Ah, Norfolk! A city of wonder and mystery.

Where the maritime meets the lively, where history vibrantly merges with contemporary culture. It is a place where one can easily lose themselves in its charm and intrigue.

And what better place to start than Freemason Street (324 W Freemason St)? This historic neighborhood boasts some of the oldest homes in Norfolk, dating back to the early 1800s. Take a stroll through this charming district and marvel at the beautiful architecture that has stood for centuries.

But dont stop there, dear reader! Head on over to The Pagoda (264 Granby St), an iconic Japaneseinspired structure that looms majestically over downtown Norfolk. Not only is it visually stunning but it also offers breathtaking views of Elizabeth River as well. And if youre feeling peckish after all this sightseeing, look no further than Doumars Cones & Barbecue (1919 Monticello Ave). This legendary establishment has been serving up mouthwatering barbecue since 1904 and its homemade waffle cones are truly something special.

Speaking of legends, no tour of Norfolk would be complete without a visit to Nauticus (1 Waterside Dr) home of the USS Wisconsin battleship which saw action in World War II and Desert Storm. Climb aboard this mesmerizing vessel and imagine yourself amongst her brave crew during wartime operations. But enough with war stories! Let us move onto something more serene...

The Hermitage Museum & Gardens (7637 North Shore Rd) may just be one of Virginias best kept secrets. Nestled away in quaint Ghent neighborhood, this hidden gem features lovely gardens with peaceful waterways winding through them as well as an impressive collection of art from around the world.

If youre looking for something quirky yet delightful then head on over to Captn Crabby food truck(2600 Granby Street), located near ODU campus area. This food truck features a variety of seafood dishes including crab cakes, lobster rolls and even popcorn shrimp! It is the perfect spot to grab a bite while exploring Norfolk.

And finally, our tour concludes with one last hidden gem The NEON District (in Downtown Norfolk). With its vibrant arts scene and colorful murals gracing nearly every building, this district celebrates the creativity and diversity that make Norfolk so unique. Take a stroll through this lively neighborhood and discover local artists murals by foot or take their guided walking tours!

In conclusion, dear reader, there is no shortage of wondrous places to explore in the city of Norfolk. Whether it be historic districts or contemporary neighborhoods boasting artistic flair, each location has its own story to tell and its special quirks and eccentricities are waiting for you to discover them. So what are you waiting for? Come on down to Norfolk today!

Websites:

Freemason Street: https://freemasonstreet.org/

The Pagoda: http://pagodagarden.org/pagoda/

Doumars Cones & Barbecue: http://www.doumars.com/

Nauticus & USS Wisconsin: https://nauticus.org/

Hermitage Museum & Gardens: https://thehermitagemuseum.org/

Captn Crabby food truck :https://captaincrabby.net/home

The Neon District :https://neonnfk.com/

Twitter:

@NauticusMuseum

@HermitageMuseu1

@cptncrabbynorfo2