Outer Edge Gifts

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.

You can almost feel the historical heaviness when you visit Fort Norfolk, which was the last surviving fort from the Revolutionary War. This site was also highly significant during the Civil War because it changed hands twice and supplied Confederate ammunition during the Merrimac-Monitor battle. Make sure to bring a camera as you enjoy a self-guided tour that is complemented by a comprehensive set of information that will educate you about this highly historic and significant site.

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

Sure, it may seem like a walk along the beach with your sweetie might be thought of as a romantic date cliché, but the reason it's a cliché is because it rings true with so many starry-eyed couples. One of the best places to get your feet all sandy amid the sound of the crashing waves is Sarah Constant Beach Park. The area is amazingly calm and offers a chance for the two of you to truly focus on one another as you enjoy a picnic on the beach or just stroll along the seashore as you watch the sunset.