Virginia Archives

A Quick Stay In Norfolk, Virginia

posted on : September 14, 2023 posted by : Brandy 4 Comments

Norfolk, Virginia

Recently my husband and I went on a beach trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. After spending a few days in OBX, we decided to head up to Norfolk/Virginia Beach for a day. The Tidewater area of VA was only an hour’s drive from the Outer Banks so it made for the perfect day trip!

Strategically situated at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, Norfolk makes a great start for exploring coastal Virginia. Norfolk is a mid-size city with about 235,000 residents and covers 66 square miles. It has seven miles of Chesapeake Bay beachfront and 144 miles of shoreline along lakes, rivers, and the Bay (info provided by the City of Norfolk website). Norfolk is home to the largest Naval Base in the United States, and the city is also the headquarters of NATO’s Allied Command Transformation. The rich military history of Norfolk is reflected in its many monuments and memorials throughout the city.

While the Navy is a significant employer and contributor to the local economy, Norfolk is a city that offers something for everyone. The downtown area is full of great restaurants and shops, and the beautiful waterfront is an attraction you don’t want to miss!

The Port City of Norfolk, VA — Norfolk is full of things to see and do!

Unique Norfolk Attractions

Norfolk is a city with a rich history and age (it was founded in 1682!) and it’s full of unique sites. Here are some fun places to check out during your visit:

The Attucks Theater – Built in 1919, it is the oldest African-American theater in the US and is a National Historic Landmark. Today you can enjoy musical performances, plays and late-night jazz at this historic spot.

The USS Wisconsin – The Battleship Wisconsin is one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy. USS Wisconsin was launched in 1943 and earned five battle stars for her WWII service and one for the Korean War. There are guided (and self-guided) tours available daily.

The historic Attucks Theater in Norfolk VA — The Attucks Theater

Battleship Wisconsin — The Attucks Theater

The Norfolk Botanical Gardens – Virginia’s largest botanical garden, the NBG’s feature 175 acres that can be viewed by tram, boat, or on foot. There are more than 60 themed gardens (including an awesome children’s garden) for you to explore and the gardens are open daily.

Spirit of Norfolk Cruise – A dinner cruise on the Spirit of Norfolk is a must for any visit to Norfolk. You’ll cruise the river and enjoy top-notch food and service. Dinner isn’t your only option on the Spirit of Norfolk, they offer weekend brunch cruises, lunch cruises, and many other fun options! Check their website for cruise times and tickets.

The Spirit of Norfolk — Norfolk Botanical Gardens

Where to Stay

For our trip to Norfolk, we decided to stay downtown and opted for The Main Hilton Norfolk. This beautiful hotel is in a great location and within easy walking distance of all the downtown sites, including the vibrant Waterside area. The rooms are reasonably priced and well-appointed. I enjoyed sampling the different restaurants and bars located on each floor of the hotel.

Norfolk Must Eats!

Now that you’ve got your activities planned and you know where to stay, let’s talk about what to eat! Here are some of my top favorite places to eat in the city…

For Brunch, Freemason Abbey – Freemason Abbey is located in the home of a former church and it makes for a unique dining experience! Their brunch menu features standard breakfast fare like benedicts, waffles, and omelets, with some special items like their Wild Wild Western Skillet (made with wild boar sausage) mixed in. Mimosas, bloody marys, and other cocktails are available to compliment your brunch. Give Freemason Abbey a chance if you’re looking for good food in a unique setting.
For Dinner/Date Night, Byrd and Baldwin Bros. Steakhouse – This is the perfect date night spot in Norfolk! It’s cozy and upscale, and children under 12 are not permitted. Reservations are highly recommended. My husband enjoyed the bone-in pork chop and I loved the pan-seared salmon. The wine is extensive and you won’t be disappointed with the service.
For Lunch, Philly Style Steaks & Subs – Do yourself a favor and just go. That’s it, just go (and enjoy one of the best sandwiches you’ll ever have).
For A Sweet Treat, Granby Waffle Shop – Located inside the mini food hall at Slover (located next door to my hotel recommendation, Main at Norfolk), Granby Waffle Shop serves sweet and savory waffles topped with just about anything you could dream up! I had the Strawberry Shortcake Waffle and boy was it SWEET! I could only eat a few bites but if you’ve got a sweet tooth to satisfy, definitely check this place out!
I purposely did not make a breakfast selection, I haven’t tried enough breakfast spots in the area to be able to call one the BEST. Typically when I visit the Hampton Roads area, we head to VA Beach for breakfast. I’d love to hear any Norfolk breakfast recommendations you all might have, leave me a comment!