Downtown Norfolk Council has partnered with Norfolk Tour Company to offer twenty-one free monthly walking tours of the NEON District and Downtown Norfolk. The tours begin in April and run through December 2024 and include notable public art in the NEON District, the importance of the Granby Street corridor, a history of Downtown theaters, an urban design-themed tour focusing on Downtown’s redevelopment, the Elizabeth River Trail, as well as tours of historic homes and churches in Downtown.
“Downtown Norfolk has so many unique attributes and stories to tell that we are excited to be able to share this with the community,” said Downtown Norfolk Council President and CEO Mary Miller. “We are always looking for new opportunities to bring people together and show off everything happening Downtown.”
The NEON District tours explore more than 100 pieces of public art and many local businesses that make up the neighborhood fabric. All tours begin at The Plot at the corner of Granby Street and Olney Road. NEON District public parking is available on the street, at the Plot’s parking lot and the Harrison Opera House lot. The NEON District Tour Facebook page offers more information and tour details.
“I am very excited to renew this partnership with Downtown Norfolk Council,” said Joshua Weinstein, owner of Norfolk Tour Company. “We believe our tour programming enriches Downtown Norfolk by highlighting its attractions and architecture, as well as the beauty and intrigue of its stories. We offer these tours to the public for free, thanks to the support of DNC.”
If you’ve been waiting for the opportune moment to visit Battleship Wisconsin – Norfolk’s resident testament to 20th Century American sea power – well, a birthday is as good as any!
The ship, launched in 1943 and commissioned in 1944, officially turns 80 this year and its keepers are prepping for a monthlong party for this craft that saw action in World War II, the Korean War and the Persian Gulf War.
From April 1-30, Nauticus will be packed with a full calendar of events and programs honoring the Wisconsin’s rich history. Here’s a quick look at some of the highlights:
Birthday Bash & Ice Cream Workshop (April 13)
Mingle with Wisconsin veterans, explore the ship with enhanced programs, and even learn the fascinating connection between ice cream and World War II victory at a special workshop! VIP tours available on April 14.
Nauticus After Dark: Battleship Blast! (April 25)
This exclusive 21+ event lets you enjoy the Battleship’s stunning views and historic features after-hours, complete with themed drinks and the Battleship Wisconsin Commemorative bottle of Ironclad Bourbon.
Battleship Birthday Family Overnight (April 27)
Spend an unforgettable night aboard the battleship! This unique experience includes a VIP tour, engaging activities, and breakfast in the historic wardroom – perfect for families of all ages.
Free Military Admission (April 1-30)
Nauticus is partnering with World of Warships to offer complimentary admission to active duty and veteran service members, with discounts for dependents.
More Ways to Celebrate
If that’s not enough, April promises even more fun for everyone.
Daily Programs: Take a guided tour of the battleship, learn to sail, or catch a special “WisKy Wednesday” program on the Nauticus YouTube channel.
The Norfolk Grille’s .80 Cent Specials: Throughout April, enjoy rotating specials priced at just 80 cents!
April Toddler Time: Bring your little ones (ages 3 and under) for a special educational program celebrating the Battleship’s commissioning.
For details on these programs, head over to the Nauticus website: Battleship Wisconsin Turns 80! for start times and to purchase tickets.
There’s little doubt that Norfolk, Virginia is the spot along the Mid-Atlantic coast to get your fill of events, attractions, dining and culture. But what if you’re here on a Monday? Nothing is ever open on Mondays, is it?
Turns out, much more than you might expect.
While several major Norfolk attractions and eateries close up shop on Mondays to give their staff a much-needed day of rest, others keep plowing ahead, and that’s great news for you.
So, let’s look at some of the top things to do on a Monday in Norfolk, VA.
Norfolk Botanical Garden
Outdoors Attractions
Norfolk enjoys a full four seasons, which means three-quarters of the time, it’s pretty enjoyable outdoors. Open year-round, the Norfolk Botanical Garden (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) is a great option for a Monday visit. With 175 acres of gardens, wildlife and kids’ exhibits, it’s perfect any time of year. Speaking of wildlife, the Virginia Zoo (9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) lets you explore the plains of Africa where you’ll meet crocs, orangutans, snakes and other exotic critters without leaving Tidewater.
If you’re up for a walk, Downtown Norfolk has plenty of paths that take you to several only-in-Virginia type attractions. Stroll through the grounds of the Taiwanese Pagoda Garden Teahouse to see one of Norfolk’s most photographed locations, then make your way down to the site of the historic (and majestic) Battleship Wisconsin. While the ship and museum are shuttered on Mondays, you can still walk the length of the ship on the adjacent dock, where many a classic Norfolk selfie has been taken. Look behind you and you’ll see the Trail of Honor, the city’s nod to its citizens who fought in battles from the Civil War to Vietnam.
Two nearby parks are worth your time. Closest to downtown is Town Point Park (6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.) a seven-acre waterfront park with water fountains and green spaces for chilling out on a warm day. Up the road a bit is Plum Point Park (8 a.m. to 7 p.m.), which boasts five acres of paths, Navy tributes and views galore of the Elizabeth River. The adjacent Elizabeth River Trail connects both parks and is a must-see for anyone touring the area on foot or bicycle. And, while the estate is closed on Mondays, there’s not much to stop you from walking around the 12 beautiful acres of the Hermitage Museum and Gardens grounds and admiring the scenery.
Get on the Water
On warmer days, the Elizabeth and Lafayette rivers are positively beckoning you to spend time on the water. Fortunately, the rivers don’t care that it’s Monday, so hop into a craft you can paddle at Norfolk Kayak Rentals. If you want to let someone else do the driving, we totally get it. For that, take a cruise on the Victory Rover or American Rover (both 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and the Spirit of Norfolk. Learn more about cruise schedules and pricing on our Harbor Cruises page.
Dig Into Culture
Art, anyone? Norfolk is happy to oblige. While downtown, swing into the Glass Light Hotel Gallery(8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) to see glass artworks from Dale Chihuly, Peter Bremmers and other masters of the medium. Or, walk around and see the colorful – and often inspiring – murals that dot the city’s landscape.
Feeling up for a movie? The Naro Expanded Cinema is a throwback single-screen theater in the historic and vibrant Ghent neighborhood. They routinely play first-run films alongside classics from the past and, yes, they’re open on Mondays.
Pick up a few souvenirs on your way into or out of town when you stop by the VisitNorfolk Mermaid Market (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at 232 E. Main St. next to the Selden Market (also open for shopping on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Ocean View Beach, Norfolk
Hit the Beach
Perhaps you don’t want to be in the water so much as adjacent to it. Well, we’ve got a beachin’ good time for you. Head 20 minutes north from downtown to Ocean View Beach Park where you’ll find lighter crowds and plenty of shoreline on which to relax. The nearby Ocean View Pieris the place to fish (gear for rent in the pier’s tackle shop) and dine during the spring, summer and early fall.
Delve into History
Take a walk along the Cannonball Trail, which winds along the shoreline of the Elizabeth River and traverses 400 years of local and national history. See if you can spot the Revolutionary War-era cannonball still lodged in the wall of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church!
To go further afield, hop on the Elizabeth River Ferry for a short (less than 10 minute) ride over to Old Town Portsmouth, kick around there and hop back on to return to Norfolk. The ferry runs daily every half-hour from 5:45 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. with seasonal/holiday hours varying.
Elizabeth River Ferry
For more history, visit the inspiring End of Massive Resistance Wall, an eight-foot tall, 57-foot-wide tribute to a group of students who broke the color barrier in Norfolk city schools in 1959. Honor Norfolk’s fallen citizens – both military and civilian – at the historic, peaceful West Point and Cedar Grove cemeteries on Princess Anne Blvd. near Ghent. Both resting grounds are great for a meditative morning of photography, but keep it respectful: both are still in active use.
Norfolk’s moving Armed Forces Memorial uniquely recalls final letters from soldiers sent just before they paid the ultimate sacrifice. It is located at the end of Town Point Park, nestled between the Elizabeth River and Downtown Norfolk.
Fort Norfolk
Finally, see the town’s last remaining harbor-front forts at Fort Norfolk, authorized in 1794 by President George Washington. The fort overlooks the Elizabeth River and includes earthwork embankments, ramparts, a dungeon, officers’ quarters, powder magazine, barracks and guardhouse. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates the site and it’s open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
You really can’t go wrong however you say it, unless you go with the last one. We all agree that’s just weird, right?
Norfolk is a city of contradictions. It’s where North meets South, where the traditional and the modern coexist peacefully and where you can go from enjoying a Doumar’s Coed sundae to tucking into a Foie Gras Torchon at Todd Jurich’s Bistro in no time flat and no one will bat an eye.
It’s also a place where everybody has an opinion about how to pronounce its name.
As Spring 2024 dawns, VisitNorfolk is leaning into this dichotomy with our new campaign, “How Do You Say Norfolk?”
And boy, do people have some opinions on that.
Old-School vs. Modern
Spend a few minutes in the cafes of Ghent or Freemason and you’ll quickly hear longtime residents pronouncing it as NAW-fik.
Younger residents of the city are more likely to be split along the NOR-fik / NOR-FUK line, with some insisting that the first is correct, while others (often with a mischievous grin on their face) assure you it’s the latter. There also remains a strong contingent of locals who can’t bring themselves to pronounce it as NOR-FUK, lest they be accused of cursing in public.
In recent years, Norfolk’s legendary music venue the Norva even took things a step further by painting a warning sign to visiting headliners on the stairs ascending to the stage that reads, “ IT’S NOT NOR-FOLK, IT’S NOR-FUK.” That sign has probably warded off more spontaneous audience boos than can be counted. `
What most agree on is that pronouncing the L as in nor-FOLK will get you quickly branded as an outsider. As someone who has yet to experience all the charms Mermaid City has to offer, from sweeping ocean views in the north to stunning harbor scenes in the south and seemingly a million different places to eat in between.
The thing is, many people call Norfolk home for the long-term, while others are only here to soak up the culture for a short time. With the naval base, the port and NATO located here, we get our share of folks who bring their own distinctive way of pronouncing the city’s name and that’s A-OK with us.
But that’s the beauty of this place, we say. Norfolk has layers just waiting to be peeled back on every return visit.
So, maybe you aren’t yet sure the answer to the question, “How Do You Say Norfolk?” That’s quite alright with Norfolk. All anyone asks is that you spend a little time getting to know the city’s charms, from its 600+ independent restaurants to its late-night cocktail scene and its staggering historic attractions and outdoor recreation along the Elizabeth River Trail.
Now, we’d love to hear from you. How do you say Norfolk? Tag us on social media with #VisitNorfolkVA to share all the creative and inventive ways you’ve come up with.
Whoever said cats can’t be as friendly as dogs never set foot in Norfolk’s Catnip Cafe. Upon walking into this Colley Ave. storefront in Ghent, you’re greeted by nearly two dozen shelter cats – some eager for “scritches” and pats – others hanging back to size you up before engaging.
On any given day, the cafe is home to approximately 23 cats, owner Freeda Steele says as she leads Buddy, a sleek, senior Russian Blue with a distinctively gruff meow, to his water bowl.
“In June, it will be seven years since we opened,” Steele says. “In that time, we’ve adopted out more than 1,600 cats.”
Which brings us to the dual purposes of the Catnip Cafe: to serve as a halfway home for shelter cats in need of socialization and as a springboard for adoption. The residents of the cafe come from two local rescue organizations – Billy the Kidden out of Virginia Beach and Feral Affairs Network in Norfolk. Steele says the rescue groups select the cats that live at Catnip Cafe based on their ability to be sociable and their age, which ranges from six months and up. (A semi-annual Kittenpalooza event is extremely popular with kitten lovers).
It’s a win-win for the cats, the rescue organizations and the streams of visitors who flock to the cafe to play with the residents. Cost for a session runs $9 per person for a 30-minute power visit and $13 for an hour-long appointment. The number of groups allowed at any given appointment window is kept small to avoid overwhelming the residents. Visitors must be five years or older.
People visit Catnip Cafe for a variety of reasons, Steele says. Some come to play with the cats, while others arrive with adoption on their minds. Visitors who aren’t allowed to have cats – or who are allergic – come to get the temporary fix of a little feline playtime, she says.
The cafe portion of Catnip Cafe
“Some people will pop a Benadryl, hang out and love on the cats and get their cat time without a lifetime commitment of allergies,” Steele says.
Catnip Cafe is also popular with students and remote workers seeking a break from the usual coffee shop routine. They can set up shop, enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks and spend time among the purrs and playful meows of a room filled with adorable cats.
An hour-long visit is enough to give you the sense of the fluctuations in energy levels in the cafe. Some kitties tuck into tunnels and perch atop couches to nap while others frolic and chase each other around until they tire out.
Steele says, “some of the cats are new and shy and some are super active. But then they flip and the nappy ones start playing, then the ones who were playing take a break.”
As for long-term residents, there are several who have been around since last summer: Virgil, Peaches and Tonic. Steele suspects they will eventually be adopted.
“Some cats are shy, but shy cats can go fast at certain times. Some people are looking for that. Some people want a cat that’s independent while others want ones that are cuddly and all over them.”
At Catnip Cafe, there are both types in abundance, all waiting for you to visit.
When poet T.S. Eliot wrote, “April is the cruelest month,” he’d clearly never been to Norfolk in the spring. Here, it’s not just the temperatures that heat up, it’s also the events, concerts, plays and more. Here are a few of our favorites slated for April 2024.
Your 2023 Triple-A International League champions make their triumphant return home with two week-long home stands in April against Scranton and Gwinnett.
As an affiliate team of the Baltimore Orioles, the Norfolk Tides play at Harbor Park on the Elizabeth River in downtown Norfolk. Prior to being an affiliate team of the Baltimore Orioles, they had a 38-year affiliation with the New York Mets. The Tides have won the Governors’ Cup, the championship of the International League, six times, and played in the championship series 10 times.
Traveling from the National Portrait Gallery in London to Norfolk, the Chrysler Museum of Art will be the first venue in the United States to host this major exhibition, burnishing the Chrysler’s reputation as an institution committed to the presentation of the diverse histories of photography through exhibitions and the permanent collection.
It’s the Wait Wait Stand-Up Tour — a night of stand-up comedy featuring some of Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me’s funniest panelists. Wait Wait’s panelists are a talented bunch — some of the most hilarious and insightful people in the country. Here’s a chance to enjoy a full evening of their brilliant stand-up comedy. Your host is veteran stand-up and Wait Wait regular, Alonzo Bodden. Joining Alonzo will be a rotating group of panelists/performers including Mo Rocca, Maeve Higgins, Maz Jobrani, Alzo Slade, Hari Kondabolu, Helen Hong, Negin Farsad, Adam Burke, Faith Salie, and Brian Babylon.
Celebrate Norfolk’s favorite battleship all month long! The ship, launched in 1943 and commissioned in 1944, officially turns 80 this year and its keepers are prepping for a monthlong party for this craft that saw action in World War II, the Korean War and the Persian Gulf War.
From April 1-30, Nauticus will be packed with a full calendar of events and programs honoring the Wisconsin’s rich history.
Norfolk Flea Market – a monthly market transforming Waterside District into a haven for aficionados of oddities, curiosities, and all things unique! More than just a market, this vibrant affair is held the first Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Harlem, 1930. The Blues are getting bluer and the gin is running dry. A free-spirited Cotton Club singer has just been fired with nowhere left to go but down. So, she turns to her best friend, an extravagant costume designer with plans to dress Josephine Baker in Paris. Maybe they can run away together? Or maybe the handsome southerner that just came knocking can offer an even better life? But the saxophone dreams of Harlem rarely end as smoothly as they start.
Mounting a mighty spectacle that changes every year, the Virginia International Tattoo summons hundreds of performers including fife and drum corps, bagpipers, military bands, precision drill teams and performing ensembles ranging from step dancers to motorcycle stunt drivers. A salute to international friendship and an emotional call to the love of country in us all, the Tattoo is an unmissable celebration.
Phil Rosenthal is the award-winning creator, executive producer, and host of “SOMEBODY FEED PHIL,” as well as a New York Times Best Selling Author. “Somebody Feed Phil” – one of Netflix’s most popular food and travel shows has garnered a cult-like following and released its seventh season in March. This Emmy-nominated unscripted documentary series combines his love of food and travel with his unique brand of humor has become must-see TV for foodies, restaurateurs, travelers, and armchair enthusiasts all over the world. Rosenthal also created and served as showrunner for “Everybody Loves Raymond.”
The Norfolk NATO Festival is proud to present its annual Parade of Nations, the longest continuously running parade in Hampton Roads and the only parade in the United States honoring NATO. Over 75 Parade Units with local and visiting high school bands, U.S. and International Military bands and colorful floats which represent each of the NATO Member Nations. Local community organizations and Festival partners are also featured. Free and open to the public.
Fresh off the heels of his sold-out “Live and In Person 2023” North American tour, John Mellencamp confirms its continuation with “Live and In Person 2024.” Mellencamp will perform for one night only in 27 new cities. The new dates celebrate Mellencamp’s most recent album, Orpheus Descending, released to widespread critical acclaim this June on Republic Records. He will continue to perform songs from the new LP, Orpheus Descending, during his live set.
Renowned for his extraordinary musical sensitivity and technical virtuosity in both classical and flamenco styles, Grisha Goryachev is undoubtedly the greatest solo flamenco guitarist in the world. He carries on the tradition of solo flamenco guitar in a concert setting that was practiced by legendary flamenco masters such as Ramón Montoya, Sabicas and Paco de Lucia. Do not miss what will be one of the most electrifying concerts of the year.
Since formally introducing themselves in 2011, The Piano Guys have released five studio albums, two Christmas releases and a fan-favorite live album, earning six No. 1 debuts on Billboard’s Top Classical Albums chart and garnering an impressive two billion-plus global streams, more than 1.6 billion YouTube views, and averaging nearly two million monthly listeners on Spotify alone.
Multi-platinum selling country rock group ALABAMA has announced their “Roll On 2 North America” tour will include a stop in Norfolk featuring very special guest Lee Greenwood.
2023 Freedom Tour, legendary rock band JOURNEY has announced a new round of shows for their 50th Anniversary Freedom Tour 2024 featuring very special guest TOTO.
Ladies R&B Kickback Concert at #ChartwayArena on Saturday, April 27 — featuring Next, Ginuwine, Bobby V, Case, H Town, Day 26, Shai, J Holiday and Sammie.
HADESTOWN intertwines two mythic tales — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — as it invites you on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Mitchell’s beguiling melodies and Chavkin’s poetic imagination pit industry against nature, doubt against faith and fear against love. Performed by a vibrant ensemble of actors, dancers and singers, HADESTOWN is a haunting and hopeful theatrical experience that grabs you and never lets go.
Situated on the Chesapeake Bay, Norfolk, Virginia knows a thing or two about fish. But it’s not just the fried, grilled and baked that local chefs excel in. Inspired by the traditions of Japanese cuisine, dedicated sushi chefs are changing the game right here in Mermaid City.
From intimate, family-run establishments to modern takes on the classic Japanese cuisine, the city caters to a wide range of palates. So, if you’ve found yourself in Norfolk and are wondering where’s the best sushi nearby, look no further than our guide to sushi restaurants.
Plenty of fresh fish options to choose from here, along with milk tea, Ramune sodas, miso soup, yakitori and more. Located near Naval Station Norfolk. (8401 Hampton Blvd.)
Situated on bustling Granby St.,this ornate restaurant offers an extensive sushi selection alongside Japanese cuisine. Stop in for the daily lunch specials that mix affordability, flavor and just-right portions. (233 Granby St.)
While ramen takes center stage here, Ichran also boasts a delicious sushi menu, great for a well-rounded Japanese dining experience. (5720 Hoggard Rd F)
It doesn’t get more traditional than Koshi, where flaming salmon belly, rockfish, uni, yellowtail and other favorites come alive alongside dishes such as udon soup, fried oysters and Korean bibimbap bowls. If there’s a wait to get in, it’s for good reason: Koshi goes to great lengths to make each diner’s experience unforgettable. (201 W. 21st St.)
The teriyaki chicken and sushi box at Kotobuki. insta: @jamesball1973
A staff favorite, this family-owned gem offers a warm and friendly atmosphere with a traditional Japanese menu including vegetarian options alongside their sushi offerings. For the best of both worlds, order the chicken teriyaki and sushi box and thank us later. (Address: 721 W. 21st St.)
Proving that some trends deserve to stick around, Pokey takes the deconstructed sushi concept and features fresh, cubed fish over rice bases. Their ramen is excellent, as well. (215 Granby St.)
Found upstairs in the MacArthur Center Mall, Sakura Elite offers tasty Asian fusion cuisine, including sushi, for a satisfying mid-shopping break. (300 Monticello Ave.)
These two locations offer an all-you-can-eat sushi experience with a focus on fresh, sustainable ingredients and minimal waste. Each also features hibachi cooking along with salad, soup and desserts for a complete meal. (Sushi King Little Creek – 4249 East Little Creek Rd. & Sushi King Monticello – 420 Monticello Ave. #100)
Featuring yakisoba, sushi, sashimi and other Japanese favorites, this Wards Corner location is open every day for lunch and dinner except Monday. (7674 Granby St.)
This modern restaurant offers a unique twist, combining delicious all-you-can-eat sushi with a fusion of Chinese, Thai, and Japanese cuisine. (339 W 21st St.)
Everyone Else
Gone are the days when sushi is only found in traditional Japanese settings. Plenty of places around town serve up some version of sushi or poke, including Craft on Colley, Stockpot, Zeke’s and many others. Grab your chopsticks and enjoy the fresh bounty of the sea, Norfolk style.
Take a walk up Granby St. on any given night and you’ll think you’ve wandered into a trendy NYC borough complete with restaurants of every cuisine type and happy foodies enjoying dinner on sidewalks and in cozy parklets. From the cozy and casual to the upscale and on-trend, Norfolk downtown restaurants have a little bit of something for everyone.
Here are a few of our favorite restaurants in Downtown Norfolk.
Before Norfolk’s 57-foot long “End of Massive Resistance” wall could be dedicated in April 2023, there was one crucial element missing: a poem to commemorate the day. For that, the city turned to the man arguably best suited for the honor, former Virginia Poet Laureate and longtime Norfolk resident Tim Seibles.
Seibles, who taught at Old Dominion University until his 2019 retirement, worked with surviving members of the Norfolk 17 to craft the poem, “Seventeen Ways.” In it, he pays homage to the group of students who, in 1959, desegregated the city’s public schools after a protracted and painful battle that went as high as the state’s governor and was splashed across newspaper front pages throughout the nation.
Getting to tell their story, Seibles says, was both cathartic and humbling, especially because he had grown up in the era of segregated schools and was among the first students to integrate into the Philadelphia city school system in the 1960s. For Seibles, the experience came as an elementary school student, which helped soften the transition.
Contrasting his experience with that of the Norfolk 17, Seibles says, “These kids faced much more animosity than we did in Philly. It was the 1950s and the South, so it was much rougher for them. At the high school level, you’re dealing with attitudes that are hardened.”
In the poem, Seibles draws on conversations he had with the living members of the Norfolk 17 as well as their white classmates. Safe to say, each remembered the experience in dramatically different ways.
This led Seibles to pen a standout line in the poem that reads,
Here, now, it’s easy to forget — easy / to think “it wasn’t so bad.”
Reflecting on this line, Seibles says, this sort of justification is often used by people as a way to cope with extremely difficult situations. He adds, “If you haven’t had direct experience with a thing, you can say, ‘it wasn’t that bad.’”
The “End of Massive Resistance” wall on Charlotte Street in Norfolk. @via_design_architects
A Distinctive Honor
In conversation, Seibles can switch between levity and seriousness at the drop of a hat, but he never seriously considered that his nomination to be the 18th Poet Laureate of Virginia was more than a kind gesture from a friend. But lo and behold, there he was, on the phone with the governor’s office in July 2016, accepting the honor.
The chance to share his love of poetry with young students across Virginia was the best part of the title, he says.
“I think when you talk to middle school or high school students, they’re skeptical about poetry,” Seibles says. “But if you read them a poem and they understand it right away, they relax and become receptive quickly.”
Seibles stresses that this is important on several levels.
“I believe poetry in particular and art in general is good for a society and what daily pleasures or hardships shape our lives.”
Indeed, his own work touches on both the personal and the universal, covering topics as specific as being Black in America and as general as being young and in love. He’s chronicled his journey through verse in books such as “Fast Animal,” a 2012 National Book Award finalist, “One Turn Around the Sun” (2017) and “Voodoo Libretto: New & Selected Poems” (2022).
At the core of every poem he writes, Seibles tackles the timeless experiences all people share, regardless of race, age or cultural upbringing. He captures his hope for the future in a line from his poem, “Something Silver White,” that reads:
After / so many years together / you might think / we would be kinder / because, no matter what / anybody says about / anybody else, we were all born / to this planet suddenly / blinking under the same star / and evening sky and that means the universe / is floating.
This hopefulness in the face of bleak circumstances is a thread that runs through much of Seibles’ work.
“People get busy and the heart gets shoved into a little corner somewhere inside themselves,” Seibles says. “What I want with my work is to put the heart in the center of things. How we feel about life is how we live.”
A collection of Tim Sebiels’ favorite books.
Why He Calls Norfolk Home
Seibles’ optimistic outlook extends to his adopted hometown of Norfolk, a place where the arts thrive and creativity is encouraged.
“I like that because it’s a smaller city, you get to have a sharpened sense of community. I’m really happy about the arts here. Norfolk likes to encourage the idea that creativity and arts are a real contributing factor to the health of a society.”
Poet Tim Seibles signs a copy of his book, “Voodoo Libretto” in Norfolk
All of which is to say it makes perfect sense that Seibles would contribute his time and energy to a poem dedicated to the Norfolk 17.
“The idea that the city funded this monument is amazing,” he says of the monument at 114 West Charlotte Street. “Not every city would do that and I really admire that.”
Seibles continues to write poetry and even hinted at a collaboration with local musicians in the near future. In the meantime, he can be found spreading the good word about poetry at events across town.
“I think of myself as an ambassador for poetry,” Seibles says. “I want people to know poetry can be good for their souls. Just sit and think about things for a minute. That is good for everybody.”
Looking to extend your fun late into the evening on your next visit?
Just remember, Norfolk is an extremely walkable city with 12 blocks of bars, restaurants, shopping and historic attractions. The Norfolk Tide light rail system runs 7.5 miles in and out of Downtown, offering 11 convenient stops. Taxis and rideshare services abound for those looking to venture further.
Here are the top bars open until at least midnight on weekends (and some open as late as 2 a.m.)
Downtown
This action-packed area has everything you need for a night out on the town. Walkability is key here, with Granby St. serving as the heart of everything you’re looking for.
Across from the Scope, this sports bar stays open until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday; until 11 p.m. Thursday and Sunday. Closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Fun atmosphere and casual outdoor dining. The perfect place to unwind with a cocktail, American food and live music. Open until 2 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; until midnight every other night of the week.
Park Place/Railroad District
Fun neighborhood north of Ghent and near the Virginia Zoo. Cab or rideshare recommended from Downtown.
A local favorite for live music, entertainment and DJs near Lambert’s Point. Open until 1:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday; until 12:30 a.m. Thursday and Sunday; until 11:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
