19 June 2023

Waterfront Weddings in Norfolk

Take advantage of Norfolk’s proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, Elizabeth River and Lafayette River by choosing a backdrop with unprecedented views. These distinct venues will leave guests in awe while leaving you with unforgettable wedding photos.

American Rover

You’re on your way to smooth sailing throughout your marriage, so start with smooth sailing aboard the American Rover. Up to 100 passengers can come on board for a ceremony and reception, or for a reception only, the Rover can accommodate 120 passengers. In addition to providing a unique and elegant venue for your event, they offer a full line of bar options and professional DJ services.

Battleship Wisconsin

How many couples can say they got married on a battleship? Watch this vision become a reality on the Battleship Wisconsin, berthed at Nauticus. One of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy, the Wisconsin earned six battle stars in World War II and Korea. Your guests will be transported back in time as they walk the teakwood decks of the main deck, looking out over Norfolk’s skyline. During the reception, guests can watch a spectacular sunset on the large, open outdoor fantail.

City Cruises Norfolk

Say “I do” with a view when hosting your dream wedding on the water. This unique floating venue offers exceptional views of Norfolk and the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic fleet. With your booking, you and your guests will enjoy chef-prepared menu options, full bar service and all-inclusive packages that can be customized to fit your budget, style and party size.

Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center

@michaelandjasminephotography, Instagram

Imagine exchanging vows in front of floor-to-ceiling windows, an exquisite sun setting on the horizon of Norfolk’s skyline as the ultimate backdrop. Known as Norfolk’s iconic waterfront venue, the Peter G. Decker Jr. Half Moone Center features sweeping views of the Elizabeth River, interior spaces made for mingling and an outside deck ideal for watching sailboats pass by.

Hermitage Museum & Gardens

Located right on the shore of the Lafayette River, the Hermitage is the ideal location for an outdoor wedding and reception. The elegance of the gardens and beauty of the waterfront views create an enchanting backdrop for your occasion.

Ocean View

Always dreamed of getting hitched on the beach? Trade in those heels for flip flops or bare feet and walk down an aisle of sand with the gorgeous Chesapeake Bay as your backdrop.

Schooner Virginia

Why stay docked when you can roam the open river? Invite your wedding guests aboard the Schooner Virginia for a unique cruise along the Elizabeth River. This tall ship’s rich history sets the ideal ambiance for a celebration of 20–55 attendees.

Waterside District

For stunning views of the Elizabeth River, with plenty of space for guests to eat, drink and be merry, Waterside District is an ideal choice. Enjoy formal seating for up to 200 guests, a private balcony, two fire pits, nautical decor, completely stocked bars, yard games, private restroom access and more inside the venue’s Harbor Club.

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16 June 2023

2023 Pride Events in Norfolk

It’s always a great time to celebrate Norfolk’s LGBTQ+ community, but Pride Month lends especially exciting opportunities to get involved. Whether you plan on attending the vibrant waterfront celebration of PrideFest or want to experience some of the other fantastic LGBTQ+ events in June, there’s plenty of ways to support the inclusion, dignity and equality of all people. Save the dates for these events happening in Norfolk during Pride Month 2023! Psst: Check out our Pride merchandise available online, in person at our Mermaid Market or at Hampton Roads PrideFest.

Pride Month Launch + Trivia

June 1
Bold Mariner Brewing Company

What better way to kick off Pride Month than with good friends, great beer and gripping rounds of trivia? Meet up at Bold Mariner Brewing Company, an Ocean View staple with beautiful wraparound porches and irresistible barbecue and charcuterie served on site. Try a new favorite brew while participating in Pride-themed trivia!

Pride Month Brew Tour

All Month
Multiple Locations

Raise a few at the new Break Free Brew Tour! All month long, breweries through out the region are celebrating with special Pride-themed events and brews.

Pride Month Kickoff

June 3–4
MJ’s Tavern

Join the Tavern staff, Stonewall Sports and Hampton Roads Pride to kick off Pride Month Tavern style! There will be drag queens, bands, DJs, food and drink, dunk tanks and more! This two-day event features outdoor activities available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days. A cornerstone of the LGBTQ community since 2012, MJ’s Tavern is friendly, welcoming and open to everyone!

Pride Ride on the ERT

June 4
Smartmouth Brewing Company

Pride Ride is a casual-paced group ride open to anyone and everyone! The ride will start at 3 p.m. at Smartmouth Brewing Company and go to MJ’s Tavern for the 2023 Pride Month Kick-Off Party! All skill levels are welcome!

Pride to be Free

June 4
Maker’s Craft Brewery

Enjoy the I Am What I Am beer, a collaboration with Traditions Brewing. Come party with Lola Monroe, Fushia DeVille and Javon Love. The event includes games, music, live entertainment and beer.

Hopes & Dreams Pride Night at Smartmouth

June 9
Smartmouth Brewing Company

Come celebrate LGBTQIA+ art, music, and culture in a big way at Norfolk HQ! Enjoy drag performers, musicians, and a vendor market all night long.

Chelsea Pride Open House Weekend

June 9–11

Break free with Vessel Craft Coffee, Grandiflora Wine Garden and The Birch bar during the Chelsea Pride Open House Weekend! All weekend long there will be a special drink menu from Grandiflora Wine Garden. Proceeds will benefit Hampton Roads Pride. On Saturday, break free with Vessel Craft Coffee during their regular operating hours. Hampton Roads Pride will be on-site from 8–10 a.m. with Break Free merchandise. On Sunday, break free with The Birch from 3–8 p.m. as you relax and celebrate pride.

Pride Pop-Up Party at Reaver NFK

Reaver NFK proudly supports and employs members of the LGBTQIA+ community year round and wanted to put together a special event for Pride in June! Join them as they welcome a talented lineup of local queer/ally owned businesses for an afternoon of sipping, shopping and supporting the community!

Virginia Zoo Pride Night

June 10
Virginia Zoo

The Virginia Zoo will be adding hearts and rainbows to their stripes and spots during their second annual Pride Night. Learn new facts about your favorite Animal Ambassadors, tour select exhibits, grab a bite from the restaurant, and shake your plumage to eclectic tunes spun by a local DJ.

Mimosas & Heels Drag Brunch

June 11
Public House

Head to the Public House for a fantastic and fun Mimosas & Heels Drag Brunch, in collaboration with Hampton Roads Pride. It will be a top-notch performance with Trixy Valentine, Harpy Daniels (the Navy Drag Queen), Tiffani, Foxxy and Vivian.

Pride Speakeasy Night

June 12
Gershwin’s

Where better to partake in the glitz and glamour of speakeasy vibes than at Gershwin’s Downtown? This Norfolk gem gives a nod to the roaring 20s in style, decor and music. Order a cocktail or mocktail and celebrate Pride Month in style.

Hampton Roads Pride Night Out

June 14
Harbor Park

Hampton Roads Pride has partnered with the Tides baseball team for a special Pride Night! Cheer on the home team, enjoy your favorite snacks and drinks and partake in Wine Down Wednesday specials—all while supporting the inclusion, dignity and equality of all people.

Virginia Queer Film Festival

June 14–16
ODU

The festival is designed to connect audiences with original films by, for and about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people and their families and provide a forum for LGBTQ+ filmmakers to share and discuss their work.

Truly Pride Happy Hour

June 16
Grain

Truly is joining the party at Grain for Truly Pride Happy Hour, with $5 Wild Berry drafts and $10 Truly lemonade flights.

Dance Like Dad—Pride Party at The Wave

June 17
The Wave

Break out your best dad moves—you know they’re in there somewhere—for an unforgettable night of fun at Norfolk’s largest LGBTQ+ dance club in the area.

Ghent Pride

June 20
Palace Shops, Ghent

Come to the Palace Shops located in Ghent for a party complete with music, entertainment, beer, wine, signature cocktails and tasty food from local restaurants. The parking lot between 21st and 22nd Streets will be blocked off for a fun evening. Attendees will have an opportunity to purchase a “Love Lock” to place on the LOVE IS LOVE display, bid on art with a silent auction and so much more. All proceeds will benefit Hampton Roads Pride, LGBT Life Center, Stonewall Sports, TR Dance, Hope House, PFLAG and Ghent Business Foundation.

Pride at the Chrysler

June 21
Chrysler Museum of Art

Join for a Pride-filled evening at this beloved art museum with a celebration of LGBTQ+ artists along with music, food and drink.

10th Annual Pride Block Party

June 23
The NorVa

It’s the night before PrideFest; why not start the celebration early? Join in the excitement and celebrate your uniqueness with fabulous entertainment, performances and more.

PrideFest

June 24
Town Point Park

This much-anticipated annual event celebrates the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and allies, providing the opportunity to unify through celebrations of inclusion and equality. Norfolk has the distinct honor of being the location for the only Pride Boat Parade in the country! The parade celebrates our connections with the 300-year-old maritime history of our port cities. Town Point Park, nestled along the riverbanks of the Elizabeth River, provides a unique setting for boaters to be part of this event.

Insider tip: Look for friendly VisitNorfolk staff at PrideFest! We’ll be on site selling vibrant rainbow gear to get you in the spirit of the celebration! Check out our Mermaid Market for a lineup of products!

Pridefest Official After-Party

June 24
Waterside District

Unleash your Pride, and party the night away at Hampton Roads Pride’s first PrideFest After-Party! Join the fun following PrideFest at Waterside District for a celebration. Experience live entertainment at Blue Moon Outdoor Stage, indulge in specialty PRIDE cocktails, and chill out in Rocky Mountain Grill. Best of all, it’s FREE and exclusively for those 21+!

You Need to Calm Down: TAYLOR SWIFT Pride Party

June 25
Grain

Love is love is Loverfest! Grain is celebrating Norfolk Pride with a Taylor Swift themed dance party, and the DJ will have us dancing all night long to all of Taylor’s greatest eras. It’s not officially summer until you’ve screamed the Cruel Summer bridge at the top of your lungs in a room full of Swifties. Grain hopes to see you “up on the roof with a school girl crush, drinking beer out of [glass pint] cups” and sipping pride flights because one flavor is never enough.

Check out Hampton Roads Pride for more details on upcoming events and ways to get involved.

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14 June 2023

Best Ice Cream and Gelato Shops in Norfolk

There’s no better way to cool down in the hot summer months (or indulge any time of year) than by visiting some ice cream shops. You may already know that the original waffle cone was created right here in Norfolk, but did you also know you can delight in, Thai rolled ice cream and ethereal selections of gelato all within our city? Here are some of the hottest places for the coolest treats in Norfolk.

Doumar’s

Every day is ice cream day at Doumar’s where they crank out creamy shakes and ice cream sundaes in their nostalgic diner that’s been operating for more than a century. They’re most known for their handmade waffle cones, rolled right in front of your eyes on the original machine built in 1904, but you also can’t go wrong with their shortcakes, splits, sundaes and shakes, most of which come with whipped cream and a classic cherry on top.

Lolly’s Creamery

Taste the joy in every scoop of Lolly’s ice cream. Originally churned in Virginia Beach, Lolly’s made their way to Norfolk, bringing with them a creamy craving we can’t deny. The Lolly’s brand encompasses three things: joy, community and generosity. Try their classic flavors like strawberry, real deal vanilla and mint chocolate chip, and also be on the lookout for their monthly rotating flavors and weekly releases.

On Ice

If you thought all ice cream was created equally, think again. At On Ice, located near Naval Station Norfolk, the made-from-scratch batches are created in a unique, nitrogen-based method, transforming a simple ice cream shop visit into a fascinating show and learning experience. Choose from sundae flavors like Chocolate Explosion or Strawberry Cream Pie, or make your own by combining ice cream flavors with fun toppings. Enjoy them traditionally, or opt for the N₂.I.C.E.D. version in which ingredients are whipped into a sphere and flash frozen for an airy, crunchy texture.

S’Mores Amore

S’mores have been a Downtown staple ever since Owner Duane Dinio first invited customers to “get fired up” at his Selden Market shop. Picture a perfect square of graham cracker crust, layered with a brownie or blondie and topped with a marshmallow toasted to perfection right before your eyes. If that wasn’t heavenly enough, S’mores Amore added an ice cream menu that melds handmade ice cream with chunks of S’mores Amore brownie or blondie pieces for a cool way to enjoy the ultimate s’mores experience.

Strawberry Fields

If strawberry fields are forever, that’s how long we’ll be obsessed with this gem of a gelato shop in Norfolk’s Ghent neighborhood. Each day, their gelato is made from scratch with new flavors consistently posted on their social media. From ooey gooey cake to brown butter pecan, there’s surely a flavor to suit your fancy. Check out this City with Bite episode on Strawberry Fields to learn more.

Urban Ice

You’ve had ice cream in a bowl, cone, blender, cake and sandwich, but have you had it rolled? Thai rolled ice cream is created by pouring liquid ice cream ingredients onto a below-freezing surface, spreading it out, cutting into strips, rolling them up and topping with all sorts of sweet creations. At Urban Ice, you can create your own combination or go with a favorite like Cookie Monster or Mango Tango.

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12 June 2023

Norfolk Juneteenth Events

When Juneteenth became officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, it marked a pivotal moment in African American and American history. Although Juneteenth (June 19) is the longest-running African American holiday, its national observance sparked a new opportunity for education, celebration and dialogue.

History of Juneteenth

Known as African American Independence Day, Freedom Day or Jubilee Day, Juneteenth commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States. Although the Emancipation Proclamation proclaimed the freedom of more than 3.5 million enslaved African Americans on Jan. 1, 1863, it took over two years for word to spread to all enslaved people. In fact, some enslavers deliberately withheld news about freedom to maintain labor on the plantation, waiting until harvest season was over. This was the case for many slave owners in Texas–a state that hadn’t experienced a significant presence of Union troops and was considered a safe haven for slavery.

On June 19, 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to spread the news, take control and ensure that the remaining 250,000 enslaved people in Texas were freed. The following year, Texas freedmen started the first “Jubilee Day” celebration on June 19. The tradition has continued, influencing commemorations that include music, food and religious services and, more recently, festivals, rallies, memorials and parades.

“Black Lives More Than Matter,” a mural in Norfolk’s NEON District painted by local artists Nicole Harp and Clayton Singleton

How to Celebrate

There are many ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Norfolk this year, including a conference on racial equity and social transformation, film event or Festevents’ annual Juneteenth in the Park! Here are some ways to commemorate this history and holiday.

History Speaks: Juneteenth and the Struggle for Freedom

June 4
Myers House

Explore the history of Juneteenth and what it might have meant for the people who were enslaved at the Myers House. Meet at the historic site to hear their stories and learn about their contributions to life in early Norfolk and beyond.

“An Underground River”: African American History along the ERT

June 10
Elizabeth River Trail

Join Norfolk Tour Company on the Elizabeth River Trail to explore African American history along the Elizabeth River. This free walking tour celebrating Juneteenth will explore Norfolk’s role in the slave trade, along with some of the historic moments, heroes and sites of the pivotal history of the African American Experience in South Hampton Roads. This tour is free and open to the public with no registration required—just show up!

2023 Conference on Racial Equity & Social Transformation (REST)

June 15–16
Norfolk State University

YWCA South Hampton Roads features the Annual Conference on R.E.S.T – Racial Equity & Social Transformation, in partnership with the Center for African-American Public Policy. The conference brings together Hampton Roads community members with the goal of advancing racial justice and equity issues in policies, institutions and culture.

R.E.S.T. is a training ground for those interested in learning more and leaning into the effects of injustices and inequities. Through information-collaboration-activation, participants will learn and build best practices with a long-term goal of building a blueprint for the transformational change needed to build an antiracist Hampton Roads.

Freedom on Film: Juneteenth at the Chrysler Museum

June 16
Chrysler Museum of Art

Join the Chrysler Museum for a multi-media evening celebrating African American freedom with an outdoor screening of short films, soulful spoken word and resources presented by community organizations on the front lines of social justice and change. With poignant and delightful films featuring stories of achievement, pride, culture and authenticity along with Teddy the Brave as poet of ceremonies, this special program will culminate with participants joining to commit to self-improvement, communal care and remembering the past to ensure a brighter future for all.

Juneteenth in the ParK

June 17
Town Point Park

Join in the fun of Juneteenth this year! This event is designed to promote and support as we celebrate Juneteenth! Presented by Norfolk Festevents, this event is free and open to the public.

Ride on Juneteenth Ride On

June 17
Richard A. Tucker Memorial Library

Juneteenth is a day to celebrate Black Americans. There are many ways to take part in the fun. Therefore, Richard A. Tucker Memorial Library offers friends, families and neighbors pony rides for children sponsored by Beach Party Ponies. Pictures taken with ponies are invited.

Juneteenth Kickoff Celebration

June 17
Jordan-Newby Anchor Branch Library

Join in the festivities at Norfolk’s Jordan-Newby Anchor Branch Library for a Juneteenth Kickoff Celebration. There will be food from Chef Fennell, food trucks, face painting, music, African drumming and yoga, jewelry making, children’s activities, Abayomi doll making and more!

Juneteenth Free Fare on HRT

June 19

On the Juneteenth holiday, all Hampton roads transit fixed route services (bus, light rail, ferry) and paratransit will be free for passengers.

Juneteenth Your Way: Self-Guided Explorations and Activities

With any holiday, individuals, families and communities commemorate in ways that feel special to them. Here are some additional ideas to begin your own Juneteenth traditions.

TAKE A SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF WATERWAYS TO FREEDOM

With its complex and interwoven waterways, Virginia provided a starting point for thousands of individuals to escape slavery. Fugitive slaves would depart on wharves, steamships and schooners and be assisted by safe houses (especially churches and neighborhoods) on their journey to northern states and Canada. Take a self-guided tour of Underground Railroad Sites in Norfolk and Portsmouth and learn the history of the people and places that made it possible to escape–and the many dangerous obstacles that stood in the way.

VISIT WEST POINT MONUMENT AT WEST POINT CEMETERY

West Point Monument was dedicated as a special place of burial for African American Union Civil War and Spanish American War veterans. It is one of only a few African American Civil War Memorials located in the South. The Civil War soldier depicted on the monument is Norfolk native Sergeant William H. Carney of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment. Carney was the first black soldier to receive the Medal of Honor for his bravery. Nearly 100 African American veterans are laid to rest in the West Point Cemetery. West Point Cemetery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007 and is now commemorated with a historical highway marker along Princess Anne Road.

SUPPORT A LOCAL BLACK-OWNED BUSINESS

The city of Norfolk would not be the creative, diverse and vibrant community that it is without the endless contributions made by African American residents and business owners. From scrumptious soul food to self-care sanctuaries, we celebrate these businesses within our city and encourage you to visit their establishments as you celebrate Juneteenth–but especially all year long.

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08 June 2023

Guide to Harborfest

Norfolk, Virginia plays host to an annual festival favorite, Norfolk Harborfest! Every June, the city celebrates nautical history by displaying tall ships, along with celebrations of seafaring history and culture, delicious food, local, regional and national entertainment and a spectacular firework display all along the downtown waterfront. This four-day itinerary will help you to celebrate the highlights of Harborfest and explore some of Norfolk’s greatest summer excursions.

Thursday

Stop By and Say Hello!

Come by our VisitNorfolk Visitors Center at 232 E. Main Street, Norfolk to learn more about things to see and do in Norfolk, talk with our friendly team and check out some unique Norfolk gear in the Mermaid Market. Also, look for our VisitNorfolk mobile visitors van at Harborfest!

NEON District Exploration

After checking in to your hotel, take the opportunity to get to know Norfolk on foot before the weekend crowds come in. Our distinct neighborhoods each come with their own character and vibe, so take the time to explore. The NEON District is known for its vibrant murals showcasing the talents from artists locally and nationally. Wander down Granby Street and through some of the artful alleyways before popping into the Chrysler Museum of Art, featuring more than 30,000 original works and an expansive glass collection.

Dinner in Freemason

Before dinner, peruse Freemason’s cobblestone streets and take photos by the stunning Norfolk Pagoda. Then enjoy a historic meal at Freemason Abbey , located in a renovated church and offering a wide variety of foods. Rather sit outside? Here are some other options with unbeatable outdoor seating, whether you’re looking for calm and quiet or prime people watching.

Friday

Maritime Discovery

Start the day by exploring Norfolk’s maritime discovery center, Nauticus, with interactive history plus brand new exhibits. Located next to Nauticus is the Battleship Wisconsin, the largest and last battleship ever built by the U.S. Navy. Walk her teak decks, explore interior rooms and discover the vast history of this great ship.

Noon: Parade of Sail

At noon, find a spot along the Elizabeth River to watch tall ships sail in a spectacular two-hour parade. This is an opportunity to see tall ships, sailboats, antique boats, military vessels and more, as announcers describe the fascinating highlights of each.

Harborfest

After the Parade of Sail, come and explore Norfolk’s Harborfest at Town Point Park. Enjoy live music and great food accompanied by art and educational programs. Tall ships will be open for tours for visitors to explore the decks and talk to sailors.

Next to Town Point Park is Waterside District, a great place to end the evening for dinner. Waterside District features a lineup of restaurants accompanied by live music.

Saturday

Brunch

Check out one of Norfolk’s many spectacular brunch spots to start the day. From pillowy biscuits to piled-high Benedicts and waffles topped with all the fixings, brunch in Norfolk never disappoints. Order a mimosa or Bloody Mary and get ready to dig in! See the best brunches in Norfolk.

Harborfest, Day 2

Head back over to Town Point Park for Norfolk Harborfest and enjoy food and craft vendors and live concerts on three stages. Saturday’s lineup features a Tribute to Boathouse with Wonderland (3:15 p.m.), Cracker (6 p.m.), and Morris Day & The Time (8:15 p.m.) on the Main Stage. There are also plenty of amazing performers lined up for the Boathouse Stage from 12:30 to 10 p.m.

Fireworks

At 9:30 p.m., get ready for a spectacular fireworks show above the Elizabeth River. There’s truly no bad vantage point for witnessing this breathtaking event, but a truly amazing spot is from the American Rover,

Sunday

Harborfest, Day 3 + Norfolk Botanical Garden

There’s truly no need to rush off. Stop by Harborfest one last time to hear a live band and grab a souvenir. Then, head to Norfolk Botanical Garden, home to more than 60 distinctive themed gardens, 95 species of birds and 30 kinds of butterflies. The garden is currently in a process of evolving and transforming, so purchasing tickets in advance online is recommended.

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08 June 2023

Plant Norfolk: A Growing Business

Listening to Heather Anderson discuss various types of plants and their watering and sunlight needs, you might think she’s a botanist or master gardener.

“The Monstera Albo and Monstera Thai Constellation do better with a brighter light being a tropical plant with higher variegation,” she says, gazing into a glass case featuring some of the rarest houseplants around. “And this Philodendron billietiae has long leaves, so as it grows, each leaf will get longer and longer.”

But the truth is she’s just really into plants.

“Like a lot of people, during COVID we started to get more into plants,” she explains. “Everyone was having to stay home, so they just wanted to bring some of nature indoors.” She says this was especially true for people in this area who don’t have a lot of outdoor yard space or the ability to plant gardens.

During that same time, Anderson and her husband Jonathan had been looking to start a small business concept, and when a spot in Norfolk’s NEON District became available, they jumped at the opportunity, turning their growing hobby into a growing business: Plant Norfolk.

The aptly named shop, which opened in March 2022, is the only one of its kind in Norfolk offering all types of plants in a curated, boutique-style setting. They’ve got popular houseplants like pothos, string-of-pearls and pilea—”ones that are kind of different and interesting,” she says. They’ve got succulents, cacti, Bonsai trees, Staghorn ferns and kokedama, a Japanese growing style of growing in a moss ball aimed at keeping ornamental plants at an optimal size. And, in their latest growing venture, they’ve got plants in rare and highly sought-after varieties.

“I personally went down to Florida and hand-picked most of those because I wanted to see them,” Anderson explains. “If I’m going to spend a lot of money on them and other people are going to spend a lot of money on them, I want to make sure they’re good quality, that they have different levels of variegation.”

Anderson doesn’t just buy and resell plants though. “My husband has gone on a streak of, ‘If we have it in the shop, we need to have one at home so I know how to take care of it’—which is a good idea, but we’re kind of filling up,” she laughs. The process of growing what they sell has been helpful however, in sharing tips and tricks with customers to set them up for success.

“When people come in, I try to ensure they’re going to walk out with a plant they’re going to be successful with,” Anderson says, even if it means talking someone out of a plant if she knows the plant is a difficult variety or requires a very specific growing environment. “I don’t want them to go out and then a month later it dies and they think, ‘I have a brown thumb. Never again.’”

To help shoppers feel successful in their planting endeavors, Anderson encourages customers to message her on Instagram—send a photo, describe the issue and the conditions they’re keeping the plant in—so that she can attempt to help them work through the problems.

As a final step to ensure plants’ success, the Andersons started making and bagging their own potting soil in three different varieties: a houseplant mix, a tropical mix and a cactus mix. “It’ll at least put you on the right path of helping that plant,” she says.

As with any business, the goal is to keep on growing, but for a business involving plants, growth is a must. For Plant Norfolk’s continued growth, Anderson says she wants to continue expanding on the variety of plants offered and also help people use plants to style their homes. “We’re trying to help people get some more stylish planters that they can put larger plants in to really make it a piece, something to bring some texture and interest into their home,” she says. “We talk about what planters would be good for different plants, shapes, sizes and colors, so really trying to help people elevate their space with plants, actually enjoy them.”

Jonathan and Heather Anderson | @plantnorfolk, Instagram

Another way they’re growing is by collaborating with different businesses in Norfolk, popping up with plant sales at places like Selden Market, Reaver NFK and the Hermitage Museum & Gardens. “Sometimes we reach out to them, sometimes they reach out to us; people are just excited about plants,” she says.

Plant Norfolk’s reception in the NEON District has been just as exciting as Anderson sees a steady amount of foot traffic from individuals who work nearby. “They’ll walk down, they’ll get Zeke’s, they’ll pop in and get plants on their lunch break,” she says. “The plant community around here has been really cool.”

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05 May 2023

VisitNorfolk’s Champion of Hospitality Awards for National Travel and Tourism Week 2023

May 7–13, 2023 is National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), an annual tradition to celebrate the U.S. travel community and tourism’s essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, inspiring new businesses and elevating the quality of life for Americans every day.

Tourism is essential to our region and plays an integral role in Norfolk’s economy. As the third largest economic driver for our city, the travel and tourism industry mobilized a $136.8 million impact in fiscal year 2022. With over 7,000 jobs in the tourism and hospitality sector, our industry attracts a multitude of talents and provides significant economic benefits to both local businesses and Norfolk residents.

To celebrate tourism in our city and to shine a light on the individuals and teams who make Norfolk such a welcoming city to experience, VisitNorfolk established in 2002 the Champion of Hospitality Awards. From March 13–April 7 we invited anyone who has had a positive hospitality experience in Norfolk to nominate an individual or an entire team for the Champion of Hospitality Awards. We are excited to share the winners of this year’s awards and encourage you to visit these Champions of Hospitality in person during your next Norfolk experience.

Peter G. Decker, Jr. Hospitality Associate of the Year

Ricky White, Front Desk Manager
Nauticus

“I’m nominating Ricky White as he has been an employee at Nauticus for over 20 years. Of the 370,000 guests Nauticus sees each year, Ricky is the first person to greet each and every one of them with a smiling face and welcoming attitude. Whether the guest is here to visit the Museum, go for a sail, participate in a military ceremony on the Battleship Wisconsin or head out on a cruise at the Half Moone, Ricky is ready to make their day at Nauticus the best one yet. We are so lucky to have such an amazing team member represent Nauticus.” —Rehn West, Director of Development & Marketing, Nauticus

Champion of Hospitality Winners

Brian Brinson, Owner
Lizard Cafe

“Brian is such a good guy who is dedicated to providing fresh, quality fare to a steady stream of Downtown diners. Two employees total are responsible for running the Lizard Cafe, and they have made it into the little gem that it is today.” —Barbara Gullickson, Director of Visitor Experience, VisitNorfolk

Yvan Devulder, Owner
La Brioche

“I wanted to recognize Yvan because without him, La Brioche would not exist. He initiated this project, and today he carries out and does essential and colossal work for our company.

For over four years, Yvan has been personally creating, developing and perfecting all of our recipes completely on his own (including creams, pastries, doughs, homemade chocolates, cookies and more) with impressive precision and rigor. Customers see me at the front of the shop and regularly praise me for our products, but it is truly him who runs our entire production and ensures that we maintain the same quality since the beginning. He holds himself to a high standard and has unlimited curiosity and great creativity, and he is also someone who regularly questions himself and is very professionally humble.

He arrived in Norfolk without speaking English, but that didn’t stop him from moving forward. We have been a couple for 30 years, and I am really impressed and have great admiration for him and his work. He is an extremely talented pastry chef, chocolatier and baker who is also very passionate about food.

Il est évidemment très gourmand.
He is obviously a big sweet tooth.”

—Jacqueline Devulder, Wife and Co-Owner, La Brioche

Ashtyn Greene, Founder
Virginia Cheese Company

“She greatly cares for her customers and is so knowledgeable about cheese. Every time I leave there I have learned something new!” —Hannah Christensen

Hampton Roads Transit Light Rail Operators

“Each day, operators of “The Tide” play an integral and important part of the region’s hospitality industry. During this transition into the post-pandemic era, while the number of visitors to the City of Norfolk continues to grow, the HRT Light Rail operators work tirelessly (often with a smile on their face!) to ensure that Norfolk’s visitors and residents alike can get around the city in a safe, efficient and relaxing manner. Thanks to our operators, guests staying at any of our Downtown hotels can easily hop on The Tide to check out a local restaurant, attend a festival in Town Point Park, visit the Norfolk State University Campus, see a show or sporting event at Scope or explore the nearby Elizabeth River Trail, all without needing a personal vehicle.” —Katie Fenimore, Marketing Communications Strategist, Hampton Roads Transit

Isiah Harrington, Restaurant Engineer
Hilton Norfolk The Main

“Isiah has been with our company since The Main opened. He is solely responsible for all food and beverage equipment and does an amazing job making sure we are able to keep everything running smoothly. We could not do it without the work he does behind the scenes.” —Theresa Kinkelaar, Director of Human Resources, Gold Key | PHR

Mary Kelly, Director of Sales and Marketing
Glass Light Hotel & Gallery

“Mary is such a delightful person to work with! She is incredibly talented, professional and joyful. She has a real sense of hospitality, which is getting rarer to find nowadays. I’m glad we have her on our team!” —Edouard Majoie, Food & Beverage Director, Glass Light Hotel & Gallery

Matthias Maihoefer, Executive Chef
Hilton Norfolk The Main

“Matthias joined the team in 2021 and has had a significant impact on the team. He has showcased his creative side through great menu additions and has led his team to success. He is a strong believer in supporting his team and will go out of his way to help anyone that needs it. He has taken money out of his own pocket to help an associate who was struggling. We are lucky to have a person of his talent on our team.” —Theresa Kinkelaar, Director of Human Resources, Gold Key | PHR

Carolina Mann
Norfolk Waterside Marriott

“Every time I go into the Marriott, Caroline Mann is always there with a smiling face and gives me all the information I need. When she interacts with the guests at the Marriott, she is very polite and welcoming! Definitely a standout in the world of hospitality.” —Valerie Mitchell, Marketing Coordinator, VisitNorfolk

Norfolk International Airport Volunteer Ambassadors

“The Norfolk International Airport Volunteer Ambassadors are responsible for greeting passengers traveling to and from Norfolk, assisting travelers with directions, providing visitor information about the region and more. Most of the individuals on this team are retired but choose to donate their time to make people feel welcome. Oftentimes, these volunteers are the first point of contact for visitors coming to Norfolk, and they truly strive to make the airport experience a happy and welcoming one.” —Sarah Hughes, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, VisitNorfolk

Kevin Ordonez, Owner
Alkaline

“During the pandemic, not only was payroll continued for months at Alkaline but so was health insurance for everyone on the company health plan. This remained in place even when 90% of the staff was no longer working in the restaurant anymore. In addition, I organized a program called “Feed 1500” which raised money to prepare, cook and distribute ready-to-eat meals for 1,500 hospital workers and first responders, 100% free of charge. During that time, the Feed 1500 project was picked up by World Central Kitchen, and I organized the preparation and delivery of over 5,000 more ready-to-eat meals to be donated to food-insecure communities. Still now, I take a wholehearted “people first” mentality when working with my team.” —Kevin Ordonez

Nancy Pearce, Sales Assistant
Sleep Inn at Lake Wright—Norfolk Airport

“Nancy has been with the property for 34 years and maintains the same attention to detail and sense of urgency with all of her clients. She is always looking for a winning situation for the company and the clients. She lends a helping hand to both the desk and catering sales. Nancy rarely makes anyone wait for a response and her clients love her and so do we!” —Alcina Phipps, General Manager, Sleep Inn at Lake Wright

Basil Reynolds, Gallery Host
Chrysler Museum of Art

“They go out of their way to make guests feel welcomed and answer questions.” —Jay Thomson, Museum Shop Manager, Chrysler Museum of Art

Anne Tauro, Catering Sales Manager
Sleep Inn at Lake Wright—Norfolk Airport

“Anne is more deserving of anyone I know for this award. She has been in the hospitality industry for over 40 years, but that isn’t why she has earned this award. It is because she takes time to pay attention to the details and listens to and implements the clients’ vision. Then she continues to grow the relationship with the client which turns into a repeat business for the property with little additional effort. She executes these amazing events with one other person with class and style.” —Alcina Phipps, General Manager, Sleep Inn at Lake Wright

John Vavrek, Server/Multiple Positions
Grain at Hilton Norfolk The Main

“John has been picking up extra shifts, sometimes working open to close, along with volunteering to work any position needed for the shift—whether it’s barback, host, serving and server assistant. He continuously moves on the floor without ever being told what needs to be done. He overall has helped us so much since getting hired, and the entire team absolutely loves his hard work!” —Theresa Kinkelaar, Director of Human Resources, Gold Key | PHR

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04 April 2023

Group-Friendly Restaurants in Norfolk

When planning a meal that’s in the style of “the more the merrier,” it’s important to find a restaurant ahead of time that can accommodate your group needs. Thankfully, we have options! Norfolk is home to a wide variety of restaurants to fit different tastes, budgets and, yes, group sizes as well. Here are some of our suggestions for large group dining in Norfolk. Best of all, you can rest assured that an increase in quantity doesn’t mean a decrease in quality. These Norfolk restaurants have the seating and wow factor to please your party, no matter the size.

Omar’s Carriage House

Oftentimes, dinner is best served with a side of history. You’ll find just that at Omar’s Carriage House, originally built in the 1840s as a place to keep horses and carriages. In fact, guests on the first floor can look up to see a large opening where hay used to be loaded into the carriages. The food here is just as fascinating as the history with menus changing seasonally and some dishes being elevated with a Moroccan flair. Their private dining area seats up to 45 guests for brunches and dinners. Another great option is an outdoor tent that’s available to rent for up to 65 guests.

Mermaid Winery

Do your guests prefer grapes to hops? Norfolk’s own urban winery features fabulous packages to suit your group, whether joining for lunch, dinner or brunch. From there, the options expand to multi-course meals, buffet packages and a la carte options, plus beverage packages featuring wine flights or wines by the glass. Mermaid Winery’s dining rooms are ideal for seated dinner parties or cocktail receptions, whether you’re expecting 15 or 100 guests. Need more room? You can rent the entire winery for an exclusive gathering your group will always remember.

Stripers Waterside

Water views and seafood cravings pair well together, so give your group the best of both worlds at Stripers Waterside. There’s nothing quite like dining with a glistening view of the Elizabeth River, and this experience is only elevated by fresh seafood and a made-from-scratch menu featuring pasta, steak, sandwiches and more—plus 30 beers on tap. Their private dining room accommodates 60 guests for lunches, dinners or Sunday brunches.

City Cruises Norfolk

Who needs dinner and a show when dinner is accompanied by a cruise down the Elizabeth River? In this unique floating event space with ever-changing views, your group can partake in all-inclusive packages, chef-prepared menus and full bar options. Distinctive hospitality and unbeatable views from both the climate-controlled interior and open-air outdoor decks will leave your group with an experience they can remember for a lifetime.

Town Point Club

Another option for impeccable water views is Town Point Club, overlooking the inner harbor of the busiest port on the East Coast. Conveniently located Downtown inside the World Trade Center, Town Point Club features innovative dishes crafted from local and seasonable ingredients. Work with VisitNorfolk to learn about Town Point Club’s many options for hosting unforgettable gatherings for groups of various sizes.

Waterside District

Known as the space where business meets pleasure, Waterside District is home to several unique dining options, including Blue Moon Taphouse, The Harbor Club, Rocky Mountain Grill, The Market and PBR Norfolk. Their venues are designed for guests to have the ultimate experience, with a variety of spaces to choose from whether it’s a lush beer garden, comfortable lounge spaces, waterfront views of the Elizabeth River or a front-row seat to a 25-foot LED TV. Their state-of-the-art audio-visual capabilities allow endless opportunities for showcasing logos, photos, slideshows or meeting notes.

Orapax

Orapax is one of the region’s premier Greek restaurants, having been in business for more than 50 years. Their menu focuses on authentic, fresh Greek cuisine combined with some Italian and American options as well. Orapax’s private dining room, The Taverna can accommodate up to 60 guests and features a full-service bar with the option of a private bartender, plus a folding glass wall system giving guests the feel of an outside dining experience. Best of all, Orapax can provide custom menus to ensure fabulous options for every member of your group.

Along with these locally owned options, there are several great franchise restaurants located on Norfolk’s Military Highway.

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04 April 2023

Norfolk Organizations Excelling in Inclusivity

A city that welcomes all to start, study, stay and vacation, Norfolk is vibrant and culturally diverse in its makeup of residents, businesses and visitors. Like so many destinations, Norfolk is home to organizations that are placing a special focus on ensuring its operations, services, products and/or mission are supporting diverse audiences, operating equitably, remaining inclusive to any and everyone and allowing access by removing physical, financial or sensory-related barriers. By visiting and supporting these organizations during your time in Norfolk, you’ll be further propelling the DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion and access) initiatives that keep our city thriving as we celebrate the distinct cultures and values that make us unique.

Church Street Jazz Series

This incredible jazz series founded by Jay Lang brings internationally acclaimed performers of the highest caliber from around the world. The best seats in the house, however, are reserved for local students. Through Lang’s nonprofit, the H.J. Lang Foundation, middle and high school students take classes and workshops hosted by jazz artists and meet industry leaders. Proceeds from ticket sales and donations help to support the foundation. At each concert, the nonprofit surprises one student with a brand new instrument. Lang also donates gently used instruments to local schools’ music programs, all with an effort to inspire the next generation of musicians.

Coaster Coffee

Did you know that you can help propel a nonprofit’s mission simply by continuing a daily routine of caffeinating? Coaster Coffee is a nonprofit coffee shop in Ocean View that gives back to the community by providing food for individuals experiencing food insecurity, building community gardens, ensuring kids have access to the arts and helping unemployed individuals to find work. In their daily operations, Coaster Coffee serves as a neutral community meeting place where people of all ages, races, beliefs and socio-economic standing are welcome.

Coalescence Coffee

Another coffee shop centered on community, Coalescence exists to create spaces where people are welcomed and valued. In addition to offering a place for community members to enjoy a cup of coffee while working or catching up with friends in the Railroad District, Coalescence focuses on initiatives such as The Circle, which encourages charitable giving and puts the funds to use in small, community-oriented reconciliation projects. For instance, they’re helping a group of entrepreneurs in Kigali, Rwanda to open their own Coalescence Coffee, which aims to be a place of reconciliation between Hutu and Tutsi tribes.

Eggleston Garden Center and Farmers Market

This substantial garden center in Norfolk’s Riverview neighborhood sells a comprehensive variety of garden plants, herbs, houseplants, shrubs and trees, plus cute succulents and garden decor that make perfect gifts. They also offer a year-round, indoor farmers market that carries seasonal produce and locally made goodies. In addition to supporting local farmers and growers with your purchases, you’ll be supporting Eggleston’s mission of providing education, training and employment for persons with disabilities.

Eleanor’s Norfolk

Eleanor’s is a radical neighborhood bookstore and bottle shop that acts as a safe space for community activism, engagement and learning. The shop amplifies traditionally underrepresented voices and encourages those seeking to be a more active part of their community by offering opportunities for education and conversation.

Elizabeth River Trail (ERT)

The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation is focused on transforming the existing 10.5-mile trail into a resilient, inclusive, connected urban riverfront trail that connects people and businesses. Along the trail, there’s an ADA-accessible kayak launch along with a dynamic obstacle course to provide free fitness equipment for anyone who wishes to utilize it. The trail continues to expand in phases, making positive impacts on the health of people and environment and bringing waterfront access to everyone.

Maison Soleil

This fair trade retail shop in Ghent sells a variety of clothing, jewelry and accessories, home goods, gifts and more. It’s a curated selection of eco-friendly goods from around the world. Not only can you find well-made, sustainable and fashionable items here; your purchases can help empower women from around the world. Owner Lindsay Sims ensures that the items she carries follow fair trade principles, allowing female makers to feed their families, invest in their communities and even start their own businesses.

Prince Books

Open since 1982 in Downtown Norfolk, Prince Books offers an intelligent selection of fiction, poetry, history, biography, travel, cooking, spirituality and a complete children’s section. The independent bookstore strives to offer reading materials that spark necessary change. They feature a diverse mix of voices and prominently display a section of antiracism books for readers to educate themselves on the topics of Black history, race, social injustices and antiracism.

Pure Lagos

This locally based, husband- and wife-owned shop offers natural, organic health items, healing consultations, skincare and holistic, fair trade merchandise. They also carry an astounding collection of African art and rugs. In addition, co-owner Sia Alexander shares her entrepreneurial journey as a Black business owner with others who are interested in starting or scaling a business. The couple also host discussions on healthy eating and the importance of supporting black farmers.

Virginia Arts Festival

Not only does the Virginia Arts Festival bring a fantastic selection of memorable performances each season; they are committed to honoring, presenting and nurturing artists who reflect the rich tapestry of the communities the organization serves. Since 2004, the Festival has presented a wide range of performances in Norfolk’s historic Attucks Theatre, the oldest remaining theater in the U.S. that was envisioned, designed and built by African Americans. The organization is also committed to arts education, providing opportunities for students and educators that wouldn’t otherwise exist. Each year, the Festival reaches over 30,000 young people through student matinees, in-school performances, workshops and masterclasses, offering life-changing opportunities to see and study with virtuoso performers.

Virginia Stage Company

Take advantage of Norfolk’s performing arts scene with a visit to the Wells Theatre. Here you’ll see the Virginia Stage Company (VSC) bring to life a spectacular season of performances year after year. VSC strives for an inclusive and accessible experience for all audiences who have come to experience a show. They offer a state-of-the-art Loop Listening System for listening assistance through headsets available at the box office or directly into personal hearing aids. They feature ADA accessible seating with easy access for patrons with wheelchairs and walkers. The Tazewell Lounge offers a wheelchair lift that allows guests to participate in classes, workshops and performances. The second Saturday evening of every performance features ASL interpreters to translate entire shows. They also offer open captioning and audio description services, as well as large print programs available upon advance request.

Even behind the curtain, VSC is committed to an equitable experience. They work actively against systemic racism and have formed an Anti-Racism Team (ART) to navigate toward a more just future for theater. They also understand the importance of acknowledging the traditional Indigenous inhabitants of the land of which the Wells Theatre now stands.

Virginia Symphony Orchestra

To ensure all audiences can enjoy the experience of music, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra (VSO), offers Open Doors, a sensory-friendly concert series. Musicians speak about how each piece makes them feel or inspires them while board-certified therapists from Tidewater Music Therapy assist participants in activities to engage their own emotions and creativity. To include all voices, VSO hosts a Community Play-In & Sing-Along that embraces our community’s cultural richness and diversity, uniting people of all ages, faiths and backgrounds through participation in music, dance and spoken word. Finally, the VSO has launched an African American Fellowship Program in collaboration with ODU to advance the goal of increased diversity of orchestral musicians nationwide.

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31 March 2023

Norfolk Bakeries Specializing in Wedding Cakes

One of the sweetest parts of a wedding day is, without a doubt, the cake! If you’re getting married in Norfolk, you’ll be pleased to know there are some top-notch bakery options right in our city that would be ideal for creating the confection of your dreams. From sinfully indulgent stacked layers to simple sweets for an intimate affair, here’s a look at Norfolk’s bakeries that specialize in wedding cakes.

Bar-Q Desserts

Maybe you haven’t considered ordering your wedding cake from a barbecue joint. Maybe you should. Norfolk’s beloved Bar-Q (BARK), situated inside Bold Mariner Brewing in Ocean View, is known for their Southern blend of multi-regional-inspired barbecue, but they’re equally loved for their completely indulgent, out-of-the-box sweets selection from Bar-Q Desserts. They take custom orders for special occasions, including weddings, so get in touch to start a very sweet conversation.

La Brioche

What started as a way for La Brioche owners Yvan and Jacqueline to bring memories of French bakeries to their new home in Norfolk has translated to some of the finest, most authentic treats around. Authenticity is a great quality to have in love and in baked goods, so it’s a good thing that La Brioche caters to special events. Contact them directly, and look forward to an elevated experience on your big day.

Naas Bakery

IYKYK … and locals know that Naas Bakery doesn’t mess around when it comes to baked goods. The beloved, old-school bakery on Tidewater Drive is lauded for their doughnuts and apple fritters, which regularly sell out. They haven’t changed a lot over the years—probably because they don’t need to. As with their bakery items, the ladies here know their way around a wedding cake, so stop by and have a chat (just not on a Saturday morning when the early birds line up for a sugar rush).

POWnd Cakes By Jen

“We do wedding cakes just like we do anything else—the nontraditional way!” says Jen, Anglin, owner of POWnd Cakes by Jen. When the nontraditional way involves her moist and buttery pound cake confections, we say tradition is overrated anyhow. The melt-in-your-mouth texture of these cakes is practically indescribable and available in any flavor listed on their website, including macadamia white chocolate, turtle, butter pecan, lemon blueberry and caramel apple. “Our cakes are simple, elegant, old fashioned and delicious,” Anglin says. “They may not be the most glamorous, but they have a great personality.”

As for ease factor, POWnd Cakes by Jen transport very easily, and since these cakes stay moist and delicious for days, they can be picked up a day or two before the wedding.

Couples can opt for tiered POWnd cakes to mimic a layered wedding cake. (They don’t frost or decorate cakes, and trust us when we say the flavor and consistency speaks for itself.) Alternatively, some couples purchase the cakes in various flavors and sizes for a lovely and tempting display. And finally, there’s the option of giving a mini POWnd cake to each guest as a wedding favor. We can’t think of anything sweeter.

Stockpot

You may know Stockpot for their healthy comfort foods and ramen Wednesdays. But did you also know that Rebecca Kelley, the fabulously talented baker at Stockpot, creates some of the most elegantly designed, sinfully delectable cakes in the city? “Becca is a wonderfully creative person,” says Stockpot General Manager Amber Kostka. “These type of events are her favorite because she gets to use her skills to make something unique for each couple.”

Some of their most popular wedding cake flavors are almond, raspberry almond, lemon, vanilla, vanilla almond, classic chocolate and red velvet, but the possibilities are endless. As far as frosting goes, traditional buttercream is preferred for the look and taste, but fondant can be used if the design calls for it. “We try to remain flexible to what the couple wants,” Kostka says. “Our baker is so talented, and she feels comfortable doing a version of almost anything.”

Want to try before you buy? Stockpot offers tastings for couples looking to sample different flavor options (4 flavor samples are $40). From there, if they decide to move forward with Stockpot for their cake, the restaurant deducts that cost from the final price. “We are competitively priced and truly care about the couple having a great cake for their big day,” Kostka says.

Tessa’s Creations

With over 30 years of experience Tessa (owner of Tessa’s creations) has brought her self-taught talent to Norfolk’s Ghent neighborhood to establish a bakery and catering business. Some of her popular cake flavors are orange, spice, dark chocolate, strawberry, lemon and coconut, but if you have something different in mind, just ask! When it comes to frosting, look for options like white chocolate, salted caramel or Italian buttercream and many more. Plus, vegan and gluten-free options are available upon request!

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Waterfront Weddings in Norfolk

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