Norfolk - is a city in the Commonwealth of Virginia (VA) in the USA. It is an independent city, and therefore not included in any county. Norfolk is one of Virginia's largest cities. The city's population - 237,835. Norfolk is located on the Elizabeth River, in Hampton Roads, a large natural harbor. It is a part of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, officially known as the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC MSA.
Norfolk is best known as the home of the world's largest naval-base complex (Naval Station Norfolk), which has been around since the beginning of the 20th century. It was also an important port city in the colonial period: St. Paul's Church, built in 1739, still stands, as does Fort Norfolk, the only remaining fort along the East Coast authorized by George Washington.
Norfolk has experienced a downtown renaissance. Establishments that once bordered on seedy have been transformed into charming restaurants, swank nightclubs and an upscale urban mall. Many of the entertainment venues sit along the waterfront and take advantage of Norfolk's prime location and seafaring heritage.
As with any port town, Norfolk attracts a mixed, eclectic lot boaters cruising the Chesapeake Bay, officers tending to the East Coast's largest naval fleet, artsy bohemian types sipping chai in the Ghent District and martini drinkers in posh clubs along Granby Street. Any good sea captain witnessing Norfolk's rise to fame has yarns to tell of this storybook port and once-again thriving community.
Sights - Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval station in the world; the Elizabeth River Paddlewheel Ferry.
Museums - The renowned collection of European and American art, antiquities and glass at the Chrysler Museum of Art; Nauticus, The National Maritime Center.
Nightlife - Eclectic martinis at Crackers Little Bar Bistro; dancing on a lit floor at Have a Nice Day Cafe; live music at The NorVa.
Walks - Strolling along cobblestoned streets past Federal-era town houses in the Freemason District; following the Mermaids on Parade Trails; the trails at Norfolk Botanical Gardens.
For Kids—Exploring the battleship USS Wisconsin; riding on the Victory Rover past aircraft carriers, submarines and destroyers; touching sharks in the petting lagoon at Nauticus, The National Maritime Center.