Fall or better known as sweater weather has arrived! And it is arguably the best season to explore Norfolk. The weather is just right, not too hot, not too cold, the sun’s still shining and festival season in Norfolk ramps up. We’ve put together some local favorite activities and recommendations for your ultimate fall bucket list in Norfolk!
Slurp a Virginia Oyster
Sure, you can slurp down an oyster from any coastal town, but have you tried a Virginia oyster? Fall is oyster season after all and dining at one of our many restaurants that serve fresh shucked oysters will allow you to taste the character of our waters in one quick, complex bite.
Shop at a Witch Boutique
With crisp fall air comes pumpkins, full moons and all things spooky. So, head to Velvet Witch, a modern, witch boutique in the Freemason neighborhood where the owner is a Psychic Medium and professional tarot card reader. After your reading, shop the store for all your incense, crystals, candles and magic supplies.
Sip a Pumpkin Spice or Fall Flavored Latte
It’s officially pumpkin spice season and while many of you are diehards when it comes to this flavor, our city loves to create different fall inspired lattes. Check out our coffee guide on where to find the best cup of joe and either stay traditional with your PSL or tickle your palate with a new fall flavor like a pear, ginger latte.
Oktoberfest Beers and Celebrations
Visit one of our breweries and enjoy a seasonal brew! Smartmouth Brewery has the Princess which is a copper lager that boasts the perfect union of caramel toffee sweetness with warm toasty maltiness. This is their version of an Oktoberfest beer that is named for the fair and fertile Princess Elizabeth (she birthed 13 royals) and is the namesake of the river that courses through our region – Elizabeth River. Cova Brewing Co., Maker’s Craft Brewery and Elation Brewery Company are all hosting Oktoberfest celebrations where wearing dirndls and lederhosen are highly encouraged.
Attend a Farmers Market
Attend one of our farmers markets, they have plenty of fresh fall produce including squashes, pumpkins and fall flavored sweet treats like cinnamon apple scones.
Fall Flowers at the Norfolk Botanical Garden
The Norfolk Botanical Garden are the perfect spot for a stroll with a hot latte to admire fall flowers which include the popular Chrysanthemum (mums) which can be found in the Matson Garden. Keep in mind that our fall foliage usually does not occur until November so you can still see green leaves in September and October.
Attend a Festival
Since Norfolk’s temperature is perfect this time of year, it makes for the best time to attend an outdoor waterfront festival, like Wine Fest. Attend Town Point Virginia Fall Wine Festival and you’ll find yourself sipping some of Virginia’s finest grapes. For a full list of our fall festivals click here.
Attend a Football Game or Watch Football on the Big Screen
Football season has arrived and Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University are just waiting for you to cheer them on! Attend one of their home games to feel the Norfolk spirit or if you’re looking to cheer on your favorite college or NFL team, head to Waterside District. They broadcast the games on massive tv screens while selling plenty of wings and beer for you to enjoy.
Try a Seasonal Pie
It’s officially pie season! Head to one of our bakeries or restaurants for scrumptious seasonal pies. You will find everything from traditional apple pie from Stockpot to southern sweet potato pie from Bar-Q Desserts and pumpkin cheesecake from Cure. The Bonbonnier also always has something festive baking for you to try too! If you’re a fanatic ice cream lover all year long, Strawberry Fields creates some amazing fall flavored gelato. You will not be disappointed with their Pumpkin Spice Crumble and Apple Cider Sorbet.
Make a Candle
Sugar and Co. located within Selden Market offers candle making workshops throughout the season. So grab your best friend, create a fall scented candle and slap an autumn-esque name to it like “s’mores by the campfire” or “oh my gourd.”
Explore the Elizabeth River Trail (ERT)
As cooler temperatures make their debut in Virginia, strolling the ERT is much more enjoyable. Whether you walk, bike, run or picnic along the ERT, relax your day away by listening to the swaying of the fall leaves. For chillier days, don’t forget to treat yourself to a City With Bite sweatshirt from our Mermaid Market, just two blocks off of the trail across from the Marriott Waterside hotel.