Home Care In Norfolk, VA

Looking for a spring break destination the whole family can enjoy? Consider breaking tradition by spring breaking in Norfolk. We’ve got sandy beaches (minus the crowds), engaging attractions with a little education sprinkled in for the kids, plus family-friendly breweries that are perfect for unwinding after a fun day of adventuring. Here are some ideas for spending spring break in Norfolk, VA.

^{Photo Credit: @jessicahubbardphotography, Instagram}

Nauticus

Spend the day exploring Nauticus, a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in Downtown Norfolk. Wander through their fun and educational exhibits before exploring the Battleship Wisconsin, one of the last and largest battleships built by the Navy. Explore the decks and depths of the ship, and don’t forget to take a family photo!

NEON District

Need to burn off some energy? Skip, hop and stroll throughout the NEON District to discover colorful murals around every corner. Even the sidewalks have points of interest in this arts centric neighborhood. While you’re here, grab some poke or açaí bowls at Zeke’s Beans and Bowls, or sit down for a farm-to-table feast at Commune.

Norfolk Botanical Garden

With more than 60 different gardens to explore, the Norfolk Botanical Garden has something for every taste and season, but spring is an especially vibrant time to visit as so many beautiful trees and flowers are in bloom. Spend some time in the WOW Children’s Garden where you’ll see, smell and touch edible plants and take a nature walk through their Plant Safari Habitat. Don’t forget to pause every once in a while to say hello to the toads and turtles.

Virginia Zoo

Did you know that Norfolk is home to the only zoo in our region? Spend some time exploring the Virginia Zoo’s beautiful walking paths and learning about more than 700 different species. Here you can walk among Australian wallabies and their joeys, spot Africa’s majestic rhinos, lions and cheetahs, gaze at beautifully colored reptiles and even play with goats at the Zoo Farm.

Beach Day

Spend a day making sand castles, soaking up the sun and perhaps even spotting dolphins in the distance. Ocean View is ideal for families with young kids as the mild waves of the Chesapeake Bay gently lap on the beachfront—perfect for wading. Enjoy local seafood while overlooking the Chesapeake Bay at the Ocean View Pier Restaurant. Don’t want to leave the beach? Pack a picnic with food from Taste!

Looking for a way to get out on the bay? Sunset cruises on the American Rover, themed dinner and lunch cruises aboard a City Cruises Norfolk vessel, sailing lessons through Sail Nauticus, and kayaking are all great ways to experience the Chesapeake Bay. For the more educational cruises, check out the Norfolk Naval Base Cruises aboard Victory Rover where they showcase aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, guided missile cruisers and more! The Elizabeth River Ferry also runs between Norfolk and Portsmouth daily for a quick jaunt across the water.

With an abundance of different cuisine in Norfolk, it is easy to please everyone’s palates, and our family-friendly breweries are eager to entertain you. Doumar’s is a great spot to show the kids the world’s first waffle cone machine, and if you’re lucky they will be making fresh cones while you’re there! Want more sweets? Check out the sweetest of treats in Norfolk here, and see our ice cream and gelato shops here!

Norfolk is home to the Norfolk Tides, which always makes for a memorable outing. Head to Harbor Park for loaded franks for the kids and local beers for the adults as you cheer on the home team. Keep an eye out for themed nights featuring special activities like costumed characters, fireworks or a chance to run the bases after the game!

Norfolk has some fantastic options to make your home away from home truly an enjoyable experience. Score an unbelievable view of the Elizabeth River to wake up to, opt for adjoining rooms to enjoy some peace and quiet, or go for the place that allows you to walk everywhere you need to be. Wherever you choose, we’re happy you’re here. Check out these lodging options.

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A branch of the Elizabeth River in Norfolk turned orange/red, not green, ahead of St. Patrick’s Day.

City officials said it was due to a spill of iron oxide into a storm drain on Thursday in the Ingleside neighborhood. Norfolk Fire-Rescue and the city’s Public Works Stormwater Division were notified Thursday night and found the source of the spill.

“Dumped into a small little water body like that, and especially since it was a dye, it has that dramatic effect when you look at it and it’s bright red,” Joe Rieger, Elizabeth River Project Deputy Director of Restoration, said.

Officials said the iron oxide used to dye mulch is nonhazardous.

“The dye itself is a nontoxic dye, so it should not have adverse effects on the wildlife. Obviously, it’s having adverse effects, probably on the water quality. So we definitely see a reduction in the clarity of the water and that could have some repercussions about the amount of light that’s reaching the bottom of the river, but our hope is that it’s going to clear up probably in the next day or two,” he said.

The Elizabeth River Project said “authorities have deemed it non-hazardous based on thorough analysis, including a review of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and additional research.”

However, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the city are investigating the cause and any potential impacts.

The nonprofit Elizabeth River Project said on Friday that an empty 275-gallon tote of mulch dye was found in the backyard of a home. A WAVY viewer sent us a photo of the dye running down the driveway into the storm drain.

Neil Boden noticed his backyard changing from brown to a bright red/orange color.

“Wow, that’s weird. That’s crazy,” he said.

He posted on social media about the incident. That caught the attention of officials.

“You have to be very careful that you don’t put anything, obviously, into the Elizabeth River. The only thing they want going in there is rainwater and runoff from rainwater,” he said. “It’s on the wetlands, it’s protected. And I was concerned that it might be something toxic. So I made the post on Facebook.”

The city says it issued a notice of violation for the illicit discharge to a resident of the home.

“This incident serves as a visual reminder to residents of the importance of properly disposing of materials and not allowing anything other than rainwater into storm drains,” the city added.

Rieger added: “I think that the take-home message for this is a lot of people need to realize that on their streets, those grates that go down in the curbs, those all go to the river… Don’t put oil or grease or leaves and things like that down those storm drains. It should just be the water coming from the streets. And I think sometimes people think that that goes to Hampton Road sanitation district, maybe, and it gets treated, but unfortunately, it doesn’t…This type of material could easily be taken to one of the city transfer stations and disposed of properly if that’s what they were trying to do.”

The city of Norfolk would not be the creative, diverse and vibrant community that it is without the endless contributions made by Black residents and business owners. Some of these Black-owned businesses have become staples, while others have just planted their roots. From scrumptious soul food to self-care sanctuaries, we celebrate these businesses within our city and encourage you to visit their establishments to continue to support and lift them up. Here are a few Black-owned businesses to get you started.

The street view of 350 Grace is a sleek and simple black and white facade, but once you open their front door, a vibrant blue, white and brick interior greets you. Their menu is a perfect marriage of traditional Southern comfort food and modern cuisine. Not only is the food delicious and innovative; it is completely gluten- and grain-free. Chef Willie Moats brings extreme talent to the 350 Grace menu with dishes like Black Garlic Molasses Glazed Half Cornish Hen served with maple sweet potatoes, fried okra, tomato marmalade and melted goat cheese. Their cocktail menu favors Southern concoctions like the Salted Grapefruit Bourbon Martini (Jim Beam Black, ruby red grapefruit juice, simple syrup, grapefruit zest), or try an after dinner drink like Mississippi Mud (Goslings Rum, creme de banana, half-and-half and Hennessy). To cap off the meal, indulge in a Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread Brûlée served with fresh blueberry jam.

Southern wraparound porches will catch your eye when you drive by Bar-Q’s location nestled inside Bold Mariner Brewing Company. Then, your attention will quickly divert to the oversized meat smoker that resides in their parking lot, leaving you to wonder just how delicious their barbecue must be. Next, comes the beautiful aromas of freshly smoked meat that will have your mouth watering almost instantly. Bar-Q has an à la carte menu, but we highly suggest filling up a platter with their moist brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, rich mac and cheese, spicy (but not too spicy) jalapeño and cheddar links and classic cornbread. Pitmaster Jayme Campbell is a barbecue pro but embraces his creative side and hosts occasional BBQ Sushi Nights at the brewery.

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Norfolk, Brothers is the perfect mix of the traditional dining experience with a contemporary flair. Founded and inspired by NBA referee and Norfolk native Tony Brothers, the restaurant offers a fine dining experience that is vibrant, inviting and entertaining. Brothers boats a broad menu that will entice the most sophisticated and adventurous palate. Kindred spirits are invited to enjoy the finest cut of chops, a variety of fresh seafood and a robust selection of spirits.

Canvas Social Cuisine, located in the heart of Downtown Norfolk serves up comfort food, soul, Caribbean and American inspired dishes.

Did you know that Norfolk is home to a black-owned record store? Even though vinyl sales are skyrocketing in the U.S., only a fraction of the country’s 2,500 record stores are Black-owned, according to an article from Insider. At Freshtopia you can browse their vinyl record collection, shop for “fresh” hip-hop-related gear or catch beesus the DJ spinning live on fresh radio.

Get Well Soon founders Virginia Thornton and Zahra Ahmad have created a self-care sanctuary to cater to a need they saw in themselves and in their community: suffering anxiety and depression in silence. Get Well Soon offers guided meditation, yoga, massages, facials, brow and lash services, an infrared sauna and a merchandise shop. This fun and welcoming environment is ideal for achieving healthier minds and bodies.

This all-vegan restaurant located in Park Place brings alternative options to meet without compromising the flavor. The secret is Jikoni Kush, a non-hybrid grain hailing from the tropics of Africa. Try their vegetable pasta mixed with Jikoni Kush, tomatoes, mushrooms, mixed bell peppers, onions and avocados, smothered in Jibini (Alfredo mixed with spicy Jamaican jerk sauce and topped with potatoes). Looking for something sweet? Try a vegan smoothies made with almond milk, organic agave and cashews for added creaminess. This cafe shares its location The House of Consciousness bookshop, promising that if guests arrive with an empty stomach and open mind, they’ll send them back full.

Owner Chris Simmonds launched this zero waste + refill shop in multiple cities throughout the region, including Norfolk. His Ghent shop features sustainable alternatives to everyday items that are healthier for you and our planet. Look for eco-friendly products made from natural ingredients that are free from harsh, synthetic chemicals and stem from makers who are environmentally aware. Household items like soap, lotion and deodorant are sold in recycled, recyclable, compostable or biodegradable packaging—or without packaging at all. While you’re there, peruse the vast, curated selection of nonalcoholic beverages at Ceremony, a section of the store within Less Than.

Experience an elevated dining experience on Granby Street with Prime 255, located in the heart of Downtown Norfolk. The restaurant combines a luxury atmosphere with craft cocktails and culinary delights.

Pure Lagos is an Afropolitan Boutique and Art Gallery. African art pieces decorate the walls while African jewelry, clothing and accessories are featured throughout the store. Owner Sia Alexander not only sources all of these goods from Africa herself but prides herself on being a Fair Trade boutique. With a degree in Human Psychology and incredible knowledge in herbology, nutrition, yoga and spiritual healing gained from time spent in Paris, Capetown and West Africa, Sia offers African holistic health consultations to assist with deep healing. Find Pure Lagos at 251 W. Bute St.

Shark City Naturals is a family-owned and operated, all-natural cosmetics company. The products were initially created to combat adverse reactions from products made with unknown substances but quickly evolved into a business providing a variety of beauty products made with wholesome ingredients.

Established in 1924, Stark and Legum, a haberdashery, is a Granby Street landmark offering customers the finest selection of men’s clothing, including designer suits, shoes and hats. Their talented and knowledgeable staff will help choose the best apparel and accessories for any occasion.

Pop-up art studio and workspace. Pop in any time for simple free flow crafting like creating bookmarks, bracelets, paintings and more. Sign up for guided workshops by yourself or with a group. Also carries local art, jewelry and more, created by the owner and other talented artists.

With a mission to share the true taste of West Africa cuisines with our region in an authentic, fresh and contemporary way, Yendidi is a cultural gem in our city. Start with an Afro Pie, a flaky, buttery pie filled with vegetables and a choice of beef, fish or chicken. Opt for a Ghana salad as a lighter option, or dive into a combination platter like Black Beans Jolly Burrito. With a tantalizing selection of soups and stews, plus meat, poultry, seafood and vegan options, there’s something to excite everyone’s taste buds at Yendidi.

NORFOLK, Va., March 12, 2024 – The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) is pleased to announce that Norfolk, Virginia, will remain the host city for the MEAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament until 2027. The upcoming tournament, scheduled for March 13-16, will be held at the Norfolk Scope Arena, reaffirming the City’s commitment to being the host venue. This partnership extension is effective after the 2023-24 season.

MEAC Commissioner Sonja Stills conveyed her enthusiasm about the decision, stating, “We are thrilled to announce that the MEAC Council of Chief Executive Officers and membership have selected Norfolk, Virginia, to remain as the host city for the 2025, 2026, and 2027 MEAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament. This year will mark the 12th occasion the tournament has been hosted in Norfolk, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the city, showcasing the excitement of the games, and highlighting the fan activities that make this tournament so special. We are grateful to Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Alexander, his staff, and City Council Members for providing an outstanding experience for the MEAC and our fans year in and year out.”

The City of Norfolk, also home to the MEAC’s headquarters and member institution Norfolk State University, has hosted the tournament since 2013. Norfolk served as the tournament’s host site from 1991-1993 and again in 1997.

Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander, Ph.D. expressed his enthusiasm for the extended partnership, “Norfolk has proudly served as the host city for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference since 2013 and we look forward to continuing that partnership for the next three years. As home to both MEAC and Norfolk State University, Norfolk is the ideal location for this tournament as a distinct and dynamic destination offering a unique experience for the alumni, student athletes, and fans.”

The MEAC Basketball Tournament has been held in various cities, including in Winston-Salem, N.C., Durham, N.C., Greensboro, N.C., Charlotte, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Tallahassee, Fla., Richmond, Va., and Raleigh, N.C.

The MEAC Basketball Tournament, featuring eight Division I historically black colleges and universities, is a single-elimination championship, will have its quarterfinal and semifinal games streamed live on ESPN+. The men’s championship will be broadcast live on ESPN2, and the women’s finale will be live on ESPN+ and air on ESPNU the following day. Both the men’s and women’s champions will secure an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Tournament.

Winter can mean cold, gray days hunkered down indoors waiting for warm weather to return. But here in Norfolk, there are many things to do in winter. This cold weather season can mean a vibrant performing arts scene, visiting free museums, taking advantage of seasonal flavors at coffee shops and breweries or watching an exciting sporting event. There’s a small chance of snow here, but even without the white powdery fluff, Norfolk has a beautiful way of coming alive this time of year. Take advantage of this curated selection of 13 winter bucket list items to complete during your time in Norfolk.

Cold temperatures are here, and we can’t help but dream of a tropical island getaway. While you may not be able to hop on a plane this instant, you can check out Norfolk Botanical Garden’s Tropical House Display for a breath of warm air, towering palms and banana trees!

Bundle up and cheer on our professional ECHL hockey team, the Norfolk Admirals, this winter. You can catch a game at the Norfolk Scope Arena located downtown. Freshly popped popcorn awaits you!

Winter months in Norfolk are not complete without a steaming bowl of she-crab soup. Restaurants serving this Southern classic each have their own unique twist to its flavoring, but generally, the soup consists of milk or heavy cream, crab or fish stock, crab meat and crab roe, with a small amount of dry sherry, making for a rich, warm meal during the coldest of days. We highly recommend indulging at Todd Jurich’s Bistro or Freemason Abbey.

Relive those carefree days of yesteryear with classic arcade games plus favorites like skeeball and air hockey at Pixels Pints + Bytes. Enjoy pub classics and a beer as you travel back in time at this locally owned “barcade” in Ghent. Or, head Downtown to Circuit Social to test your skills at the classics like Mario Kart and Pac-Man or enjoy a round of Duckpin bowling. Pair your gaming with a local brew from one of their 48 self-serve taps, or snag a bite to eat from their all-American menu.

Escape the cold for an hour with a rejuvenating and toasty session at Torch Yoga + Cycle. Whether you come for the cycling or the hot yoga, you’ll warm up in no time, channel your inner zen and leave the class nice and toasty, perhaps even appreciating the refreshing cold air outside.

Norfolk has a great appreciation for the performing arts and what better way to get out of the house this winter and into a warm cozy theater than by attending a show. Norfolk is home to the Virginia Opera, Virginia Arts Festival, Virginia Symphony and make sure you check out Norfolk broadway shows at Chrysler Hall.

If you’re in need of some like-minded energy or just a quieter place to sip a warm, tasty cup of coffee, pop into one of Norfolk’s delightful coffeeshops. Each one is unique and offers a warm atmosphere, friendly faces and any type of hot beverage—caffeinated or not—your heart desires on a chilly winter day. Plus, you can grab a housemade pastry or hot meal as you sip the day away.

Sometimes you just need a hot tasty beverage without a jolt of caffeine. Most of Norfolk’s coffee shops offer up delicious teas, so find one you love and take a sip. Need suggestions? Try Coalescence’s Rainier Tea, an organic tisane blend with peppermint flavors. Or, check out Vessel Craft Coffee’s selection, as their teas are sourced directly from family farms that use sustainable farming practices.

Norfolk is filled with museums, many of which are free to visit! Discover Norfolk’s maritime history at the Hampton Roads Naval History Museum; peruse paintings, dolls and glass art at the Barry Art Museum; or explore over 30,000 original works of art that span more than 5,000 years at Chrysler Museum of Art—all of which offer free admission every day.

A chilly day can quickly become warm after a few sips of delicious wine. Step into Mermaid Winery, Virginia’s only urban winery, or Vino Culture, a boutique wine shop located Downtown, for tastings of wines from around the world and around our state. Dine in for Wine Down Wednesday every week for 50% off bottles.

Home to Norfolk’s artistic cinema, the Naro is a cozy spot for catching films you may not see in theaters, as well as reliving some favorite classics. A cultural landmark in Norfolk, the Naro is also home to one of the world’s longest-running showings of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, with regularly-scheduled showings since 1978.

There’s nothing quite as comforting and exciting as a bowl of ramen from Alkaline. Nearly all ingredients are made in house, resulting in an unparalleled flavor combination of broth, noodles and toppings. Along with their beloved bowls of ramen, Alkaline specializes in Asian sticky wings, stir fried green beans and miso butter cake.

Stouts, porters and winter ales take center stage at Norfolk’s breweries this time of year. Lean in to the chilly season with an even chillier beer and enjoy those toasty notes that’ll warm you right up. COVA Brewing features tasty seasonal offerings such as Cookie Exchange stout, Winter Warmer, Coffee Shop coffee stout and Gold Foil oatmeal stout. Meanwhile, Reaver Beach NFK has on tap these winter favorites: Pour Over Loko Nitro Stout (brewed with Vessel coffee), Sunday Bunday cinnamon bun ale and Altbierior Motives with almonds, cacao nibs and coconut.

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