Everyday is an Adventure in Norfolk with an Endless Array of Diverse Attractions
Norfolk Offers Hundreds of Popular Attractions
NORFOLK, VA - Long known for its spectacular seaport and celebrated waterfront, Norfolk also offers a host of exciting attractions that are diverse and dry. The city of Norfolk is alive with hundreds of activities and destinations for vacationers looking to explore further than the fabulous Norfolk waterfront.
DINING & NIGHTLIFE
Norfolk offers more than 70 unique, chef-owned restaurants that are bursting with individuality and flavor. Likewise, the late night excitement makes this the region’s mecca for nightlife. The city celebrates all night long with live entertainment at Norfolk Scope, Chrysler Hall and hot spots like the trendy clubs inside The Waterside and along Granby Street, which offer live music and dancing.
GREAT OUTDOORS
Norfolk is a picturesque place to stay and play while exploring the great outdoors. The Norfolk Botanical Garden is one of the East Coast’s largest collections of roses, azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons. Offering visitors 155 pristine acres of nature at its very best, the Botanical Garden are a serene and tranquil alternative to busy city life. Lush, fragrant rose gardens, gentle waters and secluded walking paths, as well as boat and train tours, make the Norfolk Botanical Garden a peaceful and romantic way to spend the day.
With more than 350 animals, from African elephants and white rhinos to red ruffled lemurs and spider monkeys, The Virginia Zoological Park is a must-see for vacationers in Norfolk. The 100-year old zoo offers a wide variety of species, including rare and endangered species in its 53-acre complex. A spacious and interactive facility for the young and young at heart, the zoo includes exciting animals like lions, zebras, giraffes, baboons and ostriches.
FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is the pride of Norfolk as the oldest building and only structure to survive the British destruction of the city on New Year’s Day, 1776. A cannonball fired into the church still remains lodged in the wall today. Built in 1739, the church has never been out of commission and features Tiffany stained glass windows and a tree-lined cemetery with 17th, 18th and 19th century tombstones. Visitors can explore the church and attend daily services.
TAKE A HIKE
Norfolk is one of America’s great walking cities and is best enjoyed when experienced on foot. The city is also easily accessible by ferry/water taxi, the city’s complimentary electric bus service, trolley, sailing or motor coach, however most visitors tend to stroll through the city streets exploring the ins and outs of Norfolk at their own pace. Not to be missed: Windows on History is a series of display windows depicting four centuries of historic people, places and events. The Cannonball Trail is a walk-it-yourself tour through downtown historic Norfolk which connects the historic sites through storytelling. Visitors listen to stories about each site in order to form their own interpretation of Norfolk’s rich and multi-faceted history.
MILITARY ATTRACTIONS
Norfolk is a town rich with military history and tradition. An American fort since 1794, Historic Fort Norfolk has been called the best-preserved War of 1812 location in America. During the Civil War it changed hands twice. The four-acre bastion of history still keeps watch over one of the world’s busiest harbors. The Fort now offers Civil War and War of 1812 reenactments on special occasions to entertain crowds of visitors.
Norfolk’s original city hall from 1850 to 1918 is now home to the MacArthur Memorial, located in MacArthur Square in the heart of Norfolk. A tribute to General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, the memorial is made up of nine galleries and is commonly known as one of Virginia’s best remaining classical revival buildings. Visitors can view military artifacts, take in the current exhibits or watch a short documentary on the famous General, his life and times.
The Armed Forces Memorial is tucked into the southeastern corner of Town Point Park and is situated on the Elizabeth River, connected to the park by two bridges. Within the memorial are 20 inscriptions from letters sent home by U.S. service people who lost their lives in war. The letters have been cast in thin sheets of bronze and are scattered across the ground as if blown by the wind… a haunting tribute to those who served their country.
Norfolk is part of the Virginia Civil War Trails program, which links Civil War sites throughout the Commonwealth. Visitors can trace Norfolk’s Civil War heritage by taking the Civil War Trail around the city. Sites include Fort Norfolk, the historic Freemason District and the Black Civil War Memorial – the South’s only commemoration of black Union troops.
SPORTS
Spectators and golfers have their pick in Norfolk:
The Ocean View Golf Course is one of the oldest and most scenic courses in the region. The tree- lined course and challenging greens with narrow fairways make golfing at Ocean View a pleasurable challenge.
The Lake Wright Golf Course offers hours of professional golf experience in a secluded lakeside setting. The scenic course offers well-maintained links, a professional driving range and a full service restaurant.
The Norfolk Admirals are a professional American Hockey League team that provides hours of thrills and excitement for local and visiting fans. Norfolk Scope houses the team when they hit the ice to take on professional hockey teams from across the country.
The Norfolk Tides is the AAA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The award-winning Harbor Park, home of the Norfolk Tides, provides a great view of the action from any seat. More than 70 former Tides now play for the major leagues.
# # #
