A.M.
Start your day on a stroll through downtown with a fresh cup of java from neighborhood coffee shops. Pop into our locally owned boutiques located just a short walk from the cruise terminal in historic Monticello Arcade. For even more retail therapy, visit neighboring MacArthur Center, a one-million square foot shopping mall anchored by Nordstrom and Dillard’s.
Then take in the vibrant cityscape as you ride the Tide, Norfolk’s light rail service, on your way to the Chrysler Museum of Art, a nationally-renowned art museum with a state-of-the-art Glass Studio on its campus. Spend the rest of the morning perusing its extensive collections and thoughtfully curated exhibits.
LUNCH
Stop by the museum’s Wisteria Café and grab an on-the-go lunch to enjoy while watching the free daily glass art demonstration, performed at noon in the adjacent Glass Studio.
P.M.
Hop over to one of our local breweries, a short cab ride away in Ghent and the Chelsea District, for an afternoon tour and tasting at Smartmouth Brewing Company or O’Connor Brewing Company. Gain firsthand knowledge of the craft brewing process and get a taste of our growing local beer scene.
Continue your tasting tour with an afternoon bite paired with a delicious wine flight at Virginia’s first urban winery, Mermaid Winery, located in Historic Ghent. While in the neighborhood, explore some of its treasured antique shops and trendy boutiques for one-of-a-kind finds.
P.M.
Grab a cab and head back downtown to explore Nauticus, the interactive and engaging maritime science center located along Norfolk’s sweeping waterfront. During your visit climb aboard and walk along the mighty teak decks of the Battleship Wisconsin, the largest and last battleship built by the U.S. Navy.
DINNER
While in downtown, dine in one of the many renowned, chef-owned restaurants along Granby Street. Known to locals as “restaurant row”, there’s something for every appetite from traditional southern fare and fresh local seafood to trendy, Nouveau Cuisine.
