Nowhere in the Mid-Atlantic United States will you find a more active and celebratory city than Norfolk, Virginia. With a growing downtown culture and the expanse of Town Point Park bordering the Elizabeth River, Norfolk sets the stage for many lively festivals that keep residents and visitors entertained throughout the year. No matter what season brings you to the heart of the Hampton Roads area, you are certain to find something fun to do and see.

Norfolk's festivals highlight the best of the city, from art and music, to regional cuisine and a strong pride in heritage and history. These events are continuous popular traditions for residents old and young, and newcomers to Norfolk are always welcome to join in on the fun. Be sure to mark your calendar and save the dates for the next big event, as accommodations and parking sometimes come at a premium.

Here are just a few of Norfolk's popular annual events:

International Azalea Festival: (April) Since 1953, the city of Norfolk has set aside a weekend in the Spring to commemorate the installation of NATO's Allied Command Atlantic presence in Norfolk. The Azalea Festival salutes the many nationalities and cultures that have helped shape Norfolk's diversity. Each celebration pays tribute to one particular culture and features the stunning Azalea Queen and her court, who lead one of the city's most popular parades.

Harborfest: (June) Harborfest is a celebration of Norfolk's nautical heritage. As one of the nation's oldest ports, Norfolk was and remains an important port of call for military and industrial ships. Each year at this festival the waters are alive with hundreds of boats sailing the river. Live music from top popular acts sets the energetic tone of the weekend festivities.

Virginia Wine Festival (October) One of the city's favorite fall traditions is the wine festival held at Town Point Park. Here wine enthusiasts may sample the best of the state's vintages along with gourmet snacks provided by local restaurants. Live music accompanies the scene as guests enjoy the cool autumn air.

Norfolk Jazz Festival (August) Grab a blanket and relax on the spacious grass of Town Point Park for two full days of world-class jazz. The Norfolk Jazz Festival is known for attracting some of the best-known names in jazz, reggae, and rhythm and blues, as well as thousands of music lovers who fill the park until past sundown.

Whenever you decide to visit Norfolk, you can be sure there is something fun planned. Enjoy the sights and flavors of this wonderful Southern city with a visit to any of her annual festivals.

Labels: norfolk, vacation, virginia

If you live, have lived, or have visited the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, chances are you have seen the outstanding changes made in Norfolk. Once regarded as a simple Navy town and a stop on the way to the beach or the more historical areas of the state, Norfolk is fast becoming an impressive metropolitan city. A lively cultural calendar, increased interest from major corporations, and the presence of NATO make Norfolk a city to watch in the future, for potential businesses and residences.

If you have never been to Norfolk, or merely drove through on the way to somewhere else, you should definitely consider a stay. Here are just five reasons to love Norfolk.

1) Growing downtown area There used to be a time, friends have told me, when people were reluctant to go downtown, as it had little to offer in the way of shopping and recreation. In the last five years, however, those same people have changed their tunes! Norfolk is steadily developing the downtown area to be more consumer friendly. The MacArthur Center, one of the city's largest shopping complexes, sits in the heart of an area revitalized by incoming boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Buildings on the perimeter are being renovated to accommodate urban, loft living, while corporations headquartered nearby encouraged the influx of employees to become residential neighbors. To have everything within walking distance - goods, services, churches, and recreation - makes Norfolk a very convenient place to live.

2) Sophisticated dining options With the growth of the downtown area, Norfolk is quickly vying other localities in Hampton Roads for dining honors. From nationally-renowned restaurant chains like Shula's Steakhouse to legendary eateries like Doumar's Cones and BBQ, Norfolk has just about every style of cuisine foodies can enjoy. Eclectic fusion dining, cozy coffeehouses, and savory ethnic restaurants await the famished here.

3) Family friendly activities One can only spend so much time at the beach! A trip to Norfolk offers visitors (and residents) many options for family-friendly entertainment. Recent additions to the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk have made this park a growing local attraction, while the Waterside complex offers visitor a casual day of food and fun along the Elizabeth River. Nauticus, Norfolk's own nautical museum, gives visitors the opportunity to experience life under the sea and on the deck of the mighty USS Wisconsin.

4) The Norfolk Tides Did you know Norfolk is home to a professional sports team? The Norfolk Tides are AAA baseball at its best! Boasting one of the most beautiful ballparks on the East Coast, the Norfolk Tides are farm team to the New York Mets, and have delighted sports fans for several years. Many former Tides have gone on to successful careers with the MLB, and it is always fun to watch games and see tomorrow's sports stars playing today.

5) Year-round festivals Town Point Park in Norfolk is always busy, hosting festivals throughout the year on grassy lawns overlooking the Elizabeth River. From live jazz and reggae music, celebrations of Virginia wine and lowcountry cuisine, to the annual Fourth of July fireworks, Norfolk knows how to entertain.

The next time you consider a visit to Virginia, come to Norfolk and fall in love with this diverse, growing city.

Labels: norfolk, vacation, virginia