Discover Golf in Williamsburg March 28, 2022 by VisitWilliamsburg Williamsburg has top-ranked premier courses that bring golfers to the area and great supporting courses that bring golfers back. The region is home to more than 12 championship courses ranked 4 stars or better and is very affordable compared to similar golf courses in other golf destinations. Several facilities have multiple courses on-site, allowing golfers to easily play two different courses on the same day. Williamsburg National Golf Club Voted “Best Golf Course in Williamsburg” by the Virginia Gazette two years in a row, this open-to-the-public private club features two very different courses when it comes to layout and putting surfaces (Bermuda vs. bent). The Jamestown Course, developed by Nicklaus Design, is a 4-star Golf Digest winner. The par-72 course measures close to 7,000 yards from the championship tees with five different sets of tees appealing to golfers of all skill levels. It has received several awards, including being named “One of the Ten Best Courses you can play in Virginia” by Golf Digest magazine. The Yorktown Course layout offers a great mix of classic course design with a few modern twists. In addition to being ranked No. 7 of the most-improved courses in the nation by Golf Advisor (now GolfPass) in 2018, it has the area’s most interesting back nine featuring three par-5s, three par-4s and three par-3s. Bermuda fairways, bent grass putting greens, and a course full of fun challenges await. Golden Horseshoe Golf Club Just as Colonial Williamsburg brings America’s history to life, the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club honors the classic traditions of the game—while still creating an entertaining challenge for today’s player. Designed by the father-and-son team of Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Rees Jones, players will experience 45 walkable holes over three courses, surrounded by mature woodlands. The Gold Course is a classic reimagined. Recently renovated by “the Open Doctor” Rees Jones, the Gold Course now features cutting-edge turf grasses, new grass on the fairways, greens and surrounding roughs, and utilizes “Better Billy Bunker” construction. Tees have been re-leveled and resurfaced, and the expansion of the practice putting green and range gives golfers plenty of opportunity to work on their long and short games. Opened in 1991, Rees Jones drew inspiration from his father Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s iconic Gold Course to create the acclaimed Green Course. Carved from the same beautiful parkland terrain, the Green Course is longer than the Gold Course but also more forgiving—creating an enjoyable challenge for golfers of every skill level. Perfect for networking or a quick golf getaway, the Spotswood Course is Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s updated version of the original 1947 Williamsburg Inn course. Called the “best short nine-hole course in the country” by Golf magazine, this par-31 course includes six par-3s, two par-4s and one par-5 to test your whole game. Spotswood is family-friendly and fun for beginners and juniors, but still presents a signature Jones contest for the more experienced golfer. Kingsmill Resort Championship golf is the centerpiece of the Kingsmill Resort experience. It has hosted 38 PGA and LPGA events with golf legends Payne Stewart, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer among those who have played the famed courses. Additionally, the Kingsmill Golf Academy offers expert advice for all level of players. The River Course, a Golfweek “Top 200 Resort Course,” is designed by prominent architect Pete Dye and home to the LPGA Pure Silk Tournament. This course has welcomed presidents Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay designed the Plantation Course to test the skills of all types of players with its generous fairways, water hazards, and undulating greens. Kiskiack Golf Club Kiskiack Golf Club is home to one of the top-ranked 18-hole golf courses in the state of Virginia. Designed by John LaFoy, it’s nestled along a ridge of a natural bluff in Williamsburg. Kiskiack’s public course features tree-lined fairways, gorgeous water features, and is easily walkable. While the course can be demanding even for the experienced player, the course’s open fairways and picturesque views will allow beginners to enjoy a round of golf as well. It’s the only golf course in Williamsburg with no houses on the course. Stonehouse Golf Club The 18-hole golf course at Stonehouse Golf Club in Toano features 7,013 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par 72. Stonehouse was originally designed by one of the most innovative golf course architects in the business, Mike Strantz, a former protégé of Tom Fazio. Strantz envisioned a mountain-style course that disturbed nature as little as possible. With deep bunkers and wide fairways, the par-72 layout features dramatic elevation changes and enormous putting greens perched on the edges of natural cliff formations with constant challenges for all levels. Williamsburg golf travelers looking for a unique golf experience will find it at Stonehouse. Ford’s Colony Country Club Located just minutes away from historic Williamsburg, Ford’s Colony offers some of the best resort golf in Virginia. This semi-private golf club features 54 holes with three distinct championship golf courses designed by Dan Maples. Each course brings its own challenges and highlights. Blackheath is the most picturesque of the three courses with water coming into play on 13 holes. Every green on the course is guarded by bunkers and the course also features many doglegs with rolling fairways. The Blackheath course is the only course at Ford’s Colony that plays to a par 71. Blue Heron is a continuous 18 that has long, challenging par-3s and par-5s. The Blue Heron has generous fairways carved out of dense wetlands. The course has new Champion Bermuda greens which provide the smoothest surfaces throughout the year. Blue Heron is the longest of the three courses and contains many different species of birds, fish, and other wildlife. Marsh Hawk features traditional tree-lined fairways. It has small, undulating greens with strategically placed bunkers. The narrow fairways, well-placed bunkers, natural lakes, and elevation changes are the defenses of this course. Marsh Hawk was the host of the 1998 and 1999 Virginia State Opens, a Monday Qualifier for the 2005 – 2007 Henrico County Open, and a Monday Qualifier for the PGA Tour’s Michelob Championship for 12 straight years. Colonial Heritage Golf Club Featuring the only Arthur Hills signature-designed golf course in Williamsburg, Colonial Heritage is open to the public and offers pristine playing conditions on an exceptional layout that winds through rolling hills, streams, and pine forests. This artfully crafted masterpiece emulates the classic beauty and refinement of the natural terrain of its southern Virginia surroundings. Thoughtfully planned bunkers, undulating fairways, and well-arranged water features create an enjoyable golfing experience for novices and experts alike. Each year since 2013, Colonial Heritage has been ranked “Best in Region” by Coastal Virginia Magazine.
7 Essential Things To Do On A First-Time Visit To Williamsburg, VA February 25, 2022 by VisitWilliamsburg Never been to Williamsburg? Baffled by how to plan your visit? This insider’s guide to an initial visit hits all the highlights you don’t want to miss. We’re going to make sure you don’t forget your first time. Here are the essentials for what will be the first of many memories. Live in Colonial Times – Eighteenth-century Colonial Williamsburg is not the place you visited in fourth grade. The world’s largest living history museum — with more than 40 sites and trades and two world-class art museums — is full of participatory experiences. Stop by Peyton Randolh House and take the “Freedom’s Paradox” tour examing slavery’s evolution and the reliance upon it by patriots to build a city, a colony, and eventually a nation. Take part in a dig into the past. For the adventurous, learn how to fire a flintlock musket. Amuse Yourself – After a fascinating dose of history, time for some fun. Who doesn’t love a day at an amusement park? Head to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA where new rides and old favorites will leave you smiling — and maybe screaming with joy. Check out Finnegan’s Flyer, the swinging ride that takes your childhood playground experience to the extreme. Two-pendulum arms soar to 80 feet over the cliffs of the Celtic coast at the park’s Ireland village at 45 mph. If you can keep your eyes open, you’ll get a stunning vista of the park, annually named one of America’s most beautiful. At Water Country USA, chill with some wet thrills. The Cutback Water Coaster is the only RocketBlast coaster on the East Coast and Virginia’s first hybrid water coaster, combining a water jet propulsion system, tunnels and open-air saucers at a speed of 35 feet per second over 865 feet. Caught your breath yet? Exactly. Quench Your Thirst – Greater Williamsburg is home to a tasty mix of breweries, distilleries, and a winery. It offers a journey through the old and the new — and the exciting — ways of making beer, wine, and spirits. Check out the fun at relative newcomers like The Virginia Beer Co. or the Precarious Beer Project and old standards like The Williamsburg Winery and Alewerks Brewing Company. Leave the driving to others by taking a Drink Williamsburg tour. Cheers! Experience the Revolution in a Revolutionary Way – At the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, children of all ages will identify with the stories of ordinary people in an extraordinary time, a time when subjects of a king become citizens of a nation. Inside, nearly every attraction is interactive. Outside, there are old-fashioned interactive options. Drill in an Army encampment. Help fire artillery. Pick up a recipe from colonial cookbooks at the bakehouse. Tend to the crops at a colonial-era farm. Time Travel Four Centuries in a Day – Head back in time to the beginnings of the colonies at Historic Jamestowne. There you can talk with archaeologists about their excavations on the exact site of the first permanent colony in America, experience the first democratic assembly, and visit the Archaearium, a museum that houses some of the two million artifacts uncovered since the Jamestown Rediscovery Project began in 1994. For another view of the time, drive over to the living history museum at Jamestown Settlement where you can climb aboard replicas of the three ships that made the historic voyage from England in 1607, visit the re-creation of a Powhatan village, and walk through a re-creation of the original fort, interacting with interpreters. Find Your Outlet – You can’t return home empty-handed. Go shopping. Browse the more than 120 stores of Williamsburg Premium Outlets. You’ll find deals up to 65 percent off where that word “premium” is not an accident. These are the best of the best. Pick up bargains at Burberry, Calvin Klein, Nike, the Coach Outlet, Oakley, Ralph Lauren, L’Occitane, Swarovski, Waterford, and many others. Take a Tour Standing in Place – Head to Yorktown and hop on a Segway with Patriot Tours for a one- or two-hour tour covering the waterfront and historic Main Street. If you’ve never tried a Segway, it’s easier than you think. Lean forward, imagine you are moving and — presto — you are.
20+ Ways To Celebrate Black History Month in the DC Area All Year Long February 17, 2022 by Visit Fairfax The African American experience is intricately entwined in the rich tapestry of Fairfax County’s history and in America’s story. As you celebrate America’s Black history this year, you’ll have the opportunity to visit sites around the region in person, or online, to reflect on an inspiring journey of hope, sacrifice, liberation, empowerment, and beauty. Here are a few places that should be on your “must see” list, not just during Black History Month, but any time throughout the year. Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture Image courtesy National Museum of African American History and Culture This gem of a museum offers a multitude of exhibitions, and collections that explore the complete African American experience here in America. The only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture, this national treasure explores the topics of history, culture, race, and social justice through thought-provoking collections, stunning exhibits, and interactive multimedia. Where: National Mall, Washington, DC Hot tip: Free timed-entry passes are required for entry, be sure to reserve yours to ensure you can visit on the day and time of your choosing. George Washington’s Mount Vernon Image courtesy George Washington’s Mount Vernon Mount Vernon gives historical accounts of what life was like for enslaved African Americans which can give you a unique perspective on the struggle for freedom these people yearned for. The Enslaved People of Mount Vernon Tour is the best way to learn personal stories from those who worked the estate and allows you to walk in their footsteps with a guide taking you on a 60-minute history lesson. The tour is free with paid admission. You can also browse the Lives Bound Together online exhibit to learn more about the enslaved population who lived on the Mount Vernon estate. Where: Mount Vernon, Fairfax County, Virginia Hot tip: Immediately following this tour, accompany the guide down to participate in a moving tribute at the Slave Memorial and Cemetery. The 1983 Memorial comprises three circles, symbolizing faith, hope, and love. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Honoring Dr. King’s life and legacy, this is the first memorial on the National Mall devoted to a citizen activist for civil rights and peace. The MLK, Jr. Memorial is a tribute to a man of conscience, the freedom movement, and his message of equality, justice, and love. Where: Tidal Basin, Washington, DC Hot tip: Combine this stop with a visit to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where King gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Gum Springs Image courtesy Gum Springs Gum Springs is a town of 2,500 residents that was established in 1833 by West Ford, a freed slave. It became a haven for former slaves, both freedmen and runaways, creating a self-sufficient community that thrived into one of the oldest African American communities in the United States. Read more about this incredible story here. Where: near Mount Vernon, Fairfax County, Virginia Hot tip: Visit the Gum Springs Historical Society’s Museum & Cultural Center, open Monday-Friday from 6-8pm and Tuesdays/Saturdays from 1-3pm. It’s advisable to call to confirm hours before visiting. George Mason’s Gunston Hall Image courtesy Gunston Hall Located not far from Mount Vernon, Gunston Hall is the historic home of George Mason, the outspoken proponent of civil liberties and author of Virginia’s Declaration of Rights, yet also a former slave owner. This sprawling site includes restored structures and interpretative actors throughout the grounds that depict the varying contributors, including slaves, that made the 18th-century household work. Where: Mason Neck, Fairfax County, Virginia Hot tip: Read more about this Founding Father’s complicated relationship with slavery before you visit, to get a better understanding of his viewpoints. Purchase of a general admission ticket grants access to the grounds, museum, and limited access to the mansion. A Grounds Pass is available for you to explore the grounds on your own. Laurel Grove School Museum Closed in 1932 and restored by family descendants and interested citizens, Laurel Grove tells the unique story of a community’s refusal to narrow its ambitions. Of all the “colored” schools that opened in the region, only Laurel Grove exists today as a “living museum.” Read more about this incredible story in our blog feature article. Where: Alexandria, Fairfax County, Virginia Hot tip: The schoolhouse is currently closed due to COVID restrictions, but check their website as restrictions ease in the coming months to plan your visit. Sully Historic Site Image courtesy Don Sweeney/Fairfax County Park Authority On the National Register of Historic Places, Sully Historic Site includes original outbuildings, representative slave quarters, and gardens in addition to the main house. Guided tours highlight early 19th century life of the family, their tenant farmers, and enslaved African Americans. It is also a site along the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Trail. Learn more about its connection in our feature blog article. Where: Chantilly, Fairfax County, Virginia Hot tip: Forgotten Road Tours of the outbuildings and representative slave quarters are offered by reservation only from December – mid-March, at 2 p.m. on Thursday through Sunday, weather permitting. You can reserve your tours online in advance. Historic Pleasant Grove Church Image courtesy Friends of Pleasant Grove This community landmark and historic church was built in 1895 by and for African and Native Americans. On-site, you can also visit the Frances K. Moore Memorial Museum, named for a descendant of the church founders. It features a unique collection of late 19th and 20th-century household furnishings, tools, photographs, and memorabilia. Where: McLean, Fairfax County, Virginia Hot tip: Keep an eye out for the many cultural and community-wide programs and events held by the Friends of Pleasant Grove throughout the year, including the annual Black History Celebration which features the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices Ensemble. Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum has a fantastic online exhibit, African American Pioneers in Aviation and Space, which showcases amazing stories of some of the greatest African American Air and Space explorers and innovators in American history. When you visit in person, be sure to look for interesting artifacts including several related to Neal V. Loving, the first African American (and the first double amputee!) to be licensed as a racing pilot. (Like the Loving WR-3 airplane, which was homebuilt!) Where: Chantilly, Fairfax County, Virginia Hot tip: Don’t miss the online exhibit Black Wings, which details the stories about how African Americans shared the widespread enthusiasm for flying, but they found themselves routinely denied access to training as pilots and mechanics. Tinner Hill Historic Park & Monument Image courtesy NOVA Parks Tinner Hill is recognized as the location where the first rural branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was initiated in the United States. Today, a 15-foot monument constructed of pink granite honors the men and women of Tinner Hill who made this happen and nearby, visit the historic site and Zig Zag Monument, a sculpture that follows the original location of the segregation line. Learn more about Tinner Hill’s incredible story in our feature blog article. Where: City of Falls Church and Fairfax County, Virginia border lines Hot tip: Plan to visit the park when you can or watch the Tinner Hill Remembered video that was broadcast on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January 2021. African American Civil War Memorial & Museum As the nation’s only memorial to African American Civil War soldiers, this site is inscribed with the names of more than 200,000 members of the United States Colored Troops who fought in the Union Army. Nearby, the museum tells the stories and preserves the roles these brave soldiers played in ending slavery and keeping America united under one flag. Where: U Street Corridor, Washington, DC Hot tip: Check out this overview of the museum on YouTube to see all the things you can expect to find. Frederick Douglass Historical Site Cedar Hill is open to the public to walk the grounds and is open on Fridays and Saturdays, and the hours vary by season. The Visitor Center and Historic Home remain closed. There will be no Ranger-led tours, but visitors are invited to ask questions of park staff. Where: Anacostia, Washington, DC Hot tip: You can take a virtual tour of Cedar Hill online. Smithsonian National Museum of African Art The museum is currently open and timed tickets are not required to enter. Many of the current exhibitions delve into the profound history of Black culture both domestically and abroad. This is America’s only museum dedicated to the collection, research, conservation, and exhibition of traditional and contemporary African art. Docent-led tours are available throughout the week and special events occur throughout the year. Admission is free. Where: National Mall, Washington, DC Hot tip: Make sure to check out their educational resources for both students and teachers. Other notable spots: Alexandria Black History Museum Anacostia Community Museum (closed until further notice due to COVID restrictions) Freedmen’s Memorial Monument “Black Broadway” – the U Street Neighborhood Blues Alley The National Archives Mary McLeod Bethune Council House The Lincoln Memorial (“I Have a Dream” speech location) African American Heritage Trail Black-Owned Restaurants Visiting all of these important sites and attractions are sure to stir up an appetite. Lucky for you, there are hundreds upon hundreds of restaurants in Fairfax County. But if you want to support local, black-owned eateries, there are many cuisine options to choose from as well. Grab a taste of the islands at Caribbean Plate in Falls Church, treat yourself to a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony at Enatye Ethiopian Cuisine in Herndon, find comfort in delicious southern home cooking at Della J’s Delectables in Springfield, or take home a mouth-watering pie from Pie Gourmet in Vienna. For an evolving list of black-owned restaurants in Fairfax County, click here. Did we miss a spot? Share your favorite places to celebrate African American history and culture below. Check our calendar of events for Black History Month events and programs happening all month long.
5 Ways to Enjoy Your Staunton Staycation February 10, 2022 by StauntonVA Not ready for far-away travel just yet? You might want to skip that mid-winter trip out of the country. Why not take a Staunton staycation instead? We’ve rounded up five ways to have a blast and make new discoveries right here in Staunton. Here are our tips for seeing our beautiful city through fresh, new eyes. Fill Your Days With Local Fun How well do you really know Staunton? Why not find out with one of the unique tours you can take when you download the Traipse app on your phone. Combining trivia with touring, Traipse brings Staunton to life in over 12 themed tours. Level up your history game with a tour of the Frontier Culture Museum or the Woodrow Wilson Birthplace and Presidential Library, and the Camera Heritage Museum. Little ones will love the Antique Fire Engine Museum at the fire station, starring the oldest motorized fire engine in Virginia. Try a New Outdoor Adventure Venture a little way out of Staunton for some of the best outdoor adventures in the country. Glide downhill at one of the area’s four awesome ski resorts: Wintergreen Resort, Bryce Mountain Resort, Omni Homestead Resort, and Massanutten Resort all offer skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. Bridgewater’s Generations Park has a stellar skating rink. Shenandoah National Park and George Washington and Jefferson National Forest are packed with interesting trails in a range of difficulties, though you should check online before visiting for an area’s opening status. Head underground at Grand Caverns, the country’s oldest show cave. Another way to get underground is by exploring the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail that follows an old railroad bed under Afton Mountain! Skip the Souvenir and Invest in Something Unique and Meaningful Do you sometimes waste money buying silly trinkets when you’re on vacation? Why not take all that money you’ll be saving and put it toward something you’ll really love, something that will bring your room together? Consider heirloom-quality furniture from Concepts Created, which uses reclaimed wood to create custom dining tables, hutches, benches, mantles, and more. Buy some exquisite art glass from Sunspots Studio, or make your walls pop with work from a local artist from the CoArt Gallery. If you like to personalize your space with words, check out the gorgeous custom signs from Blair Made. And if your kids are pining because they didn’t get Mickey Mouse ears, take them to Pufferbellies Toys & Books and let them pick out something they’ll love even more! Make Take-Out a Fine Dining Experience If you’re still hoping to wait a bit before hanging out in a crowded restaurant, why not take carry-out to the next level? Iron the fancy tablecloth and use those fancy forks you got for your wedding. Shake things up by ordering something new from your favorite restaurant. Most Staunton restaurants offer takeout, so you could even order different courses from different spots. Start with a bottle of wine from Yelping Dog Wine and a loaf of fresh bread from Newtown Baking. Enjoy entrees from Table 44, Chicano Boy Taco, or the Depot Grille. Still hungry? A decadent pie from Firkin Pie or a sundae from Wright’s will taste just right at the end of your night. Your Home Away From Home Clutter and day-to-day tasks overwhelming you? Leave your baggage (physical and emotional) behind and check into a Staunton lodging property. Not only will you enjoy some focused time with just the essentials, but you’ll also see your city with new eyes. Best of all, someone else will make the bed! Book a room in a luxury historic hotel, a convenient brand hotel, a well-appointed bed and breakfast, or a unique vacation rental. Stop by the front desk or the Visitor Center for some brochures and ideas about where to spend your day. Staunton has much to offer both visitors and long-time residents. Get out there and have fun like a tourist!
Date Night on Colley Avenue in Historic Norfolk, VA February 10, 2022 by Visit Norfolk Date Night on Colley Avenue Whether this is your first date or date 100, here are some inspiring ideas for you to make it that much sweeter! Norfolk loves love so grab your special someone to have a romantic night out on Colley Avenue. To Do Movie Catch a film at Colley’s iconic 1936 single screen movie theater, the Naro. Bright marquee letters light up Colley Avenue and the ever rotating movie selections are perfect for a date night with your special someone. Stroll Just before the sun begins to set, discover Norfolk’s oldest independent coffee shop, Elliot’s Fair Grounds. You can grab a latte to go or savor the comfort of a hot cup of tea. With liquid warmth in hand, stroll the quaint neighborhoods of Ghent where houses date back to the 1800s with beautiful landscaping and architecture. @michellezil, Instagram Create Looking for a more hands-on activity? Check out the upcoming classes atPendulum Fine Meats for you and your loved one to partake in. One of our favorites is the Charcuterie class where you get to taste charcuterie and create your own charcuterie board. They also have a sausage making class where you can then take the sausage home and cook a romantic dinner together. To Eat The Green Onion A dining favorite in Ghent, the Green Onion, is an unpretentious bistro that locally sources food for their French-inspired menu. One of their most beloved dishes is the Prince Edward Island mussels, spinach, garlic and butter broth that is perfect for dipping a toasted French baguette into. Sip on some French wine, indulge in their Steak Au Poivre (pepper encrusted rib eye, pommels frites, spinach topped with a rosemary Demi glacé) and enjoy the company of your sweetheart. LeGrand Kitchen This 28-seater intimate “finer-diner” restaurant is nestled at the northern end of Colley Avenue and has an ever-changing menu due to sourcing the freshest ingredients for your taste buds. We love their unique dishes like beef tongue with creamed chanterelles or their decadent sea scallops with grilled cauliflower, Asian pear, smoked peanut and nuoc Cham. A must-try is LeGrand’s burger which has made a name for itself in Norfolk and is absolutely mouthwatering. Fellini’s Italians are romancers so what better way to treat your loved one than to an Italian dinner! This family run business has had their home in Norfolk for over 20 years and continues serving tasty plates of fresh pesto and slices of warm pizza. Get cozy inside while sipping fine wine and devouring delicious Italian cuisine! To Drink Elation Brewing Company Their big leather sofas make for a cozy spot to cuddle up with a local brew, but they are also offering local Virginia wines and ciders for you to enjoy. If you are looking for entertainment, they also have live bands and acoustic players on the weekends. Evening Night Cap at Press 626 With the cozy house atmosphere and lit fireplace, Press 626 is arguably one of the most romantic places along Colley for a night cap. Their wine list is very extensive, but with an extremely knowledgeable team it instantly feels less intimidating. Although Press 626 is known for wine, their cocktails are equally as delicious. Whether you like a smooth whiskey or old-world red wine, Press 626 will set the mood for a loving evening.
10 Reasons to Travel to Norfolk, VA January 25, 2022 by Visit Norfolk 10 Reasons You Should Travel To Norfolk, VA! Don’t let your vacation days go to waste. Everyone deserves a getaway! We decided to help you out and give you 10 reasons why you should spend those hard-earned vacation days in Norfolk, VA! 1. Swimming. Boating. Kayaking. All types of fishing. Sailing. Sunset cruising! There’s water everywhere in Norfolk and more than enough opportunities to enjoy it. So whether you want to be in it, on it or just take in the view, you’re in the right place. @cammy_huston, Instagram 2. Filled with a vibrant mix of chefs, farmers, and bakers, Norfolk has blossomed into one of the South’s most dynamic foodie destinations. The city’s captivating urban appeal and history lure visitors in, and the culinary creations keep them here. From fresh interpretations of traditional favorites to more adventurous modern fare, Norfolk serves up its own take on Southern Classics. Glass Light Hotel, pictured above 3. Check out The NorVa theatre downtown, dubbed one of the nation’s best live music venues by Rolling Stone magazine. Roll into the later hours of the night with dancing at one of the downtown clubs; or catch live music at Gershwins, Hell’s Kitchen and more! Crowd surfing optional. 4. If you just like looking at huge aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, submarines, and historic battleships this is the place. Welcome to the world’s largest Naval installation. Two-hour base cruise tours leave three times daily from the downtown waterfront or head over to Naval Station Norfolk and enjoy a narrated bus tour of the base. Hooyah! @rovercruises, Instagram 5. It’s easy to blend in here, for our Navy town is an ever-changing place of people from all around the world. So we will help you learn how to pronounce Norfolk like the locals. Right now, you are probably calling it “Nore-folk.” We understand. Everybody does that. The locals, you should know, pronounce it “Naw- fok .” That second syllable can be kinda’ tricky, so be careful with it. Or not. 6. Shop til you drop! Norfolk Premium Outlets houses stores such as Banana Republic, Coach, Gap Outlet, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren and more. The newest addition, IKEA, is an experience in itself. Don’t forgetMacArthur Center in downtown Norfolk, antique shopping in historic Ghent or the local shops downtown and along Granby Street! 7. Norfolk’s craft beer culture is hopping with several great breweries, gastropubs all over, and one of the country’s best craft beer bars. To make the wine drinkers happy, we even have our own urban winery. So put a cork in it! Looking for some tasty eats after a night out? Check out the Brick Anchor Brew House on Granby. 8. Legend has it that Abe Doumar invented the first waffle cone in Norfolk in 1904. A billion tons of ice cream and scores of imitators, impersonators, and false claims later, you can still have the World’s Original Waffle Cone at Doumar’s in Norfolk. Rolled right in front of your eyes on the original four-iron waffle machine. 9. What can you see in Norfolk that you can’t see anywhere else? Automobile heir Walter P. Chrysler Jr.’s incredible fine art collection for one. And one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive collections of art glass and rare Tiffany for another. It’s all inside the Chrysler Museum of Art, and you can be, too. Check out the glass blowing studio and NEON Arts District while you’re in the area! 10. Why are there Mermaid statues and Mermaid pictures and Mermaid things and Mermaid places all over Norfolk? Any seafaring maritime culture worth its salt knows that if you believe in mermaids, you’ll always be protected. Norfolk is still standing after almost 400 years, so thanks to those Mermaids, it’s still a really great place to visit! Click here for a guide to the mermaids. @andrewjamescooperphoto, Instagram