Top 5 Norfolk Sites

Norfolk Waterfront, Image free for commercial use on Pixabay.com

by Lisa Worthington-Groce

Norfolk, Virginia is a beautiful site for our return to an in-person SCOLT/FLAVA/SEALLT conference in March 2022. The conference hotel is located in close proximity to a number of attractions that will satisfy history buffs and nature afficionados alike. Below a sample of my personal top 5, several of which are within walking distance of the conference location!

Nauticus & Battleship Wisconsin

https://nauticus.org/

At the heart of Norfolk’s history is the role it has played as an important port city for industry and the military. The Nauticus describes itself as a ‘maritime discovery center’ with interactive exhibits for all ages. The center includes a museum, sailing center, the Battleship Wisconsin, and Schooner Virginia. Right around the corner, you will find the emotionally-moving Armed Forces Memorial, a monument of actual letters written by members of the armed forces who never returned from war.

Town Point Park

https://festevents.org/

As you move past the Armed Forces Memorial, you will find yourself in the newly renovated Town Point Park, a large grassy area located right by the waterfront. Take a walk, toss a frisbee, or meet for an open air picnic with your colleagues!

Waterside District

https://watersidedistrict.com/

As its name implies, the Waterside District is found right at the waterfront and includes a number of restaurants with live music and entertainment. Join your

PFF’s for a congenial meal on the large patio where you can observe the watercraft on the Elizabeth River. Maybe you’ll even spy a yacht in the harbor!

Chrysler Museum of Art & Perry Glass Studio

https://chrysler.org/ You will want to set aside several hours for an excursion to the Chrysler Museum of Art, a must-see for any visitor to Norfolk. Upcoming special exhibits for the spring include photography related to sea level rise and flooding in both South Florida and the local Norfolk area. An immersive installation entitled ‘The Totality of Time Lusters the Dark’ will also be on view. The permanent collection boasts more than 30,000 pieces dating from antiquity to modern times and in media ranging from glass to ceramic to photography to sculpture to paintings.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

Norfolk Botanical Garden

https://norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/

On my to-do list for my next trip to Nofolk is a visit to the Botanical Garden, the largest in Virginia and which is sure to delight in spring with azalea and crocus. The gardens include Mirror Lake, a flowering arboretum, views of the waterway, fern and rhododendron glades, wildflower meadows, and an Enchanted Forest.

All uncited images are from the personal collection of L. Worthington-Groce