City by the Sea: Norfolk, Virginia

Long before there was a United States, British ships landed in what would one day be Norfolk, Virginia, and continued inland to form England’s first colony. With a history that parallels its nation’s, Norfolk wears its past like a fine coat of arms. Indeed, some of Norfolk’s greatest attractions are nods to the city’s rich beginnings—and a plethora of stories await. 

From its historic brownstones to its vibrant waterfront, the 400-year-old port city continues to be a popular maritime destination with one of the largest ports on the East Coast and the largest naval station in the world. As an ode to the city’s seafaring roots, Nauticus is a science center and museum featuring engaging exhibits and panoramic views of the Elizabeth River.

Adjacent to the Nauticus sits one of Norfolk’s beautiful green spaces, Town Pointe Park. Its eight acres beckon tourists and residents alike to enjoy concerts, free WiFi, and an interactive fountain, all of which make Town Pointe a wonderful place to picnic, read, or simply enjoy the sunshine. 

Explore nature’s artistry at the 175-acre Norfolk Botanical Garden. From the Enchanted Forest to the Bristow Butterfly Garden, its themed gardens will awe you with their flourishing finery throughout the year—whether you stroll through on foot or glide along via tram or canal boat.

After taking in the blooming surrounds, experience why Norfolk has become the arts capital of Virginia. Its emerging culture flows from the district known as the NEON—an acronym for New Energy Of Norfolk. The area comes alive with the NEON’s growing collection of murals and events, including street parties, outdoor operas, comedy showcases, and dozens of festivals.

For more than a century, people have lined up in front of Doumar’s Cones & Barbecue to taste handmade waffle cones hand-rolled on the original four-iron waffle machine. Come for the cones and ice cream, but stay for mouthwatering North Carolina-style barbecue and a refreshing limeade.

Table 7 Antiques continues the time-honored tradition of formal entertaining with beautiful collections of silver, fine china, and serving pieces. 

The Hermitage Museum and Gardens, an early 20th-century estate along the Lafayette River, spreads over 12 acres of landscaped gardens and grounds. Be sure to make time for the impressive art collection—more than 40,000 objects spanning 5,000 years and 30 countries.

Discover Norfolk’s extensive maritime and naval history at Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin, a museum along the downtown waterfront. Tour the World War II-era battleship, take in the nautical exhibits, or explore sea life courtesy of the museum’s Living Sea Theater.

Eclectic cafés and shops dot the Norfolk landscape. Start the day with a creative breakfast at Handsome Biscuit—think fried chicken with bacon, Cheddar, and red-eye sausage gravy on a sweet potato biscuit. Press 626 Café and Wine Bar knows how to make the ordinary extraordinary, from the house chorizo in the tortellini dish to the jalapeño-and-cranberry aioli on their signature chicken sandwich.

Named after a mid-century Norfolk record label, LeGrand Kitchen works with local farmers and foragers to offer seasonal items like Spanish Octopus over Butterbean Purée or Buttermilk and Orange Panna Cotta, all in a “finer diner” atmosphere. Shaped by European travels, the menu at Chartreuse Bistro changes daily and features a range of imaginative fare, from terrines to homemade sodas.

Fancy a shopping excursion? Peruse the imported antiques and furnishings of Le Marche and the whimsical goods of A Dodson’s. 

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