Hot Out? Best Things to Do Indoors in Norfolk, VA

During the beloved summer months, Norfolk can bring some hot and steamy days where there’s nothing better than a light meal and place to cool off. For lunch or dinner, opt for fresh, local seafood at A.W. Shucks, or meander into Waterside District, where a plethora of foodie options are available with a view of the Elizabeth River. Dig in to creamy gelato at Strawberry Fields, where flavors are made fresh daily, then stop by Mermaid Winery and catch a buzz with a refreshing flight of white wines or visit COVA Brewing Company for an iced latte or cold beer.

Looking to get cozy during a cold or rainy day? Try some of our favorite comfort food restaurants! Indulge in authentic ramen at Alkaline, grab made-from-scratch soups and rosemary biscuits at The Stockpot Norfolk, warm up with the spices of Indian Chaat street food at Tamarind or take a seat at Grilled Cheese Bistro with one of their gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. Foodie tip: Enhance your grilled cheese with an order of fresh tomato bisque.

Discover Norfolk’s maritime history at the Hampton Roads Naval History Museum located inside Nauticus on the second floor, peruse paintings, dolls and glass art at the Barry Art Museum, view a permanent collection of objects representing 30 countries at the Hermitage Museum & Gardens, or explore over 30,000 original works of art that span more than 5,000 years at Chrysler Museum of Art. All venues offer free admission every day.

Later in the day, you can catch live music at The NorVA, named the No. 1 concert venue in the country by a 2013 Rolling Stone readers’ poll. Or, you can watch local artists shine while enjoying a tasty craft beer at Smartmouth Brewing Company’s warehouse entertainment space. Check out the latest musical, comedy and theater performances at some of Norfolk’s top venues including Chrysler Hall, Harrison Opera House, Attucks Theatre, Wells Theatre or Little Theatre of Norfolk.

If you’re wanting to get active, try Latitude Climbing + Fitness, where adults can participate in bouldering and yoga while kiddos can tire themselves out in the kids’ corner or throughout the gym with your supervision.

Finally, kick back and relax while watching a Norfolk Admirals hockey game at Scope Arena, or enjoy an Indie film at the NARO Expanded Cinema.

Feeling creative? Make your way to the Chrysler Museum’s Perry Glass Studio for a glass blowing class, or catch a free demonstration every Tuesday through Sunday at noon. If playing with fire isn’t your thing, paint and decorate your very own Norfolk mermaid at the Mermaid Factory, or get your hands dirty throwing clay at All Hands Pottery. Plant lovers will delight in building their own bouquets or picking up a new plant baby at Nine-Twenty-Two (formerly Horticulture Design Co.) Check out their open workshops to create something fun like a tabletop garden or kokedama (Japanese moss ball).

The creativity doesn’t stop there. You can paint your own pottery at Color Me Mine, design a beautiful wooden sign for your home or office at Board & Brush or delight in a combination or painting plus wine at Pinot’s Palette.

Treat yourself to unique shopping at Selden Market, a historic indoor arcade where you will find a mix of local businesses that specialize in everything from handmade leather goods and jewelry to soy candles and streetwear fashion. Across the street, be sure to check out MacArthur Center mall, offering a full movie theater for your entertainment.

Out toward the Norfolk International Airport you’ll find the 331,000-square-foot IKEA where you can wander through Swedish home furnishings until your heart’s content. Nearby, Norfolk Premium Outlets features the styles and brands you like at prices you’ll love.

Head to Ghent where you’ll find a lovely collection of locally owned shops. Texture is great for gifts, baby items, home decor, women’s clothing and accessories. Decorum Furniture has all the home furnishings you need, plus a fantastic gift shop with unique wares. Kitsch is the place to go for locally and regionally made jewelry, wall art, greeting cards, accessories, baby items and decor. Less Than inspires us to put a green foot forward with their eco-friendly and sustainable home products. White Rabbit is the go-to for secondhand children’s and baby clothing, plus brand new kid gifts. Le Marche is a French-forward boutique with plates and serving ware, home decor, child and baby items and gourmet chocolates and nibbles.

The NEON District offers opportunities to buy plants at Plant Norfolk, while Downtown is home to Selden Market and, of course, all the original Norfolk and Virginia souvenirs you could want at VisitNorfolk’s own Mermaid Market.