Sail Into Norfolk

Explore the fun side of Virginia's busy port city.

The very best view of Norfolk, Virginia, comes not from standing on terra firma at city center but from the deck of a boat in the middle of the Elizabeth River.

Norfolk offers visitors a wealth of shopping, dining, and lodging options. Witness the traffic sharing these waters, and you'll also get a glimpse of this port city's importance. (The world's largest naval installation and NATO's North American headquarters are both located here.)

Best of all, the water reflects Norfolk's vibrant image, revealing a modern city ready to take its place among the South's finest.

River City U.S.A.

It's easy to get this wonderful view. Several companies offer tours through Hampton Roads and the Norfolk naval base. The American Rover, a lovely three-masted topsail schooner, ranks among our favorites for sheer majesty. The sleek, modern Spirit of Norfolk offers an array of specialty packages, including dinner and dancing cruises. Tours for both leave daily from Waterside Festival Marketplace.

The Chrysler Museum of Art tops the list of cultural treasures. Here you'll see one of the finest collections of glass in the country, including a Tiffany window and lamps. Other cultural finds include the Virginia Stage Company, the Virginia Opera, and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.

A Storied Past

The city celebrates its maritime heritage at Nauticus, The National Maritime Center. In addition to a science and technology center, Nauticus houses the Hampton Roads Naval Museum and serves as the gateway to the Battleship Wisconsin.

Military buffs will also want to visit The MacArthur Memorial. The collection includes military and personal items of Gen. Douglas MacArthur and his wife, as well as exhibits that trace the history of the nation from the Civil War through the Korean War. MacArthur Center, the city's shiny three-story mall with more than 150 stores, sits just across the street.

Delicious Dining

To complement all this, Norfolk boasts a vibrant restaurant scene. Todd Jurich's Bistro, one of the city's finest, has long served as a foundation for downtown redevelopment. While the seasonal menu changes, it features tasty Chesapeake Bay cuisine such as Todd's signature oyster stew ladled over a helping of mashed potatoes.

Mermaids on Parade

With all there is to see and do, it's hard to pick a favorite. Still, a peek at the city's beguiling mermaids is a must on every list. This city art project, called Mermaids on Parade, was designed to raise funds for area arts organizations. Now more than 200 of the sea sirens make their home in Norfolk.

These creatures represent a heap of civic pride, which is one of the things that make this city a great place to visit.

CASSANDRA M. VANHOOSER

Norfolk Convention & Visitors Bureau: 232 East Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510;(757) 664-6620, 1-800-368-3097, or www.norfolkcvb.com.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jun 2005
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