1. Battleship Wisconsin & Nauticus
Since Norfolk is home to the first naval port in the United States, it’s no wonder that the Battleship Wisconsin, one of the largest and final battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy, is the city’s pride and joy. The USS Wisconsin was first deployed from the Chesapeake Bay to the British West indies on July 7th, 1944, and subsequently fought in the Korean War after World War II. It was later recommissioned under then-President Ronald Reagan, and served in Operation Desert Storm before returning to Norfolk in 1998. Only blocks away from Summit, the USS Wisconsin and the adjacent Nauticus Museum is a visit that will fill you with awe and respect for our nation’s naval history. Click here for admission information and hours of operation.
2. Chrysler Museum
The Chrysler Museum of Norfolk is a renowned for its expansive and beautiful galleries, showcasing jaw-dropping works that span 5,000 years of art from across the globe. After undergoing a massive renovation in 2017, the museum is now more expansive and amazing than ever. Whether you’re a fan of the contemporary works of Warhol or Pollock, the Impressionism of Renoir or Monet, or the fascinating historical pieces of Africa, Greece, or Asia, the Chrysler Museum of Norfolk has something for everyone. Don’t forget to check out the photography, sculpture, and world-renowned glass galleries while you’re there! Click here for admission information and hours of operation.
3. Waterside
Norfolk’s recently revitalized Waterside District is the city’s new premier dining and entertainment hub in Downtown Norfolk. Waterside houses a number of amazing restaurants and breweries, including Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse, Star Hill Market Bar, The Harbor Club, Rappahannock Oyster Company, Blue Moon Taphouse, and so much more! After grabbing a bite to eat, take a walk around Town Point Park. Check out the beautiful lights of Old Towne Portsmouth right across the bay, look upon the USS Wisconsin, and enjoy the great community that Norfolk has to offer. Click here to for more information about Norfolk’s Waterside District.
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Tucked away in Norfolk is the Virginia Zoo, home to more than five hundred animals of over one hundred different species. Take a Walkabout through Australia with the emu and kangaroos, visit the lions and rhinos from the Africa-Okavango Delta, and follow the Trail of the Tiger in Asia — all in one day! While you’re there, make sure to take a ride on the Zoo Train, ⅓ scale model of a C.P. Huntington steam engine, and before you leave, don’t forget to swing by the Zoo Gift Shop! It’s the perfect place to find a snuggly souvenir for your loved ones back home. Click here for admission information and hours of operation.
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Take some time to unwind after the Summit and check out Norfolk’s MacArthur Center Mall, only blocks away from Hilton Norfolk | The Main. Find a great new outfit at one of the 135 stores, like Anne Taylor Loft, Eddie Bauer, or Nordstrom, grab some reading material for the trip home at Barnes & Noble, and enjoy a delicious lunch at California Pizza Kitchen! While you’re there, be sure to visit the MacArthur Memorial, a “museum and research center dedicated to preserving the story of the life of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur,” and the millions who served with him in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.
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By Sarah Mahnke
From the Waterside District to the Neon District, Historic Ghent and beautiful Lafayette, Norfolk has something special for everybody. While you're in town for the 2018 Knowledge Sharing Summit & Marketplace this month, be sure to plan ahead and schedule some time to check out what this great city has to offer! As a local, I'm excited to share the top five places that all visitors to Norfolk should experience.
Things to Do in Norfolk at the 2018 Knowledge Sharing Summit & Marketplace