Visit and stay in Norfolk? Help us decide
 

My husband and I are traveling to Alabama to visit relatives and drive north from there (following the coast). My husband would like to end up in Norfolk, VA as he wants to visit the Civil War Maritime Museum in Newsport News. We know nothing about this area at all -- should we stay in Norfolk for a couple of nights? Is there enough to do besides the museum -- especially historic sites? We would appreciate any help you can give us.

I've heard that the Norfolk Marriott Waterside is nice, but I haven't stayed there personally since we lived in the area (Virginia Beach). Since you like history, I'd suggest that you go see the McArthur Memorial, which includes a very interesting museum. Also, you might enjoy the National Maritime Center in Norfolk, which includes Nauticus (a maritime science museum), the Hampton Roads Naval museum, and the USS Wisconsin. Across the tunnel, in addition to the museum you mention, there's Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, and Yorktown. A history-lover could easily fill up a couple of days, I think.

Have fun!

Are you all the same ones who will be driving up from Corolla? If so, I'd be inclined to drive beyond Norfolk and base yourselves for a couple of days in Newport News or Williamsburg. Both have a higher density of historical sites than Norfolk and you will avoid having to use the tunnels (often traffic misery) to cross between Nflk and the pennisula.

As mindy said, you've got Wmbg, Jamestown and Yorktown within relatively close proximity. Newport News is also home to Endview Plantation, an 18th C. house that served as a Conferderate hospital during the Civil War. Finally, you'll be within easy driving distance of the Richmond-Petersburg area which is mecca for Civil War buffs.

If you do visit Richmond, drive up Route 5 (pick it up in Wmbg) which travels along the James River and passes a number of plantation homes which are open to visitors. It won't add more than a few minutes onto your trip and it's really a lovely drive.

There's more than a few days worth of things for a history lover to experience. Hope you have a great trip!

Just curious, are you flying home out of Norfolk?

Yes, obxgirl, we planned on flying home from Norfolk. Is there something we should know? Maybe pick another airport?

Can't tell you how helpful it is in planning our trip to have this forum available. Thanks to you and mindylt1 for the info

Staying over around Newport News & Williamsburg usually gives "more bang for the buck" than Norfolk, as pointed out you also get a lot more/bigger (imho) historical sites to visit.

The airport at Newport News (PHF?) I think now goes by NewportNews/Williamsburg International has been trying to compete with Norfolk to get better fares available for passengers ... however the number of airlines serving NN is much less. If you can make use of AirTran, that can be a big plus for it. Both airports are very easy access and almost a joy to use, compared to other airports, especially NN.

I'd hate to be making multiple trips thru the tunnels. Stay in Norfolk only for the number of days you'd be visiting sites in Norfolk ... ive that many. Avoid using the tunnels during morning & evening rush hours, when regional traffic can be horrendous.

jandb, Didn't mean to alarm you about the Norfolk airport! Only meant that Norfolk is an infrequent destination point on fodors.

As rb pointed out, the Norfolk airport is easy to access.

If you're heading to an AirTran or US Airways hub definitely check prices out of the Newport News. Also price flights out of RIchmond (RIC).

If you decide to stay in Norfolk, there is a wonderful B&B in the Ghent area, near the Chrysler Museum, called the Page House Inn www.pagehouseinn.com. It is a beautifully restored old house, with a great breakfast and interesting fellow-travelers. Also easy parking!

I haven't been to the museum in Norfolk yet, but I can tell you that the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, along with having a tremendous permanent collection of Confederate artifacts, currently has a temporary exhibit focused on the Confederate navy. I visited just a few weeks ago.