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Home to the first British colony, Virginia has the longest history of any state in the union. It's perhaps no surprise that some of the finest museums in the country are located here. Many of them are found in Norfolk, and there's a museum to match the interests of just about anyone. Hunter House Victorian Museum Travel back in time to an era rich in art and culture, without the pesky cholera. What began in 1894 as a family home was turned into a museum when the last surviving family member passed away and willed that her home should be operated as such. Furniture, rich tapestries, musical instruments, silverware, artwork, and lush gardens are a mere sample of what's on display. The museum shop features amazing jewelry, stationery, books, and more. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $1 for children. One-hour guided tours are offered April through December. The museum sometimes closes for special events, so it's best to contact them before visiting. Please note that strollers and interior photography are not permitted. more Chrysler Museum of Art The Chrysler is a massive museum that covers a vast variety of art, including painting, sculpture, photography, and more. Glassmaking is something of a specialty at the Chrysler, and the Perry Glass Studio hosts free demonstrations every day at noon (except Monday). The "You Draw It, We Make It" board often serves as a muse for these master glass crafters. You can even sign up for a glassmaking class. Popular destinations include the Ancient Worlds exhibit replete with Egyptian mummies, the kids' art station where they can create their own masterpieces, the Art Nouveau furniture, the Tiffany glass pieces, and the modern pop art collection. Admission is free, and the museum is open every day, with limited hours on weekends. Hermitage Museum & Gardens For a more peaceful and introspective visit, try the Hermitage. Its lush 12-acre garden is a lovely place to unwind. You'll see sublime statuary, wetlands, rose gardens, and fountains. Of note are the antique millstones that have been collected and placed as decorations all around the grounds. In all, over 100 of them can be found. Inside, you'll find the extensive Sloane Collection, an assemblage of over 40,000 pieces representing the art and culture of more than 30 countries. Some of these masterpieces are thousands of years old. Hermitage Museum is open every day except Monday, and house tours are available at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for students, military, and kids ages 5 to 12. Members and children under 5 are free. Weddings and other events are sometimes hosted here, so be sure to plan ahead. The gardens are a delightful place to take photographs for your own special occasion. Check their photography policies page for details. For those interested in art, culture, and history, Norfolk is an excellent place to be. Visiting your local museum is a delightful blend of enlightenment, entertainment, and education, and the country's best museums are just a short drive away. https://www.flickr.com/photos/navycrackerjack74/2238518546/sizes/o/ Image via Flickr by L. Allen Brewer

Don't be unprepared when Valentine's Day rolls around. The wide selection of great romantic venues in Norfolk means there's plenty to choose from to create the perfect Valentine's celebration with the one you love. Enjoy a Romantic Cruise Spirit Cruises offer a few choices for a romantic cruise. Choose from an Early Valentine's Dinner Cruise, a Valentine's Brunch Cruise, or a Valentine's Day Dinner Cruise. The cruises include gorgeous views, entertainment, delicious buffet style menus, and the Valentine Dinner Cruises include a champagne toast. You can also upgrade to a platinum package that includes roses, keepsake flutes, a full bottle of champagne, a designated table, and a guaranteed window table if desired. more Dine on Italian Fare at Luce Located in downtown Norfolk, Luce is a fine Italian restaurant perfect for a romantic Valentine's dinner. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are used, and the menu includes creative salads, sandwiches, and entrees. Visitors can enjoy carefully created dishes such as Red Wine Braised Short Rib Garganelli, Roasted Breast of Chicken with Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Duck Breast with Lentils and Huckleberries, and Seared Gulf Snapper with Baby Bok Choy, Pomegranate, and Prawn Glace. For a special treat, consider the nine-course chef's tasting menu. Luce's extensive wine selections were awarded the Wine Spectator's Best of Excellence Award. Take in a Concert at The NorVa A premier musical venue, The NorVa has exceptional entertainment as well as seating and viewing areas that offer the perfect ambiance for a romantic evening together. When visitors choose the Get in Early option, dining is available in the FM Restaurant and they can get early access to the facility 15 minutes before its doors open to the general public. This provides the perfect opportunity to secure cozy seating with your sweetheart before the show. View Exhibits at D'Art A quiet, intimate stroll through the Norfolk's D'Art Center will allow you to enjoy the beauty and wonder of professional artists' work while you enjoy one another's company. Admission to view the artwork is free. For those who prefer a more active date, sign up for a class or workshop together and have fun learning about techniques in oil paint, watercolor, drawing, pottery, ceramic design, fiber assemblage, mixed media, and more. See a Film at The Naro For movie lovers, The Naro offers an excellent choice for a romantic evening filled with great film artistry. The theater features state-of-the-art digital sound and production, and classic and independent films, along with a monthly showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The highly rated theater has an old-fashioned feel that's ideal for a romantic Valentine's evening. Prices, films, and show times vary, but visitors can check their website for the latest showings and events. Discount ticket books are also available on The Naro's website. Whether you're looking for a simple place to stroll and explore, the adventure of a concert, or a unique and special dinner together on a cruise ship or a specialty restaurant, Norfolk is full of excellent options to make your Valentine's Day unforgettable. https://www.flickr.com/photos/39908901@N06/9079558849/sizes/l Image via Flickr by m01229

If you know what green beans are, why burr grinders are superior, and the difference between a pour-over and an espresso, then chances are you're a caffeine junkie. Norfolk is a great place to get your fix, as it's home to some of the best coffeehouses in the state. The most difficult part is choosing from this vast array of excellent locales. Fair Grounds As the oldest independent coffeehouse in town, Fair Grounds is a benevolent king on his throne, dispensing coffee and good vibes to all of his subjects. Every coffee served is Fair Trade Certified, so you can be proud that you're supporting global equality and responsible purchasing. Fair Grounds has a quieter, more relaxed vibe than most coffeehouses, making it a great place to read, study, or have an intimate conversation with a friend. It also boasts an extensive menu that includes veggie burgers, sandwiches, and baked goods. Fair Grounds supports the local community of musicians and artists, and open-mic nights are held here regularly. It also has its own parking lot, unlike some of the competition. Fair Grounds' hours are also a bit more extensive than other coffeehouses in the area. The coffeehouse is open until 10 p.m. on Sunday and until 11 p.m. the rest of the week. more Cafe Stella For a more upscale experience, try Cafe Stella. The decor, a mix of modern and vintage, is a bit fancier than most, yet the prices remain quite reasonable. Best of all, Cafe Stella roasts its own beans in tiny batches. You can buy whole-bean coffee to take home, and Cafe Stella uses only reusable and recyclable packaging. There's even a small shop that sells vintage items, art, coffee paraphernalia, and home furnishings. Cafe Stella's menu is diverse, including salads and soups of the day, fresh-baked pizza, brown rice bowls with pan-seared salmon, and a variety of grilled sandwiches and burgers. They bake their own pastries daily, right on the premises. When the weather is pleasant, you can enjoy your gourmet meal and coffee in the outdoor seating area. Cure Coffeehouse and Brasserie Proudly serving Counter Culture brand coffee, this airy and spacious coffeehouse has a distinct advantage over some other venues. Beer! Cure has local craft beer in bottles and on tap, and it serves wine as well. Pieces from local artists hang on the walls, live music is featured regularly, and it boasts a small library. Expect a young, hip crowd with a friendly vibe. Besides the staple caffeine and alcohol, Cure has extensive menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a weekend brunch menu that's good until 2 p.m. Folks rave about the mac & cheese, Reuben sandwich, spinach quinoa burger, house-smoked chicken salad, and Cuban sandwich with house-smoked BBQ pork. With choices like these just a short walk or drive away, there's no reason to sit at home with your room-temperature toaster pastry and cup of instant coffee. Support your local independent coffeehouse and get your caffeine fix, all in one trip! https://www.flickr.com/photos/infomastern/19435425450/sizes/l Image via Flickr by Infomastern

Too many bars nowadays only care about the libations and forget about the music. Tired of digital jukeboxes cranking out overplayed Journey songs that you can barely hear above the din of conversation? Sick of poorly screeched Neil Diamond songs on karaoke night? Then check out one of these awesome Norfolk bars where great live music is still embraced and treasured. Hell's Kitchen Hell's Kitchen has its finger on the pulse of downtown Norfolk. They pride themselves on their great food, bad attitudes, and blisteringly loud live music. They've been rocking the downtown scene for nearly two decades, and they're here to stay! Exposed brick, grungy wall decor, and red everywhere gives Hell's Kitchen a tough-as-nails, yet fun-loving vibe. Did we mention that it's really loud? Live music can be found here on Friday and Saturday nights. Food at Hell's Kitchen is as good as the tunes are. Going way beyond mere bar food, they serve up delicacies such as teriyaki tenderloin steak, seafood nachos, buffalo flounder sandwiches, hand-cut sirloin steak, blackened tuna, and jumbo-lump Maryland crab cakes. There's a kickin' vegan menu as well, replete with plant-based "meats." more Gershwin's For a classier outing, try Gershwin's in the heart of the theater district. Gershwin's is tricked out in Roaring '20s Manhattan decor, so don't be surprised if someone in a top hat refers to you as "old sport." Yes, you may actually want to dress up a bit. Gershwin's has live music every night of the week, but don't expect a Nirvana cover band. You'll enjoy laid-back jazz, piano music, and American standards like Frank Sinatra and Cole Porter. Servers in tuxedos bring the libations, with cocktails as the specialty of the house. Think smoked whiskey, cucumber-infused gin, and cherry bourbon. Imagine Sidecars, Manhattans, and Singapore Slings. Gershwin's is also a fabulous place to dine. Try the linguine, grilled pork chops, or New York Strip Steak au Poivre. On Sundays, Gershwin's hosts one of the best brunches in Norfolk. The Tap House Grill As its name implies, Tap House is a great place to try a vast array of local, craft, and mainstream brews. They've been serving up the suds for more than 20 years, and currently have about 50 beers on tap and hundreds of bottles available. Believe it or not, most beer contains animal products of some kind. Vegans need not worry since Tap House has both beer and menu items for them. Carnivores will be happy here as well since Tap House serves some of the best burgers in town. Tap House doesn't have a website, so it can be hard to track its upcoming bands, but information can be found on their Facebook page. Live music is here on most Saturdays, many Fridays, and occasionally on other days of the week. Live music, depending on the selection, can bring you anything from a meditative state of tranquility to a massive shot of adrenaline in your jugular vein. Whatever you're looking for, Norfolk has it. Get on out and get your tunes on! https://www.flickr.com/photos/blackroompictures/23009355912/sizes/l Image via Flickr by Black Room Photography

Norfolk is home to numerous sporting events, concerts, and family-friendly happenings throughout the year. Take a look at some of Norfolk's most exciting wintertime events, and start the new year right. Virginia Symphony Orchestra Whether you're a fan of the classics or you prefer something a little more contemporary, you can count on the Virginia Symphony Orchestra (VSO) to host a performance you'll love. On January 21, head to Chrysler Hall to enjoy the VSO's performance of Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons." You'll love hearing the energy of spring and the beauty of winter. On February 11, enjoy as the VSO offers its striking rendition of several famous 20th-century film scores. Film buffs won't want to miss hearing familiar tunes from Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo" or George Gershwin's "An American in Paris" soundtrack. more Attucks Jazz Series If jazz is more your style, make your way to the Attucks Theatre for the Attucks Jazz Series. On February 11, vocalist Milton Suggs joins the John Toomey Trio to add a new layer of jazz to this venerable performance hall. Settle into this intimate venue and prepare to enjoy as this third-generation musician performs where jazz legends like Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway have played over the decades. Wells Theatre Reopening Wells Theatre has been an important feature of downtown Norfolk since its opening in 1913. In 2017, extensive renovations will finally finish, and the Virginia Stage Company will reopen the historic institution with a performance of "A Street Car Named Desire." Tickets range from $20 to $55 for the opportunity to see the beautiful renovations and a new take on this classic production. Virginia Opera Virginia Opera's 2016-2017 season is filled with gems, and opera fans won't want to miss performances of "Der Freischütz" in late January. Several Virginia Opera favorites perform leading roles in this haunting and dramatic German fairy tale. President's Lecture Series Looking for a little inspiration in the new year? Head to the Ted Constant Convocation Center for the President's Lecture Series on February 21. Adam Braun, founder and CEO of Pencils of Promise, will speak about his decades of worldwide public service and his belief that everyone has the power to create change that impacts the lives of others. All events in this series are free and open to the public. Old Dominion University Basketball and Wrestling Throughout the first two months of 2017, the Old Dominion University (ODU) men's and women's basketball teams and men's wrestling team have a full event schedule. Get tickets to see the ODU women play Marshall University and Western Kentucky University or see the ODU men play the University of Southern Mississippi and Florida International University. You can also catch ODU's wrestling team compete against the University at Buffalo and Duke University. Purchase tickets at the Ted Constant Convocation Center, where all the excitement take place. From sports to music, there's no shortage of events in Norfolk. Add these happenings to your calendar, and start looking forward to January and February 2017. https://www.flickr.com/photos/gagillphoto/5685587725/sizes/l/ Image via Flickr by Arnett Gill

Packing up the car and heading out of Chesapeake, Virginia, promises a well-deserved break with the family. If you are planning a road trip for this upcoming holiday season, then you might be looking for ways to even further improve your family's vacation. These five tech items can help better your road trip in ways that you might have previously thought impossible. Coffee Cup Power Inverter Instead of fighting over who gets to use the DC connector in the car to charge various mobile devices, you can invest in a Coffee Cup Power Inverter. These whimsical power inverters plug into the DC outlet and then provide more than enough space to charge everyone's favorite devices. With two 120-volt outlets and a USB port, you can keep phones and other devices fully charged throughout your road trip, keeping everyone happy. more GoPro With Car Dash Mount In a world full of convenient and accessible technologies, capturing obscure moments has become a common practice. With a GoPro, you can do just that. These little cameras can go virtually anywhere and capture gorgeous videos and photos along the way. Be sure to grab a dash mount for this gadget, too, so that you can record hilarious road trip moments and amazing scenery as you drive to and from your destination. Mobile Satellite TV Receiver If you plan on camping or roughing it in a motel while on your road trip, then your family will love having a mobile satellite TV receiver. These cool tools can pick up satellite signals where you are and play your favorite TV shows from your subscribed service. You'll need a TV and the proper hookups, but a few minutes of setup time are well worth it. 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Some newer cars already come equipped with their own Wi-Fi, but not everyone benefits from such a cool feature in their vehicle yet. But just because your car doesn't have Wi-Fi shouldn't mean that you have to use data for everything. Independent 4G LTE Mobile Hotspots exist for this very reason. You and the family can enjoy traveling with Wi-Fi, which works great for both the car and for hotels that are lacking in free internet services. Headrests With Built-In LCD Monitors Like Wi-Fi, most newer cars come with LCD monitors, but there are still a lot of drivers out there who don't have this feature in their vehicles. To keep the kids happy when the miles start to get long, these monitors can play their favorite movies. Some models even have an AUX port, which can connect a video game controller, giving kids the option to play games while you and your significant other focus on getting to your destination safely. Of course, the cool tech tools don't stop there. With a hotspot, traveling TV, and a charger to keep everything up and running, your road trip should be as exciting as it can be. All you will have to worry about is getting to your destination, and getting back to Chesapeake, safe and sound. Image Via Pixabay

The Hampton Roads area might be one of the best places in the world to get seafood, but that's not all you'll find to eat at the many restaurants in Norfolk, Virginia and beyond. Here are just a few of the best restaurants to check out if you live in the area or even if you're just visiting. Freemason Abbey Restaurant Sitting near the Elizabeth River waterfront at the corner of Freemason and Boush, Freemason Abbey Restaurant is exactly what the name claims: it's an old church which is now a fashionable and very popular restaurant. The menu is just what you'd expect from an American coastal town: salmon, lobster tail, crab cakes, steak, and plenty of pasta meals. You can also find a very reasonable list of vegetarian meals, including a fried green tomato sandwich, but the house specialty is the She Crab Soup. more No Frill Bar and Grill No Frill has two locations, one in Virginia Beach and one on Colley Avenue in downtown Norfolk. Despite the name, No Frill has plenty of frills, with a cozy, warm interior, a blazing neon sign out front, and a cooking staff that cares equally about serving big portions and providing a nice plate presentation. Their dinner menu takes inspiration from all over and includes meatloaf, baby-back ribs, chicken burritos, pierogies, Cajun catfish, and teriyaki chicken pitas. The chef also offers new specials every day. Chartreuse Bistro Located just across City Hall Avenue from the MacArthur Center, Chartreuse Bistro is a small European-style bistro with high prices and high standards. The owners, a husband and wife team, take pride in offering food they buy directly from farms that grow their products organically and sustainably. The bistro provides three-course meals with several options for each course, but their menu changes daily, so there's no sure way of knowing what you might find on any given day. Some examples include cucumber gazpacho, oyster mushrooms, potato gnocchi, and chocolate cake. Handsome Biscuit Unlike the restaurants listed above, Handsome Biscuit is a breakfast and lunch place, so don't expect to find it open past 2 p.m. except on Friday and Saturday. The small restaurant sits at the corner of Colonial Avenue and West 26 Street, and as you might have guessed from the name, the main reason to stop by is to have a sweet potato biscuit sandwich. A few egg sandwich options are perfect for breakfast bites, or you might prefer the one with peanut butter, jam, and salted butter. Lunch options include chicken and pork sandwiches, and on weekend evenings you can enjoy one with fried fish and cabbage. There's no shortage of great places to eat in the Hampton Roads area, and in Norfolk alone you can find restaurants that offer down-home cooking, exotic meals inspired by international cooking, and uniquely Virginian flavors that you won't find anywhere else in the world. So whether you're looking for a high-class meal you wouldn't expect to see outside of Europe or possibly New York, or you want a warm biscuit for your lunch break, you'll find what you're looking for here. https://www.flickr.com/photos/joebehr/5709162508/sizes/m/ Image via Flickr by Joe Wolf

Your new Toyota needs some roads to conquer, so why not take it out on the most beautiful trips you can find? If you're spending time in the Chesapeake area of Virginia, Priority Toyota has great drives that offer majestic scenery through the tranquil countryside. Take a tip from Priority and treat yourself to a cruise down one of these amazing paths. Summit the World Along the Skyline Drive Through the Shenandoah National Park The Shenandoah National Park sits next to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the tallest range of peaks in the Appalachians. Aptly named, the Skyline Drive winds over the tips of the peaks, giving you the sensation of cruising through the edge of the clouds. If you look to one side, the Shenandoah Valley sprawls out before you, giving you an extended view of the surrounding country. On your other side, the rolling hills of the Piedmont span out toward the horizon. You could decide to speed through this 105-mile drive in a single day, but we recommend that you take your time and soak in the Chesapeake beauty. Inns, B&Bs, and lodges pepper the trip, giving you a variety of quaint dining and cozy sleeping options. Because the drive takes you over mountains and through valleys of dense forest, you are likely to see an assortment of wildlife, vibrant flowers, ancient trees, and several waterfalls. You can always take a break in a visitor center to pick up some reading material and learn more about the nature surrounding you. Truly, the Skyline Drive through the Shenandoah National Park is an amazing view to take in. more Trace Through History on the Colonial Parkway from Jamestown to Yorktown The Colonial National Historical Park is capped on either end by towns of great significance to America's past. You begin your journey in Jamestown, founded in 1609 as the first English settlement in the country. Be sure to spend some time soaking in the historical power of the environment as you peer out of your car windows at the surrounding beauty. From Jamestown, the highway guides you to Colonial Williamsburg, which is certainly worth a stop. Colonial Williamsburg boasts 500 restored buildings, so the town is almost a museum unto itself. You gain an appreciation for the struggles of America's early founders and the strides we've made in the many years that followed. Continuing along the parkway, you end your 23-mile excursion in Yorktown. History buffs immediately note Yorktown's role as the setting for the last skirmish of the Revolutionary War. A World of Water Awaits You on the Goshen Pass and Lake Moomaw Trail The drive through Goshen Pass takes you up into the mountains where you can see frightening cliff drops and powerful streams. The Goshen Pass takes you past the Virginia Horse Center and into the beautiful Jefferson National Forest. As you venture into the valley of Bath County, you can visit hot springs and spas. Keep your eyes open for the Falling Spring Falls, the Gathright Dam, and the majestic Lake Moomaw. Pause for a moment on your 65-mile journey and capture the serenity of the lake and the abounding mountains. This is definitely a view to drink in. Image Via Pixabay

Although Virginia has your typical tourist destinations like beaches, historical sites, and national landmarks, sometimes these aren't enough to quell your curiosity for the weird or obscure. Luckily, Virginia also has an ample amount of unusual and bizarre places that will have you taken aback. The next time you have an insatiable urge for the wacky, make sure to check out some of these unusual destinations. 1. Dinosaur Land If you've ever caught yourself staying up until the odd hours of the morning to watch a rerun of "Jurassic Park," you can't afford to miss Dinosaur Land in White Post. For more than 50 years, this establishment has entertained adventurers, travelers, and locals with 50 amazingly accurate models of these famed, albeit doomed, prehistoric creatures. From carnivores such as the tyrannosaurus rex and velociraptor to gentle herbivores such as the stegosaurus and triceratops, you're destined to find your favorite dinosaur here. Open seven days a week, admission is only $5 for kids and $6 for adults. Don't forget to hop into their gift shop to pick up a unique gift for that special someone. more 2. The Giant Roller Skate Whether you love the nostalgia of a roller skating rink or you still put on your four-wheeled shoes, you'll love the Giant Roller Skate in Bealeton. This 10-foot skate made of wood and plaster has been an attention-grabber off Highway 17 for decades. Today, it marks the entrance to the Rollerworks Family Skating Center, but it also provides a photo opportunity you won't get anywhere else. 3. Foamhenge We always seem to be trying to recreate Stonehenge in one form or another. There's the famed Carhenge in Nebraska, but in Virginia, there's Foamhenge. Located in Natural Bridge, Virginia, this homage to the famous British archaeological find is composed entirely of Styrofoam and painted gray to resemble the famous site. Local artist Mark Kline built this amazing attraction entirely to scale. While it doesn't hold the same mystique as the original, it's definitely a sight to behold. 4. Mini-Graceland For the ultimate fan of the King of Rock and Roll, a visit to Graceland is the pilgrimage of a lifetime. However, if you don't have time to journey to Memphis, you can see a smaller version in Roanoke. Mini-Graceland is the work of Elvis Presley fan Don Epperly and is, as the name would imply, a small-scale version of Presley's home. However, if you take pictures of the homage, it looks as if you're at the real thing. That is, unless a two-story dog walks by the minute mansion. Either way, it presents a great photo-op and a chance to see just how fanatical Elvis fans can be. While these attractions might not be the Old Dominion's biggest draws, they certainly have a bizarre aura that's too good to pass up. If you're traveling through Virginia, give in to curiosity, and give these spots a look for yourself.   Image via Flickr by vige

30 years ago, locally-made craft beer was a niche market, and sometimes even a hobby for beer drinkers who wanted something different from the mass-produced domestic and imported beers. Fast-forward to today, when you can't walk 10 blocks in any modern city without finding a microbrewery that produces delicious seasonal and signature beers. However, that's not a bad thing for the average beer drinker, especially if you live in Norfolk. With several breweries throughout the town, you'll have your fill of interesting and thirst-quenching libations. Here are just a few of the best. 1. The Bold Mariner Located in an unassuming spot just northwest of downtown Norfolk, the Bold Mariner is a locally-owned company that takes microbrewing to another level. Open Wednesday through Sunday, the company offers six distinct flavors that are sure to please your palate, no matter what your beer of choice. If you're looking for something a bit lighter, go with their Red Maiden Irish Red, or if you want something a bit more hoppy, opt for the Dog Zebra IPA or the Liberty Risk IPA. No matter what you choose, you'll get a refreshing beer that will leave you coming back for more. They don't serve food here, so make sure you chow down before you head over to their location at 2409 Bowdens Ferry Road. more 2. Smartmouth Brewing Company If you're as much into sampling beer as you are into the production process, make sure to check out the Smartmouth Brewing Company at 1309 Raleigh Avenue. Here they offer free tours of their facility as well as tasting rooms to sample the latest batches. What sets Smartmouth apart is that their owner, Porter Hardy, isn't a brewer by trade. In fact, he was in corporate law before the calling to brew took over his life. Since then, the brewery's production has taken off, and today they brew over 250 barrels per month. With 48 beers produced in that life span and 10 cycled through the tap-room, Smartmouth Brewing Company is a dream for the beer lover. If a pint isn't enough to quell your thirst, you can get a growler or keg to take home. There's no food, but ordering in is approved. 3. O'Connor Brewing Company With a name like O'Connor, you know the beers here have to be good, or at least an homage to the drink of Ireland. The best bet here is to visit the tap room, which offers draft beers, live music, and food trucks right outside. They even sponsor a free local music festival to set the mood for the evening. O'Connor's offers six beers that are available year-round, as well as five series of beers that come out throughout the year. All in all, you have 29 beers to sample from January to December. You can find this Norfolk institution at 211 West 24th Street. With these three breweries leading the charge, Norfolk is no slouch when it comes to the craft brewing game. So hit up one of these microbreweries when you get the chance. Just remember to bring a designated driver with you.   Image Via Pixabay

New Orleans has its etoufee, New York has its pizza, and Memphis has its barbecue, yet many culinary delights await you throughout Virginia. Perhaps these dishes don't carry the same reputation, but they're still a delicious meal and a masterpiece in their own right. The next time you're searching for something to satisfy that hunger deep within, make sure to eat some of these delectable local cuisines. 1. Brunswick Stew Although the deep south is the hotbed of comfort food, Virginia still reaches back to its southern roots with Brunswick Stew. With its origins in the southern half of the state, this hearty concoction of vegetables and beef is sure to hit the spot on a fall afternoon or a cold winter's evening. It's most readily available at local festivals and county fairs, yet many restaurants in the region all claim to own the best recipe. The official taste test is entirely up to you. more 2. Barbecue at the Honey Pig Located in four locations throughout Virginia, the Honey Pig is an eclectic mix of flavors from across the world, centered primarily on a fusion of southern and Korean barbecue. However, what makes this culinary journey unique is that the grilling is done right at your table. Whether you love fresh pork belly, traditional Asian dumplings, spicy beef, or even octopus, you'll have a cook table-side to prepare your entire meal. Plus, they offer a massive list of local craft beers to wash down your meaty dinner. Just be mindful that you may need a few hours to digest. Failure to heed this warning may result in sluggish behavior or a food coma. 3. Sushi Lasagna Obviously, the basis for this dish wasn't drawn up in Virginia, but it's till the only place in the country you can get it. Sushi Lasagna is the product of Miyagi Sushi in McLean. It's not just a mix of layered sushi, however. It's actually sushi and all the familiar ingredients of lasagna mixed together. While Italian-Asian fare isn't widely known in the U.S., or throughout the world for that matter, it's a refreshing take on two classic dishes. Plus, locals seem to love the mish-mash of flavors. 4. Chesapeake Cownose Ray If you're looking for something that's 100 percent Virginian, look no further than the Chesapeake Cownose Ray. This brown, kite-shaped ray looks like the more famous manta ray, yet it's much more tasty. Each summer, this sea creature swims into Chesapeake bay to mate, giving fishermen ample time to round-up some specimens for human consumption. Virginia's government officials originally started to push for cownose ray consumption due to their status as an "invasive species," and within a few years, they became popular among travelers and locals alike. Word has it that it tastes more like veal or flank steak than seafood, and people continue to purchase it by the boatload. With so many appetizing dishes in Virginia, it seems like it would take a lifetime to eat them all. Don't worry, though. Once you hit these spots, chances are you'll thirst for even more creative Virginia dishes. Image Via Pixabay

Whether you're proud of your hipster lifestyle, you're in denial, or you just love an interesting place for a weekend drink, Norfolk has some quirky spots that fit the bill. From fresh takes on classic cuisine and cocktails to bizarre decor, these businesses present the finest in hipster style with or without restraint. Don't pass on them just because of the stigma; embrace the eclectic things they have to offer. Here are a few hipster locales to visit where you just might love what you find. 1. Tortilla West Located at 508 Orapax Street, Tortilla West serves up some of the area's best hipster-inspired Tex-Mex. If you're looking for a drink after work, a light lunch, or a dinner entree, this establishment has it all. Tuesdays are the famed Taco Tuesday extravaganzas, where you can pick up a taco for a mere 75 cents. For lunch, try a lighter plate, such as the three berry, mango, red pepper, and arugula salad topped with shrimp, steak, or chicken. If you're looking for a nightcap, finish it off with one of Tortilla West's house-made margaritas or a beer from the extensive list. No matter what you choose, you're bound to leave satisfied. Plus, it's a hidden gem, even for the hipster crowd. more 2. The Ten Top Some hipsters live a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. At the Ten Top you have your choice of vegan or veggie dishes as well as a full breadth of meals to satisfy your inner carnivore. The Ten Top features tons of sandwiches and entrees, as well as daily dinner specials and soups du jour. If you opt for a sandwich, you can go with something familiar like the pulled pork or extravagant like the baked caprese. In all, the Ten Top has 16 sandwiches that offer a blissful escape from the generic fare offered by chain restaurants. The Ten Top is open everyday but Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m, and you can find it at 748 Shirley Avenue. 3. Model Citizen at Saint Germain This downtown pop-up bar at 255 Granby Street has quickly become in institution in Norfolk. Open only on Mondays from 7 p.m. to midnight, the Model Citizen has guest bartenders and chefs that craft some of the most original ideas in the city. It's hard to say just what you'll get when you arrive, but expect a handful of new drinks each week. Gifted chefs also prepare a one-time-only menu that will make your taste buds explode with flavor. If you can't decide what to do on a Monday, or you just want to get out of the house on a weekday, the Model Citizen is a welcome retreat. Although there are only three spots on this list, the Norfolk area is home to many of the best hipster hangouts in Virginia and on the East Coast. Don't fear the hipster reputation. Dive in head first, and you'll find that knowing bands before everyone, dressing like a 1950s professor, and loving old-time movies might have its perks. Image Via Pixabay