With the dedication of “Metalmatisse by Electroland”, Norfolk’s exciting and diverse public art scene takes a decidedly electric turn. The interactive light and sound installation is located at MacArthur Square, near the Tide light rail station.

This latest installation is just one of many strategically placed art projects spread throughout the city to energize our public spaces, arouse our thinking and transform the places where we live, work and play into more welcoming, beautiful and interactive communities.

Tour some of Norfolk’s Public Art Projects: Visit>>

Established in 2006, Norfolk Cultural Affairs seeks to create a rich, diverse, environment that reflects, celebrates and invites all to experience the arts. We seek to give voice to our community and strive to unite, energize, prompt dialogue, and inspire the unique character of Norfolk.

See a gallery of Public Art Projects images: Visit>> 

Activities in, on and around the water are endless here in the heart of the Virginia waterfront!

Sailing, kayaking, fishing, crabbing, swimming, harbor cruising – water activities are endless in the heart of the Virginia waterfront! Sail on a majestic tall ship. Explore the Power of the Sea at Nauticus and The Hampton Roads Naval Museum, or aboard the Battleship Wisconsin.

Enjoy a harbor tour, a sunset dinner cruise, a paddlewheel ferry ride, a Naval base tour, or a day at the beach.

Cruises

Norfolk’s Cruise Port is an important hub for cruise travel. Managed and operated by Cruise Norfolk, the city’s sophisticated, 80,000-square foot cruise terminal is one of the largest domestic cruise ports in the country and is conveniently located in downtown Norfolk in close proximity to shopping, dining, attractions and cultural venues. Visit>>

Tony DiFilippo, President and CEO of VisitNorfolk was on the Hampton Roads Show to talk about  National Travel and Tourism Week kicking off next week and why you'll want to make sure to bring your camera.

The Heart of the Virginia Waterfront

Day 1

Afternoon Start of this chocolate walk with desert at the Chocollage Bakery in downtown Norfolk. A family owned bakery offers everything chocolate from cakes, brownies to “skor” bars.

Midday Journey through Norfolk and experience a transformation of the palate on a Norfolk ‘s Food Tour.  Visit five restaurants sampling house specialties themed with chocolate and listening to the staff discuss the culinary creations and history of the establishment.  In between locations, gather an insight into the history of Norfolk by visiting multiple landmarks.  Uncover the city’s secrets and discover the local favorites.  Transport your senses with the various spices and provisions offered by Norfolk’s “hidden gems” and culinary visionaries.  So, grab your forks as the table is set and dig into Norfolk!

Day 2

A.M. Delight in a guided tour of Rowena’s Tea Room factory and gift shop. Rowena’s is filled with chocolate pound cakes, an assortment of curds, jams and sauces, and simple and elegant teas. Stroll through the gift shop which displays a full range of tea items and whimsical gifts. Tour the pound cake factory where you will be guided behind the scenes, and discover the secret of the pound cake and how this company all started from three fruit trees.

A.M. Stroll down Colley Avenue in Historic Ghent for some great chocolate finds. Stop in Le Marche, a French store offering the finest French items from antiques, gifts and French chocolate. Enjoy a freshly made cupcake at Carolina Cupcakes, Hampton Roads first cupcake bakery. The bakery offers Gluten Free, Vegan, Sugar Free and even treats for your dog. Stop for lunch in one of the many locally owned restaurants on Colley Avenue. Luna Maya is a South American restaurants that offers a authentic Mexican menu with a desert to die for... the Torta De Chocolate a rich flourless Belgian dark chocolate. Sip a chocolate craft bar at Norfolk’s Tap House and Grill.

Then it is time to put your feet up and relax after all this walking in one of Norfolk’s many spa’s enjoying a chocolate massage or facial. It takes a lot to look so good while eating chocolate!

P.M. Stop for ice cream with a famous ice cream cone from Doumar’s. Dourmar’s is where Abe Doumar invented the ice cream cone by taking a waffle and rolling it into a cone, to which he added ice cream. Doumar’s still bakes cones on the original cone machines. You can delight in fresh made ice cream cones from the original machine with advanced notice.

P.M. Become a chef with a cooking class at the Culinary Arts Institute with Casual Chef.  Learn how to become a culinary chef at home!  What do when unexpected guests arrive, summer wine pairings, Pies, French, and so many more classes! You will cook enough for a complete dinner!

Day 3

Brunch Enjoy a chocolate inspire brunch menu aboard the Spirit of Norfolk with chocolate pancakes and other fabulous items. Cruise along the Elizabeth River with great food, live entertainment, and Chocolate!! Do not miss out on their famous chocolate martinis, it is 5 o’clock somewhere!

Afternoon Shopping, Lunch and Chocolate Tour!  Stroll through over 150 shops and restaurants in Macarthur Center. This downtown mall offers a chocolate tour through many of their retailers including Harry n David, Dillard’s spa, and William and Somona.

Do not forget along your chocolate journey to be on the lookout for one of Norfolk’s food trucks. Twisted Sisters Cupcakes and Sugar Shack Cafeisa big, pink truck. Tracy and Cassandra, owners of Twisted Sisters Cupcakes, are two sisters who prefer to think of themselves as just a little twisted. With a love for laughter and good times, they're obsessed with cupcakes and want to bring cupcake love to the people of Hampton Roads.

P.M. Take the class “Cooking with Herbs” at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Learn how you can grow herbs right in your own garden that add the perfect touch to any chocolate desert. End your day with a boat or tram tour through over 30 themed gardens.

Dinner Intimate yet relaxing atmosphere, delectable treats and sensational martinis. Sassi Cakes and Sweets has something for everyone!  You must experience it to believe it! From cake covered in various types of chocolates, to mini cakes that are fit for individuals or couples to share. Additionally, Sassi’s hosts a sit down bar area where you can experience some of the best Martinis in Virginia and our separate "other than dessert" menu that challenges you to a culinary experience. 

Optional Festivals:

The Art of Chocolate - Chocoholic’s Dream

Enjoy a chocolate sampling extravaganza featuring local, regional and national chocolatiers, a chocolate bake-off, demonstrations and live entertainment at Norfolk’s Scope.  There will be over 50 chocolate vendors on display; this is definitely a Chocoholic’s Dream! This is an annual event by the Virginia Art’s Festival in March.

DAY 1

A.M.   Let’s Go Fishing with the Family! The Ocean View Pier offers fishing on the Chesapeake Bay with a pier of 1690 feet long know as the East Coast’s most bountiful fishing ground. Fish, relax on the upper deck, stroll down the beach for a leisurely walk or hang out in the restaurant with great food and entertainment. The Ocean View Pier also offers fishing trips on the Judith Ann. Do not forget to bring your camera! Yes, the fish are jumping throughout the year!

P.M.  Families can discover one of the largest collections of azaleas, camellias, roses and rhododendrons on the East Coast at Norfolk Botanical Garden. Experience 155 glorious acres by guided tours on foot, tram or boat. Stop by the World of Wonder “WOW” for a family adventure. This three arced garden is dedicated to families and children with several distinct areas offering interactive lessons, enrichment and entertainment. Come prepared to get wet!

Dinner  Sail across the Elizabeth River on the American Rover Tall Sailing Ship Cruise. This majestic, three-masted tall ship, modelled after the cargo schooners that once sailed the Chesapeake Bay, leaves from the downtown Norfolk pier for a narrated two-hour harbour cruise.  

DAY 2

A.M.  Head over to the Virginia Zoo and discover the wildlife! The most exiting expansion in the Zoo’s history, the African habitat Okavango Delta, consists of 10 acres of unobstructed animal viewing. Spot lions, tigers and elephants onboard a train that runs throughout the Zoo, with stops along the way. The Virginia Zoo’s education department is also available to help families observe wildlife firsthand.

Lunch Have a brown bag lunch at Layette Park. Layette Park also offers, covered picnic area, basketball courts, endless fields and a play ground.

P.M.  Add a little history in the program with The MacArthur Memorial. Discover the compelling story of General Douglas Macarthur, a five star general of the army and the millions of Americans who served our nation through five wars.

Dinner Board the Spirit of Norfolk where you and your family can enjoy a nautical setting with dancing and live entertainment all while enjoying the panoramic skyline of Norfolk.

DAY 3

A.M.  Experience the world’s largest and last battleship, the USS Wisconsin. Your family members can take a hard hat tour of the interior of the battleship exploring and discovering the ship's laundry, tailor shop, library, bakery, donut shop, enlisted berthing and galley. Then journey into Nauticus, Norfolk’s science museum for exhibits, programs and activities.

Lunch  Shopping, lunch and movies! Your families can experience over 150 shops and restaurants at MacArthur Center. A downtown premier shopping center in the heart of downtown Norfolk..

P.M.  Time to cook! The whole family can take part in a cooking class with Young Chefs Academy. Roll up your sleeves and prepared a new recipe as a family gaining new knowledge of cooking on all levels. You will be sure to add this new recipe into your family cookbook.

*Family Fun Days are held in Town Point Park every Friday June through July. Visit www.festevents.org for a current calendar of events”

DAY 1

Noon - You are going to be so Hot at the Chrysler Museum of Art Glass Blowing Studio. Watch artist from around the world create master pieces. This studio brings you into the face to face with the greatest glass artist as they create a piece from start to finish.

P.M. - Stroll through 5,000 years of art history at the Chrysler Museum of Art, home to Walter Chrysler Jr.'s world-class collection of more than 30,000 pieces of art. The museum features a world-renowned Tiffany-glass collection, Art Nouveau furniture, and works of art from African, Egyptian, Pre-Columbian, Islamic and Asian cultures. The museum also offers an extensive European and American collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts

Dinner – Sip over 50 wines from around the world at Press 626 Cafe and Wine Bar.   The menu will please all taste buds using only ingredients from local farms for the freshest tastes!

DAY 2

A.M. - Relax along a tree-lined riverbank at the Hermitage Foundation Museum. This early 20th century historic home appears frozen in time, offering visitors an extraordinary trip through antiquity. The museum and gardens consist of a world-wide art collection and contemporary exhibition galleries, all surrounded by twelve acres of formal gardens and natural woodlands.

Afternoon - Spend the afternoon antique shopping in the East Coast’s largest antique market located in the Historic Ghent section of Norfolk. From Country-French to 18^th and 19^th century pieces, Ghent is filled with antique shops that offer something for everyone. Stop along the way for lunch on your own in one of the many locally owned restaurants.

P.M. – Experience Virginia’s First Urban Winery at the Mermaid Winery. The winery focuses on producing small lots of well-balanced wines using Virginia grapes. The winemaking process can be viewed from the tasting bar where you can enjoy their creations.

At the tasting bar, you can choose from several wine flights that include other wines from boutique wineries. There are also food pairings that range from classical charcuterie and artisanal cheese platters to sandwiches.

Dinner - Journey through Norfolk by experiencing a Historical Ghent Food Tour. Visit up to five restaurants and sample house specialties while listening to the staff discuss the culinary creations and history of their restaurant and food. In between locations, gather an insight into the history of Norfolk by visiting landmarks. Transport your senses with the various spices and provisions offered by Norfolk’s “hidden-gems” and culinary visionaries.

DAY 3

A.M. - Take a fun-filled boat ride at Norfolk Botanical Garden and explore the waterways or stroll the gardens and discover a variety of plants from the cultivated to the wild. While you are visiting, be sure to take part in the one of Garden’s popular programs such as Active Gardeners, Creative Gardeners or Garden Design. The Norfolk Botanical Garden’s professional horticultural staff will be on hand to share their knowledge and experience and inspire new ideas for your garden.

A.M. Stroll through the d’art Center at Seldan Arcade and discover over 20 local artist and their studios. The d'ART Center is an environment where working artists are a part of an interactive arts community that engages the public through the experience of art and the creative process. All activities at the center are aimed at bringing artistic experiences and education to the public.

Lunch - Shop till you drop at MacArthur Center with over 70 retailers anchored by Nordstrom and Dillard’s. While there, take part in one of MacArthur Center's special packages include a cooking class at Williams-Sonoma and chocolate tasting at Harry and David.

P.M. End your afternoon with a visit to the Moses Myers home and the Norfolk History Museum.  Both of these homes are only two blocks apart.  The Moses Myers House in downtown Norfolk is the oldest Jewish home in America, constructed between 1795-1797, and offers an exceptionally accurate portrayal of life in the 18th Century.   The Norfolk History Museum at the Willoughby-Baylor House was built in 1794 and currently features permanent and changing exhibit galleries that highlight vignettes of the city, showcasing Norfolk’s evolving history not only as an international port and maritime center, but also as a focal point of commercial growth with impressive naval and military roots.

P.M. - Experience the elegance and romance of the Victorian Era inside the Hunter House Victorian Museum. Rich in architectural detail, the Hunter family's collection of Victorian furnishings and decorative pieces are displayed throughout the house.

Dinner - Located in downtown Norfolk, Omar’s Carriage House is sure to please! This historic site in Norfolk was built in the early 1840's, when the patrons then were horses. Savor fresh jumbo lump crab cakes and succulent potato crisp flounder at Omar’s contemporary bistro.

Day 1

Enjoy a local classic at Norfolk’s Dog -n- Burger serving locals since 1969. Ask any local, this is the place for a small town famous burger. Order the “Classic Dog-n-Burger “, which consists of double meat, double cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, ketchup and mustard. Craving both a hot dog and a burger? Try Combo #1 which includes a hot dog, cheeseburger, soda and fries. This is not a menu for the light eater!

You will have a tough time deciding what to beer to choice at Norfolk’s Tap House Grille, with a large selection of draft and bottles. Selection includes hard to find beers, local favourites and old standards. Tap House also has outdoor seating patio and a full menu if you feel like snack before dinner.

O’Connor’s Brewing Company began, like many small breweries, as a dream to bring another option to a local crowd. It all started in 1995 when Kevin O'Connor caught the bug for home brewing in his college dorm room, and here starts the journey. O'Connor Brewing Company brews all handcrafted ales on a 10 barrel Brew house. Stop in for many events in the brewery, taste the beer, tour the brewery and take home a pint glass or keg!

Time for the fancy side of burgers with one of Norfolk’s newest restaurant at the 80/20 Burger Bar. 80/20 Burger Bar provides grass-fed beef choices supplied from Black Diamond Ranch north of Blacksburg, Virginia. Live like an adventurer and try “Miss Thing” burger which consists of pimento cheese spread, braised pork belly and buttermilk fried onion rights. Or share and spilt a few different burgers with friends, with over 18 choices.

Stop at a 50's style drive up diner for a world famous snack with a ice cream cone from Doumar’s Restaurant. This is where Abe Doumar invented the cone by taking a waffle and rolling it into a cone, to which he added ice cream. Doumar’s still bakes cones on the original cone machines.

Day 2

Start your day off right at the D’Egg Diner, where you can order breakfast or lunch any time of day. Have a classic diner hamburger in a downtown diner setting.

Their hot dogs may have made Uncle Al’s famous, but they have something on the menu for everyone! From kielbasa, brats, and hamburgers, to chicken fingers, deli sandwiches, salads, and much more! Famous Uncle Al’s is more than just hot dogs, but is a favorite of locals since 1978 for a great hot dogs, brats or hamburgers.

Try the newest burger bar in downtown Norfolk’s, Pounders Burger Bar. Try one of their popular menu items featuring the Bayside Burger and the “Tar Heel” burger. If it is a little cold outside and you need to warm up try the Ragin Cajun.

Smartmouth Brewing Company is located on the banks of the Elizabeth River in Norfolk, Virginia. This 20-barrel brew house typically churns out around 100 barrels a month – that’s 33,067 cans, around 200 kegs, and 9,920 forty-ounces. From the bite of Smartmouth’s India Pale Ale to one of the few Saisons brewed in Virginia, get a handle on what you can expect with a behind the scenes tour of the brewery and the tasting room.

You will taste the finest cheese and craft drafts at the Birch Bar. This bar that specializes in craft artisanal European cheese and craft beers from around the world. Indulge in one of the city's largest selections craft beers. Settle into a comfortable booth and enjoy over 20 selections of draft and eclectic cheese pairing

Experience dining at it’s finest at Vintage Kitchen, with views of the Norfolk, Virginia waterfront. This restaurant only uses the freshest local and regional produces, with a focus on artisan-crafted Virginia wines, cheeses, and micro-brewed beers. Start off with Cheeseburger Slider with Whipped Foie Gras and a short stack of hand-cut french fries. Do not forget to order their famous Black and White Mac” and Cheese.

Day 3

Before you head home make one last time at the Ocean View Pier for their famous Hamburger with crab meat. Enjoy great views of the Chesapeake Bay on the top sun deck. Or try a little crabbing and caught your own fresh crab for your burger!

Optional Festivals:

• Virginia Beer Festival –May
• Guided Pub Tour Crawl – Coastal Food Tours – By reservations only
• AT&T Summer Brewfest - July

NORFOLK, Va. (April 25, 2013) – VisitNorfolk is asking the residents of Norfolk to share their favorite pictures of Norfolk sites and hidden gems by entering the images in the “Picture Perfect Photo Contest.”  The online photo contest will begin May 1st and run through the month, with winners to be announced in June.  The launch is part of VisitNorfolk’s recognition of National Travel & Tourism week, May 4th - 12th.

“This special week is how we recognize the positive impact of the tourism industry on our community,’ said Tony DiFilippo, president and CEO of VisitNorfolk. “And the Picture Perfect contest is a great way for folks in the area to show us what they love about Norfolk.  Also, they are helping us tell the story of what’s great in our city to tourists.”

The Picture Perfect features special prizes such as an Apple iPad Mini, gift certificates to MacArthur Mall and more.  The contest is divided into two categories:

• People – Images that focus primarily on individuals, family, friends.
• Places – Images that focus on the landscape, still life, and or locales within the city (with images of people less than 50% of the image). 

The Picture Perfect photo contest is housed on VisitNorfolk’s Web site and Facebook page, allowing site visitors to view and comment on submissions.  A Facebook account is required to participate.  For more information or to enter go online to www.visitnorfolktoday.com/contest.

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Click Here for Complete Contest Rules

Enter your best Norfolk photos today and win!
Help us tell the story of what makes Norfolk a PICTURE PERFECT place to live, work and most importantly, play. Starting May 1 through May 31st, upload your favorite pictures taken in the City of Norfolk, your favorite people and places, and you could win an iPad® Mini 16GB. To enter your photos, go to visitnorfolktoday.com.

PHOTO CATEGORIES:

• PEOPLE - Images that focus primarily on individuals, family, friends, or events, comprising more than 50% of the image area.
• PLACES – Images that focus on the landscape, still life, and or locales within the city (with images of people comprising less than 50% of the image and/or are not the focus of more than 50% of the image.)

VOTE EARLY AND OFTEN!
Browse the submissions every day to vote for your pictures or your favorites because votes will be a big factor in who wins – 25%. So share online and tell your friends to vote too!

PRIZES
There are prizes in both categories:

• 1st place: An Apple iPad® Mini 16GB, a $100 gift certificate to MacArthur Mall, passes to Norfolk attractions and gift certificates for local Norfolk businesses.
• 2ND place: A $100 gift certificate to MacArthur Mall, passes to Norfolk attractions and gift certificates for local Norfolk businesses.
• 3rd place: Passes to Norfolk attractions and gift certificates for local Norfolk businesses.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A FACEBOOK ACCOUNT IS REQUIRED.

Click here for complete rules and guidelines.

VisitNorfolk Photo Contest|
Celebrating National Tourism Month
Official Rules 

Sponsored by: Norfolk Convention & Visitors Bureau
232 East Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

(RETURN TO CONTEST PAGE)

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID IN RHODE ISLAND AND WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW.

Participation in the 2013 VisitNorfolk Picture Perfect Photo Contest (the “Contest”) constitutes each entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Contest Rules.

Eligibility: The Contest is open to all natural persons age 18 or older who are legal residents of the United States, excluding Rhode Island, for the duration of the Contest. Employees, and or individuals of the Sponsor, advertising, promotion, and fulfillment agencies, their immediate family members and persons living in their same household, are not eligible to participate in the Contest.

How to Enter: The Contest period begins on May 1, 2013, at 12:01 am and ends on May 31, 2013, at 12:00 pm, Eastern Daylight Time. To enter, visit the Contest submission page located at www.visitnorfolktoday.com (and requires a Facebook account) and post a photo featuring a location within the City of Norfolk, Virginia. For each photo submitted, the entrant must select a category for which the photo will be entered (People or Places). The entrant’s first and last name, valid email address, zip code, and a photo description must accompany all entries. Entrants can enter multiple photos per day, up to a maximum of 10 entries for the Contest. The Sponsor will not accept photos that do not meet the submission criteria.

The Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, or non-delivered entries or for any miscommunication or technical failures as a result of Contest participation.

General Submission Eligibility Guidelines: Any photo submitted must have been taken within the last two years (on or after January, 2011) and must be of a location within the City of Norfolk, Virginia. Any photo submitted, in its entirety, must be a single work of original material taken by the Contest entrant. Photographs that include sculptures, statutes, paintings, or other works of art will be accepted as long as they do not constitute copyright infringement or fraud. When photographing the work of others, it must be as an object in its environment and not a full-frame close-up of another person’s art. By entering the Contest, the entrant represents, covenants, and warrants that the submitted photo is an original work created by the entrant, that the photo does not infringe on the copyrights, trademarks, moral rights, rights of privacy/publicity, or intellectual property rights of any person or entity and that no other party has any right, title, claim, or interest in the photo.

Entrants are required to provide a Description of all submissions, including the location and date of the photo and a brief explanation of the subject or circumstances of the photo.

The Sponsor reserves the sole and exclusive right to exclude or disqualify or remove from its Facebook page any submissions that do not meet Contest requirements or that are otherwise inappropriate or objectionable.

Category Submission Guidelines: Upon submission, entrants will select a single contest category for each image.

-          People - These are images that focus primarily on individuals, family, friends, or even pets, comprising more than 50% of the image area.

-          Places – These are images that focus on the landscape, still life, and or locales within the city with images of people comprising less than 50% of the image and/or are not the focus of more than 50% of the image.

Prizes: A total of six (6) prize winners will be selected, with a first, second, and third place winner selected for each category (People and Places). First place in in each category will receive an Apple iPad® Mini 16GB, a $100 gift certificate to MacArthur Mall, and an assortment of passes and gift certificates for local Norfolk Businesses. Second place in each category will receive a $100 gift certificate to MacArthur Mall, and an assortment of passes and gift certificates from local Norfolk Businesses. Third place in each category will receive an assortment of passes and gift certificates for local Norfolk Businesses.

Prizes are non-transferable, non-negotiable, and not redeemable for cash, credit, or merchandise. The Sponsor makes no warranty with respect to any prize. If any prize becomes unavailable for any reason, the Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of comparable value at its sole and exclusive discretion. Entrants agree that the Sponsor has the sole and exclusive right to decide all matters and disputes arising from this promotion and that a decision by the Sponsor is final and binding. 

NOTE: Apple® and iPad® are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. Apple Inc. is neither a sponsor of nor affiliated with this contest.

Selection of Winners: Winners will be determined by the votes of a committee of three (3) impartial judges and by the total number of votes received from other Facebook site visitors. The number of votes received from other Facebook site visitors will comprise 25% of the final judgment. Winners will be selected by the Sponsor on or about June 7, 2013. There can be only one winner per household. In the case of a tie, or if zero votes are cast, the Sponsor reserves the right to choose the winners at its sole and exclusive discretion.

Claiming of Prize: Winners will be notified of their selection via email, which will be sent to the email address provided during entry. Winners must claim their prize within seven (7) calendar days of the day that notification is sent. Winners may be asked to verify their identity and eligibility in order to claim a prize. Winners may be required to execute an Affidavit of Eligibility, Liability Release, and, where legally permissible, a Publicity Release. The Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any selected winner if such winner is determined to have been ineligible or unqualified. If a selected winner cannot be contacted, is ineligible, or fails to claim a prize, the prize may be forfeited or an alternate winner may be selected. Any unclaimed prizes will become the property of the Sponsor. The Sponsor is not responsible for and shall not be liable for late, lost, misdirected, or unsuccessful efforts to notify a winner or for late, lost, misdirected, or unsuccessful efforts of a winner to claim a prize. 

Publicity: By entering the Contest, all entrants grant an irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide non-exclusive license to the Sponsor and its affiliated entities to reproduce, distribute, display, and create derivative works of the entries in connection with the Content and promotion of the Contest, in any media now or hereafter known, including, but not limited to, the display of any entry and accompanying description on www.VisitNorfolkToday.com. Display or publication of an entry does not indicate that the entrant will be selected as a winner.

The Sponsor, in its sole and exclusive discretion, may publicly announce the registration name of any potential winner(s) of the Contest, in any media and for any duration. The Sponsor, however, has no obligation to do so.

Promotional Materials: By submitting an entry for the Contest, the entrant agrees to receive promotional information from the Sponsor and its affiliated entities.

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS: By entering the Contest, each participant agrees that the Sponsor, its agents and representatives, affiliates, officers, directors, employees, legal advisors and advertising, promotion, fulfillment agencies are not responsible or liable for any errors in printing or electronic presentation of the Contest, or any entries that are lost, late, misdirected, incorrect, garbled, or incompletely received, for any reason, including by reason of hardware, software, browser, or network failure, malfunction, congestion, or incompatibility at the Sponsor’s servers or elsewhere. The Sponsor, in its sole and exclusive discretion, reserves the right to disqualify any person it believes tampered with the entry process or the operation of the web site. The Sponsor further reserves the right to cancel, terminate or modify any promotion not capable of completion as planned, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, force majeure or technical failures of any sort. The Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Contest. Rules are subject to any requirements/limitations imposed by the FCC.

Winners, by acceptance of the prize, agree to release, indemnify and hold harmless the Sponsor, its agents and representatives, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, legal advisors and advertising, promotion, fulfillment agencies from any and all liability, loss, damage, costs or claims related to any allegation regarding the award of, the receipt of, or the use of their prize. Winners further agree that the Sponsor, its agents and representatives, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, legal advisors and advertising, promotion, fulfillment agencies are not responsible for personal injury of any prize winner incurred in connection with the use of the prize.

All Federal, State and local laws and regulations apply. The Contest shall be governed and enforced pursuant to the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Sponsor will report value of prize as required by law. All taxes are the sole responsibility of the winner. Each entrant agrees that any and all disputes that cannot be resolved between the parties, and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Contest, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, exclusively before a federal or state court located in Norfolk, Virginia. Each entrant consents to personal jurisdiction and venue in Norfolk, Virginia. In the event of any such dispute, participants agree that under no circumstances will they be permitted to obtain awards for and hereby waive all rights to claim punitive, incidental or consequential damages, including reasonable attorney’s fees.

CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEBSITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THIS PROMOTION IS IN VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAW. HOST RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH INDIVIDUAL TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

Winners List and Official Rules: To obtain a copy of the winners list or a copy of these Official Rules, send your request along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to:

VisitNorfolk
Picture Perfect Photo Contest
232 East Main Street
Norfolk, VA 23510

Requests must be received no later than July 7, 2013.

(RETURN TO CONTEST PAGE) 

THIS CONTEST IS VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

Norfolk, Va. (April 11, 2013) –VisitNorfolk and the Norfolk Tourism Research Foundation will celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week, May 4th – 12th with a rally entitled “Champions of Hospitality” at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center Tuesday, May 7th from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.  The best and brightest hospitality associates of the city will be honored for their contribution to Norfolk’s tour and travel industry and ambassadors for the city, Peter G. Decker III., Phillip A. Decker and Paul A. Decker will serve as masters of ceremonies.  Cathy Keefe, media relations manager for the U.S. Travel Association, will also be present.

Over 150 individuals have been nominated in over 20 different categories.  One valuable, hard-working individual will receive the Peter G. Decker Hospitality Associate of the Year Award.  The 2013 winner will join an elite group of Norfolk employees who have been noted with that distinction since VisitNorfolk held its first rally in 2002.  Two traveling trophies will also be awarded to the "Most Spirited" organizations in attendance.

Tom Schaad, Stephanie Harris, Bruce Rader and Nicole Livas of WAVY TV-10, and Old Dominion University Head Football Coach Bobby Wilder will serve as judges for the “Most Spirited” contest.  Alex Gervasi from 105-3fm ll also be present at the rally.
 
The sponsors of this year’s rally are HMS Host, Norfolk Airport Authority, Pete Decker & Partners, MacArthur Center, DIA (Dave Iwans & Associates) and Southwest Airlines. 

The "Champions of Hospitality” Rally is open to the public, and Norfolk citizens and businesses are welcome to join VisitNorfolk and the Norfolk Tourism Research Foundation in honoring those who do so much for the city’s travel and tourism industry. 

NORFOLK, Va. – The Virginia Zoo will soon boast a new state-of-the-art animal hospital and diet kitchen thanks to a capital campaign by the Virginia Zoological Society. The new facility will help staff provide optimal care for the larger number of animals.

Consistent with the Zoo’s commitments to recreation and education, the new veterinary hospital and animal wellness campus will not only deliver the highest level of animal care, but will also provide an educational experience, providing information on animal medicine; the benefits of good nutrition, outdoor activity and exercise; and how our food is grown – including living fruit orchards and vegetable gardens. Visitors will be able to look though viewing windows into treatment, surgery and laboratory rooms, and the animal diet kitchen.

“Thanks to the support of donors, members, our board of directors, the City of Norfolk and the people of Hampton Roads, today’s Virginia Zoo is able to provide a magical experience,” said Greg Bockheim, the Zoo’s executive director. “Continued support for new capital projects, like the animal wellness campus, will make that experience truly world class.”

The new Wellness Campus will be open the public in the Spring of 2014.

As an accredited Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) facility, the Virginia Zoo exhibits more than 400 animals on 53 beautifully landscaped acres. For more than a century, the Virginia Zoo has demonstrated a commitment to education and conservation, and offered a fun-filled day for visitors of any age. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and located at 3500 Granby Street in Norfolk. Daily admission prices are $11.00 for adults, $10.00 for seniors (age 62 and over) and $9.00 for children ages 2-11. Visit www.virginiazoo.org or call (757) 441-2374 for more information.

Nauticus and Virginia Stage Company present a WWII-era song and dance show on the deck of the Battleship Wisconsin sponsored by the USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia.

June 5 through July 6

NORFOLK, VA - Back for its second year this summer is Swingtime Salute – The USO Battleship Revue, presented by Nauticus and Virginia Stage Company in partnership with USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia. This year’s 1940s style show will once again feature a live swing band, plus many of last year’s professional cast, including the lovely Bronowski Sisters and Lorelei Leigh, offer matinee performances, and feature even more singing and dancing from the Big Band era. Dashing sailors and dishy dames will expertly belt out the era's popular tunes from the Andrews Sisters, Duke Ellington, Hoagy Carmichael, George and Ira Gershwin, Cab Calloway and more.

 Swingtime Salute will run from June 5 through July 6 at 8 p.m.Wednesday through Saturday, with four special 2 p.m. indoor matinees in the Nauticus Theater on June 26 & 29 and July 3 & 6. General admission tickets are $30 on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and $40 on Fridays and Saturdays; children aged 4-12 are $20 every night. Nauticus and VSC season members, retired military and AAA members receive an advance sale discount. Due to the USO’s support, all active duty military get in free. All seating is general admission. A VIP ticket is available for an additional $10 per person and includes preferred seating and a commemorative souvenir.

 For tickets, please call the VSC Box Office at (757) 627-1234, Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787 or visit www.vastage.com. Tickets may also be purchased in person either at Virginia Stage Company’s box office on the day or night of the show at 110   Tazewell Street, or at Nauticus on show nights after 5 p.m. at One Waterside   Drive.  For group discounts and reservations contact Janelle Burchfield at (757) 627-6988 ext. 358 or jburchfield@vastage.com.

For more information, visit www.nauticus.org or http://vastage.com/

Friday, July 19 – Sunday, July 21, 2013
Sunday Date Added to the Festival!
Town Point Park, Downtown Norfolk, Virginia  

NORFOLK, VA  – Cool Jazz and warm summer nights return once again to Downtown Norfolk at the area’s longest running outdoor Jazz Festival! Due to overwhelming popularity, The 31st Annual Norfolk Jazz Festival adds a third day to the calendar. Starting Friday, July 19 – Sunday, July 21, 2013, Jazz enthusiasts will chill to the sounds of smooth jazz in the serene setting of the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront along the Elizabeth River. Tickets are now on sale online at

This musical weekend features Jazz greats, including Kirk Whalum, Rick Braun & Norman Brown appearing as BWB on Friday, July 19, 2013. On Saturday, July 20^th Jonathan Butler, Sheila E & Elan Trotman take the stage as Souls of Summer. To round out the already impressive line-up, well known local jazz musicians The Jae Sinnett Trio will kick off the newly added Sunday, July 21^st date with Stanley Jordan bringing the weekends’ festivities to a close!

Friday, July 19, 2013: Gates open at 5:00pm
BWB: Kirk Whalum, Rick Braun & Norman Brown

Saturday, July 20^, 2013: Gates open at 5:00pm
Jonathan Butler, Sheila E & Elan Trotman appearing as Souls of Summer

Sunday, July 21, 2013: Gates open at 1pm
The Jae Sinnett Trio, Stanley Jordan

Box Office is open 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. The Scope Arena will act as an alternate rain site in the event of inclement weather.

For More information: www.festevents.org

Festevents Box Office
120 West Main Street in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia.

NORFOLK, VA—(May 2013) The 29^th Annual Stockley Gardens Spring Arts Festival will take place, as always, in Stockley Gardens Park in the Ghent neighborhood of Norfolk (at the corner of Stockley Gardens and Olney Rd.) and is free and open to the public. Over 140 artists will participate, featuring pieces in various media including painting, glass, sculpture, photography, and jewelry. There will also be an Emerging Artist Exhibit, musical performances all weekend long, children’s activities, and a variety of food vendors serving everything from popcorn to ribs to pitas to funnel cake and more. The festival will run from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, May 18, and from noon to 5:00 PM on Sunday, May 19. The artist award ceremony and after-hours party will take place Saturday evening from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The award ceremony and party are also free and open to the public. All proceeds from the festival will benefit Hope House Foundation.

Visit the Spring Stockley Gardens Arts Festival web site for more details.

Stockley Gardens Arts Festival from Pam & Phil Wright on Vimeo.

This event is proudly sponsored TowneBank.

Musical performers will be Dave Berry with Laura Watkins, Who We Are Not, The School of Rock, The Wet Boys, Seth Stainbeck and Roosterfoot, Ned Andrew Solomon, Karl Werne, and Rellen.

The festival judge will be David Brown, museum administrator and independent curator currently residing in Winston Salem, North Carolina. In the past, Mr. Brown worked as Deputy Director of Art at the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke, Chief Curator and the HOME House Project director at the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, Curator at the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati, and the Director of the Exhibitions Department at the Maryland Institute, College of Art, Baltimore. He served on the Board of Directors at the Washington Project for the Arts in Washington, DC and is a founding member of Botswana, an alternative space for emerging artists that became the District of Columbia Arts Center. Mr. Brown has curated, organized, and toured more than one hundred and fifty exhibitions and community-based projects. Besides producing numerous exhibition catalogs and writing for a variety of publications.

The 29^th Annual Stockley Gardens Spring Arts Festival poster design was created by artist Nancy Thomas. You can find out more about Nancy Thomas on her website, NancyGardnerThomas.blogspot.com.

For more information about the 29^th Annual Stockley Gardens Spring Arts Festival, visit StockleyGardens.com or call (757) 625-6161. 

Thursday, June 20 – Sunday, June 23, 2013
Town Point Park, Downtown Norfolk, VA

NORFOLK, VA – (April 1, 2013) – Nothing says New Orleans like the uniquely delicious delicacies and distinctive flavor of Cajun & Creole cuisine! Norfolk Festevents is bringing nationally known chefs straight from New Orleans to Norfolk to serve up the heart and soul of Louisiana food dish by dish at the 24^th Annual AT&T Bayou Boogaloo & Cajun Food Festival starting Thursday, June 20- Sunday, June 23, 2013 in Town Point Park in Downtown Norfolk, VA.

Norfolk’s annual “second line” with New Orleans’ unique culture spices it up this year with the addition of multiple New Orleans chefs that are sure to bring that special spirit to life in Town Point Park. Cooking up their famous cajun & creole cuisines are Ms. Linda The Ya-ka-Mein Lady, Chef Curtis Moore from the Praline Connection, Chef Woody Ruiz, New Orleans Crawfish King Chris “Shaggy” Davis, Jacques-Imo’s Restaurant and more! They have been featured on such television shows as Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations”, Food Networks highly competitive cooking competition “Chopped”, “Food Paradise” and “The Best Thing I Ever Ate”. All have been featured at the highly coveted New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in New Orleans!

“ We are very excited to be making the trip up to Norfolk for what we hope will become an annual excursion to share the authentic tastes of New Orleans with the fine folks of the Hampton Roads community” Chef Woody Ruiz stated. Chef Woody made his first appearance at last year’s Bayou Boogaloo and will be returning the Norfolk area for a second time this year to continue to provide the guests of the Bayou Boogaloo a one-of-a kind food experience Cajun style!

Festival guests are in for a real treat as they find more than 5,000 pounds of live crawfish straight from Louisiana boiled up with corn and potatoes throughout the weekend, as well as jambalaya, seafood gumbo, crawfish etouffee, Po’ Boy sandwiches, alligator, muffuletta, andouille sausage, and beignets. There will also be Chef inspired dishes on site for Bayou guests to indulge in, such as Ms. Linda’s famous Ya-Ka-Mein, Chef Woody’s fish tacos and Jacques-Imo’s shrimp and alligator sausage cheesecake.

Curious to see what gets the Chefs all fired up? Our on- site cooking demonstrations are sure to get guests mouths watering as our Chefs prepare their blends of Cajun & Creole cuisine that are sure to pack a punch. See what goes into their special dishes and take home their techniques so the New Orleans style comes alive in your kitchen.

Times:
Thursday, 7pm-10pm (Free Admission! Bayou Ball)
Friday, Noon-4pm (Free Admission!) and 5pm-10pm (ticketed)
Saturday, Noon-10pm (ticketed)
Sunday, Noon-6pm. (ticketed) 
Admission: $10 admission per day

Save $10 with advance purchase of a three-day festival pass. Admission for this local favorite is $20 in advance for a weekend pass, or you can purchase tickets on site for $10 per day.

Boating packages are available by calling 757-441-2345.

All tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at festevents.org or by calling 757-441-2345.

The 7th Annual AT&T Spring Town Point
Virginia Wine Festival

Saturday, May 4 & Sunday, May 5, 2013
11am - 6pm Daily
Town Point Park, Downtown Norfolk, Virginia

Wine Enthusiast Magazine has named Virginia one of the 10 best wine travel destinations in the world! Norfolk Festevents is bringing 25 of the best wineries from across the Commonwealth right to Hampton Roads' premier waterfront venue! .

The fastest growing Wine Festival in Hampton Roads, the Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival has expanded to 2 days this year!

Experience the 7th Annual AT&T Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival with flavor and flair on Saturday May 4 & 5, 2013, 11am - 6pm daily in Town Point Park along the Downtown Norfolk, VA Waterfront.

For More Information: Festevents.org

The Virginia International Tattoo is renowned for presenting the traditional sounds of the massed pipes and drums, sharing a profound sense of American pride and patriotism, and celebrating our friends and allies through the exciting spectacle of international performers.

A cast of over 900, including bagpipers, drummers, military bands, dancers, singers, drill teams, color guards and performers of all kinds will travel from the four corners of the globe to Norfolk in April for the 2013 Virginia International Tattoo.

This awe-inspiring show is the largest tattoo—military musical display—in the U.S. The theme of this year’s Tattoo is “Homecoming,” focusing on the profound joy and pride accompanying the return of the men and women who devote their lives to the safeguarding of freedom.

Thu, April 25, 7:30 pm New Performance!
Fri, April 26, 7:30 pm
Sat, April 27, 7:30 pm
Sun, April 28, 2:30 pm
Scope Arena, Norfolk

Virginia International Tattoo Hullabaloo

There’s no better place to take in a spectacular view of the blue sea, clear sky and ships sailing past the marina than the Oceanview Pier in Norfolk.

Crab Feast 2013, from Coastal Food Tours, Virginia, offers a chance to experience crab in its most traditional form in the ideal setting, the Oceanview Pier Restaurant. The “Crab Class” will teach participants the intricacies of crab season, different kinds of crab and even the history of crabbing in the Hampton Roads region.

Then, at tables covered with newspaper like traditional chefs, guests will take wooden mallet in hand and learn how to retrieve the best crab meat. Real crab pickers will be on hand to demonstrate the best ways to break through to find the sweetest, most flavorful meat.

The meal will be served buffet style wit time after dessert for guests to enjoy the view, walk along the beach or explore the pier.

Situated in a scenic location on the bay, the Pier features a tackle shop, banquet hall and of course a full-service restaurant serving the freshest local seafood caught daily just outside the door. Fresh crab is the Oceanview Pier restaurant’s star feature, served in everything from dip to sandwiches to signature crab cakes.

Fore More Information: www.coastalfoodtours.com

NOTES: Crab Feast tours can accomodate up to 130 guests outdoors and 70 inside the restaurant.  It is a 1.5-2.5 hour experience depending on after dinner activities.  Rec ommended timing is during crab season: summer to early fall.  Live music and full dinner with alcohol can be included.  Prices range from $38-$65 per person all inclusive.

The city is home to Virginia’s first urban winery and two thriving small breweries.  Each offers unique and special creations, tours and tastings. 

Here is more information about these tasty attractions:
 

Smartmouth Brewing Company 
 
Smartmouth Brewing Company is a craft brewery featuring three year-round styles of beer with periodic seasonal/special styles.  Its beers can be found in restaurants across the area, while a brewery tasting room gives visitors a chance to sample their styles and take a tour.  

The tasting room is open Thursdays and Fridays from 4:30pm - 7pm, and Saturdays from 12-5pm.  Free tours are offered hourly on Saturdays.

1309 Raleigh Avenue, Norfolk
(757) 624-3939
www.smartmouthbrewing.com

The Official Kick-off to Summer!   June 6– June 9, 2013

NORFOLK, VA – (February 8, 2013) –Norfolk Festevents announced today that national recording artists O.A.R will perform LIVE on the Budweiser Main Stage in Town Point Park on Friday, June 7, 2013 during the 37^th Annual Norfolk Harborfest® on the downtown Norfolk, VA waterfront. The Concert is free and open to the public. 

For four memorable days, the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront transforms into an exciting playground for people of all ages. The historic waterfront festival offers a weekend packed with exciting activities on land and sea! Harborfest® includes tall ships and the Parade of Sail, the largest fireworks show on the East Coast, local, regional and national entertainment, family activities, unique and unusual performances, water activities and much more.

O.A.R presented by 94.9 the Point
Friday, June 7, 2013
Budweiser Main Stage
Concert Time: 8:30pm

O.A.R. (an acronym for the band's full moniker, Of a Revolution) transformed themselves from an independent college band to a Billboard chart-topper over the course of a long, varied career. First, two of the band's demo recordings were hawked on university campuses. Then, news spread about the band's roots rock and reggae-inflected songs, which owed much to the jam band genre. Before long, O.A.R.'s website had turned into a highly trafficked internet destination, and the group gradually left the college scene for the bright lights of national stardom.

 
What:  37th Annual Norfolk Harborfest® presented by AT&T
When: Thursday, June 6 – Sunday, June 9, 2013
Time: Thurs, June 6:  HarborFEAST 6pm – 9pm (ticketed event)
              Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8: Noon – 11pm
              Sunday, June 9:  Noon – 6pm
Where: Town Point Park and Downtown Norfolk, Virginia waterfront
Admission: Free & Open to the Public 

Special Note: Lawn Chairs and blankets are welcome. Coolers, food and soft drinks are permitted. No alcohol or glass is permitted; food and alcohol will be available for purchase during the festival.

For more information about the entire weekend’s events, please visit www.festevents.org and or call 757-441-2345. The 37th Annual Norfolk Harborfest is produced by Norfolk Festevents in partnership with Port of Virginia and presented by AT&T and the City of Norfolk.

37^th Annual Norfolk Harborfest is sponsored by: W.F. Magann Corporation, Norfolk Waterside Marriott, Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/RAM/Fiat, CFE Equipment Corporation, Budweiser, Pepsi, Norfolk Plumbing, Spirit of Norfolk, 94.9 the Point, 101.3 2WD, 95.7 R&B and Z104

About Norfolk Festevents, Ltd.
Norfolk Festevents, Ltd. is a private not-for-profit organization dedicated to producing city celebrations including premier concerts, festivals, ship visits, and special events for the residents and guests of Hampton Roads.  Celebrating its 31^st season, Norfolk Festevents has garnered international acclaim for its outstanding quality of programming.  Norfolk Festevents is the official event marketing and production agency for the City of Norfolk.

9:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. | Nauticus & Battleship Wisconsin

Visit the city’s vibrant waterfront featuring a world-class maritime museum and decommissioned battleship. 

• Hands on maritime history exhibits

• Interactive theaters with films on octopi and sharks

• Walk through one of the largest battleships ever built

11:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. | Ghent Culinary Adventure

Eat and drink your way through historic Ghent, a foodies’ paradise!

• Meet the owner of Doumar’s, the original creator of the waffle cone

• Enjoy ice cream on Doumar’s freshly made waffle cones

• Taste savory Virginia BBQ

• Experience a VIP tour and beer tasting at of one of Norfolk’s best breweries

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Hermitage Museum and Gardens

Bordered on three sides by the Lafayette River, this early 20th century historic home and museum boasts wetlands, art studios, formal gardens, and fantastic architecture.

• World-class art collection

• 12 acres of picturesque gardens

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Granby Street Food Appreciation

Walk through downtown Norfolk and experience the area’s culinary scene with two delicious experiences. First, guests will visit a neighborhood restaurant and partake in a cooking demo hosted by a local chef.

• Learn local cooking techniques & interact with the chef

• Enjoy several specialty dishes

Next, partake in a culinary exploration of coffee and smoked meats at a local restaurant. Owners of this critically acclaimed coffee shop have developed a rotating tasting menu that brings together the essences of coffee with house smoked meats, enhancing the flavor of both.

• Learn about the process of smoking meats

• Explore the intricacies of coffee varietals 

Day 2: Discover the Roots of Virginia

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Visit Rowena’s

Featured on the Food Network and celebrated by Paula Dean, Rowena’s has been producing tasty cakes and sundries for over 25 years.

• Take a guided tour through the baking facility

• Sample a variety of famous Bundt cakes, drizzles, and other delights

10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. | Historic St. Luke’s Church

St Luke’s Church is one of the oldest churches in the United States as well as the nation’s only surviving Gothic brick church.

• Visit the church, the grounds, and hear its many stories from one of the facility’s seasoned guides

11:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Smithfield Food Tour

Discover the authentic flavor of this charming town and the food that put Virginia on the culinary map.

• Enjoy ham biscuits, peanuts, and a hearty helping of country snacks

• Learn about the historic buildings dating back several hundred years in this charming, preserved town

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Darden’s Country Store

Experience Darden’s, one of the last traditional Virginia ham producers in the country with the quintessential Virginia ham event.

• Learn about the curing process

• See how hams are preserved

• Sample the specialty paired hams and sausages with locally grown fruits

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Free Time

5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Crab Feast/Ocean View Pier

Situated in a scenic location on the Bay, the Pier features the freshest local seafood caught daily.

• Experience a "Crab Class" to learn about the intricacies of crab season and different kinds of crabs

• Learn the history of crabs in the Hampton Roads area

• Seasoned “Crab Pickers” will show how to break through crabs to enjoy the flavorful meat

Day 3: Farewell and Exploration of Portsmouth

9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. | Pagoda and Tea Room

Given to Norfolk by Taiwan, the Pagoda is a serene oasis inside the bustling downtown business district.

• Enjoy a variety of Asian Teas

• Walk the tranquil grounds with Koi ponds and Asian foliage

10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. | Ferry to Portsmouth

Take the ferry across the Elizabeth River to historic Portsmouth.

11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Tour and Dining in Old Towne

Your Norfolk Experience comes to a close with a historic downtown walk through Old Towne Portsmouth and a Southern culinary experience.

• Walk through one of the nation’s largest collection of historic homes, comparable to Charlestown, SC

• See all the culinary techniques and traditions come together with lunch at a contemporary Southern Bistro

GLENN PHILLIPS HEADLINES 6th ANNUAL FESTIVAL

The Sea Level Singer/Songwriter Festival, now in its 6^th year, is a celebration of live, original music and art benefiting Tidewater Arts Outreach. The 2013 event kicks off with a concert at the Naro Theatre by indie-icon and former front man of Toad the Wet Sprocket, Glen Phillips, on April 4 at the Naro Cinema in Ghent.

In addition to the headline kick-off concert and finale event on April 6, the festival features the Instruments of Art auction gala, indoor and outdoor live performance showcases by local musicians, and a custom Merrill Guitar raffle.

EMERGING ARTIST CONTEST
SEARCHING FOR UNSIGNED TALENT
Judged showcase concert to be held April 6 at the historic Attucks Theater

Tidewater Arts Outreach is once again inviting unsigned singer/songwriters of all ages to compete to be named the Sea Level Emerging Artist of the year. TAO is now accepting entries in the 6th Annual Sea Level Singer/Songwriter Festival that will take place in Norfolk April 4-6.

How to enter: Interested persons should review entry rules at TWartsOutreach.org. After paying a fee, participants should upload their music online. Entries can be a professional recording or a homemade demo. Submissions will be judged on content, rather than recording quality. To qualify each singer/songwriter must:

• Live within 100 miles of Norfolk
• Not have a released a full-length album
• Upload two MP3 files of original music, accompanied by entrance fee, no later than March 15, 2013
• Be available to appear live in Norfolk on April 6

TAO will select ten semifinalists to perform one song each at the Emerging Artist Contest, a live concert on Saturday, April 6 at the Attucks Theater, 1010 Church Street in Norfolk. A panel of judges will that evening choose three finalists to perform a second song and then select the winner, who will be invited to be a guest on Hunter at Sunrise (WHRV HD3), The Hampton Roads Show on WAVY TV, and Out of the Box (WHRV FM 89.5).

About Tidewater Arts Outreach: Tidewater Arts Outreach was founded in 2003 to share the joy and healing power of the arts with people who have special needs and who are in hospitals, retirement homes, rehabilitation centers, shelters and other facilities throughout Hampton Roads. TAO artist performances and programs promote human interaction, happiness and healing for people who have limited access to the arts due to health, economic or social circumstances. For more information visit TWartsOutreach.org.

Norfolk, VA, (January 31, 2013) - Norfolk Festevents and the City of Norfolk are pleased to announce the official Norfolk Festevents 2013 Schedule of Events for Town Point Park on the Downtown Norfolk, Virginia Waterfront.

Norfolk Festevents has the region’s social calendar booked for 2013, with 75 spectacular events confirmed in Town Point Park along the Elizabeth River!  Celebrate life daily with signature favorites including the 37^th Annual Norfolk Harborfest, the 24^th Annual AT&T Bayou Boogaloo & Cajun Food Festival, the 26^th Annual AT&T Town Point Virginia Wine Festival, the 31^st Annual Norfolk Jazz Festival and the 25^th Annual AT&T Virginia Children’s Festival. 

Celebrating the East Coast’s premier waterfront festival in its 37^th year, Norfolk Harborfest® will return June 6-9, 2013. For four memorable days, the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront transforms into an exciting playground for people of all ages. The historic waterfront festival offers a weekend packed with exciting activities on land and sea to include tall ships and the Parade of Sail, the largest fireworks show on the East Coast, family activities, national entertainment and much more.

• NEW! Reality TV Star Katie Balloons, from TLC’s “The Unpoppables” will be making her debut appearance at Norfolk Harborfest®.  One of the most sought after balloon professionals in the world, Katie Balloons uplifts the masses and inspires a new generation of creation. Her approach is clean and innovative, possessing a modernism rarely associated with ballooning. Katie creates striking inflatable art and engages all types of audiences with her natural command of the stage. She is the only female balloon artist to star on a TV show about her work and is recognized by clients and peers as a leader in the industry. In the world of balloons, Katie's versatility and charisma are unparalleled.
  
  
• Rusted Root will headline the Budweiser Main Stage at Norfolk Harborfest® on Sunday, June 9, 2013.  Known for their unique fusion of acoustic, rock, world and other styles of music, with a strong percussion section that draws from African, Latin American, and Native American influences. Rusted Root has sold more than three million albums worldwide.
  
  
• Colours Junkanoo Carnival Returns to Norfolk Harborfest®! Colours Junakanoo is back at Harborfest! The world famous parade unit from Nassau, Bahamas will travel to Norfolk to perform "rushouts" throughout the weekend. Making music from goatskin drums, cowbells, whistles, horns and conch shells and wearing beautiful vibrant handmade costumes, this is a must see performance!
  
• Back by popular demand, The HarborFEAST Seafood Sampler will kick off the festivities on Thursday, June 6^th from 6-9pm. Tickets are required for admittance into the all you care to eat HarborFEAST Seafood Sampler while Norfolk Harborfest® is free & open to the public.

 More 2013 event season highlights to mark down on your calendars:

• North Mississippi All Stars will make their first appearance in Town Point Park on the Budweiser Main Stage at Bayou Boogaloo and Cajun Food Festival on Friday June 21.
  
• Jonathan Butler, Sheila E and Elan Trotman take the stage as Souls of Summer at Norfolk Jazz Festival on Saturday July 20.

New this year to the Norfolk Festevents 2013 lineup is the RibtoberFest.  The inaugural RibtoberFest will have the best of both worlds as Beer & BBQ collide in one deliciously mouth watering food for all, featuring finger-lickin good BBQ, fabulously frosty craft brews, live music, restaurant competitions, and great family fun.  

Fairies, monsters, shipwrecks, magic and more come to Town Point Park with the Virginia Stage Company’s exciting production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest.  Enjoy pre-show entertainment featuring merriment for all ages all the while feasting on Elizabethan faire.   A Mid-Summer Fantasy in the Park is produced by the Virginia Stage Company and takes place Friday-Sunday, July 26-28, 2013.

Due to overwhelming popularity, Norfolk Festevents has added event dates to existing festivals to keep the party going in Downtown Norfolk. The 7^th Annual Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival and the 12^th Annual Virginia Beer Festival both go from one to two days of fun along the Elizabeth River! The 31^st Annual Norfolk Jazz Festival adds a 3^rd day to the calendar with Scope as an alternate rain site in the event of inclement weather. 

Festevents is proud of all of its strong relationships within the community and especially with the partnerships that continue to grow stronger season after season, making the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront the place to be all spring and summer long.  Festevents works with dozens of small businesses and has significant economic impact in the community. The 2012 estimated economic impact, including OpSail 2012 Virginia® was over $135 million. 

Mark your calendars with the following dates:

Town Point Park Signature Events:

• 37^th Annual Norfolk Harborfest ®: June 6-9
• featuring the AT&T HarborFEAST Seafood Sampler: June 6, 2013- 6pm-9pm (ticketed event)
• featuring the 8^th Annual Bayou Ball in partnership with the Arts Council  of  New Orleans: June 20
• 24^th Annual AT&T Bayou Boogaloo & Cajun Food Festival: June 20-23 (ticketed event)
• 31^st  Annual AT&T Fourth of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks, July 4
• 31^st Annual Norfolk Jazz Festival presented by the City of Norfolk: July 19-21 (ticketed event)
• 25^th Annual AT&T Virginia Children’s Festival: October 5 (ticketed event)

“Savor the Flavor” Town Point Tasting Series

• 7^th Annual AT&T Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival: May 4-5 (ticketed event)
• 12^th Annual Virginia Beer Festival in partnership with Virginia Arts Festival: May 18-19 (ticketed event)
• 3^rd Annual AT&T Summer BrewFest: July 12
• AT&T Fresh Catch Friday: Every Friday in August
• AT&T Bubbles & Bluejeans: September 6
• NEW! AT&T RibtoberFest: September 21
• 26^th Annual AT&T Town Point Virginia Wine Festival: October 19-20 (ticketed event) 

“River Rhythms” Town Point Music Series

• 12^th Annual AT&T Norfolk Latino Music Festival: August 24
• 2^nd Annual ETC- Norfolk’s Indie Music & Arts Festival; September 14

Town Point Park Performing Arts Series

• NEW! A Mid- Summer Fantasy in the Park; partnership with the Virginia Stage Company: July 26-28
• 5^th Annual Opera in the Park in partnership with the Virginia Opera: September 7

TowneBank Fountain Park Events (adjacent to Waterside Festival Marketplace and Waterside Marina):

• 4^th Annual AT&T Spring Fountain Fair: April 20
• April 20 – September 30: TowneBank Fountain Park open for daily operation.
• AT&T Festevents Fridays Series: Select Fridays from May 3 – August 30
• AT&T Cinema Under the Stars Movie Series: Select Saturdays from July 6 – August 31
• AT&T Fountain Field Days: Every Wednesday from June 19 - August 28
• 8^thAnnual Mid-Autumn Moon Festival: September 8

Tickets for all ticketed events are scheduled to go on sale February 14 at www.festevents.org.

All Norfolk Festevents events are certified Virginia Green. Norfolk Festevents believes the community needs to take innovative steps to reduce energy usage and promote sustainability. We encourage implementation of specific environmental policies and practical actions that help reduce the Park’s carbon footprint. Guests at all events are encouraged to place empty beverage bottle or aluminum can in any receptacle labeled for that purpose. Look for the special blue top containers with the "Norfolk Recycles" logo. With your help Town Point Park will be cleaner and more waste will be made into new products, saving energy and landfill space for future generations. This service is being brought to you by a partnership between the City of Norfolk, Norfolk Festevents, Anheuser Busch, Virginia Green and Tidewater Fibre Corp.

Norfolk Festevents strives to give back to the Hampton Roads community. Since 1983, Norfolk Festevents has partnered with and made contributions to area charities through the Service Club Beverage Sales Program. The 2012 Service Club Beverage Sales Program generated over $60,000 for local charities. Over 3 million dollars have been donated directly to local charities since the Program’s inception. Local organizations like Down Syndrome Association of Hampton Roads, Kiwanis Club of Norfolk, Little Creek Lion's Club, REACH, Inc. and The Up Center all benefit greatly from the fundraising opportunities and the social experience their members receive.

Events are produced by Norfolk Festevents in partnership with Port of Virginia and presented by AT&T, the City of Norfolk, Norfolk Waterside Marriott, Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/Ram, TowneBank and CFE Equipment Corporation.

Norfolk Festevents, Ltd. is a private not for profit organization dedicated to producing premier concerts, festivals, ship visits and special events and city celebrations for residents and guests of Hampton Roads. Entering its 31^st season, Norfolk Festevents has garnered international acclaim for its outstanding quality programming. Norfolk Festevents is the official event marketing and production agency for the City of Norfolk, Virginia.

Join the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, for a special concert event as she delivers her special brand of style and music.

This one-night only event is the official kick-off of the 2013 Mid-Eastern Athletic Basketball (MEAC) Basketball Tournament in Norfolk. 

Aretha Franklin
Saturday, March 9th @ 8pm
Harrison Opera House, Norfolk

For more information, visit www.sevenvenues.com.

Click Here to Purchase tickets at Ticketmaster or call 800-745-3000.

The 2013 Tournament is scheduled for March 11-16 and will be played at the Norfolk Scope Arena.

EVENT BROCHURE | SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Written By: MEAC Media Relations         
NORFOLK, Virginia, February 1, 2012 - The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) announced today that the City of Norfolk, Virginia has been awarded the 2013-2015 MEAC Basketball Tournament.  The 2013 Tournament is scheduled for March 11-16 and will be played at the Norfolk Scope Arena.

Mayor Paul D. Fraim of the City of Norfolk, MEAC Commissioner Dennis Thomas along with Norfolk Vice Mayor Anthony Burfoot and Norfolk City Councilman Paul Riddick are scheduled to make the official announcement to media and fans during a press conference on Thursday, Feb. 2 beginning at 11:45 a.m. at the Showcase Restaurant in the Norfolk Scope. 

"We are excited to announce that the MEAC Council of Chief Executive Officers have selected Norfolk, Virginia as the host city for the 2013, 14, and 15 MEAC Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament," said MEAC Commissioner Dennis Thomas.  "We have enjoyed our tournament experience in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and look forward to another great tournament experience this year.  We are grateful to Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines, the City Council Members, the Steering Committee members and Bucky Dame and his staff for providing an outstanding experience for the MEAC and our fans." 

Thomas added, "We anticipate the move to Norfolk will be yet another opportunity for our fans to enjoy competitive MEAC Division I basketball and be a part of March Madness in a great and progressive city."

The City of Norfolk, home to MEAC institution Norfolk State University, is no stranger to hosting the annual basketball tournament.  From 1991-1993 and again in 1997, the City of Norfolk served as the tournament's host site. 

"The City of Norfolk is pleased to welcome back the MEAC Basketball tournament for the next three years. With Norfolk State University and Hampton University, two leading schools in the MEAC Conference, within a 20 minute drive from the venue, Norfolk is a natural choice for hosting this prestigious tournament. This is a tremendous opportunity to welcome fans and players to our vibrant city. It is my hope that visitors throughout the week-long event will decide Norfolk is a destination to experience again and again," says Mayor Paul D. Fraim.

"I'm thrilled to welcome the MEAC back to the City of Norfolk.  Not only will the tournament provide an economic boost to our City but more importantly this partnership will enrich the lives of our youth through its college day outreach program that allows young people to enjoy a college experience for a day," says Norfolk Vice Mayor Anthony Burfoot.

"The MEAC's legacy keeps the rich history of our African-American colleges and universities alive.  I am pleased Norfolk will play a vital role continuing this rich tradition," says Norfolk City Councilman and Norfolk State University Alumni Paul Riddick. 

About the MEAC Basketball Tournament

The MEAC Basketball Tournament is a single elimination championship playoff that involves 13 Division I historically black colleges and universities located across the Atlantic coastline: Bethune-Cookman, Coppin State, Delaware State, Florida A&M, Hampton, Howard, Maryland Eastern Shore, Morgan State, Norfolk State, North Carolina A&T State, North Carolina Central, Savannah State and South Carolina State.

The 2012 tournament will be played at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.  Both the men's and women's champion will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. For more information about the MEAC Basketball Tournament, log on to www.MEAChoops.com or www.MEACsports.com.

About Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk, Virginia is a city of some 242,803 residents and more than 100 diverse neighborhoods. It is the cultural, educational, business and medical center of Hampton Roads, hosts the world's largest naval base, the region's international airport and is one of the busiest international ports on the East Coast of the United States. The city is undergoing a successful renewal, including new office, retail, entertainment and new residential development along the rivers and bay front, and revitalization projects in many of its neighborhoods. Norfolk's residents and city officials have long supported sports programs at all levels.

About VisitNorfolk

VisitNorfolk is the official Destination Marketing Organization for the City of Norfolk.  VisitNorfolk, a non-profit organization is dedicated to enhancing the role of travel and tourism in our economy by producing high volumes of both leisure and convention visitors, tax revenues and travel related jobs in Norfolk.  VisitNorfolk also provides the resources and tools to ensure our visitors stay in Norfolk is both a productive and enjoyable one.  For more information, visitnorfolktoday.com or call 800-368-3097.