Founded: 1682

Population: 242,628 (2011), Median age 29.6

Climate: Most days in n orfolk are warm, with an average annual high temperature of 68 degrees and an average annual low temperature of 51 degrees.

Baltimore, MD About Norfolk Washington D.C. Charleston, 95 WVA 64 Where We Are 64 81 Richmond Located in the center of the mid-Atlantic, and considered the dynamic heart of the 64 storied coastal region, Norfolk attracts thousands of travelers each year to enjoy its lively downtown waterfront and 144 miles of shimmering coastline. Offering a vibrant blend of history and heritage with contemporary attractions, outdoor adventure and cultural institutions, Norfolk is an exciting destination. Visitors will find an easily walkable downtown that offers eclectic dining options, a rich arts scene, high-end shopping and year-round special events.

Our Past Our Industry & Economy The City of Norfolk is an important 400 year-old port city tracing · Military and Defense – Including the world’s largest naval base, its roots to soon after the first English settlers landed in the New Joint Forces Staff College, US Army Corps of Engineers, NATO World just a few miles to the east. (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) headquarters It was in 1636 that William Willoughby was granted 200 acres · Maritime and Transportation – Ship repair, shipping to and by King Charles I for what is today downtown Norfolk. Since from the Port of Virginia / Virginia International Terminals, and then the story of our city has intertwined with the history of the corporate headquarters of Norfolk Southern Corporation our nation. From being attacked by English ships under the railway and major transporter of coal and industrial products command of Lord Dunmore in 1776 (a cannonball from the · Bioscience and Medical – Research and development, bombardment is still in place in St. Paul’s church) to be becoming nationally recognized hospitals, and Eastern Virginia home to what is present day the world’s largest naval station, Medical School Norfolk has been the jumping off point for much of the United States’ efforts in two world wars and modern operations across · Colleges and Universities – , Norfolk the globe. State University, Virginia Wesleyan College, Tidewater Community College, Eastern And from the clash of the ironclads off its shore, to the first Virginia Medical School and aircraft to take off from a ship, to serving as the final resting Culinary Institute of Virginia place for General Douglas MacArthur, Norfolk has witnessed and continues to make history. inAYING IN NORFOLK Getting Here for visitors and locals. With Pace, riders can rent and return bikes from a multitude of bike hubs located throughout the Norfolk is an easy drive from many metropolitan cities. Norfolk city. Being one of America’s great walking cities, it is equally International Airport is located six miles northeast of the central enjoyed by sailing, ferry, electric shuttle, motor coach and car. business district and offers hundreds of flights daily by a dozen major and regional carriers. Amtrak train service originates in Accommodations, Meetings & Norfolk with round-trip, same-seat services to major east coast cities. Conventions Our historic city offers a variety of hotels and venues ready Getting Around to accommodate meetings of every size, with approximately Exploring the city is easy with pedestrian-friendly streets, scenic 5,400 hotel rooms citywide (3,000 committable) and 263,370 waterways, posted street maps, The Tide – Virginia’s first light sq. ft. of function space in the city and a downtown with 1,200 rail system, and the NET – a free downtown electric shuttle. New committable guest rooms and 222,934 sq. ft. of function space. to the city is Pace bike share, a premier bike share experience On the Town Dining Find creative twists on regional favorites, enjoy tapas bars or experience haute cuisine. There’s something on the menu for every taste and budget, including special culinary tours for foodies.

Shopping Norfolk’s urban shopping centers feature everything from popular national retailers at MacArthur Center and Norfolk Premium Outlets to trendy specialty shops and antiquing in Nightlife and Selden Market. Norfolk becomes a buzz of activity after dark with live shows weekly at the NorVa, Grain, Taphouse and Toast, to name a few. Festivals There’s something for everyone – get your groove on at Nearly 100 festivals take place annually in downtown Norfolk, Waterside or catch a foreign film at Ghent’s Naro Cinema. most of which are free & open to the public. The most popular include the Annual Town Point Virginia Wine Festival, Bayou Boogaloo and Harborfest®. On The Water Life on the Water Cruises Sailing, kayaking, fishing, crabbing, Norfolk’s cruise port, the Decker Half Moone Center is an swimming, harbor cruising – water important hub for cruise travel. Managed and operated by activities are endless in the heart Cruise Norfolk, the city’s sophisticated, 80,000-square foot of the Virginia waterfront! Sail on cruise terminal is one of the largest domestic cruise ports in a majestic tall ship. Explore the the country and is conveniently located in downtown Norfolk Power of the Sea at and in close proximity to shopping, dining, attractions and cultural The Naval Museum, or aboard the Battleship venues. Wisconsin. Enjoy a harbor tour, a sunset dinner cruise, a paddlewheel ferry ride, a Naval base tour, or a day at the beach. Diversions

Attractions Family fun abounds across the city. Take a visit to Africa and Asia at the Virginia Zoo, a stroll through paradise at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, or a trip back in time at one of the city’s historic homes are just a few ideas.

Performing Arts & Art Museums Norfolk is the Mid-Atlantic’s cultural cornerstone, with an array of fine and performing arts centers, great museums, galleries, live music and working artist studios. Norfolk is home to Virginia’s most important cultural assets including the Virginia Symphony, Virginia Opera, Virginia Stage Company, Virginia Ballet Theater and the annual Virginia Arts Festival. The historic , distinguished as the oldest remaining legitimate theatre in the nation that was completely financed, designed, constructed and operated by African Americans. The , prized for its collection of 30,000 objects amassed by automotive heir, Walter P. Chrysler and the brand new Chrysler Glass Studio are also must-sees in Norfolk and is now free for all visitors. Other cultural and performing arts opportunities include Broadway Norfolk, Granby Theater, , d’ART Center, The NorVa, and the .

Sports & Recreation Go fishing, kayak, learn how to sail, bike along the Elizabeth River, or take a few swings at one of Norfolk’s three golf courses. Take in exciting AAA action with the at downtown’s , or an ECHL hockey game with the Norfolk Admirals at the Scope. Norfolk is also home to major college sports including the Old Dominion University Monarchs (CAA / Conference USA), the Spartans (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) and Virginia Wesleyan Marlins (Old Dominion Athletic Conference).

232 East Main st reet | n orfolk, v irginia 23510 | 757-664-6620 | 800-368-3097 www.visitnorfolk.com