New Look Norfolk Waterfront

How would you make best  use of waterfront property to restore downtown in a large city? 

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” (Marcel Proust)

Sometimes in the process of creative travel discovery, we need to change our perception and observe what we’ve seen in a much different way. Take our cruise stopover on a quiet Sunday morning  in Norfolk , Virginia as a good example of this idea. Foras Naval Station Norfolk comprises the world’s largest naval station, the cruise visitor might expect to concentrate their visit on its huge military legacy over the years. 

But why mass together with the bulk of the cruise boat visitors on this ship waiting to take a guided tour of the famed Nauticus Museum and adjoining Battleship Wisconsin? Instead we’d take advantage of the surprisingly cool summer morning and stroll around pedestrian friendly corridors created along the Waterfront District. For to me, it seemed better use of our short ashore time to witness firsthand this amazing urban planning transformation of this landscape from its formerly industrially blighted condition. 

So in the photo section that follows, take a walk with us along the serene oasis of this redeveloped Waterfront area. You’ll see the serene landscape of the Pagoda and  Oriental Garden, take in some  picturesque vistas offered at the adjoining boat marina and gaze as well  at some interesting historic markers, thought provoking sculptures and child friendly fountains. 

Source Used:

https://www.downtownnorfolk.org/explore/downtown-norfolk-waterfront