Plan a weekend visit to a Norfolk, Virginia three ways: On a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
BUDGET
Getting there: Frequent one-way sale rates starting from $59 are offered to Newport News-Williamsburg, 20 miles northwest of Norfolk; nonstop AirTran.
Stay: The colonial-style Tazewell Hotel is located in the heart of the theater and entertainment district and is a short walk to top attractions such as Waterside Festival Marketplace and Battleship Wisconsin (and a short drive to Virginia Beach). Guest rates , including WiFi, start from $89 per night; 245 Granby St., 757-623-6200; www.thetazewell.com.
Eat: The city's vibrant downtown location, surrounded on three sides by water (where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean), gives a nod to poets and musicians of the past with a booming coffee house scene. Local artists and musical groups hang at places like Bean There Cafe, Crema, Cafe Stella, Elliott’s Fair Grounds Coffee House, Kerouac Cafe and aLatte Cafe in the downtown district. Have lunch (sandwiches under $10) at Chocollage (don't miss dessert); 201 College Pl., 757-533-5335, editor: no web site. Walk off dessert and head to the Chinese Pagoda and Oriental Garden on the waterfront (265 W. Tazewell St.).
Experience: Don't miss a visit to the Chrysler Museum with its 62 galleries housing 30,000 works of art from around the world. Opening Nov. 2, a museum within the museum, the Glass Studio, will be devoted to the art of glass with daily glass blowing demonstrations. Admission always free; 245 W. Olney Rd., 757-664-6200, www.chrysler.org.
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MODERATE:
Getting there: Round-trip rates to Norfolk start from $296 with a 21-day advance; Monday-Saturday sale rates from $168; nonstop Delta.
Stay: The Norfolk Waterside Marriott, in the historic district, is steps away from the revitalized waterfront, shops, restaurants and fine museums. On-site is a Shula's 347 Steakhouse. Guest rooms are plush with marble accents and artwork; some have antiques. Room and breakfast rates from $164; from $129 room-only; 235 E. Main St., 757-627-4200, www.marriott.com.
Eat: Find fresh, authentic southern Italian cuisine at Sirena Cucina. The owner and the chef of this unassuming restaurant, Fabio Rinaldi, hails from Rome. Antipasti from $7.50-$12; Primi $12.50-$18 and Secondi $17-$21.50; 455 Granby St., 757-623-6622, www.sirenanorfolk.com.
Experience: Explore the decks of Battleship Wisconsin, one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy. This majestic ship, berthed at the Nauticus Museum, earned five battle stars during World War II. Stop in at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, owned and operated by the Navy and located on level two of Nauticus. The museum houses a rich collection of authentic uniforms, weaponry, underwater artifacts, ship models and artwork. Admission to the ship, museum and access to the Battleship Wisconsin Wardroom and Officer's Country help preserve and maintain the battleship for future generations; $13.95 adults; $9.50 children; 1 Waterside Dr., 1-800-664-1080; www.nauticus.org.
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SPLURGE:
Getting there: One-way Business Class rates to Newport News are $396 (nonstop AirTran); $347 to Norfolk (nonstop Delta).
Stay: Residence Inn Norfolk Downtown features studio, one, and two bedroom suites with separate living, eating and sleeping areas with full kitchens. Guests enjoy daily breakfast, varying evening socials, a heated indoor pool and on-site fitness center. Studios from $159 per night; from $219 for two-bedroom suites; 227 W. Brambleton Ave., 757-842-6216, www.marriott.com/residenceinn.
Eat: Sample the city's gastronomic highlights on an epicurean walking tour in the hip Granby and Ghent neighborhoods. Per person rates are $38 for a Saturday tour (2-5 p.m.); www.norfolkwalkabouts.com. All food and beverage is included on Saturday tours (4-7 p.m.) for $65 per person; www.coastalfoodtours.com. Meeting locations provided at ticket purchase.
Experience: Lend a hand setting the sails on the 135-foot American Rover, a three masted topsail schooner cruising Norfolk Harbor. Relaxed daytime cruises take in the downtown skyline, private shipyards, Old Fort Norfolk and more. The 90-minute daytime cruise is $16 adults; $10 children. The two-hour sunset cruise along the Elizabeth River features live music; $25 adults; $15 children; www.americanrover.com.
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Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.
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