What To Do In Norfolk Virginia

When brainstorming ideas for a weekend getaway in the fall and winter, coastal Virginia is probably not the first place that comes to mind. While places like Norfolk are quite popular in the summer months with beaches and festivals abounding, these cities and towns have much to offer in the off-season, too.

We recently spent a lovely fall weekend in Norfolk, Virginia to enjoy the Townpoint Virginia Wine Festival, and discovered plenty of restaurants, activities and tours, not to mention a ghost story or two. (Inhabited since the 17th century and a famed navy hub, Norfolk has more than it’s fair share of haunted hot spots.)

THINGS TO DO
Tour Battleship Wisconsin and Nauticus: Get a taste of Norfolk’s rich naval history by touring the last battleship (and one of the largest) ever built, as well as the Nauticus museum.

Elizabeth River Harbor Sail: Get a sense of the immense economic and military impact of Norfolk’s harbor, from the U.S. Naval base to the shipyards, larger-than-life drydocks and of course, the city itself.

Take a Helicopter Tour: Get a bird’s eye view of Norfolk by taking flight for a helicopter tour that allows you to see all the way to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and beyond

Glass-Blowing With The Chrysler Museum of Art: Create a piece of original art you can take home at the Chrysler Museum’s glass-blowing studio.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Doumar’s Cones & Barbecue: Ice cream lovers can’t miss Doumar’s; Abe Doumar created the very first waffle cones back in 1905—and that very machine is still in use at this charming drive-in today.

Bryd & Baldwin Bros. Steakhouse: This seven-year-old restaurant has mastered the old world appeal of a classic steakhouse—in a modern setting. Feast on escargots, lobster mac and cheese and of course a prime cut of steak—and be sure to sample from their extensive wine list. If you’re lucky, the owner will give you a tour of the vast private cellars below ground.

Mermaid Winery: Stop in for dinner to taste plenty of local Virginia grapes and get a peek at the winemaking process at this charming urban winery.

WHERE TO STAY
Norfolk Waterside Marriott: Snag a harbor-facing room on one of the upper floors to enjoy epic sunset views and a unique perspective on all the waterside activities on the Elizabeth River.

By Taylor Davies (@shutupilovethat)