Hi:
I have a business meeting Monday AM and will be driving into Norfolk on Sunday. I will be staying downtown at the Marriot Waterside.

I just saw that Sail Virginia is also this weekend and am wondering what the best time would be to drive into Norfolk to try and avoid or minimize any traffic problems.

Originally planning on arriving at 4:00 PM but am wondering if I should arrive later (maybe 7:00 PM) to let some of the day trippers head out before trying to get to the hotel.

I was planning on driving in via the Emporia route on I-264E and then into downtown. Is this the best option? I have never been to Norfolk before so am looking for some suggestions.

Thanks,
Ken

I should see no problems driving in at that time, and the Marriot has its own parking garage. The most direct route is I-264 and goes through a tunnel but it is how I would drive to get to downtown from a western area. You could also take 664 to 64 to 264 but that is a very round about way and wouldnt save you any time. Downtown Norfolk has some great restaurants, enjoy!

I think you should call the Marriot and make certain that Waterside Drive will be open when you plan to arrive. The street is usually closed to vehicles during Harborfest and I'm sure the hotel staff can give you the best advice.

Judy, how was your trip to Italy?

Oh my goodness, flygirl, you must have an incredible memory!
It was a wonderful trip. It was a little faster paced than we usually like, but still great and we stopped in Paris on the way home for 3 days (my favorite!)
Thanks for asking. I almost didn't look at this thread but thought it might be kennc reporting his driving adventure.

Hi All:

The trip did go very well. Waterside Drive was closed off and the hotel did give us alternate driving directions.
Traffic was not bad at all . I had visions of massive traffic back-ups.

I walked around the waterfront and went on the tall ships. That was alot of fun. Did not have time to do much else since I had some prep work for a meeting on Monday.

Thanks for the advice !

Happy it worked out for you and that you got to enjoy a little of Harborfest. The tall ships were anchored off of our neighborhood beach Thursday night and Friday morning.....quite an impressive sight!