Attractions and Restaurants in Norfolk

While Norfolk’s claim to fame has mostly been home to one of the largest Naval bases in the world, there is a great deal of wonderful hidden culture within its city limits. The recent renovation of historical Granby Street has brought along an entirely new generation of hip, aware people who want to see the city become more than just a maritime novelty. However, between the high rise buildings, exclusive clubs and gourmet restaurants, the secret of wars fought and moments passed still remain.

Saint Paul’s Cathedral is one such place, where history lies quietly beside a busy intersection. This gem is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a beautiful place to stroll through and observe what life must have been like in the 18th century. The Cathedral has a very old graveyard, beautiful original stained-glass windows, and even a cannonball that has remained embedded in the side of the church since wartime centuries ago. St. Paul’s is an interesting place to check out for history buffs.

But the new movement of progression within Norfolk has lent itself to much more fast-paced attractions. The Norva is the city’s largest music venue, with a second-floor balcony, VIP room, outdoor patio, and chandelier lighting. The Norva hosts live acts from all over the world and has been a stage for James Brown, Iggy Pop, and thousands of others. If sports are more up your alley, Harbour Park is right around the corner. Seasonal baseball games happen there just about every night during the spring, summer, and fall months, with a beautifully built stadium and plenty of popcorn, peanuts, and beer for everyone.

Art is also something Norfolk should be proud of. The Chrysler Museum is a stunning art gallery with works ranging from ancient Egyptian to Modernist. The Museum also hosts traveling shows that feature some amazing art. Past guests of the Museum include Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, and M.C. Escher. Outside of the museum is a beautiful sculpture garden and a seating area located right on the Hague where you can sit and enjoy the sunset. Across the street is the Harrison Opera House, where fans of culture can watch a play or see an opera in their best attire. Not far from these locations is the Norfolk Scope, where hockey and basketball games, as well as larger arena-style concerts take place.

With every city, food is key. Norfolk’s historic Ghent neighborhood has some of the best and most unique restaurants in the area. Ghent caters to the food fan from one end of the spectrum to the next. Gourmet steaks, Japanese, Tex-Mex, deli, vegetarian, and seafood are just some of the great fare featured along Colley Ave. in Ghent. And don’t forget to stop by the Naro, and old movie theater with a balcony inside, where independent films play every night of the week. The snacks there are quite inexpensive, too.

Norfolk is quickly shaking its military aura, and ramping up to become one of the more important and larger cities on the Eastern Seaboard. The zoo, botanical gardens, and beaches are also great places for family visits.