Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk is a bustling area that you'll likely visit in the Spring if you visit it while traveling on your Great Loop Adventure. Norfolk is in Virginia, on the southern end of the Chesapeake Bay. If you are coming up from the Dismal Swamp and then the Elizabeth River, you will come out in Norfolk. If you are on your Great Loop Adventure, you're likely to aim for Norfolk during the first week of May so that you can attend the AGLCA Spring Rendezvous. If not attending the Rendezvous, you would likely be in this area sometime in the spring as you work up the East Coast, aiming to arrive at the Erie Canal in early summer.

The most prominent feature of Norfolk is the presence of the Navy. Your ability to explore and understand more about the Navy firsthand is convenient and epic if you check out the Nauticus Museum and board the USS Wisconsin. Visiting and touring the ship is a must-do activity. While visiting, you may also want to grab this quick Kindle read, Battleship Marine.

Another activity you may enjoy as you walk around Norfolk's waterside district is looking for mermaids. This interactive spotting map shows where they are all located.

The Slover Library is a great stop if you'd like to research, read, or see their numerous production studios available to the local community. It's worth a visit to look around! While visiting the Slover Library, grab a nice sweet treat at the Granby Waffle Shop at Slover. It's right at the library entrance!

Watch the video above for more highlights about the area and ideas for your boatschooling lessons if you're traveling as a family.