For a great musical experience, visit the Hampton Coliseum. This state-of-the-art coliseum equipped with versatile facilities can accommodate up to 13,800 roaring fans. A real masterpiece, it sprawls over 75 acres of land. It also provides business facilities with conference and meeting rooms. The convenient location in the heart of the city is a landmark in itself and attracts tourists from all over.
This museum has a mix of everything: marine life, wildlife, plants and a planetarium. It's a golden opportunity to see wolves, sea turtles, sharks, coyotes, pelicans and the solar system in one dizzying day.The operators are pioneers in their field; when it opened in 1987, it was the only living museum East of the Mississippi River. Its focus on public education makes it a popular destination for families. Group rates and member discounts are available. Opening hours change seasonally; check the website for details.
The Norfolk Botanical Gardens offer many different signature and theme gardens for guests to stroll around, such as the Virginia Native Plant Garden, the Bristow Butterfly Garden and the Enchanted Forest. In addition to the numerous beautiful gardens, the Norfolk Botanical Gardens also put on special events and exhibits. Among these are bike nights, sculpture exhibits and guided tours of the gardens.
Part of the Nauticus Maritime Center, the USS Wisconsin came to Norfolk in 2000. The ship is over 60 years old, first launched in 1943, and is one of the largest battleships ever built by the US Navy. Children and history buffs especially love it, and docents are placed in various spots on board to answer any questions about the ship's colorful history.
Originally built in the 1920s and heavily renovated in 1998, the NorVa is a local music venue that can accommodate up to 1500 people. This petite structure has two full bars that also serve food, two mini bars, a lounge and a balcony. The state-of-the-art music system and cool ambiance draws large variety of bands. Seating is first-come, first-served, but don't worry if you get there late - standing room is perfect for dancing!
The Nauticus Maritime Center is a huge complex on the waterfront in Downtown Norfolk. The interactive exhibits help visitors explore nautical science, Nofolk's naval history and marine life. Touch tanks bring you as close as you can get to sea creatures like starfish, anemones, even nurse sharks! Included in the admission price is entrance to the 3D Theater.
James Apostle Fields was born a slave in Hanover County, Virginia and found refuge at Fort Monroe during the Civil War in 1862 as "Contraband of War." Mr. Fields was one of the first twenty pupils to graduate from Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute (now Hampton University) in 1871. In 1881, Fields graduated from the School of Law at Howard University. In 1887, Fields served as the Commonwealth's Attorney for Warwick County (now Newport News). In 1889, Fields served in the Virginia General Assembly. In 1908, a team of four doctors pioneered the establishment of the first hospital for blacks in the city. Other than the city's jail infirmary, this institution was the only hospitalization outlet for blacks.