The Mid-Atlantic coast is a bit of a jumbled blur in my mind, especially the Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey states and how they fit together. Did you know that Scranton Pennsylvania is north of New York City? If you did, you know about that area better than I do. Or did, until I studied a map. I’ve learned a lot since visiting one of our sons in Norfolk last Memorial Day weekend.
As you can tell from the map above, Norfolk sits on the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay between Virginia Beach and Newport News. To reach Washington,D.C., from Norfolk by boat, head north up the Chesapeake Bay and tuen west onto the Potomac. Farther up the bay are Annapolis and Baltimore.
South of Norfolk lies the Intracoastal Waterway which officially ends in Norfolk.
It was obvious from the view from Don and my hotel room (below) there was a lot going on in this port. It was confirmed during our tour on the water.
On our tour of the harbor, we saw…
Arleigh Burke–class destroyer,
A NOAA research and survey vessel heading out to sea,
The town surrounding the harbor is quaint, yet very functional with parks and museums along the waterfront. Granby Street has been gentrified with many restaurants, bars and live music. After the naval tour and museum, we got lucky and happened upon Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint. Delicious food (wagyu beef) and incredible service. We got even luckier as there wasn’t a line when we arrived. After a bit more exploring the town, we went out for steaks. We learned that, Byrd & Baldwin Bros. Steakhouse is old school and requires collars. They found Sam a black jacket to wear over his black t-shirt so we could stay and eat. Food and drinks were delish. I’m so glad they had that jacket in the back!
The next day we headed north to the Historic Triangle – Yorktown, Williamsburg and Jamestown which tells the tale of the beginnings of the United States. Jamestown was the site of the first permanent English settlement in North America in 1607. Williamsburg became the colonial capital of Virginia in 1699 and the center of politics, law, education, and revolutionary thought. Yorktown was the location of the decisive battle of the American Revolutionary War where British General Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington in 1781.
Visiting Yorktown on Memorial Day was not planned, but very much appreciated. Flags had been placed next to each grave in the cemetery.
On our last evening after that delicious steak dinner, Don and I sat in the bar of our hotel for a bit and met some very interesting people. We met a naval officer who was deploying on USS Comfort the next week. I met three people from the Birmingham Royal Ballet who were performing in the U.S. Premier of Black Sabbath. One was the guitarist for the show. After they performed in Norfolk, they were off to the Kennedy Performing Arts Center for a multi-day run. The sweetest moment came when I encountered a couple sneaking a kiss before splitting off to the men’s and women’s bathrooms – pure Virginia is for Lovers energy.
If you can get a direct flight into/out of Norfolk, do it. The city is incredibly easy to navigate. Heading back to Houston, we left downtown at 7am, refueled at a gas station, returned the rental car, cleared security and were at the gate by 7:40.
Net-net: A perfect weekend getaway for history buffs, foodies and lovers of all things nautical.
New City New State 