Norfolk, Virginia

The final south-eastern Virginia city blog is here, and the perfect ending to 2022 is my favorite city and the one I call home, Norfolk. Incorporated in 1705, it is now the home to the largest Naval base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk, one of NATO's strategic commands, and the Port of Virginia. The Elizabeth River runs to the west, and the Chesapeake Bay to the north, giving us many views of the water with inlets and tributaries throughout the city. 

Norfolk is the only city of the seven that make up Hampton Roads to boast an actual skyline with multiple tall buildings. Although I love the newer buildings, the preservation of the older architecture throughout the city makes it even more special. 

We have two great universities, Norfolk State, a historically black college, and Old Dominion University. Eastern Virginia Medical School is near downtown and had the first invitro-fertilization in the United States.

At the waterfront in the downtown area, we have the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin, which you can tour and is entirely decked out for the holidays. A cruise terminal is next door and welcomes visitors to our area.

Several distinct neighborhoods throughout Norfolk, from Freemason, which still has some cobblestone streets and stately residences, to Ghent, a more artsy district filled with independent restaurants and shops, and the Naro Theater, which has the best popcorn anywhere, the Chrysler Museum, filled with great works of art and has a glass blowing studio.

The main downtown area is filled with many independent restaurants; two are favorites for me. First, the Monastery Restaurant is owned by Anna and Adolf Jerabek, who fled Chekoslavkia in 1967 and opened on Granby Street in Norfolk in 1983; they both are still working there and welcome you as if you were family. The dry-roasted goose is not to be missed, but the hospitality alone is worth the visit. My second is Syd's FirshPig Cafe, owned by James Beard nominated Chef Sydney Meers. Syd's combination of flavors is top-notch and is decorated with his eclectic art. If you get the chance to meet Syd, his culinary knowledge and personality will leave you with full bellies and lots of laughs. 

It's been fun touring my area for the year. I hope everyone has enjoyed the journey, and it shows you no matter which city you come to in southeast Virginia, it is worth the visit.