Where can you go in Norfolk for magnificent views of the river, ease in accessibility to Nauticus and the USS Wisconsin, for a cruise, or grab a bite to eat? That my friends is a simple answer….Town Point Park. This 7-acre waterfront parks offers an assortment of things to do from the uncomplicated to a full day of activities. You can simply bring your favorite pooch here for a sunset stroll or enjoy one of the many festivals offered along the waterfront throughout the year.
The waterside Festival Marketplace offers a range of options from sunup to sundown and well into the wee hours of the morning. Get ready to shop exceptional stores such as All About Virginia, the City Market, The Hat Rack, The Herbal Market, and many more. Grab a quick snack at Ben and Jerry’s (who doesn’t love those guys?), Steakmasters, or Villa Pizza, just to name a few. Full service dining options include restaurants such as Joe’s Crab Shack, Hooters, Outback Steakhouse, and King’s Chinese Restaurant. After you have shopped and filled your stomach, then wind the evening off at such places as Bar Norfolk, Have a Nice Day Café, Crocodile Rocks, or Jillian’s. Go to www.watersidemarketplace.com For more information.
Of course, when you are on the water, you have a few choices for boating attractions. Stop by the adorable Tugboat Museum. This floating museum features the Tug Hunting built in 1933. For lunch or dinner cruises check out the sleek Spirit of Norfolk. You can climb aboard the Victory Rover for a tour of the nearby navel base. Or take a cruise aboard the gorgeous and historic American Rover Tall Ship Cruises.
The Nauticus is a 120,000 square-foot, multilevel maritime showcase. Visitors can enjoy more than 150 nautical exhibits. Inside you will find the Hampton Roads Navel Museum, which displays more than two centuries of Norfolk’s navel history. Kids of all ages (and yes that means the over 21 kids too!) will take pleasure in the aquariums. If you want something to really brag about, then go to the touch tank where you can pet a real shark. But if you start hearing the strains of bump..bump.bump (the Jaw’s theme ) not to worry. This is only a harmless baby shark of the non-biting variety. Next door you can encounter life aboard the USS Wisconsin.
Throughout the year, a number of festivals of held waterside. In 2007 the park will help in the celebration of 400 years since the founding of Jamestown. This attractive park offers serene and splendor for those who seek to just soak in the gorgeousness to be found here. But if fun is on your agenda you will not be disappointed here either. For more information please go to www.norfolkcvb.com.