened in 2014 and built a following of customers impressed by their high quality, fresh, organic baked goods. Now the Bakehouse at Elation provides those same elements to wow crowds in a brand new atmosphere, with beer as the best pairing ever.

Maker’s Craft Brewery

Enjoy local brews and Emerson cigars at Maker’s Craft Brewery at their onsite cigar lounge. Set in a historic 1906 burlap bag factory, this brewery incorporates the old with the new. The bar is made from reclaimed wood while brick walls line the interior and old cobblestones (found during construction) decorate their outdoor patio. While others went the route of extreme flavors and high ABVs, Maker’s focused on smooth beers best enjoyed with friends. All the grains from beer production are repurposed and sent to a local Virginia Beach farm to provide feed for the cows. Maker’s also features food trucks, live music and other events and pool tables on site.

Rip Rap Brewing Company

In Norfolk’s Railroad District lives the Chesapeake Bay-themed microbrewery, Rip Rap Brewing Company. The bay theme is carried into the beers with names like Breakwater and Luffing Sail. Their enticing and ever-changing lineup is created in small batches, meaning once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Picnic tables and board games fill the brewery with a mural of coastal waterways paying tribute to the owners’ Coast Guard roots.

Smartmouth Brewing Company

You might have heard of this Norfolk-born brewery. After all, they made national news for their Saturday Morning Marshmallow IPA (a Lucky Charms-inspired beer). Located in the Chelsea District, Smartmouth’s tasting room is the perfect place to sip on some favorite brews like their Alter Ego Saison, Game On IPA, Notch 9 Double IPA or Safety Dance Pilsner. Food trucks frequent the brewery, or you can find delicious Norfolk restaurants such as Orapax and the Bakehouse at Chelsea only steps away.

The Veil Brewing Co.

A Richmond favorite opened its doors in 2019 to their second establishment, this time in the heart of Norfolk’s up-and-coming Railroad District. This three-story brewery features taps on all floors and a rooftop balcony overlooking the city. The minimalistic and modern interior plays well to the neon art on display and garage doors that open up into the community.

Serving highly sought after beers without the long lines that normally come with it, this spacious and energetic brewery welcomes guests to experience handcrafted beers with unique flavor profiles on draft or to grab them canned or bottled to-go. With a full kitchen by Codex Chef Ian Hock, you’ll find mouth-watering double stacked burgers and delicious tacos to go alongside the beer of your choice.

Brew Hop Pass

Sip your way through Norfolk with our Brew Hop pass, which makes it easier than ever to explore the local craft beer scene. Passes are delivered through text and email and are instantly redeemable!

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30 June 2023

Your Guide to Unique Hotels in Downtown Norfolk, VA

Downtown Norfolk is home to some fantastic hotels, including some with unique attributes that make this city and stay one-of-a-kind. From plush mattresses fit for a queen to art galleries and rooftop beer gardens, our Downtown hotels have so many distinctive amenities and features to offer. Below, you will find the most unique hotels in Norfolk.

Four Eleven York

Four Eleven York is the only boutique inn in the city, located among the cobblestone streets of Freemason, which is the oldest and most historic neighborhood in Norfolk. The exterior is that of an 1890s building while the inside has been renovated for modern rustic aesthetic. Their suites are named after prominent landmarks or neighborhoods within the city and are each unique in their design. You’ll find rain showers and heated bathroom floors throughout. Their Magnolia Suite has a special Paramount Sleep Mattress called Hypnos, which is the exclusive supplier of mattresses for the residences of the royal family! While their rich hospitality and comfy beds may make you fall in love with the inn, it’s their top-tier restaurant that will keep you coming back for more. We highly recommend their seasonally focused dinners as well as their brunches which often feature mini doughnuts.

Hilton Norfolk the Main

Located in the heart of Downtown Norfolk, Hilton Norfolk The Main has become a hub for beer lovers, sophisticated Italian palates and those who love to slurp down a local oyster. The Main is home to three pillar restaurants, Grain, Norfolk’s only rooftop beer garden, Varia, an Italian Trattoria with a secret dining room and Saltine, a beloved seafood restaurant with a large outdoor patio. Now, aside from their multi-restaurant offerings, The Main is the only hotel that offers birds-eye views down historic Granby Street, the Battleship Wisconsin and the Elizabeth River. Another unique feature, the Main is home to multiple contemporary art pieces that are scattered throughout. Local tip: Ask the front desk or a greeter for a paper guide to their art pieces.

Norfolk Waterside Marriott

The Waterside Marriott multi-floor building stands tall and proud along our waterfront skyline and completed a beautiful renovation in July 2020. They have an iconic sixth floor outdoor terrace that has stunning views of our neighboring city, Portsmouth, as well as beautiful views of the Elizabeth River. This terrace is the ideal location for a Norfolk wedding, meeting or just a place to sit back and enjoy a cocktail.

Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel

This Sheraton hotel has become an icon in our Norfolk skyline and is the only hotel Downtown to be located directly on the Elizabeth River. Running next to the hotel is the Elizabeth River Trail (ERT), a 10.5-mile pedestrian and bike/scooter-friendly trail marked with historic sites, breweries, scenic water views and delicious restaurants. If you are not familiar with our city, it’s a great way to explore several neighborhoods and live like a Norfolkian.

The Glass Light Hotel and Gallery – Marriott Autograph Collection

The Glass Light Hotel and Gallery is a boutique hotel and art gallery housed in a building reimagined from its 1912 heritage and boasts 113 masterfully detailed guest rooms and suites. Exceptional works of glass art by world renowned artists such as Peter Bremers and Lino Tagliapietra are featured throughout. Intimate meeting and event spaces are seamlessly connected to the gallery, allowing inspiration and creativity from their users. Onsite, the Perry Glass Art Collection features beautiful glass pieces from local and internationally renowned artists. The private collection encompasses two floors of over 65 glass art pieces from world renowned artists. The gallery is free and open to the public.

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26 June 2023

Your Guide to Norfolk Mermaids

The idea for Norfolk’s collection of mermaids began in 1999 with Norfolk attorney Peter Decker (1935–2012) presenting a concept of “Mermaids on Parade” to 300 business and civic leaders. Decker’s wife Bess had been inspired by Chicago’s “Cows on Parade” and could envision translating the idea to Norfolk but with mermaids giving a nod to our surrounding bodies of water.

Bronze sculptor Kevin Gallup, a graduate of ODU (Decker’s beloved alma mater) mass produced 130 fiberglass mermaid castings for artists to decorate. Businesses and community leaders “adopted” mermaids at $2,000 each to display throughout the city.

Today, both the original mermaids—as well as new ones—are scattered throughout the city at local attractions and businesses for residents and visitors to enjoy. There is no final count on the number of mermaids in Norfolk, but we challenge you to spot as many as you can, take a picture, and don’t forget to tag us: @visitnorfolkva with the hashtag #visitnorfolkva.

Downtown

Starting at Harbor Park, home of the Norfolk Tides, you will find a baseball-themed mermaid.

From there, walk along the Elizabeth River Trail to get to Nauticus and Waterside where you can spot three different mermaids and even King Neptune.

Then, head toward MacArthur Square, and across the street from The Glass Light Hotel you will spot a lady of the sea. You can find a giant mermaid tail in Saltine, giving you the illusion that the mermaid rules the restaurant.

Head to Waterside District for a cocktail after spotting the mermaid that resides outside.

We may be partial, but our favorite downtown mermaids can be found in our very own Mermaid Market. The Mermaid Market is the perfect place for a souvenir, T-shirts, hats, stuffed animals, plus mermaid souvenirs and ornaments.

Freemason

Wander the cobblestone streets of Freemason and you’ll be sure to run into a few statues worth posing with, especially along Bute Street and Dunmore Street.

Ghent

Further into Historic Ghent on 21^st street, you will find the Mermaid Factory. Here you can paint and design your own wooden mermaid! Who doesn’t love a keepsake?

Riverview

As mermaids become a tad scarcer in this neighborhood, the most popular one would have to be the Virginia Zoo mermaid.

Military Highway

Janaf Shopping Center is home to an American themed mermaid paying tribute to the United States Navy and the largest naval base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk. The Norfolk Premium Outlets have integrated mermaid images throughout the campus. Hint: find the massive stone fireplace and you’ll spot a mosaic mermaid. Shop ’till you drop at Ikea and spot the bright yellow and vibrant blue colored mermaid at the entrance.

Ocean View & East Beach

Head to the true home of mermaids: the Chesapeake Bay. Find the mermaid statue along the beach in Ocean View all while keeping an eye out on the horizon. You never know when you’ll spot a tail.

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19 June 2023

Summer Waterfront Sunsets: The Best Views

Summertime is here, and we love making the most out of every day—down to the very last moments of daylight. Norfolk has breathtaking options for viewing sunsets, and they’re each exceptional in their own way. Whether you’re at a rooftop bar or down by the Chesapeake Bay, we invite you to marvel at the beautiful red, orange, yellow, pink and purple hues at this blissful time of day. Here are some of the best sunset viewing locations in Norfolk. Catch as many sunsets as you can, and don’t forget to share them with us! #VisitNorfolkVA

Battleship Wisconsin

There’s no wrong time to visit the famed Battleship Wisconsin; one of the largest and last battleships built by the U.S. Navy will impress and delight at any time of day, any time of year. However, you’ve practically guaranteed pristine views and gorgeous photos when visiting this prestigious ship at sunset.

Ocean View Fishing Pier

At the Ocean View Fishing Pier, you aren’t just watching the sunset; you are essentially a part of it. The pier’s restaurant has an open rooftop deck loaded with lifeguard chairs for out-of-this-world sunset viewing. The OV Fishing Pier Restaurant offers fresh seafood to pair with the stupendous sunset experience.

Grain

Located in Hilton Norfolks The Main, Grain is a rooftop bar with one of the best selections of craft beer in Norfolk. This scene-setting destination is the perfect place to watch the sunset due to its terraced patio with spectacular views of the Elizabeth River. Grain is a great place to unwind, have a cold beer and bask in the sweet summer sunset.

Hermitage Museums and Gardens

Join the Hermitage in celebrating summer with their Sunsets on the River events, every other Thursday from May 19 to August 11. Relax on the shoreline and listen to live music by the region’s hottest bands. Enjoy drinks from a cash bar featuring craft beer and wine, and grab some grub from a variety of food vendors that will be on location.

Waterside District

Norfolk’s Waterside District is the place to be at sunset! Grab a bite and a couple of drinks for a superior sunset experience at one of Waterside’s restaurants which all offer outside seating, giving you a guaranteed view.

Town Point Park

Located in Downtown Norfolk, Town Point Park provides eight acres of peaceful outdoor space, nestled right on the banks of the beautiful Elizabeth River. Sit and enjoy the stunning sunset view while watching sailboats float by on the shimmering water.

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01 June 2023

The History of Naval Station Norfolk

Ten years before the Naval Operating Base (today known as Naval Station Norfolk) was built, the waterfront location was the site of the original 1907 Jamestown Exposition. The exposition was one of the many world’s fairs that were popular in America during that time. Commemorating the 300th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown in the Virginia Colony, it was attended by President Theadore Roosevelt, dignitaries and businessmen; even Mark Twain and Booker T. Washington paid a visit. Popular exhibits included a relief model of the Panama Canal, a Wild West show, a re-creation of the then-recent San Francisco earthquake and the most popular—a re-creation of the Battle of Hampton Roads, the first battle between two ironclad warships. By the end of 1907, the Exposition closed, and a decade later, not long after the United States entered World War I, a bill was passed for the purchase of the land, and money was set aside for the development of the base. By 1918, there were 34,000 enlisted men at the base.

When World War II began in Europe in 1939, new facilities were built, including new runways for aircraft and ramps for seaplanes (then known as Naval Air Station Norfolk.) Additional acreage was acquired,
and the air station had become a central airfield for operations, contributing to end the war because of the training it provided to naval air units. In 1968, the Naval Air Station was given a major role in John F. Kennedy’s vision of putting a man on the moon. The air station became Recovery Control Center Atlantic, which provided command, control and communications for the ships and aircraft that participated in the recovery operations of Apollo 7.

In the 1990s, the Navy began reducing shore installations to help with operating costs. Due to this, the Navy merged the separate Naval Station Norfolk and Naval Air Station Norfolk into a single installation to be called Naval Station Norfolk, which became official in early 1999. Following the attack on USS Cole and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the base had some major upgrades to its security gates. In January 2017, Naval Station Norfolk celebrated its centennial at the Pennsylvania House, one of the historical structures built for the Jamestown Exposition.

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10 May 2023

Best Coffee Shops in Norfolk, VA

Coffee is an essential part of our daily routines, so we’ve rounded up the best places to get your caffeine fix in Norfolk. Find the coffee shop that fits your personality best. Whether you’re energizing to explore the city or simply want to enjoy catching up with a friend, these are our go-to Norfolk coffee shops.