It’s mid-week in the City, and spring has sprung!

Today’s Weather: 🌞 High of 76? Get Outside! 🚶‍♀️ 

Here’s what we’re watching today:

👀 🏛️ What to Watch For in the State of the City 👀 🏛️

🧺🥪Top Picnic Spots For Enjoying Spring Weather 🧺🥪 

📆 Next Three Days of Events📆

👀 🏛️ What to Watch For in the State of the City 👀 🏛️

Mayor Alexander, will deliver the annual State of the City Address this coming Friday April 12th. The event is sold out and the presentation is still under wraps, but here’s what we think you should watch for. 

The State of the City Address provides a snapshot of Norfolk's current state and typically includes some pretty newsworthy big announcements. Since it’s an election year for the Mayor, there’s more pressure than usual to spin a narrative. 

The Casino:
We just got a pretty significant update on the HeadWater’s Casino project last week by way of statements from high-ranking City officials. The gist was that City leaders are willing to pursue a casino project with other developers if the Headwaters group doesn’t get the ball moving in the right direction. While we can’t know for sure, I wouldn’t expect any big casino related announcements in the SOTC speech. Last week’s news drop is probably a signal to the public not to expect any major headway on the project.  

Public Safety:
Since the last election in 2020, Norfolk has seen a crime spike and a subsequent drop back down. A police chief left (definitely not pushed out 😉) and a new one was hired. There’s 24/7 cameras downtown, car theft cameras, and more. Mayor Alexander even headlined a fundraiser with noted “law-and-order” politician Jason Miyares.  In the latest Resident Survey 66.2% of respondents said that Police Services were the most important services for the City to address in the next five years (page vi here). So chances are high that we’ll get some sort of news-worthy moment on this issue. 

Sports
The region has been pining for a major league team for a while and we might kind-of-sort-of get one. A “Major League Football (MLF)” team seems to have gotten a deal done to use the NSU football field. Notably that is not the NFL, but a new upstart league. We can keep dreaming for an MLS team though. 

Additionally, MEAC is set to stay in Norfolk for several more years, which is a solid win you’ll likely hear about. Of course, our existing teams will likely get some love too with the Norfolk Tides touting a national championship and the Admirals going to the playoffs. 

MacArthur Center & Military Circle 
If there’s anything close to happening on these projects then we should hear about it, but it’s doubtful. Timelines for projects of this scale, especially in this financial environment, take a pretty long time to get to announcement readiness. That being said, if we do hear about them, watch for institutional backing that wouldn’t need private financing, i.e. the military, federal government, University, or state agency. 

Smaller Economic Development Deals 
With major projects like the Casino and the two mall sites being slow or stuck, look for lots of small wins to be shown off to keep the feeling of momentum going. Expect to hear of some small businesses opening up (lots of that in the Railyard), business expansions, or even a small development deal (fingers crossed for a Greyhound Station or Fort Norfolk announcement ). 

The Rest
On top of any big news-breaking announcements, you’ll hear lots of positive anecdotes and data points about Norfolk’s momentum. Most will be news you’ve already heard this year, but when you stack them all together it will paint a pretty nice picture. Given the political pressure of an election year, you should expect that broader narrative to be overwhelmingly hopeful and positive. While we also are heavily optimistic about Norfolk, for this event it’s smart to keep the framing and motivations in mind while you watch. Harder still will be catching the omitted bits from the past year.

🧺🥪Top Picnic Spots For Enjoying Spring Weather 🧺🥪 

On a lighter note, April weather is historically beautiful in Norfolk. It’s a perfect time to take advantage of the waterfront and open spaces with an outdoor picnic. Whether you get your food to-go from a local restaurant or you pack your own meal, here’s the best spots to picnic this spring

Plum Point Park 
The crown jewel of the Elizabeth River Trail, Plum Point Park is a beautiful space with some light rolling hills, expansive views of the river, a meditation trail, and a part-playground part-sculpture that resembles a sailboat. The tree right at the point is one of the most popular picnic spots in town. If you make it for sunset you’re in for a real treat. 

Moses Myers House Garden 
If you’re downtown and looking for a picnic spot (office workers I’m looking at you), then you need to get over to the Moses Myers house. The historic home has a well-maintained fenced yard that is an oasis of calm among the hustle and bustle of Downtown. Plus there’s plenty of Downtown restaurants to supply you with tasty to-go lunch. 

ERT Pine Tree Row
There’s a section of the ERT near Orapax that has two parallel rows of Pine Trees. This would be an absolute killer location to throw up some hammocks and hang out. There’s enough trees to bring a couple dozen of your friends out for a hammock picnic party. 

Lambert’s Point Golf Course
This is one of the City’s newest official open spaces, and while it doesn’t yet have many facilities for picnic goers, it’s physically huge, has massive waterfront views, and some of the only hills in Norfolk. Go explore the newest city gem. 

Monkey Bottom Park 
This park is just across from the popular Sarah Constant Beach Park, which is often packed out on weekends with good weather. Monkey Bottom is less known though and while it might not have picnic tables, it’s got a ton of big live oak trees to shade your picnic away from the crowds. 

OV Beaches
You should have seen this one coming. Ocean View has 7.3 miles of free public beach along the Chesapeake Bay. The sand and the sun are classic picnic accompaniments. It’s a match made in heaven. Be sure to get out there before the hottest heat of summer turns the sand into bare foot burning molten lava. 

Northside Park
62 acres await you and your picnic pals at Northside Park, as well as, three baseball fields, a skate park, 7 tennis courts, 5 picnic shelters, an aquatics center, mountain bike trails, a basketball court, and a large playground. If your ideal picnic includes sports and activities, this is your spot. 

Hermitage Museum
In the past few years entry to the Hermitage Museum became free. Which means you can go hang out in the 12 acres of gardens along the Elizabeth River. There are huge trees to sit under, mysterious archways, walled gardens, winding pathways, and gorgeous architecture. This is the spot for the whisked away to a fantasy world picnics. Don’t forget to check out the art inside before you head out!

Poplar Hall Park & Lafayette Park 
I’ve paired these two parks together because while they’re independently great spots for picnics, they both feature 9 hole, par 3 disc golf courses. If you’re into putting with your picnic and pairing frisbee with food (maybe get that checked out with your veterinarian) then these are perfect spots for your picnic. 

Afterglow Brewing
This one isn’t a formal park, it’s a brewery! Afterglow is one of the newest breweries in town in the back of the Lambert’s Point Railyard area. They’ve got a huge green space behind their building that is primo for picnics. You can BYOFood or find some chow in an on-site food truck or Sanctuary Tacos. Plus, they serve beer! (duh). The green space runs along the railroad tracks so be prepared to see the Norfolk Southern engines putting on a show. 

Fort Norfolk 
Hidden between the Army Corp of Engineers and Harbor’s Edge, is the historic Fort Norfolk. It’s the last remaining of 19 harbor-front forts authorized in 1794 by President George Washington, and it played a huge role in the War of 1812. The fort includes plenty of lush green space, including a hill and wall that give great views of the Elizabeth River. 

Fort Norfolk is open to the public for free, unguided tours 9 a.m to 4 p.m. Monday through Sunday (though you do need valid ID). The Norfolk Historical Society conducts guided tours of the fort on Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. from mid-June to the first Sunday in October.

Shoop Park
If you’ve got little humans tagging along on your picnic, you should consider Shoop Park. This 5.49-acre park has a playground and splash pad (open June 27) for the kids, as well as picnic shelter, basketball court, and walking track. This kids will love the splash pad and maybe you’ll get a few minutes of peace to enjoy the picnic.

On a Kayak
Norfolk has 9 formal kayak launches and a litany of spots with shoreline access for kayaks. Whether it’s Lake Whitehurst, the Lafayette, the Elizabeth, Willoughby Bay, Pretty Lake or another waterway, they’re great spots for a lunch on the water. You can pack a lunch and eat it alongside the herons, otters, and dolphins. But you might want to stick to handheld foods like wraps and sandwiches, it’s going to be tricky to balance a full charcuterie board on your ‘yak. Also, if you need a yak, you can rent one from Norfolk Kayak Rentals. 

📆 Next Three Days of Events📆

WEDNESDAY:
Klassic Doughnut Popup at Cova Brewing. 7:00 am. Rip it. 
Align: Small Business Series at NSU Innovation Center. 10:00 am. Rip it. 
Healing Garden Walk & Talk at Norfolk Botanical Garden. 1:00 pm. Rip it. 
NFK 2050 Pop-up Office Hours at Cafe Stella. 3:30 pm. Rip it.
Ghent Business Association Happy Hour at Jessy’s Taco Bistro. 4:30 pm. Rip it. 
Wednesday Wordsmiths at The Muse Writer’s Center. 5:00 pm. Rip it. 
FY 2025 Budget Public Hearing at Granby High School. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Car Crazy in Tidewater Doumar’s Cruise In. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Sky’s the Limit Stretch & Ride at Slow + Steady Bike and Goods. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Super Casual Wednesday Bike Ride departing Slow & Steady Bikes. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Boardgame Night at Atlantis Games & Comics. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
D&D Game Night at Atlantis Games & Comics. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Norfolk Run Club Wednesday Meetup at Afterglow Brewing. 6:20 pm. Rip it. 
Trivia Night at Smartmouth. 6:30 pm. Rip it.
Fireside Jams at Elation Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Well-Being Workshop: Emotional Intelligence at Push Comedy Theater. 6:30 pm. Rip it. 
Norfolk Tides vs. Scranton RailRiders at Harbor Park. 6:35 pm. Rip it. 
Planetarium Show at Michael and Kimthanh Lê Planetarium. 7:00pm. Rip it.
Trivia Night at MJ’s Tavern. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Trivia Night at Torch Bistro. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Trivia Night at Hank’s Filling Station. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Trivia Night at Stockpot. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
Sky’s the Limit Yoga at Eleanor's Bookstore. 7:15 pm. Rip it. 
Bhav Brigade Yoga at Norfolk Karate Academy. 7:15 pm. Rip it. 
Mike Demoss performs live at Grain. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
Norfolk Admirals vs. Reading Royals at Norfolk Scope. 7:05 pm. Rip it. 
Edward Plus One performs live at Grace O’Malley’s. 7:30 pm. Rip it. 
Chamber Music Concert at Diehn Center for the Performing Arts. 7:30 pm. Rip it. 

THURSDAY:
Norfolk Master Gardener 2024 Spring Plant Sale at Hermitage Museum. 9:00 am. Rip it. 
Norfolk Community Services Board Career Fair. 11:00 am. Rip it. 
Norfolk Admirals vs. Reading Royals at Norfolk Scope. 12:05 pm. Rip it.
Master Class with Lisanne Lyons at Diehn Center for Performing Arts.  3:00 pm. Rip it. 
Gather 10 Year Anniversary Party at Gather Norfolk. 4:00 pm. Rip it. 
Sneak Peek Tours at Ryan Resilience Lab. 4:00 pm. Rip it. 
Gather & Grub at Afterglow Brewing. 4:30 pm. Rip it. 
Family Game Night at Slover Library. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Thrilling Thursday Evening Ride w/ East Coast Bicycles. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Open Mic Night at Cova Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Ocean View Run Club Group Run/Walk at Ocean View Fishing Pier. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Trivia Night at Elation. 6:30 pm. Rip it. 
“Against the Current” Screening at Elizabeth River Project. 6:30 pm. Rip it. 
Attack of the Rookies at Push Comedy Theater. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Cypher Night at House Of Consciousness. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
Fact/Fiction 48-Hour Play Festival Mixer at Little Theater of Norfolk. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Trivia Night at Bold Mariner. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
Trivia Night at Pixel’s. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
Trivia Night at Baxter’s. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
Carlton Baker  performs live at Brothers. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Joe Heilman performs live at Grain. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Edward Plus One performs live at Grace O’Malley’s. 7:30 pm. Rip it. 
The Play That Goes Wrong at ODU Rep Theater. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Anthony Hamilton performs live at Chartway Arena. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
The Color Purple performed live at NSU Brown Hall. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Performers Playground Stage Workshop at The Venue on 35th. 9:00 pm. Rip it. 

FRIDAY:
Norfolk Run Club Friday Meetup at Yorgo's Bageldashery. 6:00 am. Rip it
Jazz Residency at Diehn Center for the Performing Arts. 8:00 am. Rip it 
Norfolk Master Gardener 2024 Spring Plant Sale at Hermitage Museum. 9:00 am. Rip it
Diehn Series Master Class with Lisanne Lyons at Diehn Center for the Performing Arts. 10:00 am. Rip it
Automation of Demise - Grim Tales of Technology at Elmwood Cemetery. 2:00 pm. Rip it
MTG: Outlaws of Thunder Junction Prerelease at Atlantis Games & Comics. 3:00 pm. Rip it
Virginia International Tattoo on the Elizabeth River Ferry. 4:30 pm. Rip it. 
Children's Yoga at Park Place Branch Library. 4:30 pm. Rip it
Emo Nite with Pop Topic at Smartmouth Beer. 6:00 pm. Rip it
Friday Night Live at COVA Brewing Company. 6:00 pm. Rip it
Frank Sings Frank at Varia. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Altars 101 at Aries Apothecary. 6:00 pm. Rip it
NAJEE Jazz Saxophonist at Brothers. 6:00 pm. Rip it
Family Twilight Trek at Norfolk Botanical Garden. 6:30 pm. Rip it
Dan Pellegrino performs live at Elation Brewing. 6:30 pm. Rip it
Norfolk Tides vs.Scranton RailRiders at Harbor Park. 6:35 pm. Rip it
JJJJJerome Ellis performs live at the Music Room at Hermitage Museum and Gardens. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Wines of New Zealand Tasting at Vino Culture. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
Drum Circle at Mystic Moon Norfolk. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Tom’s Elton Tribute at Attucks Theater. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
The Muse Neighborhood Jam at The Muse Writers Center. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Spirit Gun, Uglyography, False Cape, And Song Of Praise at The Taphouse Grill. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Friday Night Magic: Draft at Atlantis Games & Comics. 7:30 pm. Rip it
How the West was Improvised: The Made Up Western at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Edward Plus One at Grace O'Malley's Irish Pub & Restaurant. 8:30 pm. Rip it
Almost Famous at Naro Expanded Cinema. 9:00 pm. Rip it
Tales form the Campfire at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it 

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