There’s something quite magical about a rooftop dining experience. There’s the unique chance to escape the city’s hustle and bustle while very much being in the midst of it all. There’s the exclusive feeling of rising to the same level as skyscrapers and seagulls. Most enjoyably, there’s the unprecedented views of glistening water, twinkling lights and a grand cityscape. Plan to elevate your experience at these Norfolk rooftop restaurants.
The bird’s eye view from Grain is accompanied with cozy couches, oversized selfie worthy chairs, fire pits to cheers around and over 80 beers on draft. Grain is located Downtown and is Norfolk’s only rooftop beer garden offering bountiful Sunday brunches, an abundance of live music performances and happy hour ever day! Cityscape views at Grain are available year-round. The warmer months invite you to throw on your tank top and head to the rooftop deck where life-sized lawn games await while the cooler months motivate you to layer up and sip a brew cuddled around the fire.
The inescapable truth is that city views are better when freshly stuffed cannolis are involved. Overlooking Norfolk’s famous Granby Street sits Leone’s, one of the most beloved Italian restaurants in the city. Sip a cocktail with an Italian twist before sharing a round of appetizers with friends or a superb pasta dish for a romantic evening out and up.
As much as we love our cityscape views, there’s nothing like dining on the Chesapeake Bay itself. The Ocean View Fishing Pier Restaurant sits high in the air offering views for miles. Adirondack high top seats invite you to sip a fruity cocktail, enjoy a bowl of she crab soup and relish in the fact you just saw a dolphin!
The Ghent is a self-pour gastropub and rooftop lounge. They use a state-of-the-art self-pour draft system that allows guests to decide how much of what beer, wine or batched cocktail they want to enjoy. Just get your pour card activated by a “beerista’ or manager and enjoy your favorite libation at your own pace. The Ghent serves high quality restaurant food in a welcoming atmosphere. They’re solely a fast casual concept with no servers.
Norfolk is vibrant and alive with world-class art museums, murals and public art pieces that enrich our neighborhoods. While there is no shortage of masterpieces, Norfolk is equally plentiful in talent when it comes to local art galleries. From watercolor canvas designs to contemporary modern art, we have multiple galleries worth exploring. Plus, local art makes for the perfect souvenir to hang on your wall at home, a vibrant reminder of your Norfolk experience.
The Baron and Ellin Gordon Art Galleries exhibit works by nationally and internationally recognized, self-taught artists, contemporary artists working in all media and local and regional artists connected with Old Dominion University. While this gallery is close to the ODU campus, the exhibits are free and open to the public.
d’Art Center first opened in Norfolk in 1986 and has been exhibiting talented artists ever since. The nonprofit gallery resides in the heart of the NEON District and offers both adult and youth art classes, hosts on-site exhibitions, houses over 20 working artist studios and has regional and national art exhibits. Learn more about d’Art’s history, art and engagement.
Owner and artist Ukwensi Chappell creates his art through a mixture of color, movement and texture. While he has other artists’ work on display, you can also find his unique along the gallery walls. His art represents the explosion of a newly born galaxy, the swirling of a whirlpool, the inside of geodes, gemstones, texture, nature and more!
Owners Jim and Darlene Todd were inspired to bring a high-end art experience to Coastal Virginia after visiting fine art galleries around the world. A budding artist practicing in Sumi-e (Japanese ink painting), Jim was determined to create an outlet for talented artists across the region. Gallery 21’s mission is to connect local artists with the community through receptions and exhibitions that highlight local artistic talent. The gallery has featured a wide range of artists and art media, from modern acrylic and mixed media pieces to traditional watercolor and oil paintings. With its polished concrete floors, exposed brick walls and ever-changing curated exhibitions, Gallery 21 brings the high-end fine art experience to Coastal Virginia.
Kate Thomas is a fine artist working primarily in watercolors on canvas with a focus on landscapes and abstraction. Her work mirrors the things she’s learning, grieving and growing into her life. The pieces explore exposing shadows, highlighting a moody beauty. It’s a visual escape for your eyes and an invitation into presence in the form of abstracted floras, rolling hills and salty shorelines. Find her gallery on Colley Avenue in Ghent.
Located in Downtown Norfolk inside MacArthur Center, Offsite Gallery is a sleek, white walled, beautifully lit gallery showcasing art of all kinds! Their exhibits rotate every six to eight weeks.
This global-local African art gallery will invigorate all your senses as you walk through the doors. Not only is it an art gallery; the space also serves as a natural, organic, holistic health boutique offering healing consultations, skincare and fair trade Afropolitan goods for sale.
Located in the heart of the historic Ghent neighborhood is a Bolivian and Central American-inspired restaurant, Luna Maya. The Montano sisters, Karla and Vivian, opened the restaurant in 1997 when there was limited international cuisine available in the area. Although the sisters did not have an abundance of experience in operating a restaurant prior to opening, their passion for food allowed them to succeed and become a Norfolk staple.
Growing up, the Montano sisters were raised in a Bolivian household where food was highly valued in their family. “We cooked and ate seasonally using only the best ingredients our mother could find,” Karla describes. At 10 years old, Vivian began to show more interest in different styles of cuisine and asked her mother to take a Chinese cooking class to learn about other cultures of food. It was this class that made Vivian’s passion come to life. From there she found herself taking over her mother’s kitchen for Sunday dinners. As Vivian became more confident in cooking, she urged Karla to lend a hand, and the sister cooking duo began.
Many of the restaurant’s dishes cannot be found anywhere else in the 757 because of the uniqueness of flavors. Karla’s favorite menu item is the tamales, which features fresh corn seasoned with cinnamon, a traditional Bolivian twist. The magic of this dish lies in the tender, juicy shredded brisket on top. As someone who disliked the way meat tends to dry inside a typical tamale, Karla decided on the brisket topping instead and found that it pairs beautifully with the starchiness of the corn.
Aside from the delicious food, the ambiance of Luna Maya is a vibrant and welcoming experience. The outside draws patrons in with its beautiful patio, shading umbrellas and twinkling lights while the inside’s brick walls and soft lighting beckons guests to stay a while. The sisters settled in Ghent because of its quaintness—and with the dream of having customers grow into regulars. After more than 25 years in business and a steady influx of both regulars and first-timers, it’s safe to say their dream has more than come true.
You may be familiar with some of Norfolk’s well-known attractions like Nauticus, the Chrysler Museum of Art, the Virginia Zoo and the Norfolk Botanical Garden. But just off the beaten path, there’s some really cool, lesser-known gems just waiting to be discovered. These places and landmarks are part of what sets Norfolk apart from any other city. Here are a few of our favorite hidden gems to experience and share with others.
Downtown you can discover St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, built in 1739. In addition to being the oldest building in Norfolk, having survived wars and fires, the church is a point of interest because of the cannonball lodged in the side of the building. This cannonball dates back to the Revolutionary War (more specifically New Year’s day of 1776) when Lord Dunmore was fleeing Norfolk (due to defeat) and fled to his ship just offshore. From his ship, he fired this cannonball, which can still be seen today.
Cementiscope at the Plot
Jennifer Collins Photography for VisitNorfolk
What could you do with a cement mixer … aside from mixing cement? If you’re the creative type, you might turn it into a kaleidoscope. That’s exactly what a group of artists (named Classitorium) came up with when working at the Chrysler Museum of Art with a goal to design a piece to honor new construction happening in the NEON (New Energy of Norfolk) District. The kaleidoscope weighs 3,000 pounds and features a hand-turned crank and LED lights. In short, yep, it really works, and yep, it’s really cool.
Fort Norfolk is the last remaining of 19 harbor-front forts authorized in 1794 by President George Washington. The fort’s four-acre site, located in Ghent, overlooks the Elizabeth River and includes earthwork embankments, ramparts, a dungeon, officers’ quarters, powder magazine, barracks and guardhouse. Most structures in the fort date to 1810. Admission is free, and self-guided tours are available during the week.
This might be Norfolk’s best-kept secret! The Fred Heutte Center is a nonprofit horticultural center housed in a restored 1887 ferry terminal. The terminal served Norfolk and Portsmouth ferry riders up until 1952 and then was deconstructed to be relocated to 1000 Botetourt Gardens, the heart of Norfolk’s Ghent neighborhood. The area incorporates four different gardens: a perennial garden, the herb knot garden, the heirloom vegetable garden, and a water garden.
McClure Field
Did you know Norfolk is home to the second oldest brick baseball stadium in the United States? McClure Field was constructed in 1918 and was host to several major league baseball stars such as Bob Feller, Pee Wee Reese, Dom DiMaggio and Phil Rizzuto who were playing on the field as members of one of the base’s two teams: the Naval Training Station Bluejackets and the Naval Air Station Airmen. In 1943, the two teams were pitted against one another in a best-of-seven series. However, when it came time for the big playoff, the threat of offshore German U-boats put the base on lockdown, and the only people who got to see the intense, 11-day series game were sailors themselves.
Though not technically hidden, all of Norfolk’s mermaids can be pretty difficult to spot unless you’re actively searching for them—which we highly recommend you do. Stop by our Visitor Center at 232 E. Main Street to pick up a Norfolk Mermaid map that will direct you the locations of each of these iconic and unique mermaids. Need some hints? Here’s a few to get you started.
Mile Marker Zero
Have you seen mile marker zero behind the Nauticus campus? This once concrete grey dock became a canvas for local artist Rick Nickel. Beautifully painted on the spacious dock is a 3,000-square-foot mural, The Magenta Line, whose name derives from a navigational guide on the Intracoastal Waterway nautical charts. With hand-painted benches lining the dock, it makes for the perfect picnic spot. Contact Nauticus for Pier operating hours.
Norfolk has historical sights and homes dating back to the 1800s that are scattered throughout the city. Take a stroll through Freemason District and take notice of all the fascinating facades. At the end of West Freemason Street is Norfolk Boat Club, a Norfolk landmark since 1893! Not only is the Boat Club a staple landmark to Norfolk’s history, but it also makes for an ideal place to watch the sun set.
If you’ve never experienced a cemetery tour, Norfolk is a good city in which to start. The historic cemeteries, many filled with beautiful Victorian funerary art, provide a glimpse into the past and insight into some of the notable people who shaped Norfolk into what it is today. During an exploration, you can learn about Norfolk’s 1855 yellow fever epidemic, view the expansive statues and mausoleum at Elmwood and pay respects to the place of burial for Black Union veterans. Learn about Norfolk’s eight historic municipal cemeteries here.
Located on the banks of the Elizabeth River directly off the path of the Elizabeth River Trail, Plum Point Park is an ideal place to go for running/jogging, picnics, boat watching, meditating or just having a plum good time. One of the cool highlights about Plum Point is the Double Turbo Challenges Course featuring a circuit of fun and challenging elements to improve agility, muscle tone and strength. A TerraSafe surface system underneath is designed to safely cushion falls or stumbles.
Quarantine Road
Constructed in 1783, Quarantine Road is one of the oldest roads in Norfolk to still exist. The purpose of the road was to minimize the spread of infectious diseases such as yellow fever from passengers and merchants. Take a stroll or bike down the throughway (crushed seashells line the way) to locate the historic maker that resides near Old Dominion University.
Located at 1509 Armistead Bridge Road, the Weyanoke Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary provides the perfect opportunity to get lost in nature for a bit. Explore seven acres of unspoiled land where you’ll come across more than 150 species of flowers, shrubs and trees, plus unlimited opportunities for some of the best bird watching in the city. The name Weyanoke, you ask? Although allusions to Virginia’s Weyanoke tribe are found in several places in Norfolk, there’s no connection from the tribe to the sanctuary itself.
Spring in Norfolk is a downright magical time. Trees throughout the city are showing off with their beautiful pink and white blossoms. Farmers markets are back with a full bounty of spring produce and homemade goodies. Outdoor recreation is in full swing with bikers, joggers and kayakers taking advantage of ideal temperatures. Plus, festival season is back and ready to entertain with a whole lineup of reasons to gather and celebrate. We’ve put together a spring bucket list to ensure you’re getting the most out of your time in Norfolk during this most wonderful season.
Norfolk is surrounded by water on three sides, which makes for many parks with waterfront views. Stop by Virginia Cheese Co. to pick up an assortment of fine cheeses and accoutrements, or grab sandwiches from Pendulum Fine Meats’ Luncheonette. Then make your way to a relaxing picnic overlooking the Hague near Chrysler Museum of Art or at Norfolk’s Plum Point Park along the Elizabeth River Trail to watch the sailboats glide by. Or for a downtown picnic, pick up a colorful throw from Pure Lagos and a Stockpot Toastie of the day and stroll across the street to Town Point Park for a picnic on the Elizabeth River.
Break out your baseball caps; it’s time to head to Harbor Park Stadium to cheer on the Norfolk Tides! The 2023 opener game is scheduled for April 4, but any of their games are a home run. Get ready for an ice cold beer, hot dogs (or veggie dogs) with all the toppings and a chance to meet Rip Tide and friends as you root, root, root for the home team.
While we may not be a top destination for cherry blossoms, Norfolk is still a cherry blossom dream once everything starts to bloom. Most of these beautiful trees can be found near Downtown or Freemason District, but Norfolk Botanical Garden has several throughout their lush landscape as well. Take shade underneath them, have a photoshoot or just awe in their vibrant pink flowers—and don’t forget to tag us @visitnorfolkva in your photos.
The sun rises in the east, and we are lucky to look out over East Beach and Ocean View to see the sun coming up brightly and beautifully over the Chesapeake Bay horizon. Grab a coffee to-go from COVA Brewing Co. and make your way to either location for a gorgeous sunrise over the water. Bring the pup! Dogs are allowed on both beaches until 10 a.m.
There’s nothing better than scoring locally grown fruits and veggies that were picked just hours earlier. Peruse our farmers markets in Norfolk and find some fun souvenirs like handmade soap and local honey, along with sun-soaked produce. In the springtime, look for locally grown spinach, asparagus, green onions, peas and strawberries.
6. Explore a Themed Garden
@norfolkbotanicalgarden, Instagram. Image by Peter Squicciarini.
The beautiful Norfolk Botanical Garden has over 60 themed gardens on the property, and there is always something to explore. Spring is a prime opportunity to behold some blooms. Daffodils begin in late February, mingling with lovely camellias in all hues. In April, azaleas take over in the most wonderful way, followed by a rainbow of tulips. Around May, the rose garden is an absolute dream for the eyes and the olfactory system.
Giant sculptures, iron statues and a life-sized kaleidoscope are pieces scattered throughout our city for your enjoyment, particularly in the NEON District. While there are more than 50 pieces of public art (and counting), we’ve rounded up some must-see pieces for you.
9. Go for a Bike Ride
One of our favorite springtime excursions is hopping on our bicycles for a picturesque ride along Norfolk’s Elizabeth River Trail. This 10.5-mile-pathway takes you through some of Norfolk’s coolest neighborhoods, with plenty of spots along the way to take a break for a brew or a view. Need to rent bikes? Check out Pedego for an electric bike experience you’ll love.
There’s arguably no better time than spring to enjoy a meal outdoors. Luckily, Norfolk has some great options for patio dining. Check out Longboards for a surf shack vibe and marina views, or grab a bite of Italian food on a rooftop patio with garden lights at Leone’s. Check out more patio dining here.
11. Walk Among Animals at the Zoo
The Virginia Zoo is located in the heart of the city. Stroll the 53 acres of lush gardens and visit its 700 furry, feathered and scaly animal friends. Witness the animals in their respective habitats; giraffes outstretching for leaves, monkeys swinging from branch to branch and Magpies singing songs.
12. Attend a spring festival
Courtesy of Norfolk Festevents, Ltd.
Festival season in Norfolk springs into action starting with the Virginia International Tattoo in April. This annual event showcases inspirational military music, majestic massed pipes and drums, show-stopping drill team maneuvers and hundreds of international performers! Next up is the Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival, along with the Stockley Gardens Spring Arts Festival (held during the same weekend in early May). The Bayou Bon Vivant Cajun Music & Food Festival brings a taste of Louisiana to Norfolk while the Patriotic Festival celebrates the branches of our armed forces.
Originally known as the “Apollo of the South,” the Attucks Theatre is a historical icon in Norfolk. Designed by African American architect Harvey Johnson and named after Crispus Attucks, a Black soldier who was the first American patriot to lose his life in the Boston Massacre, the theater plays a crucial role for African Americans in Norfolk.
After opening in 1919, the Attucks became the heartbeat of Church Street, bringing to Norfolk a host of legendary performers including Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Mamie Smith, Nat King Cole and Redd Foxx. It was a hub of entertainment, rich in culture and talent.
Aside from hosting famous performers, the Attucks Theatre was also a movie house for silent films and office space for African Americans.
For 34 years, the theatre remained a vibrant performing arts facility but ceased functioning in 1953. Soon after, Stark and Legum, a men’s haberdashery (a store that sells men’s clothing and accessories), moved in for the next 35 years. Stark and Legum, which originated in 1924, can still be found today at 723 Granby Street.
In 1977, the United States Congress deemed the Attucks Theatre a National Historic Landmark, and after a multi-million-dollar restoration that lasted three years, the theatre was reopened in 2004 by a partnership between the City of Norfolk’s Department of Cultural Facilities and the Crispus Attucks Cultural Center, Inc.
Today, the Attucks Theatre remains as the oldest theater to be built, financed and operated solely by African Americans. The theater continues to host top performing jazz musicians in solo acts as well as through their popular Church Street Jazz Series. See their schedule of upcoming performances.
How will you spend Valentine’s Day weekend this year? Consider making it a weekend in Norfolk! Stay overnight in a luxurious suite, dine at some of Norfolk’s most romantic restaurants, and instead of exchanging traditional gifts, consider making something together that you’ll always treasure. No matter how you spend your time, you’ll be surrounded by love this Valentine’s Day in Norfolk, Va.
Where to Dine
Romance is in the air throughout Norfolk! Take advantage of some of the specially curated Valentine’s menus featured at restaurants you’ll love!
Toast to the most romantic day of the year on a Valentine’s Signature Dinner Cruise on the Elizabeth River. Treat your Valentine to a special night on the water with signature buffets, delicious cocktails, dancing and Norfolk’s most stunning views.
One of Norfolk’s most romantic restaurants is offering a four-course menu on three separate days. Look forward to choosing from items like Creme de la Creme of Cheese Boards for Two, grilled octopus, roasted chicken with black truffle brioche Brussels sprout stuffing and a raspberry pistachio treat.
Head to the beloved Grandiflora Wine Garden for a Four-Course Vegan Valentine’s Day Dinner. Look forward to menu items like roasted Brussels sprouts with cranberry, walnut, apple and fig dressing; braised French lentil soup, Lion’s Mane mushroom served with roasted root vegetables and creamed potatoes; and a Basque custard with coconut whip. The dinner is $45 per guest, plus an additional $35 for a natural wine pairing. Alcohol-free pairings are also available for $25 per guest.
Enjoy a five-course Valentine’s dinner for two at Norfolk’s beloved Greek restaurant. Start with a cozy cup of soup before diving into a first course of hummus and pita, pegasus wings or spanakopita. Dinner options include favorites like chicken souvlaki, lamb chops or a gyro platter. Then top off the evening with a warm brownie or baklava cheesecake.
For Valentine’s Day, Stony’s is featuring a four-course menu full of romantic options. For course one, choose from James River oysters, mixed greens salad or tuna tartar. Course two features lobster bisque, Frenched lamb, manicotti or chicken teriyaki skewers. Highlights of the main course are prime rib, lobster ravioli, coq au vin, flounder or sweet and spicy pork loin. The final course tempts with options like red velvet cake, chocolate mousse, cheesecake with strawberry compote or strawberry shortcake in a chocolate sphere.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Varia with a holiday chef special you’ll love! Start with salted watermelon with chèvre and cucumber, then enjoy a first course of toasted tomato gazpacho with saffron and chilled crab. For a main course enjoy salmon Wellington or espresso rubbed N.Y. strip. For dessert there’s Mignardise, cannoli, baby cakes and fresh fruit.
What to make
Think about some of your favorite gifts you enjoy getting and giving this time of year. Now think about how much more special it would be to make those things together!
What’s more romantic than making pottery? Sign up for a variety of classes from All Hands! Feb. 10: V-Day Naughty Pottery with Naomi Black (Let’s get Dirty!) Mug Making Party; Feb. 11, 12, 14: Valentine’s Day Couples Pottery Event.
Make French macarons, create a custom perfume scent, sip and craft with your Valentine or Galentine, and make memories. Spend an afternoon at Selden Market as a select few business owners have teamed up to create a Valentine’s themed markers’ workshop. Learn how to bake French macarons with Genevieve from Cafe Genevieve, create your personal perfume/cologne scent at Petit a Petit Lingerie Boutique, and enjoy a wine tasting with nibbles as well as make your own beautiful pressed floral sun catcher with materials from VA Goods.
Where to stay
Norfolk’s boutique inns and high-end skyscraper hotel suites make for the perfect setting for a romantic getaway! There’s so many romantic places to visit, restaurants to dine at and events happening, so why not make it a full weekend and fully immerse yourself into Norfolk’s Valentine scene?
Four Eleven York is a boutique inn (with restaurant on site) in the Historic Freemason District. They offer a luxurious experience featuring a fully stocked bar cart and heated floors in the bathroom.
Glass Light is an intellectually curious boutique hotel and glass art gallery in the heart of Downtown Norfolk’s Local Historic District. This building reimagined from its 1912 heritage boasts 113 masterfully detailed guest rooms and suites. 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 at Glass Light.
At Main and Granby Streets, this luxury hotel sits along the Downtown Norfolk waterfront. Embrace the downtown lifestyle and walk to cultural attractions, trendy shopping and dining and the Elizabeth River. With its elegance and cutting-edge technology, Hilton Norfolk The Main is a modern luxury hotel with vibrant spaces.
Where to Shop
Find beautiful and unique gifts for your special someone at some of Norfolk’s local stores.
VisitNorfolk’s own Mermaid Market has just what you need to get cozy, get comfy and show love this Valentine’s Day. Choose from hot chocolate bombs in assorted flavors, cocktail mixes and mulling syrup to steam up your beverages, some uniquely Norfolk drink ware, comfy apparel and accessories to show love!
Shop here on Valentine’s Day for 20 percent off orders of $50 or more! They’ll have adorable blush pink pots, Hoya Kerri hearts, gift cards and more that will make the perfect gift for the plant lover in your life!
Show the foodie in your life how well you know them with a Valentine’s Day gift full of delicious and exciting specialty foods complete with sparkling wine, craft chocolate and a local candle, of course!
Looking for things to love? Look no further than Texture, a woman-owned boutique located in the heart of Ghent. They’ve got Valentine’s candles, chocolate, cozy socks, cute throw pillows and lots more!
Craft cocktails are having their moment in Norfolk, and we’re here to shed light on the awesome talent, science and love that goes into these liquid gold creations. A commonality among Norfolk’s best cocktail bars are the house-made syrups, bitters, liquors and sodas combined with fresh, local ingredients. Here are nine creative cocktail experiences that are worth a try when you are in Norfolk. Cheers!
Came in for a coffee and stayed for a cocktail? Life happens, and Cure happens to be a great place for imbibing. They transform traditional cocktails to be new and innovative and even make their own craft cold brew coffee liqueur called Cureo to incorporate into drinks. The liqueur can also be found in local liquor stores making it a perfect souvenir. You’ll be pleased with their menu of cocktails, each moderately priced at only $8.50, and each unique in flavor. How about a peach bourbon sipper or rosemary grapefruit Paloma to kick the weekend into gear?
Trust Crudo Nudo’s confident bartenders to walk you through a delicious liquid journey. Asian whiskeys, an array of gins, fresh citrus and punny cocktail names will make your experience at Crudo Nudo one to remember. As they tout on their website, “A drink is a drink until you order one here.” We can’t disagree.
Nestled in Norfolk’s beloved Freemason District is a modernly restored 1890s boutique inn and restaurant, home to the bespoke cocktail adventure, the“Bartender’s Experience.” Four Eleven’s entertaining bartenders will ask for your name, two quirky questions and your liquor preference to craft a drink that is uniquely yours. Take a sip as the libation liberates your spirit with a cocktail made especially for you. Don’t worry; they write down their creation so you can take it home to imitate. It’s a perfect keepsake of a Norfolk’s local take on you.
It doesn’t get much better than a phenomenal glass art gallery within a hotel that features an unmatched dining experience on site complete with innovative cocktails. Order a Pink Bunny, modeled after the iconic, can’t-miss pink bunny you’ll find casually posed in the restaurant, or perhaps a Coco & Smoke with Plantation Xaymaca Rum, Vida Mezcal, Borghetti Coffee Liqueur, Giffard Banane du Bresil and coconut milk.
Whether you’re here for Moroccan Monday or any delicious night of dining, be sure to peruse Omar’s drink menu as you settle in for an unforgettable experience. Look for an assortment of margaritas, sangrias and mimosas, plus rotating seasonal drinks you’ll love.
Normally we recommend Press 626 for their outstanding wine selection, but did you know they also have a top-notch cocktail program? Their bartenders have an extensive passion and knowledge of craft cocktails and are eager to show off their skills. Try something refreshing like their Mistress Violet featuring butterfly pea gin, lemon, lavender syrup, vermouth, elderflower liquor and Blanc de Blancs bubbles. Or, go richer with Walking on the Sun—bourbon, raspberry liqueur, blackberry citrus, honey syrup and rhubarb bitters.
An upscale seafood restaurant conveniently located Downtown is serving up some of the best boozy combinations at their Apothecary Bar. Saltine’s inventive creations are simple in practice but complex in flavor, as they strive to highlight the alcohol and not disguise it. The menu is ever-changing with the seasons, but with each new menu comes a new story. Chat with the chief mixologist to determine the perfect sip for you. With options like Ballin’ is a Habit (Suntori Toki, Dolin Dry, St. Germain, Topo Chico, lemon peel) or Naked & Famous (Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, fresh lime), you literally can’t go wrong.
We love The Stockpot for feeding us the comfort food we crave using healthier, no-guilt ingredients and methods. We also adore them for their tasty and out-of-the-box cocktail menu. We won’t get into specific since offerings change by season, but they always feature a fantastic lineup at very reasonable prices. Best of all, their Charity Drink found on the menu benefits a local or regional nonprofit.
Toast has become a pillar within Norfolk’s culinary scene, and it’s no doubt that their creative cocktails play a major role in that accomplishment. Toast’s creations are funky, always delicious and are best enjoyed on their outdoor garden patio. Their signature bevs include innovative creations like a Toasted Negroni (gin, coconut blast Campari, vermouth, Frangelico and chicory/pecan bitters) or Mesh & Lace (Monkey Shoulder Scotch, rum, gose syrup, citrus and egg white powder). They even have a cold brew martini featuring Kobros Cold Brew.
On average, Americans had 9.5 unused days of PTO at the end of 2021, according to a study by software company Qualtrics. Don’t let your vacation days fall into next year’s statistics. Everyone deserves a getaway. In fact, taking time for yourself is essential. According to a Forbes article, vacation time can increase mindfulness, improve heart health, reduce stress, boost brainpower and improve sleep—all benefits that play a huge factor in your overall health as well as your career.
Is Norfolk on your list of places to visit this year? If not, perhaps it should be. We’ve got the impeccable water views to help you unwind, the arts and culture to keep you engaged, a fabulous culinary scene to delight your tastebuds and more mermaids than you ever thought possible—all in one destination. Still undecided? Here are 10 reasons you should travel to Norfolk, VA.
Spend a beach day at Ocean View with the calm waves of the Chesapeake Bay lapping at your feet. Get out on the water via boat, cruise or kayak. Try fishing on the longest pier in North America or through a local fishing charter. Or, simply relax as you take in unmatched sunsets along the Elizabeth River or Chesapeake Bay.
Filled with a vibrant mix of chefs, farmers and bakers, Norfolk has blossomed into one of the Southeast’s most dynamic foodie destinations. The city’s captivating urban appeal and history lure visitors in, and the culinary creations keep them here. Being right on the coast means an abundance of fresh seafood served in both traditional and eclectic ways. But there’s also a myriad of eateries focused on anything from healthy fare to desserts to international cuisine. Check out our culinary series, City With Bite, for a closer look at some of Norfolk’s best restaurants.
The concert experiences in Norfolk vary as much as the types of music you’re into. Start with the NorVa, dubbed one of the nation’s best live music venues by Rolling Stone. There’s incredible jazz performances at The Attucks, originally known as the “Apollo of the South,” acoustic sets at Grain and a lineup of punk rock, garage rock and heavy metal at Norfolk Taphouse. Plus, there’s usually tunes to be heard on the weekends at many Norfolk breweries. See more places to hear live music here.
4. We’ve got cruises—the local kind.
Whether you’re into history, naval tours or dinner and dancing with DJ music, Norfolk has just the cruise for you. Book an experience with City Cruises Norfolk to see incredible views of the Norfolk harbor during a lunch, brunch, dinner, cocktail or moonlit cruise. Catch a beautiful sunset on the American Rover, or see the world’s largest naval base during a narrated Victory Rover cruise.
5. But we’ve also got the really big Cruise ship kind.
Carnival Cruise Line launches year-round sailings from Norfolk in February 2025. Passengers from around the country can enjoy six-day sailings to the Bahamas and eight-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries. Cruise itineraries from Norfolk include stops in Nassau, Freeport, Bimini and Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas; Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands; and the Dominican Republic.
Take, for instance, the always trending, ever evolving space of Selden Market. This hip and historic shopping hall features local artisans, chefs and pop-up shops featuring different vendors. There’s always something new to see and buy at Selden. But wait, there’s a bunch more. Norfolk Premium Outlets houses stores such as Banana Republic, Coach, Gap, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren and more. Nearby is the Swedish shopping destination IKEA. And the local shopping never disappoints at these beloved boutiques. Finally, visit our very own Mermaid Market, located in the Visitors Information Center, for all things local and charming.
Abe Doumar invented the very first waffle cone in 1904, and to this day, fresh waffles cones are being churned out and topped with ice cream for all to enjoy. A trip to Norfolk means a visit to Doumar’s nostalgic diner for at least a cone but perhaps a barbecue sandwich and a limeade too.
We dare you to find them all. More than simply a mascot, Norfolk’s mermaids are iconic to our city, reflecting themes of nautical adventure, civic pride, the diversity of our region and anything else artists could envision. Click here for a guide to the mermaids.
There’s no such thing as patio season in winter, right? Well, actually … wrong. Although Norfolk does have some fabulous patio dining experiences during the warmer seasons, outdoor dining is still a popular pastime during the coldest months. All it takes is a little innovation, otherwise known as the outdoor heater. Embrace the crisp winter air and cozy up to enjoy some of your favorite restaurants with heaters in their outdoor spaces.
Stay toasty on their enclosed patio with heaters while you dive into fresh local and regional seafood. This casual raw bar in Ghent is a locals’ favorite and is available for guests to enjoy all winter.
Get your taste of Europe at Blanca with a menu inspired by the rustic cooking styles in Italy, France and Spain with selections of fun cocktails and old-world wines that are paired perfectly with warm heaters and firepits.
With heaters in both their enclosed patio and tent, there is more than enough space to enjoy their upscale but unpretentious American cuisine. Dive into their Duck BBQ sandwich, a unique spin on a beloved sandwich featuring pulled duck covered in their house sriracha BBQ sauce, paired with fried pickles on a sesame seed bun.
That Ocean View wind whisking off the Chesapeake Bay can get a little snappy during the colder months, but don’t worry; COVA’s got you covered. Quite literally, their heated outdoor tent will cover you from the elements and chill of outdoors as you relax and catch up with friends. Plus, consider their tasty beer or toasty cup of coffee an additional liquid blanket to keep you warm this time of year.
Nestled in the Freemason District, Four Eleven York offers a modern yet rustic, welcoming atmosphere. Pair a cozy dining experience with specialty cocktails and delicious food where you’ll find the perfect evening spot on their patio, which is lined with firepits.
Nestle under the heaters at this family-owned and operated Greek restaurant that has been serving locals since 1966. With a wide selection of beer and wine along with a menu full of mouthwatering and filling entrees, there’s something for everyone at this local favorite.
You’ll find handmade pastas and carefully curated vino at this upscale eatery in Downtown Norfolk. Lounge around the fire on their heated patio, or enjoy crackling fireplaces indoors while you enjoy dishes like salmon picatta and bone-in pork chop.
Located in Historic Ghent, this French-inspired restaurant provides a casual, fine dining experience with a carefully curated wine menu with heaters outside for the ideal date night.
Bring out your inner child at this arcade bar! Pixels serves delicious and unique hot dogs and sandwiches alongside an impressive house cocktail list. If arcade games aren’t your go to, then enjoy your meal outside under the heaters!
