Norfolk’s Historic Ghent: A Lesson in Style
For years, Norfolk’s Ghent district was notorious for crime, debauchery, and its run-down facade. Over the last ten or fifteen years, however, the city has revamped the district and given it a new lease on life. Since the inception of the Norva, Empire, and countless other upscale classy restaurants near downtown on Granby Street, Ghent has, shall we dare say, cleaned up its act. Today, the neighborhood is a haven for hipsters, college students, and artists. But what makes Ghent stand out among the other portions of Norfolk, or even Hampton Roads for that matter?
While Ghent is rich in history, and the neighborhood was erected in the 1890’s, it essentially went unnoticed until a decade or two ago, when residents realized its full potential. Today, homes that once stood as four bedrooms have been cut into apartments or duplexes, making way for an infiltration of younger people to come and live. Most of the homes are historic, with beautiful brick facades and Victorian styling. Look inside and you might see a band at practice or a painter creating their newest masterpiece. This is the beauty of Ghent: it lends to please the eye, while hiding even more exciting potential deep inside.
Once you roam the gorgeous neighborhoods and see the homes in their splendor, a stroll down Colley Avenue can give you an idea of just how flourishing this Hampton Roads neighborhood is. The old Naro Theater is a jewel to behold. The theater, which is a one-screen movie theater, plays mostly independent and underground films, with the Rocky Horror Picture Show live presentation being shown every other weekend. The inside is majestic, and there is a balcony where you can sit up high to watch the film. How many places can you say that about anymore? Not to mention, the refreshments are reasonably priced. Just a block or so away is the Naro Expanded Video, where they carry literally every title under the sun. You can find foreign and independent films here that you’d never find anywhere else. The combination of the theater and the video store give the main road in Ghent a nice art-house appeal.
If you’re like most folks who come to Ghent, part of the reason you’re there is to people watch. Most of the great restaurants along Colley Avenue have outdoor patio seating, where you can sip a latte, eat a nice meal, and watch the people walk or skate by. Sometimes, it can invoke people to wonder where everyone is going. But the beauty is, there is always motion in Ghent. Someone will always be walking, jogging, or biking by. The food at most Ghent restaurants is great, and more importantly, inexpensive. You can usually get away with a meal for under $15 at places like the Colley Cantina or San Antonio Sam’s. If a night of elegance is what you’re looking for, try Magnolia Steakhouse where they serve up some great surf and turf. There are also some great bars in Ghent, like the Taphouse where they serve beers from all over the world, and have live music on most weekends.
If shopping is more your speed, there are countless small shops in Ghent featuring handmade jewelry, crafts, and really cool and unique home decor. Although the prices may be a little higher than you’d expect, the uniqueness makes it well worth it. Even if you don’t plan on spending a lot of dough, window-shopping after stopping by Elliot’s coffeehouse can be a great experience. There are so many rich and interesting things to find in this wonderful neighborhood. Even if you are not a resident of Ghent, come and see for yourself why so many people are flocking there. It is the renewal of Norfolk. It is definitely helping to give the city what it needs: culture, beauty, revenue, and fun.
