1. Mermaids Aren’t Imaginary Here
It wouldn’t be strange to spot several mermaids just walking around Norfolk. Local artists have decorated large mermaid statues all over the area, and tourists and residents alike can follow the Mermaid Map to find them all.
2. Norfolk’s Home To Lots Of Squids, But Not The Ocean-Dwelling Kind
With the world's largest naval station located right in Norfolk, locals can easily spot sailors—affectionately called squids—to offer their thank yous all over town.
3. Napa Valley, Schnapa Valley
Who needs fancy California Vineyards when you're already in Norfolk?
The city is famously one of the 10 best wine travel destinations in the world, and they celebrate that designation with the iconic Town Point Virginia Wine Festival, complete with live music, gourmet food, and of course, samplings of delicious wines.
4. No, That Norfolk Local Didn’t Just Cuss You Out
Yes, you did mishear that Norfolk local. You see, when people from Norfolk, say "Norfolk," it can sound a bit like a profanity. But don't worry, they mean no offense.
5. A Reggie Is Actually Super Delicious
Doumar's in Norfolk is famous for having the original press to make those sweet, sweet waffle cones—the best vessel for your ice cream treat. But locals know if you order a Reggie, you get one of those famous waffle cones crumbled up in your milkshake.
6. The Dirty Challenge Isn't A Muddy Adventure
Locals might argue that The Dirty Buffalo is home to the best wings in the world. But if you’re looking for food that’ll test you, try the The Dirty Challenge: a whopping five pounds of delicious barbecue—one pound of home fries, one and a half pounds of mac and cheese, two chicken tenders, two burger patties with cheese, two hot dogs, 10 ounces of pulled pork, and two slices of bread.
7. The Best Cakes Are Served In Seafood Restaurants
Surf Rider of Taylor's Landing in Norfolk has the best darn crab cakes your taste buds have ever experienced. The local following of the restaurant is huge, and the stunning location is a bonus on top of the great food.
8. You Should Probably Bring A Hammer To Dinner
Grab yourself a pallet and a bib, because Norfolk locals love to go crab pickin'. It may take a little work and it may get messy, but that mouthwatering crab they're working so hard to consume is completely worth it.
9. Volleyball Is Meant To Be Played On The Beach
Sure, it can be played on a court or even grass, but Norfolk locals know that volleyball is truly best when played on a beach.
10. Norfolk Folks Know Where To Find Tides Outside Of The Ocean
The Norfolk Tides is the beloved Triple-A baseball team, which draws in big crowds to their home games in gorgeous Harbor Park in downtown Norfolk. Bring the whole family, too, because kids will love the mascot, Rip Tide.
11. Monarchs Fly High In Norfolk
No, we're not talking butterflies. The Monarchs are the athletic squads of Old Dominion University.
The Monarch basketball team won six CAA championship titles since 1992 and notoriously beat heavily favored Georgetown during March Madness in 2007.
But don't count out football, wrestling, and women's basketball, either.
12. This Rubber Duck Won't Fit In Your Bath
When Norfolk does an art installation, it goes big. The rubber duck outside the Chrysler Museum of Art was a huge talking point—and favorite selfie location—during the course of its residence.
The 40-foot giant rubber duck was definitely missed when it left in May, but it lives on in Instagrams everywhere.
13. When Norfolk Locals Ask About The Tattoo, They Aren't Asking About Body Ink
In Norfolk, the Tattoo is the signature event of the Virginia Arts Festival. The Virginia International Tattoo brings together the best of the best in military bands and drill teams, as well as dancers, singing groups, and gymnasts.
14. Norfolk's Fishing Hotspot Breaks Records
The Ocean View Fishing Pier certainly has room to support all of the fishing lovers in Norfolk—and there are a whole lot of them.
The pier is the longest freestanding fishing pier in the whole of North America, so you'll have lots of chances to bring home dinner.
15. The Chrysler Is The Cadillac Of Museums
You've never seen anything like the incredible glass blowing collection in Norfolk's Chrysler Museum in the Ghent district.
It's so amazing it couldn't fit within the original four walls, and so the whole museum recently underwent a major expansion to the Glass Studio and the rest of the exhibits.
16. You Haven't Really Seen “Rocky Horror” Until You've Seen It Here
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is a cult classic that has become popular all over the country, but you really haven't experienced unless you've been to the awesome showing at Norfolk's NARO Cinema. They show it two Fridays a month late-night and every year on Halloween.
17. The Bark In the Park Isn't An Ordinary Dog Park
In Norfolk, even your four-legged friends are fans of the Tide. Once a year, the team hosts a Bark in the Park, where man's best friend is allowed to take in the game with his humans.
18. SoNo Isn't Actually In Norfolk
South Norfolk, or SoNo, is a historic community—but no, it isn't a part of Norfolk. It's actually a subsection of Chesapeake, which is also part of the Hampton Roads area. So the answer is yes, towns get confusing here in Virginia.
19. These Monarchs Are Actually Butterflies
This time, when Norfolk says Monarchs, they're really talking about butterflies. The annual butterfly release in the Norfolk Botanical Garden is a must-see spectacular sight.
20. The NorVA Rocks, Literally
If you want a rocking good time, you must go to the NorVA. This internationally known entertainment venue that hosts the best concerts and events in the whole state.
21. The Best Crabs Are Blue
You're not seeing things; these crabs are literally blue—and they're a favorite in Norfolk. The Atlantic blue crab has its distinct bright color, and they taste oh so delicious.
22. Wisconsin Is Really In Norfolk
The U.S.S. Wisconsin—or the Wisky, as it's affectionately known—lives in Norfolk, where locals and tourists alike can tour a museum below and above deck. And block off some time, because it's one of the largest battleships ever built.
23. No, This Isn't Virginia Beach
Norfolk is often grouped in with Virginia Beach, but let locals assure you, they are two very different places.
Both are part of the Seven Cities, but Norfolk has a culture and attractions all its own—with probably way fewer congested touristy spots.
24. These Spartans Don’t Come From Ancient Greece
The Norfolk State Spartans draw fans from all over town to their football games—but the attraction of the incredible marching band pulls just as many fans. Don't miss out on the women's softball team either, because they're just that good.
25. You Don't Have To Salute These Admirals (Though They Wouldn't Hate It)
The name of the local American Hockey League team, the Norfolk Admirals, pays homage to the area's massive Navy presence. They seriously kick butt and winning the Calder Cup, just like they did in 2012.
26. Norfolk Really, Really, Really Loves Animals. Really.
Norfolk is home to the infamous PETA, and while not everyone goes to the lengths this animal-rights organization does, locals certainly do love their furry friends.
27. The Best Darn Fireworks You've Ever Seen Are In Norfolk
Norfolk Harborfest is nationally known as having the best fireworks display down the entire East Coast. But that's only one tiny part of the draw of the four-day festival that'll make adults and children alike positively giddy with delight.
Did we miss anything? Tell us what you have to explain to out-of-towners about Norfolk in the comments below! 
