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.}

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