Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is one of the very few bridge-tunnels in the world. This fixed link is also one of the longest bridges with a grand length of 23 miles (37 kilometres)! Crossing Chesapeake Bay, it connects the cities of Virginia Beach and Cape Charles. This iconic bridge was inaugurated in 1964 and continues to be one of the top attractions in the area. A drive over it affords a panoramic view of the bay and the vista of a glorious sunset during evening hours. There are stops in between for tourists to get down from their vehicles and enjoy capturing the scenery in photographs. The toll rate is quite high but well worth for the marvelous views and the thrill of the drive.
Designated as a National Historic Landmark, the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse is a stunning lighthouse that dates back to 1792. This archaic structure boasts amazing architecture that makes it a worthwhile tourist attraction. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the spectacular views it affords. There is also an onsite museum store.
The Hermitage Foundation Museum holds the Sloan art collection that includes pieces collected from across the world. The Chinese tomb figures and pieces from Czar Alexander's collection are particularly striking pieces. The museum also conducts art classes and holds workshops. Surrounded by 12 acres of well planned gardens, the Hermitage Foundation Gardens are a particularly picturesque. The gift shop sells creations of local artisans and designers.
St. Paul's dates back to 1739, making it one of the oldest original colonial buildings in Norfolk, but the history of the parish goes back even farther than that. Today, visitors to the church can still see a cannonball that was lodged there in 1776. The church also houses some historic grave sites dating back to the 17th Century.
As part of a tribute to all that have served in our nation's military, and especially those that died in battle, sits the Armed Forces Memorial in Norfolk. The memorial is located on a port that carried servicemen and off to war and then returned them home to their family and friends. Also found at this memorial are 20 letters written by servicemen to their families, all of whom eventually lost their lives in battle. Each of these letters are cast in bronze and found all across the memorial.
Built in 1850, Freemason Street Baptist Church is a historic baptist church designed by Thomas Ustick Walter. Made in the Perpendicular Gothic style, the stuccoed brick church also has an octagonal spire on top. Coffee hours are also held after worship time where visitors to the church can meet and interact with locals and other spiritual seekers. Book clubs, interfaith dialogues spiritual retreats and workshops are also organized by the church on a regular basis. One of the best religious sights in the city, Freemason Street Baptist Church is a must-visit for anyone who is in town for a couple of days.
This 83-foot tall granite statue is a wonderful memorial to one of the principle defenders of American civil liberties, Martin Luther King. The base of the monument is inscribed with his most significant quotes. It is one of the tallest monuments of its kind in the United States and it well worth a visit. Only street parking is available.
The Queen Street Baptist Church is a historic church that caters to Norfolk's African-American community. Constructed between 1910 and 1911, the rectangular structure is an imposing one that draws from Late Gothic Revival traditions. From the pointed spire to the arched windows, the structure exhibits classic architectural features of this style. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Queen Street Baptist Church is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks.
Counted as the oldest Baptist place of worship of Norfolk, First Baptist Church is a 19th-century structure. Established in the year 1800, this historic edifice was built to the designs of R.H. Hunt and apportioned in the year 1906. Serving as a fine specimen of Romanesque-Revival style of architecture, it features a heavily adorned facade, complete with limestone and pink granite brickwork. Its imposing tower stands tall at eight storys, while a shorter one is found at the opposite end.
Built in 1850, Freemason Street Baptist Church is a historic baptist church designed by Thomas Ustick Walter. Made in the Perpendicular Gothic style, the stuccoed brick church also has an octagonal spire on top. Coffee hours are also held after worship time where visitors to the church can meet and interact with locals and other spiritual seekers. Book clubs, interfaith dialogues spiritual retreats and workshops are also organized by the church on a regular basis. One of the best religious sights in the city, Freemason Street Baptist Church is a must-visit for anyone who is in town for a couple of days.
St. Paul's dates back to 1739, making it one of the oldest original colonial buildings in Norfolk, but the history of the parish goes back even farther than that. Today, visitors to the church can still see a cannonball that was lodged there in 1776. The church also houses some historic grave sites dating back to the 17th Century.
Built in 1896, Epworth United Methodist Church is a noteworthy historical church. Designed by James Edwin Ruthven Carpenter, and John Kevan Peebles. Built in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, the church is made of yellow sandstone and granite. Though the architecture and the design of the church is quite beautiful, it is the numerous stained glass windows that lend the church its aesthetic appeal. The Ascension flanked by two Tiffany windows is the most famous of them. The church also has a bell It has a bell tower and a triangular red tile roof. An important religious center for the community and a popular tourist attraction, Epworth United Methodist Church is one of the must-visit destinations during your time in Norfolk.