Store Your Luggage around Norfolk with Bounce
Norfolk, Virginia, named after a British county of the same name, has a history that stretches back prior to 1705, when the city was incorporated. In fact, Norfolk was first established in 1619 under the name Elizabeth Cittie. It was renamed Norfolk after Adam Thoroughgood, an immigrant from the British Norfolk, became a major landholder in the area.
Much of Norfolk was burned to the ground during the Revolutionary War, but following independence, the city sprang up again and became an important center for tobacco cultivation. Following the abolition of slavery, Norfolk also became a major port for freed slaves returning to Africa to found the nation of Liberia. In fact, Liberia’s first president was born and raised in Norfolk.
In modern times, Norfolk remains the industrial and economic hub of this area of Virginia. Its port is one of the busiest on the East Coast of North America and provides jobs for thousands of residents. But beyond that, Norfolk is a cultural hub and a great place to visit. In recent decades, the city has undergone a major revitalization that has seen it become ever more popular with tourists. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself exploring the city, you can make things easier on yourself by dropping off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage. The lighter you travel, the easier it will be to explore.
Luggage storage in Norfolk
With so much history and culture to explore, you won’t want to be weighed down on a trip to Norfolk. That’s why Bounce partners with local businesses in Norfolk and in hundreds of cities around the world to provide safe and convenient luggage storage wherever you are. Book your luggage storage ahead of time with the Bounce app so you won’t waste a minute of your trip trying to find a place to keep your things.
Norfolk City Guide
Things to Do
Thanks to its long history, Norfolk is home to a number of fascinating historical attractions. However, the city also offers more modern things to do. The Waterside Festival Marketplace is a great place to explore, particularly at night, and the city is also a popular venue for the Virginia Opera and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. In this vibrant and eclectic town, you won’t be short of things to do to keep you busy.
Museums
In a place with as long a history as Norfolk, you’d expect there to be some cool museums. And there definitely is. Whether you’re a major history buff or your interest is more casual, you’re sure to find fascinating institutions that will explain the rich history of the town.
- The Chrysler Museum of Art: Once declared as the best museum in the state by the New York Times, this art museum is a true Norfolk institution. It’s perhaps best known for its incredible glass collection, but it is also home to paintings and sculptures from around the world, covering more than 5000 years of human history and artistic endeavor. You could easily spend hours here without exhausting even a fraction of what it has to offer.
- Nauticus: For something completely different, head to the National Maritime Center, better known as Nauticus. This state-of-the-art attraction is located right on the waterfront and explores several different aspects of Norfolk’s maritime heritage. Aquariums full of exotic creatures expose visitors to the wildlife of the sea, and hands-on exhibits explain the history of shipping in the area. It’s also the home of USS Wisconsin, the last battleship ever built in the United States.
- The Hermitage Foundation Museum: Located on a gorgeous estate along the Lafayette River, this museum houses an eclectic collection with a special emphasis on Asian art and antiques. Check out the ornate Persian rugs and ivory carvings, and you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to another continent.
Shopping
Norfolk’s long history is a major attraction for visitors to this Virginian city. But shopaholics will be glad to know there’s more to this part of Virginia than the past. Norfolk also offers some great places to shop, from exclusive boutiques to everyone’s brand-name favorites.
- Selden Market: If you’re looking for something you simply won’t find anywhere else, this eclectic market is the place to come. Staffed by local businesses and artisans, Selden Market is an incredible place to find everything from locally designed jewelry to clothes to leather goods to incredible food. You could easily spend the whole day here and never find the same thing twice thanks to the extensive range of different stalls.
- Ghent: If you want to shop in one of the most charming areas of the city, Ghent is where you need to be. This historic district has many of the city’s most characterful buildings, and is also home to some of its best shops. Local boutiques like Le Marche and Kitsch let you support the community while picking up unique items. If you get thirsty while you shop, don’t miss the chance to stop in at the craft brewery and sample some of Norfolk’s most popular beer.
- Norfolk Premium Outlets: If designer brands are more to your taste, Norfolk Premium Outlets has you covered. The sprawling outlet mall features more than 90 retailers, and you’re sure to find your favorite brands here at a bargain price.
Dining
Given its coastal location, you’d expect Norfolk to be a great place to eat seafood. And you’d be right. But thanks to a long history of immigration to the city from around the world, you’ll also find plenty of other interesting offerings here. Thanks to a diverse range of eateries, Norfolk is a great place to eat out.
- Seafood: After a day spent enjoying the bracing coastal air, there’s nothing better than some fresh seafood to dine on. You’ll find dozens of seafood restaurants along Norfolk’s harbor and in the downtown core, where you can enjoy the catch of the day and support the work of local chefs. Try Norfolk Seafood Company for seafood with a Creole twist, or keep things classic at Saltine.
- Fine dining: Norfolk’s downtown core is home to some truly iconic restaurants where you can get a meal as good as you’ll find in any major city. Particular highlights include The Monastery, which has been in business for over 30 years, or Todd Jurich’s, where you’ll find creative takes on local favorites and a seasonal menu that explores the best of land and sea.
- Southern food: If you’re hankering for soul food, you can find some incredible Southern cuisine in Norfolk. Check out Canvas Social Cuisine for chicken and waffles or jerk lamb chops, or head to Aunt Dorian’s for an unfussy take-out vibe and incredible fried chicken.