Dog-Friendly Spots In Prince William, VA October 27, 2020 by Visit Prince William PUPS WELCOME! Going on a vacation can be difficult when planning a trip for you and your furry, four-legged friends. Fortunately, Prince William, VA is an ideal pet-friendly destination. Below are some of the great parks, dog parks, restaurants, hotels, and events where you and your dog can spend some time together during your trip. DOG-FRIENDLY PARKS (Picture: Prince William Forest Park) 1. Locust Shade Park Locust Shade Park is a beautiful, 400-acre park that is great for a family trip with your pup. Children can enjoy miniature golf and playgrounds. And your dog is sure to enjoy all of the smells present along the hiking trails. Bring a picnic basket and enjoy your meal with a lovely waterfront view. Your dog will love the shoreline and flowing water! 2. Prince William Forest Park You could spend an entire day exploring the beautiful scenery available in Prince William Forest Park. The beautiful foliage and ample space for you and your dog to walk (and sniff) make this National Park the perfect destination during your dog-friendly vacation. Go during the fall to enjoy the colors of autumn, or during the spring to see all of the trees in full bloom. Prince William Forest Park is a great place to camp overnight with your dog. Bring the whole family for an unforgettable experience. Read about the park’s pet policy. Your dog will love running through all of the colorful leaves on the ground! 3. Leesylvania State Park Leesylvania State Park is a unique park with a historic trail, small beach, and fishing pier. Go for a walk with your pup on Lee’s Woods Historic Trail, where you will find Civil War points of interest. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by trees and a view of the Potomac River. After lunch, you and Fido can dip your toes in the sand and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the river. Leesylvania also allows pets to stay with their owners in overnight cabins. Read about the park’s pet policy. Your dog will love playing in the water at Leesylvania’s beach! 4. Veterans Memorial Park Veterans Memorial Park is located adjacent to the Marumsco Creek, Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge and the Occoquan Bay National Water Reserve. Your dog is sure to love watching the ducks swimming in the pond and smelling the water. You will love the nice, easy nature walk and picnic areas within the park. Your dog will love looking at the ducks roaming around the park! 5. Lake Ridge Park Lake Ridge Park has a marina and hiking trails that are perfect for you and your four-legged companion. One of the great things about the marina is that you can bring your dog on canoes and Jon boats. Can you imagine how cute your dog will look with a little life jacket on?! Your dog will love the feeling of adventure as you hike through the trails at Lake Ridge! DOG PARKS 1. K-9 Gunner Dog Park Open daily from sunrise to sunset, K-9 Gunner Dog Park is a 46,000 sq. ft park with a mix of grass and dirt areas for your pups to play in. Dogs will love the toys available throughout the park and the separate areas available for small and large dogs. 2. Prince William County Dog Park Open daily from sunrise to dusk, Prince William County Dog Park is located next to the Animal Shelter on Bristow Road. DOG-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS & BARS 1. Farm Brew Live (Manassas) Bring your family and friends together to enjoy craft beer, craft food and live local music on the 8-acre Farm Brew LIVE campus in Manassas, Va. Dogs are allowed on the patio as long as they are leashed and picked up after. 2. Cock & Bowl (Occoquan) You don’t have to brave the airlines to visit an authentic little European neighborhood bistro. Come down to the quaint riverfront town of Occoquan for a little boutique shopping and finish up with a visit to Cock & Bowl for a fine Belgian beer and a delicious meal. Serving up always-fresh, always-homemade European bistro specialties and a selection of 50+ Belgian beers! Dogs are permitted on the patio as long as they are leashed and well behaved. 3. Madigan’s Waterfront (Occoquan) Madigan’s Waterfront is a locally owned and operated seafood and steak restaurant located on the Occoquan River in Historic Occoquan. You can hang out with your pup in the Tiki Bar as long as they’re leashed. 4. Hidden Julles Café (Haymarket) Hidden Julles Café is locally owned and operated. They proudly feature locally-sourced, organic breakfast and lunches. Located in Haymarket, Hidden Julles allows dogs on their patio as long as they are leashed. 5. Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant (Haymarket) Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant is a casual eatery that serves up a variety of delicious, authentic Italian cuisine. Fido is welcome to join you at one of their many pet-friendly outdoor tables while you enjoy your meal. 6. Cupcake Heaven and Café (Haymarket) Cupcake Heaven and Cafe serves up a variety of freshly baked cupcakes and pastries, along with a small assortment of soup, quiche, sandwiches, lattes, teas and smoothies. Your pup is welcome to join you at one of their eight pet-friendly outdoor tables while munch on a savory chicken salad sandwichs and sip your White Chocolate Mocha Latte. 7. The Winery at La Grange (Haymarket) Nestled in the foothills of Bull Run Mountain, enjoy a glass of vino, some tasty nibbles, and a stunning view as you relax at one of The Winery at La Grange’s outside picnic tables with your pooch. 8. Swirlie’s Soft Serve (Haymarket) Swirlie’s has soft-serve ice cream, sundaes, banana splits, shakes, malts, and Hawaiian shaved ice. Dogs are welcome at their patio picnic tables. 9.The Bone (Gainesville) The Bone is a simple, no-frills barbecue joint located in Gainesville, VA. Choose from a variety of tasty menu options including pulled pork, smoked turkey, beef brisket, spicy sausage, hickory chicken, ribs, etc. Your dog is welcome to join you at one of their seven pet-friendly outdoor tables while you enjoy your BBQ meal. 10. Uncle Julio’s (Gainesville) Stop into Uncle Julio’s Mexican Restaurant, it is the perfect place to grab delicious fajitas, margarita and fresh tableside guacamole. Dogs are allowed on the patio as long as they are leashed. 11. Foster’s Grille (Bristow) Foster’s Grille welcomes dogs to dine with their owners at four outdoor tables; however, guests must order and pay inside at the counter where dogs are not permitted. Menu items include char-grilled burgers topped with cheese, grilled chicken sandwiches, fried chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, veggie burgers, turkey sandwiches, salads, chicken wings, and beer. 12. Brixx Wood Fire Pizza (Woodbridge) Located in Woodbridge, Brixx is a dog-friendly restaurant that will greet your pup with a bowl of water. Your dog can relax on the patio while you enjoy some delicious pizza, pasta or sandwiches. 13. BurgerFi (Woodbridge) BurgerFi is a delicious burger place you can enjoy with your dog, located in Woodbridge. They have nine outdoor tables where you and your dog can enjoy a selection of burgers, fries, onions rings and yummy shakes. Table service isn’t available, so you’ll need to tether your dog when you go inside to order 14. Eggspectation (Gainesville) Eggspectation is a unique eatery that specializes in anything and everything EGG! Choose from menu options like steak & eggs, omelets, pancakes, french toast, and more. Your dog is welcome to join you at one of their eight pet-friendly outdoor tables. DOG-FRIENDLY HOTELS We know you and your dog will want to stay longer than just a few hours! This is why you will want to check out our dog-friendly hotels along both I-66 and I-95 corridors when you plan your visit to Prince William, Virginia! (SOME PROPERTIES MAY BE SUBJECT TO PET FEES)
Falling for Fall – 10 Great Ways to Enjoy Autumn in Erie PA October 22, 2020 by Visit Erie With summer in our rear-view mirror and fall on the approaching horizon, we thought we’d take a moment to clue you in on some local area activities for fall! Although Erie is known best for its beaches, there is always something to do every season, even during a pandemic. Farmers markets, fall-themed events, gorgeous fall colors, virtual activities and of course fantastic food and drink! So throw on an extra layer, head outside or cozy up at home for some fall faves in Erie PA. As always, if you do venture out, remember to practice social distancing and wear your mask. Here’s our Top 10 picks for fun fall activities (HINT: make it an overnight stay and do everything on this list!). ZooBOO 2020 – The Erie Zoo’s annual trick-or-treat event will be a little different this year. This year’s ZooBOO will continue to be “scary, but not too scary” with fun for the whole family. In an effort to stay safe and limit contact, the Zoo has created a Spooky Scavenger Hunt! All children 12 years and under will be able to participate with their family in a grand Halloween adventure around the zoo. At the end, each child will receive a pre-packed bag of goodies to take home and have the chance to enter to win a ZooBOO Gift Basket. But have no “fear”…Guests will still get to meet the troll who guards the Children’s Zoo Bridge, have a chat with the Talking Pumpkin, and ride the Safariland Express! All tickets must be purchased in advance online and masks are required. Which shouldn’t be too difficult since it IS Halloween! ZooBOO will run Thursdays/Fridays October 15,16,22,23,29 &30 from 4-9 pm and Saturdays/Sundays Oct 17,18, 24 & 25 from Noon-9 pm. Tickets are $7 for members, $10 non-members and can be reserved here. Luminary Distilling & Eatery, Fuhrman’s Cider – NOW OPEN! Our friends at Luminary Distilling have expanded and moved! With the recent purchase of the former Fuhrman’s Cider Mill just steps from their previous location, they are serving up high quality spirits and cocktails (using locally sourced ingredients), tasty food options and of course, Fuhrman’s famous cider; all in a bigger facility! Stop by and try their fresh baked breads, donuts and pies too! For all you faithful pretzel roll fans, no worries! Those are coming soon or if you’re desperate and can’t wait to sink your teeth into that soft salty goodness, they are accepting special orders. Luminary’s micro distillery experience is definitely unique and they can’t wait to welcome you to their new location…8270 Peach Street just south of the Peach Street/Robison Road interchange. Lake Erie Wine Country – What better way to celebrate the season than by sipping your favorite cabernet, merlot, chardonnay or sparkling fruit juice while watching the leaves change? Lake Erie Wine Country spans 53 miles along Lake Erie’s shoreline from North East PA to parts of Western NY. Tour America’s grape country to sample, sip and swirl endless fruits of the vine from 23 wineries. The largest grape growing region east of the Rockies is waiting for you! Lake Erie Ale Trail – If wine isn’t your thing and you’re more of a craft beer aficionado, try a flight or two from any of the 13 breweries that make up the Lake Erie Ale Trail. The history of breweries in the greater Erie region is deep and rich. The first local brewery opened its doors over 200 years ago—36 years before the city of Erie was even incorporated! Ask to take a tour and witness the sheer hoppiness first-hand! Cheers to local! Take a Hike! Even with the “falling” temperatures, The Great Outdoors is always there for you to get out and explore. Our area has plenty of great trails to lead you on many adventures. Check out the trails at Frontier Park, Erie Bluffs, Presque Isle, Asbury Woods, Goodell Gardens and the Greater Erie Regional Trail Network. Plus a NEW trail has recently been unveiled at Wintergreen Gorge! Penn State Behrend has completed phase 1 of their renovation plan for Wintergreen Gorge. The $690,000 project will improve visitor access to the gorge and will help to protect wildlife. First-phase construction included stabilizing and improving an 850-foot trail that begins at Cooper Road along with the installation of boardwalks over the protected wetland areas along the trail. Visitors can also access the trailheads from either the Prischak Educational Building or the Ohio Hall parking lots. Asbury Woods Scary Creature Feature – One of Erie’s favorite Halloween traditions, Asbury Woods’ “Scary Creature Feature”is a fall, family event many look forward to every year. Enjoy various activities, storytelling and a guided walk thro ugh the woods where guests encounter and learn about some not-so-scary, nocturnal creatures that live in the forest. It’s the perfect chance to explore the woods at night and delight in the cool, crisp air of an autumn evening. Appropriate for children 3 years and up. October 8-10 from 6 pm to 8 pm. Check their web site for ticket information. Peek n Peak Virtual Fall Fest – It may not be the Fall Fest you’re used to, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t have fun enjoying the Peak’s virtual Fall Fest from the comfort of your own home! Throughout the month of October the Fest virtual experience will include many of your favorite Fall Fest activities, including an online vendor marketplace, a digital Kids’ Zone with print-at-home activities, a pumpkin painting content, ideas for fall adventures and more! The Peek is also planning their annual Snow Sports Equipment Swap October 10-11 & 17-18. This year, the Swap will take place on the upper level of the Main Ski Lodge. Looking for other fall activities at the Peek? Warm-weather activities are expected to be available until mid-October, including the Upper Golf Course, Aerial Adventure Course, Giant Dual Ziplines, The Soaring Eagle Zipline, Mini Golf, the Indoor/Outdoor Pool Complex and Serenity Spa. Pick Your Own Produce – Getting out and traveling to local farms to pick your own fruits and vegetables is a popular fall activity. It’s not only satisfying it’s a great way to support local agriculture. There are several farmers markets scattered throughout the county. One of our favorites is Hulings Blueberries & Farm Market. In addition to those plump juice blueberries (season ends soon for them!), Hulings offers tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers along with fruits and vegetables from other local farms. For a complete list of where you pick your own produce in Northwest PA, click here. Leaf Peeping – One of the best parts about living in the north is the dramatic change of the seasons. Autumn brings about a colorful palette of fiery reds, golden yellows and vibrant oranges. It’s the perfect time to hop in the car and take a drive to view Mother Nature at her finest. There are 134 native trees in Pennsylvania, each having their own beautiful color mix. Some of our favorite spots to observe the fall foliage are Presque Isle State Park, The Great Lakes Seaway Trail (Route 5) and Historic PA Route 6. The best time to view the Erie area in full display is mid to late October. Mural Arts Driving Tour – There are over 75 murals throughout Erie County and VisitErie is in the process of compiling the most up-to-date list for you to plan a mural-seeking adventure! Make it an overnight trip and spend a few days traversing the county for murals that feature subjects ranging from Erie’s history to community fellowship, landscapes and abstract pieces. More information can be found on our website with a Google map coming soon to help you easily plot out your course.
Outdoor Fire Pits in Norfolk October 18, 2020 by Visit Norfolk Grain Rooftop and waterfront views accompany this tabletop fire pit the whole family can huddle around. Don’t miss live music Wednesday through Sunday, happy hour Monday through Friday, and a Bloody Mary selection for Sunday brunch. Perro Blanco Nestled in the Railroad District alongside local favorite, Toast, is Perro Blanco – a cozy mezcal bar that will be your go-to stop for classic tequila inspired cocktails like their Nickles 4 Tickels, featuring Vita Mezcal steeped in Oolong tea, Creme de Cacao, Creme de Banane, Velvet Falernum, Agave and fresh Lime. This auto shop-turned-hidden gem welcomes guests to enjoy homemade corn tortilla tacos that pair perfectly with a smoky mezcal margarita. Embrace the Fall and Winter seasons with tacos by the fire pit on their patio! @toastrunners, Instagram O’Connor Brewing Company Colder temperatures are no excuse to skip out on the amazing outdoor space at O’Connor’s. A long time favorite brewery located in the heart of Norfolk’s up-and-coming Railroad District, O’Connor’s serves up incredible brews with a welcoming vibe and large outdoor beer garden that makes for a perfect afternoon hangout spot with friends and family. TASTE Ghent Priding themselves on minimally processed food that is locally sourced, TASTE strives for that farm to table perfection. This café style restaurant serves breakfast, lunch & dinner. Toast your feet by the fire while you munch on their savory sandwiches and sip their aromatic coffee. TASTE’S pledge to high-quality food extends to the shelves of their retail store, highlighting local Virginia foods such as cheese, gourmet munchies, fine wine and beer. Hank’s Filling Station Classic cocktails – Manhattans, Old Fashions, and Whiskey Sours – are best enjoyed at Hank’s Filling Station. What was one an old gas station has been transformed into a hip, outdoor whiskey bar that entices you to bring your favorite people, chat by the fire and play life-sized games in the backyard. Check out their live music and events here! @hanks_filling_station, Instagram Mermaid Winery Have you been to Mermaid Winery? Well here is an excuse to go. When there is a chill in the air, what’s better than an afternoon or evening spent by the fire with a bottle of wine for company? Mermaid Winery is Virginia’s first urban winery and has free tastings every Friday. Their menu includes 14 of their own varietals, along with 800 wines sourced from around the globe. Waterside District Multiple fire pits throughout, Waterside District’s waterfront fires are a favorite here in Norfolk. Grab dinner or just a drink, and soak up skyline views of our neighboring city Portsmouth. @watersidedistva, Instagram Leone’s Overlooking Norfolk’s famous Granby Street sits one of the most beloved Italian restaurants in the city, Leone’s. Admire the views from above and then cozy up on their back patio next to the fire! Torch The warmth from a fire pairs perfectly with Torch’s fried pimento cheese balls, served with a side of sriracha ranch. Pair your bites with a local beer, play a round of cornhole and enjoy the crackle of the fire. @komodoinstincts, Instagram Header photo courtesy of Hilton Norfolk the Main.
A Guide to Norfolk’s Murals October 18, 2020 by Visit Norfolk With self-guided tours aplenty, Norfolk’s art scene is not to be missed. Everything from public murals to installations on local buildings have been designed for the city. The up and coming art scene throughout the city provides a platform for artists at all stages in their career, whether just starting out or well-established, to create public murals on local businesses showcasing the city of Norfolk. Any space, whether on a building wall, a house, a shed or even the sidewalk, can be transformed into a stunning display by local artists whose love for the city is obvious in the copious ties to Norfolk painted into every piece. BLOOM Artists: Carl Medley III and Charles Rasputin Created by two Norfolk artists, Bloom is a combination of vibrant pink roses and stark white fangs located at 801 Boush Street. The artists were inspired by the intense energy and fierce creativity of the NEON District and wanted to showcase it through this mural. NEONing Artist: Joan Biddle + Volunteers Guiding you through the NEON District are colorful accents like sidewalk painted triangles and fences by Joan Biddle and volunteers. You can find them on park benches, along sidewalks and under murals, reflecting the colorful artwork found along the walls of local small businesses. These bright and vibrant pieces provide a guide for locals and visitors alike to experience the unique and creative artwork of NEON. 757 ENERGY & VIBE Artist: Jerrod Ray and WKTR News 3 @allisonk_14, Instagram Visitors and locals looking for a new “Instagram worthy’ photo spot, look no further than the 757 Energy & Vibe mural by Jerrod Ray in collaboration with WKTR News 3. This vibrant colored mural highlights the unique and creative community of Hampton Roads which is oftentimes called ‘The 757’. LABOR OF LOVE Artist: Hannah Kirkpatrick @riseandshine757, Instagram Alongside the Glass Wheel Studio, a contemporary art facility located in the heart of The NEON, Norfolk’s Arts District “Labor of Love” glows in the artist’s handwriting, forming an ECG or heartbeat. This unique piece of artwork expresses the energy required to sustain one’s passion. In her practice, Hannah playfully links the transitions in technology through objects, devices and engaging experiences of art. Razzle Dazzle Artist: Nick Kuszyk Paying homage to the Navy’s camouflage styles from World War I battleships, Razzle Dazzle by Nick Kuszyk covers a 3-story wall on Granby Street. NFK Arts Artists: Elliott Addesso and students Many of the murals throughout the city, both inside and out of the NEON District have been collaborations between local artists and Norfolk’s Emerging Leaders Program. Some, like NFK Arts are outlined by an artist, in this case, Elliott Addesso, and then students are the ones to fill in the outline. Fathoms of Freedom Artists: Christopher Kozak and students Featuring the goddess representing liberty, Fathoms of Freedom was painted by teens during the Public Art and Norfolk Emerging Leaders summer program and designed by Christopher Kozak. With nods to the North Star, various ships, and Navy symbols this piece pays tribute to the naval and seafaring history of Norfolk. Humpbacks Off the Virginia Coast Artist: Robert Wyland Humpbacks Off the Virginia Coast is a life-sized mural of humpback whales painted by Robert Wyland as part of his quest to paint over 100 life-sized murals of marine life. Robert Wyland and the Wyland Foundation set out this goal to increase awareness and conservation efforts of aquatic habitats. Solidarity Artist: Aimee Bruce This piece takes inspiration from “Animal Farm” and features different animals supporting the building, including a horse, a chicken, and a cat to symbolize how everyone must come together as a community in spite of our differences. For more information regarding free public art tours click here. Don’t forget to tag us in your pictures! #VisitNorfolkVA
Haunted Norfolk, VA October 18, 2020 by Visit Norfolk Norfolk traces its tales back to the early 17th century, soon after the first English settlers arrived in the new world. Since then, the city has seen its fair share of history: battles, fires, hurricanes, and strife. It continues to strive for that balance between Southern charm and metropolitan pace but no matter the direction it evolves into, Norfolk cannot forget the haunting tales that do not allow the past to be forgotten. Here are just a few… Photo above: @jeffwermers_b_side, Instagram The Ghost of Willoughby Spit There are countless stories of ghosts along the beach of the Spit which are usually intertwined with lost loves and those waiting for their return. One local legend is of a man who yearns to keep us safe. It is said that this ghost only appears as an omen that a hurricane is near. Stories of a mysterious dark figure on the beach were reported just before Hurricane Isabel in 2003. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Built in 1739, the church is the only colonial-era building in Norfolk to survive the many wars the city has seen. It still carries a centuries-old cannonball embedded in its bricks, a memento from Lord Dunmore. And there are said to be more spiritual reminders of the past within and around its walls. The most prevalent sighting is a figure that appears in the graveyard, thought to be the ghost of Dr. Nicholas Albertson Okeson who tragically died of Malaria in 1882. He was a humble servant for 26 years and was buried at St. Paul’s. Perhaps he still feels there is work to be done. The Moses Myers House Prominent Businessman Moses Myers built this house in the late 18th Century and until it was donated to the city in the 1930s, five generations inhabited the home. The man is said to haunt the garden of the house is believed to be Thomas Bowden, someone who was quarreling with Moses Myers before he was shot on the property. It is said that the two were in the middle of a heated discussion before Bowden was shot by Moses Myers’ son, Samuel. The figure is described to be wearing a top hat and cloak, pacing back and forth through the garden relentlessly eager to give his last word. Norfolk City Jail It is said to be the most haunted place in the city. A prisoner many years ago hanged himself in his cell and since then, anyone who has been assigned to that particular 9’x9’ space has been terrifyingly provoked by the uneasy spirit of that man. One prisoner has reported never being able to see his own reflection in the mirror but rather a distorted figure of a man’s face. Night guards have reported seeing a silhouette, only to approach and find nothing. The Wells Theatre Opened in 1913 as the crown jewel of the Wells Brothers’ Beaux Arts theaters, the historic Wells has gone from stage to cinema to stage again, with some scary members of the cast tagging along. The death of a small girl from a balcony fall during the theater’s movie days is still being relived. Employees say they hear her laughter from time to time and audience members have been seen in strange attire waiting for shows. And the spirit of a sailor – a crew member who fell while working on the fly system and died tangled in the stage rigging – is said to roam backstage and is often blamed for missing props or doors being locked. During rehearsals, crew and cast will often be heard shouting “Stop it, Ned!” Battleship Wisconsin The famous battleship, largest ever operated by the U.S. Navy, is now a museum in downtown Norfolk, a symbol of the city’s proud naval history. But one crew member has apparently stayed behind when all others left. The poor soul was working on the air conditioning system during an overhaul during the Korean War when someone turned on the unit, ending his life. Among the reports of his presence on the ship is testimony from a quartermaster 2nd class serving on board during Operation Desert Storm. Included in his report is this: “ I’m walking past the Harpoon launchers [port side] and you get that feeling that you’re being watched? That there’s somebody behind you? So, I turn around thinking it’s the aft lookout, coming to me for something, so I stop and turn around and look and there’s this bright white wispy shadow there behind me. Now, it’s the midwatch and there was no moon that night. It was pitch black. You couldn’t see your hand in front of your face it was so black. And there is now this billowy white shadowy sort of thing floating behind me. It sort of freaked me out. The story about the electrician – at the time I didn’t know, but I went “ok, that’s enough of that’ – I turn around and start making my way forward and boom – there it is again right in front of me. And this billowy white shadowy thing is right in front of me, so I turn around and walked aft again towards the aft lookout and there it is again, behind me. So this time, I turn around and facing forward, I just took off running as fast as I can, back forward.” Freemason Abbey Today it has been converted into a restaurant. But in 1873 the Abby was built in the city’s Freemason section. There have been numerous paranormal accounts particularly in the kitchen and bar area where things are being moved around, cupboards opening on their own, and items falling off shelves and doors that will either not stay closed or won’t stay open. There are also those who claim to have seen a dark wandering figure and the sound of a woman weeping. And to this day, employees still end the evenings by saying “Goodnight Mr. B,” a nod to a former owner of the restaurant who apparently still takes smoke breaks in the dry goods storeroom long after he has passed. The Norfolk Pagoda The Blessing Gate arch is a landmark that promises good fortune to all who pass under it. However, when the downtown section was part of the bustling port, the arch’s concrete slab foundation held the weight of a 5,000-gallon molasses storage drum, a sticky grave for many industrial accident victims from many years ago. To this day, many visitors comment on the smell of molasses around the gate. Could it be a message from beyond? @enorashanephotography, Instagram USS George Washington This Navy ship is said to have a few ghosts that haunt this vessel. One is of a little girl who strolls through the lower levels, perhaps the daughter of a sailor that never returned home. The other ghost is of a guard dog that disappears instantly. And there have also been accounts of a man who walks the halls along with the eerie feeling of always being watched. Please note:The stories depicted here have been gleaned from shared accounts, postings, and collected news features and are not meant to be taken as endorsements of the stories by VisitNorfolk. These are the merely the tales being told and visitors are encouraged to decide for themselves what is factual. Have fun.
How to Safely Explore Norfolk October 18, 2020 by Visit Norfolk As destinations enter new phases for reopening, we know that the decision to travel is a personal one. For those that are ready to venture out, we have compiled information on the diligent measures Norfolk has taken to make the city a safe and healthy place for all. As always, we encourage you to abide by your own comfort level, follow the guidelines set in place for the state of Virginia and know that Norfolk is putting your safety first. Please be informed: The state of Virginia requires everyone to wear a face mask when entering a building. You can find more information on this requirement here. Photo above courtesy of DNC Getting Here The Great American road trip is amping up with private vehicles remaining to be a safe and reliable way to reach Norfolk. Our city’s location along the mid-Atlantic coast provides travelers easy access from two interstate highways. Home to an Amtrak station located directly in downtown and an international airport, Norfolk is also easily accessible by train and plane. Amtrak requires all passengers to wear facemasks and offers contact free-travel, meaning e-ticketing and eliminating cash transactions. Increased cleanings guarantee further sanitation and limited ticket sales help maintain distance while traveling. When moving between cars on the train, passengers can use an “automatic door open” button with their foot. For a full list of Amtrak precautionary measures click here. Norfolk International Airport has also amped up its cleaning practices by using disinfectant foggers regularly in public areas and installing hand sanitizer dispensers throughout their buildings. They highly encourage guests to limit touchpoints by either printing boarding passes at home or by using mobile boarding passes. For a full list of the airport’s safety measures click here. Once You Arrive Hotels While each hotel is taking their own precautionary measures to ensure a safe stay (please contact the specific property for all their safety initiatives), here are a few examples of efforts getting made. Hilton Norfolk the Main: Guests can use digital check-in, select a room, and receive a digital key which will allow them to bypass the front desk. The modern hotel has increased cleaning of elevators, especially the buttons, and is employing a new “Cleaned Just for You” policy where a seal is placed on hotel room doors to notify guests when their space has been sanitized. Sheraton Norfolk Waterside: This waterfront hotel has increased the cleaning of public spaces with EPA-approved hospital-grade disinfectants. Guests can enjoy single-serve, made-to-order, and to-go food and beverage options to enjoy in spaces where they feel most comfortable. Glass Light Hotel and Gallery: The boutique hotel (pictured above) is rolling out enhanced technologies including electrostatic sprayers to sanitize surfaces while offering digital check-in, room service and room access through their app. More information on our hotels can be found here. Things To Do Getting on the Water Rover Cruises are not only educational but extremely relaxing, making for a memorable experience accompanied by spectacular views of Norfolk’s skyline. Rest-assured, the tours themselves have not changed, just the capacity of how you experience them. Tickets are now required to be purchased by phone or online to limit close interactions. The ships have moved to outdoor-only seating (don’t forget your sunscreen) and face masks are highly encouraged for all. For a full list of what to expect while on board their vessels, please visit their websites; American Rover and Victory Rover. Beach Day @zoe.irene, Instagram Norfolk’s southern location makes ample sunshine, and heading to the beach for the day is the perfect activity. Norfolk’s seven-plus miles of beach and minimal waves are ideal for paddle boarding, fishing, swimming, and crabbing. Roaming cleaning crews will be out and about and as always, everyone is encouraged to remain physically distanced. Attractions Our attractions are slowly reopening with new health and safety regulations in place. You will find increased hand sanitizing stations, social distancing signs, and limited visitation capacities throughout Norfolk. You can expect one-way walking paths through the MacArthur Memorial Museum and the Virginia Zoo to help with the spacing of visitors. The Chrysler Museum of Art (free admission) and Perry Glass Studio recommend reserving your timed ticket ahead of time online while they limit patronage capacity. The Hunter House Victorian Museum is taking reservations for their scrumptious tea services and will properly space guests throughout the house and outside gardens. The Hermitage Museum and Gardens’ 12 blossoming acres of gardens and art (free entry for the rest of 2020) and the Norfolk Botanical Garden’s 60 unique gardens offer ample space to spread out. Norfolk Botanical Garden has moved to online purchases of tickets and a self-scan entry to limit touchpoints. The Battleship Wisconsin is Norfolk’s open-air battleship attraction and is offering a new ‘Battleship Experience’ ticket to provide admission to the ship while the Nauticus museum stays closed, for now. For a full list of each attractions’ precautions please visit their website. Dining @saltinenorfolk, Instagram Lucky for us, Norfolk’s weather is in our favor and allows ample days to enjoy al fresco dining on patios and rooftops. The City of Norfolk has set up expanded outdoor spaces, parklets, and new pedestrian walkways to accommodate increased al fresco dining through their OpenNorfolk initiative. For a full list of our restaurants with outdoor dining click here. Hesitant on dining out? Don’t stress, our restaurants are still offering take out as well! Shopping Macarthur Center Mall, Selden Market, and the Norfolk Premium Outlets (which offers open-air space between shops) are open and eagerly awaiting your support. The shops and boutiques that have opened their doors for you are limiting occupancy, enhancing their sanitation regiments, and utilizing PPE.