Madison & Nicholas
Things To Do
Downtown Norfolk
A vibrant coastal city where rich history meets modern charm. Home to the world’s largest naval base, stunning waterfront views, and a thriving arts scene, Norfolk is filled with unique experiences. Check out this link and discover why this bustling port city is a hidden gem of the East Coast!
INTERACTIVE MAP OF NORFOLK
Use this interactive map to get to know Norfolk and plan your stay! You can zoom in and out, explore different areas, and add or remove layers as you go. While we’ve highlighted key locations like the venue, hotels, and a few favorites, you can also discover restaurants, shops, and local attractions beyond what’s listed on our “Things to Do” page. Have fun exploring!
Waterside District
Located in the heart of the central business district and adjacent to the City of Norfolk's world class waterfront and festival site, the Waterside District is a gathering place for local residents and visitors. The rebranding of Norfolk's iconic Waterside Festival Marketplace allows visitors to enjoy national and local brands and concepts in an atmosphere that integrates the downtown with its waterfront.
Chrysler Museum of Art
The Chrysler Museum of Art, our beautiful wedding venue, features over 50 galleries and 30,000 works of art, including European masterpieces and one of the largest glass collections in the country. Founded in 1933, it’s a cultural gem in Norfolk—and best of all, admission is free! Although you’ll be there for the wedding, if you’re interested in further perusing the galleries, we encourage you to explore before or after the celebration.
Chrysler Museum Glass Studio
The Chrysler Museum houses the Perry Glass Studio, a state-of-the-art facility for glassmaking and education. The studio offers a variety of glassmaking classes, workshops, and demonstrations for the public. The studio also supports local and visiting glass artists, contributing to the museum's reputation as a hub for glass art.
Virginia Zoo
A fun way to spend a day in the sunshine. Go visit and see tigers, lions, cheetahs, zebras, rhinos, monkeys, a variety of birds, fish and even reptiles. The zoo allows for you to have an unforgettable experience and bring out the inner child in you! It’s an opportunity to learn about different species and their habitats while also having some family fun.
Norfolk Botanical Garden
Norfolk Botanical Garden is a stunning 175-acre oasis in Norfolk, Virginia, featuring 60 themed gardens, serene walking paths, and breathtaking water views. Perfect for nature lovers and families alike, visitors can explore vibrant flower displays, lush woodlands, and even a butterfly house. With seasonal blooms and picturesque scenery, it's an ideal escape for relaxation and photography. Make it a part of your trip—you won’t want to miss this hidden gem!
Nauticus Museum / Battleship Wisconsin
Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown Norfolk, offering a unique form of experiential learning for all ages. This battleship from World War II pays homage to Norfolk's Naval roots. Through interactive exhibits and STEM to STERN programming, Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, sailing center, and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military. There are a variety of Tickets and Tours available for purchase including the VIP Battleship Experience, Guided Command and Control Tour, and Guided Life in the Engine Room.
Selden Market
Selden Market, nestled within the historic Selden Arcade in downtown Norfolk, Virginia, is a dynamic marketplace that showcases the city's emerging small businesses. This innovative space offers a rotating lineup of unique retail shops, delectable food vendors, and creative pop-ups, providing visitors with an ever-changing and authentic local experience. Whether you're searching for handcrafted jewelry, artisanal candles, or gourmet treats, Selden Market delivers a curated selection of products that reflect Norfolk's vibrant entrepreneurial spirit
SevenVenues
Hampton Roads has seven cities and seven venues specifically in Norfolk, Virginia to celebrate and experience world class arts and culture; Attucks Theatre, Chrysler Hall, Harbor Park, Harrison Opera House, Open Air Events, Scope Arena and the Wells Theatre. Waterside District oftentimes partners with SevenVenues on large city events.
The Veil Brewing Co. (Norfolk)
One of our favorite breweries in Norfolk. This taproom/restaurant is three floors, spacious, bright, and energetic. Family friendly. Offering cans/bottles to go, drafts (including guest beers) for on-premise consumption, wine/cider, and a full kitchen currently serving burgers and dogs from Frank & Patty’s. There is even a great cocktail bar upstairs.
Elation Brewing (Norfolk)
Located in Norfolk’s Larchmont neighborhood, Elation brews stellar beers in a welcoming atmosphere with plenty of seating both indoors and outside. Larchmont Lager, Notice This, Rose Gose and Highland Park Hazy are all part of their flagships, but rotating taps include guest beers from around the world, ciders, meads and even four wines on tap. While you’re there, enjoy a pizza from Bakehouse at Elation, baked in their wood-fired oven on site.
Glass Light Restaurant (Norfolk)
The Glass Light ground floor restaurant and bar provides an elevated, carefully crafted dining experience in Downtown Norfolk. A French-inspired restaurant serving New American cuisine that focuses on locally sourced, seasonal cuisine and and sophisticated small plates to share. The Glass Light Hotel & Gallery opens its doors to lovers of art and explorers of new ideas. We highly recommend grabbing a reservation ahead of time and relax amidst a casually elegant restaurant space. You can also grab a drink at the bar and tour the glass gallery which spans two floors, the collection features over 65 captivating pieces by renowned artists. Visitors are invited to explore a rotating selection of these extraordinary artworks throughout the gallery and hotel.
Luce (Norfolk)
Luce is an intimate Italian restaurant and bar nestled in downtown Norfolk, Virginia, offering a contemporary twist on classical Italian cuisine. Infusing flavors from various regions of Italy, the menu showcases a diverse range of ingredients from the north to the south, including influences from Sicily to Sardinia. We highly recommend grabbing a reservation ahead of time for this restaurant.
Codex (Norfolk)
A modern American restaurant located in Norfolk, VA. Well-considered array of farm-to-table dining, mixing upscale food and a resolutely casual vibe. We highly recommend grabbing a reservation ahead of time for this restaurant.
The Restaurant at Four Eleven York (Norfolk)
Fine dining restaurant with a focus on seafood and Mid-Atlantic cuisine, plus a patio. The menu’s focuses on fresh, local fare and there is something to please everyone, all of which can also be enjoyed on the patio. The bar is an eclectic mix of beer, wine, spirits, and over a dozen specialty cocktails. Their signature cocktail is the Bartender’s Experience, a personalized drink tailored to each guest based on answers to a few questions. The experience at Four Eleven York is the epitome of niche in Norfolk. An experience that welcomes those looking for a sense of luxurious comfort that appeals to all the senses. We highly recommend grabbing a reservation ahead of time for this restaurant.
Lamia's Crêpes (Norfolk)
Lamia's Crêpes is a charming, family-owned crêperie located in the heart of downtown Norfolk, Virginia. Specializing in authentic French-style crêpes, the restaurant offers a delightful array of both savory and sweet options, all prepared fresh to order on traditional French crêpe pans.
The Grilled Cheese Bistro (Norfolk)
Low key diner style making amazing grilled cheese sandwiches! One of our favorite spots downtown, especially after an eventful weekend! The Grilled Cheese Bistro was a local restaurant featured on Guy Fieri's Food Network show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Come early as this tiny shop fills fast and only seats around 25!
Mermaid Winery & Restaurant (Norfolk)
Norfolk's first urban winery - right next to our two 'host hotels', offering a unique blend of wine production and contemporary American dining. The winery focuses on producing small lots of well-balanced wines using grapes sourced from Virginia and California. Guests can enjoy a selection of ten different wine flights or choose from a list featuring over 800 wines from around the world.
Steinhilber's Restaurant (VA Beach)
Nestled along the serene Lynnhaven River is a cherished culinary landmark in Virginia Beach, offering a blend of timeless elegance and coastal charm. Established in 1939 by Robert Steinhilber, this family-owned establishment has been delighting patrons with its commitment to quality and tradition for over 85 years. The restaurant's ambiance is enhanced by its expansive open-air patio, complete with communal firepits and private tables under bright umbrellas, offering unparalleled waterfront views. Please note this is in VA Beach and if you do make the trip, we highly recommend grabbing a reservation ahead of time for this restaurant.
The Porch on Long Creek (VA Beach)
Nestled along the scenic Lynnhaven River in Virginia Beach, The Porch on Long Creek offers a delightful waterfront dining experience that combines coastal charm with culinary excellence. Whether you're in town for a wedding or simply exploring the area, this restaurant provides a perfect setting for a memorable meal. Please note this is in VA Beach and if you do make the trip, we highly recommend grabbing a reservation ahead of time for this restaurant.