1. Going To The Local Crab Pickin’
What exactly is a crab pickin’, you ask? Well let me enlighten you.
You slap on a bib, stake out your favorite crab from a whole pile of ‘em on the table in front of you and go to town with your fingers and mouth. Some people prefer a pallet and a knife.
You can watch this go down at Fresh Catch Fridays downtown every summer. It. Is. Glorious.
2. Catching Some Good Wind
The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway is about 1,100 miles long and runs along the East Coast through Norfolk. Sailing it is a local favorite pastime.
3. Crispy, Crackling Crab Cakes
Really, they just love seafood in general around here. I mean, it is one giant port city, after all.. But when Norfolk locals get a hankerin’ for crab cakes, they definitely swing by one of the local Surf Rider shops first.
4. The World’s First Waffle Cone
Doumar’s! Home to the first waffle cone on the planet! It doesn’t matter which shake you get here because they’re all great. People from Norfolk know to ask for a “Reggie.” That’s when they crumble one of their famous ice cream cones into your shake for you.
5. Watching Tourists Trying To Figure Out The Accents
Mish-mashed accents are kind of a thing around here. The middle of Virginia is somewhat of a boundary point between the northern and southern states. Because of this, you’ll find families full of different dialects in Norfolk. Ya’ll or you all? You guys or you’uns? It’s all good here.
6. And Then Listening To People Attempt To Pronounce Norfolk
Admittedly, this one is a bit tricky. If you’re not careful, people might think you’re trying to cuss them out.
It’s Nor-fik. Or maybe Naw-fuk. Nobody can seem to agree. It’s those accents, man.
7. The Beautiful Parade Of Mermaids On Their Shores
Norfolk has a passion for mermaids. In fact, there are literally hundreds of them scattered throughout town, some of them with fancy lip gloss and lobster hands. If you’re feeling froggy, there’s a map that leads you to all of them located in downtown.
8. Congregating In Town Point Park
Folks from Norfolk love parks, but especially the ridiculous amount of festivals that take place in them in this city. Town Point Park is pretty much the heart of the city, and everything big takes place here.
9. Having The Best Music Venue Ever
Everyone head to The NorVa when they want to see a great show. It’s one of the foremost musical venues in the country. Rolling Stone Magazine said so, so you know it has to be true.
10. Food That Comes With No Frills
I’m talking about No Frill Bar & Grill, of course. It’s kind of a toss-up when it comes to what people love best about this place.
Is it the hefty slices of meatloaf or the cheese-covered chili with a side of cornbread? I think it’s the meatloaf. It is famous, after all.
11. All Kinds Of Free Fun
Norfolk puts on the largest fireworks show on the entire East Coast every year. If that weren’t enough, it’s also part of a full 3-day festival free festival called Harborfest. People from Norfolk love free events, such as...
12. Boat Spotting On The Harbor
Boats are pretty central to life in Norfolk, so every year during Harborfest locals put them on display.
It’s called the Parade of Sails. There are naval boats, fishing boats, tugboats and sailboats. Pretty much every kind of boat you can imagine coming into the harbor at all once. It’s kind of epic.
13. Giving The World The Head Of The House. “Full House,” That Is.
Remember Danny Tanner? You can thank Norfolk for him. Fans of “Full House” might be a little shocked to see his stand-up, though; Danny Tanner is kind of raunchy, y’all.
14. Having Amazing Jazz Musicians In Their Midst
People from Norfolk loves jazz music. How could they not when the Hampton Roads area gave birth to one of the greatest jazz singers in the history of mankind?
Ella Fitzgerald was born just right down the road in Newport News, and she was only one of many great musicians hailing from this area.
15. Everything And Anything Greek
You haven’t lived if you haven’t tried baklava. Preferably while listening to traditional Greek music in Greek clothes at a Greek festival. Like the one in Norfolk.
16. Hitting Balls Over A Net, But Only In The Sand
Make sure you pay attention when walking the beaches. If you’re not careful, you might accidentally take a volley ball to the head.
17. Peaceful Strolls Through The Garden. And Butterflies. They Love The Butterflies.
People here like to keep things pretty green, which is why it was designated an official “Tree City.” It’s no shock then that the Norfolk Botanical Garden is a huge draw for families. The butterfly release that happens every year is a spectacular sight.
18. Figuring Out What The Heck This Thing Actually Is
Is it a raccoon? A bear? Nope! It’s a red panda, and it’s pretty adorable, isn’t it? Locals like to visit the zoo to check out this little fella, and over 350 of his friends, as often as possible.
19. The Nation’s Finest
Have you heard of Naval Station Norfolk? It’s the world’s largest naval base. If you’re nice enough, they might even let you tour one of the ships.
20. All Of The Art At The Chrysler Museum
If there’s a specific kind of artwork you’re looking for, you’ll probably find it here. The Chrysler Museum of Art spans 5,000 years of history. It’s also home to over 30,000 pieces of art. That’s enough to keep you busy for at least a week, right?
21. Ice Skating At The Mall (But Only With Parental Guidance)
The MacArthur Center is one of a handful of malls in the country where anyone under 18 has to be accompanied by an adult. A bit of a touchy subject but, you have to admit, the place stays pretty darn clean. And who doesn’t like a mall with an ice skating rink?
22. Reeling In A Big One
Those people who live in Norfolk and never learned how to catch a fish? They’re called transplants.
23. Watching Giant Men Throw Each Other Through Tables
More wrestling superstars have walked through Norfolk Scope Arena than there are action movies starring The Rock. Which is, what, like 300 by now?
24. The Man. The Myth. The Legend: Wayne Newton!
Yes, the greatest performer to walk the Earth is a proud Norfolk son. At least he was before he packed it up to make it rich over in the land of sin. He still makes it back for performances every now and then.
25. Saving the Animals
People here love their pets. All animals, really. That’s why PETA was founded here. How could anyone want to hurt something as cute as a piglet?
26. Broadcast Legends
Ah, WAVY. The training grounds for future national broadcasters like Byron Pitts and Stan “the Man” Verret (of ESPN fame). Neither of those can beat good ole’ Don Slater, though. That man has been around forever.
27. Cruising The Open Waters
People from Norfolk love cruising the open waters, in case the mermaids and Harborfest didn’t tip you off. In fact, they have an entire harbor dedicated solely to the cruise ship business. Even people who’ve lived here their whole lives still enjoy a ride on the Spirit of Norfolk.
