There’s nothing like gathering your best group of girlfriends and making memories together in a fantastic destination. In friendships and in travel, your vibe attracts your tribe, and Norfolk’s vibe is one you’ll definitely be attracted to. We’ve got places to wine and dine, shop ’til you drop, bring out your creative side or enjoy the great outdoors. Take a break from running the world, and take in all that Norfolk has to offer for a great girlfriend getaway.
Unite Your Foodie Friends
Not only does Norfolk have an amazing selection of restaurants serving high quality cuisine, but we also have a good number of women-owned restaurants and businesses. What better way to commemorate an all-female getaway than by supporting some of Norfolk’s women entrepreneurs? Enjoy an elevated menu inspired by the rustic cooking in France, Spain and Italy, plus premium wines at Blanca Food + Wine, located in Riverview. Share a cheese board that’s out of this world, then delight in a seasonally focused menu at Four Eleven York. Have fun testing out the Bartenders’ Experience in which personalized cocktails are crafted on the spot. Or, start the evening with a round of mojitos or margaritas at Luna Maya, a celebration of Latin American cuisine owned by two sisters. See more women-owned businesses in Norfolk here.
Shop ’til you drop
Shopping is more than an activity in Norfolk; it’s an experience and one that you can tailor to your group’s interests. To support small businesses and find some truly one-of-a-kind Norfolk wares, check out our local shopping guide. For unmatched deals on all the greatest name brands, head to the Norfolk Premium Outlets. For an ever-changing mix of pop-up shops, locally loved stores and even some rising restaurants, take your time strolling through Selden Market. Finally, stop in our very own Mermaid Market, located in the VisitNorfolk Visitors’ Center, where you can find a curated selection of items unique to Norfolk and Virginia, including home decor, kitchen essentials, apparel and mermaids of every kind.
Get some vitamin D
Norfolk is known for many things, including plenty of opportunities to get outdoors. Take a leisurely stroll-through Norfolk Botanical Garden, and take some stunning photos together while you’re there. Enjoy foliage in the fall, roses blooming during the summer, Garden of Lights during the holidays and flourishing azaleas all spring long! On warm days, you can bask in the beach vibes of Ocean View and East Beach, and in spring and fall, your gal pals can embark on a kayak tour or a walking tour of Norfolk.
… and some vitamin c
Brunch is a staple of a great girlfriend getaway, and we’ve got just the places to sip mimosas, indulge in French toast and laugh the day away. Grain is known for their fabulous brunch buffet and unrivaled rooftop views while Hair of the Dog has the ideal menu to cure a hangover. Grandiflora Wine Garden is celebrated for their Turkish brunches in a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. See all our favorite spots for brunch here.
Get creative together
There’s nothing that brings a group closer than creating something together. Take the opportunity to paint and decorate your very own mermaid keepsake at the Mermaid Factory, combine painting with sipping at Pinot’s Palette, or try your talents at glassblowing while visiting the Chrysler Museum’s Perry Glass Studio.
Check out a local event
We’ve got an abundance of events for each season and interest, including many that are popular among groups of girlfriends. The spring and fall Town Point Virginia Wine Festival is always a favorite among ladies who love to sip and sample Virginia wines. The Stockley Gardens Arts Festival is another popular place for friends to wander through aisles of art in all its forms. Check out our events calendar to see what’s coming up during your stay.
