Breathe in Norfolk's natural beauty when you visit the awe-inspiring Norfolk Botanical Garden. This incredibly beautiful slice of nature was first opened in 1938 and has offered the unforgettable solace of nature ever since. Once entering the garden, you will be greeted by 3,000 rose plants that represent the more than 300 varieties. Although peak bloom is from mid-May to October, a truly unforgettable experience awaits you no matter what time of year you visit this attraction.
Remember having tea parties when you were a kid? Well, now you can enjoy the real thing when you visit Rowena's. This charming venue offers light lunch menu items but the real focus here is having the experience of enjoying some afternoon tea. The basic tea service includes jam, and lemon or raspberry curd, plus a pot of tea. Other services include scones, cakes and other sweets like fruit and finger sandwiches. You can bring the kids along so they can enjoy the special children's tea service. Also, don't forget to check out the gourmet gift shop.
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
Norfolk's connection to the United States Navy is quite obvious when you visit the city. But nowhere is it more vividly brought to life than at the site of the USS Wisconsin. This is the last U.S. Battleship to be built. The impressive vessel has enjoyed a colorful career that includes being employed in three wars over 50 years. Relive the details and see some fascinating attractions when you visit the ship's museum.