Arising with a date thought is usually a scary process. You need every part to be excellent and memorable whereas additionally not taking an enormous danger that may not repay. Top-of-the-line methods to give you distinctive date concepts which are positive to impress your date is to achieve out to the neighborhood round you.
Whether or not you’ve owned a house in Norfolk, VA for awhile, not too long ago started renting a home, or are new to town and are renting an residence in Downtown Norfolk, it’s useful to have a few enjoyable date concepts below your sleeve for once you’re assembly somebody new or taking out your companion of a number of years. Learn on to study extra.
On this article:See a present at Chrysler HallA traditional beer and pizza dateJazz, good meals, and extra at Cafe StellaGrab a beer and go to Luna MayaA go to to the Pagoda and Oriental Backyard and Treatment CoffeehouseBike alongside the Elizabeth River Path and go to Equinox CoffeeCheck out two of Norfolk’s museumsFlowers, espresso, and sightseeing – oh my!Dance the evening awayCheck out the Norfolk Botanical GardenEnjoy a romantic date in Downtown NorfolkA curated full day Norfolk dateIn conclusion: choose what works for you
1. See a present at Chrysler Corridor
For a enjoyable evening out in town, take a look at Chrysler Corridor. “One other favourite date evening in Norfolk is getting dressed to the nines and hitting a Broadway present at Chrysler Corridor,” says Megan Gallt, proprietor of Novel Grounds, a romance bookstore in Virginia. “With a lot to stroll round and see within the surrounding space, you may make a complete evening of exploring downtown earlier than you compromise in for a present you received’t quickly neglect on the theater.”
2. A traditional beer and pizza date
Everybody loves beer and pizza date, so hear to those suggestions from Grace Mallamo of Elation Brewing. “Beer and pizza is the perfect pairing irrespective of the date! Excellent for a routine date evening or an anniversary celebrating your distinctive union, spend time collectively in lovely Colleywood,” says Grace.
“Park riverside on the CEO Constructing, stroll throughout to Elation Brewing for native beer AND native wine, irrespective of your temper. Order each pizza AND nachos, view a brand new native artist featured at The Gallery At Elation, borrow one among our board video games, or simply benefit from the folks watching (nice canine watching too!) Then go to Lolly’s Creamery to scratch that candy itch.”
3. Jazz, good meals, and extra at Cafe Stella
Once you’re on the lookout for a flexible area to take somebody, look no additional than Cafe Stella. “An ideal date place is Cafe Stella, particularly for a primary date. Nice dialog is simple in our area that’s enjoyable, stuffed with suave and classic decor, has an informal ambiance the place one can take heed to dwell jazz weekly, and luxuriate in scrumptious meals, espresso, and cocktails,” says Stella Pomianek of Cafe Stella. “Through the years we’ve witnessed wedding ceremony proposals, held wedding ceremony receptions, created their wedding ceremony and child bathe celebration truffles in-house – it should be a particular place for a date!”

4. Seize a beer and go to Luna Maya
A substitute for the traditional beer and pizza date, that is simply nearly as good. “Begin off at Benchtop Brewing for a tremendous craft brew, then head to Luna Maya for genuine Bolivian/Mexican fare – extremely advocate the spicy guacamole and the Pique a lo Macho),” Alex Bergren of Voodoo Brewing. “From Luna Maya, get pleasure from a stroll down Colley Avenue, then cap off the evening by heading over to The Birch to discover some eclectic beers from around the globe.”
5. A go to to the Pagoda, Oriental Backyard, and Treatment Coffeehouse
A romantic stroll and a few good espresso are all the time an ideal plan for a date. “Start your date with a stroll via the enchanting Taiwanese Pagoda and Oriental Backyard in Freemason, the place the placing structure and serene water options create an unexpectedly romantic setting,” says Joe Daniels of CoffeeRoastersNearMe.com.
“Afterward, stroll just some blocks to Treatment Coffeehouse on Botetourt Avenue, the place you may get pleasure from expertly crafted pour-overs that includes their house-roasted beans whereas discussing the fascinating historical past of Norfolk’s worldwide present that symbolizes peace and friendship.”
6. Bike alongside the Elizabeth River Path and go to Equinox Espresso
Should you and your date are on the lookout for one thing extra lively, look no additional. “Lease bikes and discover a portion of the scenic 10.5-mile Elizabeth River Path, ensuring to pause at City Level Park for breathtaking views of the harbor and passing ships,” says Joe Daniels of CoffeeRoastersNearMe.com. “Full your journey at Equinox Espresso within the NEON District, the place their signature lavender honey latte pairs completely with regionally made pastries whilst you’re surrounded by vibrant murals and the artistic vitality that defines Norfolk’s arts scene.”
7. Take a look at two of Norfolk’s museums
For all of the lovers of museum dates, Norfolk has received you coated. “The Chrysler Museum of Artwork is a must-visit for artwork lovers, boasting a formidable assortment that spans centuries — from Renaissance masterpieces to modern works,” shares Kieran Segaloff, a Hampton Roads wedding ceremony and portrait photographer with Fingerprint Picture Studio.
“One in all my favourite components is the glass assortment, which is among the finest within the nation, and you may even watch dwell glassblowing demonstrations of their glass studio. Better of all, the museum is free, making it a straightforward and accessible date thought. Whether or not you’re wandering hand-in-hand via the galleries or grabbing espresso on the museum café, the Chrysler makes for an ideal mixture of tradition and connection.”
Kieran has another choice for those who’re on the lookout for one thing extra intimate. “The Hermitage Museum & Gardens gives a extra intimate and peaceable expertise, nestled alongside the Lafayette River with sprawling gardens and a historic arts-and-crafts-style mansion,” says Kieran. “The scenic waterfront views and luxurious greenery make it perfect for a romantic stroll, and the museum’s rotating exhibitions add an additional creative contact. I like how the Hermitage looks like a hidden gem, offering a quiet escape from town whereas nonetheless being stuffed with magnificence and historical past. Whether or not you’re admiring the paintings inside or having fun with a sundown picnic by the river, it’s a dreamy and picturesque date spot.”

8. Flowers, espresso, and sightseeing – oh my!
You may’t go fallacious with a mixture of flowers, espresso, and sightseeing. “An oasis poised to offer an ideal first date! First, pop into The Little Meadow flower store for a wide ranging bouquet,” says Grace Mallamo of Elation Brewing. “Then, meet your subsequent sweetie at Voyager Espresso to get to know one another over a chilly brew or an expertly crafted cappuccino. As soon as it’s going nicely, take a stroll over the Larchmont Bridge and again to get pleasure from gorgeous river views. Regardless of the day, irrespective of the time, there’s all the time an ideal ambiance to chill out and luxuriate in!”
One other place for enjoyable meals and drinks is Mudita. “Our favourite place for espresso, breakfast, lunch, and enjoyable cocktails is Mudita. It’s a enjoyable waterfront spot with improbable workers, drinks, and so they serve Blanchard’s Espresso!” shares the crew at Blanchard’s Espresso Roasting Co.
9. Dance the evening away
Should you’re on the lookout for a novel and enjoyable date evening in Norfolk, The Banque is a must-visit. “This traditional nation western bar gives dwell music, a welcoming crowd, and loads of area to bop the evening away,” says the crew at Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Virginia. “It’s a good way for {couples} to attach and exhibit their two-step and nation dance abilities in an actual social setting. Really helpful by the crew at Arthur Murray Dance Studio Virginia Seaside, it’s the proper mix of enjoyable and southern attraction.”
10. Take a look at the Norfolk Botanical Backyard
In search of extra peace and tranquility? Discover the Norfolk Botanical Backyard. “Our favourite dates sometimes contain the outside, so we love visiting Norfolk Botanical Backyard,” says Shawna Fredericks of Fredericks Picture and Movies, a Virginia wedding ceremony pictures and videography firm. “We are going to order espresso from Bear Home Espresso Cell Cafe and stroll all through the gardens, taking numerous images alongside the way in which. They permit canine on Sundays, so we like to deliver our furbabies with us once we can.”
Megan Gallt, proprietor of Novel Grounds, agrees with Shawna. “One in all my FAVORITE date concepts in Norfolk is packing a dinner and consuming on the botanical gardens,” she says. “The floral fields deliver a particular sort of magic to an early dinner picnic and the strolling paths are a can’t miss.”
11. Get pleasure from a romantic date in Downtown Norfolk
There’s a lot to see and do in Downtown Norfolk. “With cobblestone streets, cozy eating places on each block, and sunsets over the water, Downtown Norfolk has every part you want for a date to recollect along with your particular somebody,” shares the crew at Vino Tradition Wine Store. “Should you’re within the temper for one thing extra informal, I like to recommend grabbing an ice cream cone at aLatte Café on Granby Avenue and strolling over to the Nauticus Museum for a deep dive into America’s naval historical past.”
The crew continues, “Going for an all-day date? Start at Treatment Coffeehouse within the Freemason District for a chilly brew and get carryout sandwiches from Sirens Subs subsequent door to make a mini picnic with a beautiful setting on the Pagoda and Oriental Backyard Basis. Subsequent, jump over to Vino Tradition Wine Store for a wine tasting, supplied virtually on daily basis of the week. Make a purpose to see what number of mermaid statues you’ll find as you stroll round and uncover some eclectic retailers and galleries alongside the way in which.”
“For a cocktail and to take a look at gorgeous glass artwork, go to Glass Mild Resort & Bar. Lastly, finish this romantic day with dinner at everybody’s favourite Italian spot, Luce. A lot to discover in Downtown Norfolk, and what higher technique to do it than along with your major squeeze!”

12. A curated full day Norfolk date
Should you and your companion are having fun with a while collectively and have the entire day to discover, Tim Ryan of Innovate Hampton Roads has received you coated with a full day itinerary to observe.
“Begin your morning with the world’s best apple fritter from Donut Dugout. You higher get there early, they promote out quick! Then, take a stroll down Granby Avenue to City Level Park, the place you may watch the dawn over the Elizabeth River as boats glide via the harbor.”
A couple of hours later, swing by Doumar’s for an old-school automotive hop expertise — enjoyable truth: they invented the waffle cone, so don’t skip dessert.
Stroll off your meal on the Norfolk Zoo, then head again downtown to discover Nauticus and the USS Wisconsin and the Hampton Roads Naval Museum.
Subsequent, make your technique to Chelsea for an iconic pizza pie from Chelsea Bakery and a pint at Smartmouth Brewing.
Finish your day in Ocean View on the pier, soaking in a wide ranging sundown over the water.”
In conclusion: choose what works for you
Norfolk gives an unimaginable number of date experiences, from laid-back coffeehouse meetups to thrilling nights of dwell music and theater. Whether or not you’re within the temper for a traditional beer and pizza evening, a scenic stroll via gardens, or an lively biking journey, this metropolis has one thing for each couple.
With its wealthy tradition, vibrant eating scene, and breathtaking waterfront views, Norfolk is the proper place to create unforgettable recollections with somebody particular. Regardless of your fashion, there’s all the time a brand new spot to discover and an ideal date ready for you.