Museums and Galleries
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Military Aviation Museum
The Military Aviation Museum is home to one of the largest private collections of World War Two and World War One era fighters, bombers, trainers, and seaplanes. With the upper level viewing areas, you can see the wide range of planes on display. Then take a walk around the planes themselves, get close up to see these magnificent flying machines beautifully restored to their former glory.
757-721-7767 / MilitaryAviationMuseum.org
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Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
Out of the Box: Trends in Contemporary Jewelry January 25 - April 28, 2013
MOCA will explore and celebrate the emerging trends that are taking place in contemporary jewelry. Artists are moving away from traditional jewelry making materials, boundaries are crossed and whole new categories are evolving. As patrons move through this exhibition, they won’t have to ask whether it is sculpture, installation or jewelry. The answer will be yes to all of the above. The artists featured will include, Arthur Hash, Emiko Oye, Rachel Rader, Lauren Kalman, Rachel Timmins, Joe Churchman, Jennifer Crupi and Margaux Lange. This exhibition is organized by The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA).
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d’ART Center— Your Connection to the Visual Arts!
The d’ART Center is teeming with wonderful, amazing, unbridled creative energy. Why wait for an art show, connect with the creative process year round as 35 resident artists create one-of a kind artwork in lampwork glass, painting, photography, pottery, mixed media and more. Inspiring creativity, d’ART offers a variety of adult and children’s art classes, workshops and camps for all skill levels. World class local, regional and national art exhibitions continually transform the d’ART Centers 5 sky-lit galleries.
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Courthouse Galleries
Enjoy exhibits, lectures, classes and performances in galleries housed in the historic 1846 Courthouse.
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Chrysler Museum Glass Studio
The Museum is closed for a major expansion, but we've taken our collection on the road during 2013. Our Glass Studio is open Wednesday to Sunday with free glass demonstrations at noon. The Moses Myers and Willoughby-Baylor Houses are open with exhibitions. For more exhibitions throughout the region, visit chrysler.org.
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Children’s Museum of Virginia
Two kid-friendly floors packed with exhibits and activities designed to engage young minds.
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Virginia Living Museum
Explore Virginia's natural heritage at this "living museum," a combination native wildlife park, science museum, aquarium, botanical preserve, and planetarium.
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Peninsula Fine Arts Center
Located within the park shared by the Mariners' Museum, this lively gallery offers and everchanging array of exhibitions, events, and studio classes.
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Gardens and More
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Norfolk Botanical Garden
Roam 155 beautiful acres, where charming bridges cross waterways lined with roses, hydrangeas, camellias, and native Virginia plants.
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Hermitage Museum & Gardens
The Hermitage Museum & Gardens, formerly home to the Sloane family, is an early 20th century Arts-and-Crafts estate located on the shore of the Lafayette River in Norfolk, Virginia. Featruing a nationally recognized art collection spanning 5,000 years, the hermitage is home to contemporary exhibition galleries, a Visual Arts Studio, working artist studios, and 12 acres of gardens.
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Garden Club of Virginia: Historic Garden Week
For one week every April, visitors are welcomed to more than 250 of Virginia's most picturesque gardens and private homes during "America's Largest Open House."
APRIL 21-28 PLEASE VISIT WWW.VAGARDENWEEK.ORG FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF TOURS BY DATE AND LOCATION, AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS.
NORFOLK HOME AND GARDEN TOUR IN ghent Thursday, APRIL 25, 10-5 PM
Norfolk Home and Garden Tour tickets available for purchase at 757-489-1963 www.norfolkgardentour.org
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History by Land and Sea
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Nauticus, USS Wisconsin & Norfolk Naval Museum
This spectacular maritime-themed science center offers hands-on exhibits, interactive theaters, aquarium, digital high-def films and an extensive array of educational programs. Berthed alongside the center is the fabled USS Wisconsin, one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy.
Norfolk Naval Museum has FREE Admission. HRNM.NAVY.MIL 757-664-1000 / NAUTICUS.ORG
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The Mariner's Museum USS Monitor Center
Get a captivating look at centuries of seafaring adventure in this treasure trove designated by Congress as America’s national maritime museum, and learn about the Civil War Battle of the Ironclads in its “USS Monitor Center.”
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MacArthur Memorial
Be inspired by the story of General Douglas MacArthur in this moving memorial that honors him and the millions of men and women who served in World War I, World War II, and Korea.
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Norfolk Harbor Cruises
Anchors aweigh! Sail across the sparkling Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads harbor on the American Rover Tall Ship Cruise, the Carrie B, the Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise, or Spirit of Norfolk.
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Family Fun
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Virginia Zoo
Journey to mysterious places inhabited by exotic animals from around the world. Board the Norfolk Southern Express train for an expedition to Asia–Trail of the Tiger, or go on safari to Africa’s Okavango Delta. The Virginia Zoo exhibits more than 400 animals on 53 beautifully landscaped acres.
OPEN DAILY 10 AM TO 5 PM 757-441-2374 / VIRGINIAZOO.ORG
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NORFOLK NATO FESTIVAL
Norfolk NATO Festival FLAG RAISING
Come enjoy a cultural sampling of music and a colorful display of NATO Member Nation flags and uniforms in this military presentation representing all 28 NATO Member Nations. FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2013 5:00PM SCOPE PLAZA, NORFOLK, VA
Norfolk NATO Festival 60th ANNUAL PARADE OF NATIONS
The Norfolk NATO Festival is proud to celebrate its 60th Anniversary with its annual Parade of Nations, the longest continuous parade in the region and the only one in the United States honoring NATO. Over 100 parade units with local and visiting high school bands, US and international military bands, and colorful floats to represent each of the 28 NATO Member Nations. FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2013 - 10:00AM DOWNTOWN NORFOLK, va
NATOFEST
Immediately following the Parade, join in a celebration and appreciation of our local NATO Headquarters. Interact with NATO representatives and visit their 28 member nation tents that will be placed throughout the park. Explore the international heritage with performances, educational activities, international cuisine and craft beers. Come celebrate with the whole family in a European street fair atmosphere right here in Downtown Norfolk. FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2013 12:00–3:00PM TOWN POINT PARK, NORFOLK, VA
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13th Annual International Children's Festival
Travel around the world during the International Children's Festival. Enjoy the rich array of sights, sounds, and tastes of distant lands that will captivate the senses of children and adults alike. Experience the beauty and wonder of exotic places as over thirty-five countries and cultures showcase their unique heritages. Food and beverages available for purchase. Free Admission.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2013 10 AM TO 5 PM Mill point park 757-727-8311 / www.hampton.gov/parks/icf
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Fridays @ the Fountain
Enjoy a free concert by City Center's sparkling fountain—a great way to relax at the end of the day’s sightseeing and shopping!
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Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Explore the touch pools and "curiosity carts" at this hands-on aquarium, home to over 700,000 gallons of water then wander a nature trail through a marsh and woodland preserve, and watch a movie on the towering six-story IMAX screen.
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Shopping
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MacArthur Center
Located in the heart of downtown Norfolk, and just a few blocks from the waterfront, MacArthur Center offers 140 extraordinary stores, along with an 18-screen theater surrounding a beautiful 70-foot atrium.
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Town Center
With an eclectic mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, and living options covering 17 city blocks, Town Center is fast becoming one of Hampton Roads’ hottest destinations. Grab a bite at a local eatery or a national restaurant. Shop at popular brand retailers and upscale boutiques. Then enjoy world-class performances at Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, all within walking distance!
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Colonial Williamsburg
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Step back in time in the beautifully restored 18th-century capital of Virginia—an unforgettable living history lesson! Enjoy the 18th-century style retail village of Merchants Square, offering unique shopping and dining experiences.
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Golden Horseshoe Golf Club
JEnjoy 45 unique, walkable holes, panoramic views, one of the game's first "island greens," and courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Rees Jones—all surrounded by Audobon sanctuaries of dense groves of Virginia hardwoods.
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Spa of Colonial Williamsburg
Offering rejuvenating experiences for resort and day guests, this beautiful spa radiates Southern charm harmonizing with its historical surroundings.
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Williamsburg Winery
Tours and tastings, food and wine pairing dinners, strolls through the beautiful grounds: Virginia's largest, award-winning winery is an unforgettable experience!
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Williamsburg Lodge
Whether your preference is for the elegant, authentic, charming, or family-friendly, Colonial Williamsburg offers gracious accommodations, extraordinary dining, and enticing shopping, all within strolling distance of the Historic Area. Enjoy a carriage ride through history, a day of golf on a prizewinning course, a fine dinner in a historic tavern, a relaxing session in the Spa, or create your own menu of unforgettable experiences to suit your tastes.
CALL THE WILLIAMSBURG LODGE AT 1-800-447-8679 OR VISIT WWW.COLONIALWILLIAMSBURG.COM TO LEARN ABOUT THEIR SPECIAL SEASONAL OFFER!
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City Tours
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Olde Towne Portsmouth
Explore 300 years of history with a self-guided walking tour or carriage ride.
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Mermaids on Parade: Take the Downtown Norfolk Tour!
The Mermaid is the symbol of Norfolk and this beautiful city is filled with whimsical mermaid sculptures by area artists, created to honor the city and the arts. See how many Mermaids you can find—download the “Mermaids Walking Map—A Mermaids on Parade Tour of Downtown Norfolk—or a blank Mermaid Map on which you can draw all the Mermaids you find on your own!
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The region's tourism agencies are standing by to help you plan your trip. Call for your complimentary Visitors Guide and the latest information on area attractions, places to eat and more, all within a convenient 50-mile radius.
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More destination & travel information is available through these area visitors bureaus:
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Getting here is easy!
Whether you fly, drive, or ride the train or bus, our central mid- Atlantic location is easy to reach— within a day’s drive from two-thirds of the nation’s population, and serviced by international airports.
The official airline of the Virginia Arts Festival is Delta Airlines. Norfolk International Airport is served by all major airlines offering low fares and over 200 daily flights. To book travel itineraries and access airport information, visit www.takeorf.com.
 The Tide, Virginia’s first light rail, eleven stations provide access to dining, shopping and entertainment with four park-and-ride lots where parking is always free.
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