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Tradition and art are dramatically combined at the Chrysler Museum of Art. This is one of the country's most lauded museums, and with good reason. The facility is home to over 30,000 pieces of art that are presented over the course of 55 impressive galleries. See stunning works by everyone from Rembrandt to Lichtenstein as you stroll from exhibit to exhibit. The museum also features an impressive library, charming gift shop and excellent restaurant.

The Norva, one of Norfolk's favorite places to see cutting edge live music, started out as a movie palace and vaudeville house in the 1920s. This entertainment venue is a three-story, state-of-the-art music lovers' paradise, as it can accommodate 1,500 people while still allowing every audience member a great view of the musical action taking place on stage. The schedule of performances is busy, so make sure to check the website before venturing out.

The Lightship Portsmouth Museum tells the story of this retired lightship that was built in 1915 and is now a National Historic Landmark as well as a history-laden maritime museum. The "Portsmouth" was launched in 1916 then went through some reconstruction and was relaunched in 1926. After several years of service as well as collision damage, the vessel was finally retired in 1964. Three years later it was donated to the city and has undergone extensive renovation and repair that has restored this impressive ship to its original glory.

The kids will go absolutely wild when you take them to visit the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The Great Dismal has the impressive distinction of serving as the home of more mammals than any other local preserve. Among the more popular residents are the black bears and the endangered Dismal Swamp shrew. The refuge sprawls out 750 miles and includes Lake Drummond