About Norfolk

 

Shopping in NorfolkDOWNTOWN NORFOLK

Norfolk is a city of more than 240,000 residents and more than 100 diverse neighborhoods. As the the cultural, educational, business and medical center of Hampton Roads, it is home to the world's largest Naval Base, the region's International Airport, and is one of the busiest international ports on the East Coast of the United States.

Founded in 1682, downtown Norfolk has grown up on the water. Today the city has undergone a huge renovation, including new office, retail, entertainment, and hotel construction. More importantly, downtown residential developments have added thousands of new residents to Norfolk making it a vibrant, lively place to live, visit or work. A light rail route through the heart of downtown is scheduled to open in late 2010.

The Freedom Marathon event is centrally located in all of the excitement of downtown Norfolk and within easy walking distance to its world-class museums, performing arts venues, restaurants, the battleship U.S.S. Wisconsin, Nauticus, Eastern Virginia Medial School, shopping and more. Plus, its proximity to the water makes strolling the city's waterfront promenade or enjoying the view of a working harbor with cruise ships, tugboats, pleasure craft and more a mere step away!

norfolk virginia mermaidThe city's popular logo -- an elegant mermaid can be spotted throughout the city and symbolizes 300 years of maritime and naval heritage and its modern reputation as a city on the move. To learn more about Norfolk's Mermaids and to download a mermaid walking tour map, visit www.mermaidsonparade.com

 

Welcome to Norfolk!


Shopping in NorfolkShopping

Unique and Upscale Excursions Within Walking Distance

The Marketplace
norfolk watersideGourmet wines, foods and cheeses, the finest in cut flowers, fresh greens and arrangements, cut to order meats, poultry and seafood, prepared delicacies and treats, exotic foods and flavors, decadent desserts and firstclass, ready-to-eat, serve or enjoy creations prepared by culinarians extraordinaire which are close at hand! This is a shopping mecca for lovers of good taste and fine foods, yet everyday conveniences, sundries and necessities are also available for those who stop in to shop.

MacArthur Center Mall

MacArthur Center opened as a three-story enclosed shopping mall with Dillard's and Nordstrom as their anchor department stores. Regal Cinemas operates an 18-screen stadium seating movie theater here, as well. MacArthur Center introduced upscale retailing to the Hampton Roads region and it featured the premier of a number of retailers that did not previously exist in Hampton Roads (Pottery Barn, Nordstrom, Johnny Rockets, Chico's, Coach, among others).


Shopping in NorfolkArea Dining

Below is a partial listing in alphabetical order of well-known fine dining establishments within the immediate area.

Machismo Burrito Bar - 200 College Place - (757)383-6630

At Machismo Burrito Bar we capture the spicy flavor of the Southwest. It’s a build your own Burrito Bar with over a billion possible creations. We also boasts vegan sour cream and vegan cheese to accompany our Boca crumbles, so we can satisfy just about everyone’s taste buds.


Chocollage - 201 College Place - (757) 533-5335

A quaint bakery/coffee shop with prices that are well within reason, which you wouldn't expect if you have ever seen a pastry shop in New York or Philadelphia. It seats about 15 people, but people are always stopping in to pick up orders.



456 Fish - 456 Granby Street - (757) 625-4444

As the name suggests... fish is a central part of the menu ... the appetizers list seafood exclusively with the exception of four salads, and the fish theme carries through into the entrees - where grouper, sea bass & red snapper expand on the more usual offerings of salmon, tuna, shrimp and flounder. Steak, lamb, chicken and pasta form the remaining menu of offerings.



Bodega - 442 Granby Street - (757) 622-8527

Bodega... translated means Bar or Wineshop... is a bit Spanish. Upon entering, you'll find Bull-Fighting prints decorating the walls... a `huge' Pitcher of Sangria touted on the Chalkboard offering a list of daily Specials... the Tapas concept of mini-dishes applied to an array of Regional and Mediterranean Foods.



Freemason Abbey - 209 W. Freemason Street - (757) 622-3966

Housed in what was once a century-old church... the Freemason Abbey offers you both elegance & affordability in a style that reflects the image of an upscale Tavern featuring; exposed brick walls... plentiful greenery... vaulted ceilings... Tiffany-styled chandeliers... etched windows... and two-story seating. There's something for everyone... from burgers to lobsters, sandwiches to prime rib... all served in generous portions.



Kincaid's Fish, Chop & Steakhouse - 300 Monticello Avenue - MacArthur Center Mall - (757) 622-8000

With pleasant lighting, ornate ceilings, tile flooring & apple-wood fired grills... Kincaid's Fish, Chop & Steakhouse makes a statement of elegance, which is in perfect keeping with MacArthur Center's grand shopping experience.



Shula's 347 Grill - 235 E. Main Street - (757) 282-6347

Located within the Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel, Shula's 347 Grill has everything from gourmet salads to fresh specialty fish and 'exclusive' Certified Angus Beef burgers and steaks, the best beef money can buy.



Trilogy Bistro - 101 Granby Street - (757) 961-0896

Trilogy Bistro is reminisent to the upscale steakhouses throughout the United States. Trilogy only uses prime cuts of beef and an equal emphasis on the freshest quality seafood.


Other Downtown Norfolk Restaurant Directories

Urbanspoon Downtown Norfolk Restaurant Directory
Norfolk Convention and Visitors Bureau Dining Guide


Shopping in NorfolkAttractions

Nauticus Maritime Museum
NAUTICUS inspires and educates with engaging & interactive experiences that celebrate our connections with today's maritime world. Nauticus is a contemporary museum that uses the natural setting of Norfolk's harbor to showcase global maritime commerce and the world's largest Navy.

The Half Moon Cruise & Convention Center
The Half Moon Cruise and Celebration Center is Norfolk's newest and most unique waterfront attraction. The facility is not only a gateway for cruise ships sailing to beautiful ports-of-call, it's also the most magnificent venue in the area to host your special event or function.

USS Wisconsin
The Hampton Roads Naval Museum and the battleship Wisconsin are a popular place for service members to have their reenlistments, commissioning, retirements or other special ceremonies.

Norfolk Scope
Opened in 1971, Norfolk Scope is the host to a wide variety of events, including Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey Circus, conventions, concerts and family shows. Scope is proud to be the home of the Norfolk Admirals of the AHL.

Chrysler Hall
Since its grand opening in 1972, Chrysler Hall has served as the premiere performing arts center of Hampton Roads. Resident companies include Broadway Across America: Norfolk - Hampton Roads exclusive presenter of touring Broadway productions; the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Norfolk Forum, the Virginia Arts Festival, and the Virginia Ballet. Chrysler Hall also hosts a wide range of contemporary concerts, family theatre and comedy events.

Harbor Park - Home of the Norfolk Tides
Since 2007, the Norfolk Tides have been a minor league AAA division farm team for the Baltimore Orioles. Prior to this, the Tides had a 38 year affiliation with the New York Mets. Harbor Park has been home to the Tides through most of the teams history. Apart from great baseball, Harbor Park is also a grat venue for concerts and special events.

Town Point Park
Town Point Park is the People's Park, providing eight acres of peaceful outdoor spaces, nestled on the riverbanks of the Elizabeth River and located in the heart of the business district in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia.

The Norva
The Norva is a converted theater that showcases some of the best up-and-coming acts in a 1500 person capacity venue. Located in the heart of Granby Street's arts and dining district.


Shopping in NorfolkPerforming Arts

40th Street Stage

An intimate, 75-seat, black box performance facility that presents theatre, music, comedy and Children's Theatre. The Children's Theatre of Hampton Roads presents a family show every Saturday morning at 11am. Resident companies include BOLD GIRLS, the Foppish Dandies and the Vulgar Little Theatre Company. Call 757-423-4084 for more info.

The Attucks Theatre

Commemorating Crispus Attucks, an African American man who was the first American patriot to die in the Boston Massacre of 1770, the Attucks Theatre was built in 1919 as a regional Mecca for entertainment and as a cultural center for the minority community. During its heyday, several legends took the stage there, including Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington and Mamie Smith. Today, as a state and national landmark, the theater is distinguished as the oldest remaining legitimate theater in the nation that was completely financed, designed, constructed and operated by African Americans. A variety of concerts and performances take place throughout the year. Call 757-622-4763 for more info.

Chrysler Hall

Since its grand opening in 1972, Chrysler Hall has served as the premiere performing arts center of Hampton Roads. Resident companies include Broadway Across America: Norfolk - Hampton Roads exclusive presenter of touring Broadway productions; the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Norfolk Forum, the Virginia Arts Festival, and the Virginia Ballet. Chrysler Hall also hosts a wide range of contemporary concerts, family theatre and comedy events. Most notably, the theater hosts several Broadway productions throughout the year, presented by Broadway Across America. This year’s line-up includes Monty Python's Spamalot, Cirque Dreams-Jungle Fantasy, Avenue Q, and Wicked. Chrysler Hall, located in the heart of downtown Norfolk, is the perfect venue for a variety of events. Located at 201 East Brambleton Avenue. Call 757-664-6464 for more info.

The Generic Theater

Don't be fooled by the name; the Generic Theatre is far from common or basic. Dubbed Hampton Roads' off-Broadway playhouse, the theatre is known for delivering unique, sometimes offbeat performances with rave reviews. With their untraditional approach to performing arts, the Generic Theater is sure to delight. This year's performances include Nickel and Dimed as well as What's Wrong with This Picture? Call 757-441-2160 for more info.

Granby Theater

Built circa 1915, this 15,000 square-foot theater venue has been restored and renovated into a multi-entertainment center, nightclub and concert hall, with the theme of "where theater meets nightclub." The theater includes most of its original architectural features. Visit our website at granbytheater.com for a schedule of events and how to book your own. 421 Granby Street. Call 757-961-7208 for more info.

Harrison Opera House

This 1,632-seat theater is home to the Virginia Opera, official opera company of the Commonwealth of Virginia, which presents four productions annually. Once a World War II USO theater, this historic venue was lavishly renovated in 1993. 160 E. Virginia Beach Blvd. Call 757-623-1223 OR 866-OPERA-VA for more info.

L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center

Named for a former Virginia Governor, the L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center on the Norfolk State University campus is the perfect venue for a variety of events. Located at 700 Park Avenue. Call 757-823-2061 for more info.

The Little Theatre of Norfolk

Though they are called the "little theater," they definitely have a big impact on the local community. The theater, established in 1926, has gained much positive attention. The New York Times recently expressed their praise, saying that the establishment is "original and (a) remarkably good theatre-quiet in style but tingling with excitement underneath." This year's performances include The House of Blue Leaves, The Solid Gold Cadillac, and Working: The Musical. Call 757-627-8551 for more info.

The Norfolk Chamber Consort

Celebrating their 40th anniversary season in 2008, the Norfolk Chamber Consort welcomes a new Artistic Director-pianist/composer Andrey Kasporov. The consort offers programs consisting of both classical and modern music. Concerts are held at Old Dominion University's Diehn Fine and Performing Arts Building as well as other locations. Call 757-623-5531 for more info.


Shopping in NorfolkParking & Transportation

Parking

Click here to view a map of Norfolk's parking facilities. Know before you go and map your parking options on our easy-to-use map! You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print the file.

Downtown Parking Garages | City of Norfolk Parking Information


Transportation

The Tide Light Rail
Coming Soon! Light rail service is currently being constructed through the downtown area through Bousch Street. The Tide will extend 7.4 miles on an east to west alignment from the Eastern Virginia Medical Center through downtown Norfolk, continuing along the Norfolk Southern right-of-way, adjacent to I-264, to Newtown Road. Eleven stations will be constructed along the route with four park and ride locations that provide access to major areas such as Norfolk State University, Tidewater Community College (Norfolk Campus), Harbor Park, City Hall, MacArthur Center, and the Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.


Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) | Bus Route Map
HRT is the region's public transportation system, connecting the cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Hampton and Newport News. Several convenient, well-marked shelters are located throughout downtown Norfolk. Call for route schedules and general information 757-222-6100. .

 


The NET (Norfolk Electric Transit)
Look for downtown's bright and shiny electric buses. They're comfortable, fun and FREE. Wait a few minutes at any of the well-marked stops throughout downtown and catch a ride on the NET. Hours of operation: Mon-Fri, 6am - 11pm; Sat, 12noon-12midnight; Sun, 12noon-8pm. Call for general information, 757-441-2561.

Long Distance Bus Services

NORFOLK GREYHOUND STATION | 701 MONTICELLO AVE Norfolk, VA 23510

757-625-7500 | Baggage: 757-625-2608 | Greyhound Package Express: 757-625-2608 | Greyhound Charter: 800-454-2487

Hours Of Operation
Hours of operation subject to change. Please call to verify hours before making travel arrangements.
Station Monday-Sunday: 12:00 am-1:30 am, 5:00 am-11:59 pm
Holiday: 12:00 am-1:30 am, 5:00 am-11:59 pm
Greyhound Package Express Monday-Sunday: 12:00 am-1:30 am, 5:00 am-11:59 pm
Holiday: 12:00 am-1:30 am, 5:00 am-11:59 pm
Ticketing Monday-Sunday: 12:00 am-1:30 am, 5:00 am-11:59 pm
Holiday: 12:00 am-1:30 am, 5:00 am-11:59 pm

Taxi Services

Norfolk Checker Taxi
6304 Sewells Pt. Road Norfolk, VA 23513
(757) 855-3333

All-City Cab Company
1287 Holland Rd Norfolk, VA
(757) 428-8294

City Wide Cabs LLC
3455 Azalea Garden Rd Norfolk, VA
(757) 622-2227

Duke's & White's Taxi Co
436 Stockton Rd Norfolk, VA
(757) 583-4079

Mac Kenzie Cabs
6345 Tuttle Ave Norfolk, VA
(757) 461-3020

Oceanside Taxi
127 Bristol Ave Norfolk, VA
(757) 455-5996


Shopping in NorfolkHelpful Links

City of Norfolk Web site — Official Web Site for The City of Norfolk
Norfolk Convention and Visitor's Bureau Web Site — Official Web Site
NorfolkDowntown.com — Norfolk City Information
HamptonRoads.Com — Guide to Life in Hampton Roads