Known for its large Navy presence, Norfolk, Va., is the “cultural hub of Hampton Roads.” With a little bit of everything, the city offers something of interest for all its nearly 246,000 residents.
Favorite Norfolk Places
Town Point Park
Home to several signature festivals, Town Point Park is eight acres located on the waterfront overlooking the Elizabeth River. Great for a lunchtime walk with its proximity to downtown or a Saturday enjoying events, such as the Bayou Boogaloo Cajun Food Festival (a personal favorite), this park is a piece of tranquility in the big city.
Virginia Zoo
With more than 400 animals on display in a 53-acre facility of themed gardens, the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk has grown into a world-class zoological park. Chris and I enjoyed the viewing bubbles in the prairie dog exhibit where you can get a inside look into the natural habitat.
The MacArthur Memorial
The son of a Norfolk native, Gen. Douglas MacArthur was laid to rest in The MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk in 1964. The museum portrays the war hero’s life through personal and professional exhibitions.
Norfolk Botanical Garden
Providing the backdrop for a professional development conference I was on the planning committee for, the Norfolk Botanical Garden offered a beautiful location with 155 acres of 40 unique-themed gardens. I was sold when the meeting room’s back wall was made of glass overlooking azaleas and camellias, one of the largest collections on the East Coast. Guided tours are available throughout all the gardens, including boat and tram tours from spring to fall.
Wells Theater
Home to the Virginia Stage Company, the historic Wells Theater is a well-preserved example of Beaux-Arts Classicism from the early 1900s. Stage productions from the classical such as The Christmas Carol to the modern like Honky Tonk Angels play throughout the year.
Other special event venues to check out in the city include Chrysler Hall for Off-Broadway shows, Scope Arena where the minor league team Norfolk Admirals play, and Harbor Park where the minor league baseball team Norfolk Tides play. These venues and more are ran by Seven Venues.
Naval Station Norfolk
The world’s largest Navy base, a tour of Naval Station Norfolk features aircraft carriers, destroyers and amphibious assault vessels. As an active military installation, come prepared with ID and be ready for inspections of your vehicle and person.
Norfolk Eats
A favorite for nightlife entertainment, there are plenty of eateries on Granby Street and Baxter Avenue. Monastery offers Eastern European cuisine in a soothing ambiance. For upscale Cuban, check out Havana.
Off the downtown main scene, Freemason Abbey offers one of the most unique dining experiences. Occupying a former church in tact with stained glass windows, the restaurant offers American cuisine with a full bar. For a fresh Tex-Mex taste, Machismo Burrito Bar is the place to enjoy a burrito as you watch The Tide pass by.
Working in Norfolk
With top employment opportunities in defense and healthcare, Norfolk also promotes a strong environment for entrepreneurship, ranking in the top five cities for Entrepreneur.com. To learn more about the thriving Mermaid City, native Jennifer Cauldwell explains why the city is the “cultural hub of Hampton Roads.”
Currently the Division Head of Public Information for the Norfolk Department of Recreation, Parks & Open Space where she oversees public relations, marketing and community outreach initiatives for the city’s parks and recreation system, which encompasses 18 recreation centers, 12 specialty centers, six pools, eight cemeteries, more than 130 parks and playgrounds, and seven miles of beaches, Cauldwell has been working in the city for the past six years. She enjoys Norfolk as an employee and resident for its plethora of entertainment options and the fact the city government focuses on effective and responsive management. “Whether you are looking for nightlife, entertainment, recreation, the performing arts, or sports, Norfolk has you covered. That vibrancy and energy makes Norfolk not only an amazing place to live, but a cool place to work as well.”
Cauldwell says she works with several City of Norfolk departments to make the city the best it can be for residents and visitors. “One of the reasons that we can continue to call our city the cultural hub of the region is that our team works every day, not just Monday through Friday, to make sure Norfolk is the place you want to visit, play and live.”
When she’s not conducting a ride-along with a local reporter on planting trees, hosting a community bike ride, planning the grand opening of a new aquatic center, developing emergency communication plans, or popping by the radio station for an interview on the upcoming Senior Olympics, Cauldwell enjoys trying out the many new restaurants across the city. “I’m a sucker for a good meal. I’ve lived in this area for almost 30 years and there are still tons of restaurants in Norfolk that I haven’t tried.” She also recommends a visit to the Nauticus where you can view nautical exhibits, including a tour of the Battleship Wisconsin.
Ranking Norfolk
I give Norfolk a 7. What is your favorite military town?
-Monica
Hi there guys! Thanks for sharing! Seeing your pictures and all the familiar places made me a little homesick but excited to go home in July! Can’t wait to be back in our home country, especially for July 4th.
Safe, Happy Travels, you two!!!
Can’t wait to hear about Switzerland. And Ka-Neech-Eee-Waugh from Kyoto, Japan! 😉
By the way, my favorite military town is Garmisch, Germany – the little Army Base in Bavaria that I lived in as a kid.
Lots of great hiking, skiing, and much more! 😉
Hi Kristin! Thanks for reading and commenting. I hope the end of your 2+ year journey is going well. I miss China, so I can’t wait to see your photos and posts from there. Have a hamburger for us on July 4! Love that you’re a fellow military brat!