CHEP2023 Local Dining & Entertainment

To have a detailed look at the city of Norfolk and it's attractions, click on the Visit Norfolk Map Explorer.

History

The City of Norfolk is an important 400-year-old port city and home to the largest naval base in the world. The history of Greater Norfolk coincides with the birth of our nation, and throughout the region, evidence of this important past can be enjoyed today. Norfolk celebrates the 400-year-anniversary of the Jamestown Expedition, with many other important cities in the region including Jamestown, Charles City and Williamsburg.

On New Years Day in 1776, two-thirds of the city was destroyed during the Revolutionary War. A cannonball from the siege may be viewed today in the wall of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

World War II hero, General of the Army Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) and his wife are buried in Norfolk, at the monumental rotunda of The MacArthur Memorial.

Dining

We propose that attendees sample the local cuisine for lunch and dinner. There are more than 100 restaurants within walking distance of the Marriott. For dinner, it is also possible to use the local light rail system (the Tide) or take the ferry to Portsmouth for additional dining options. The tickets for the Tide and the ferry are $4.50 for an all-day pass, with the ferry landing located at Waterside.

After Hours and Diversions

Norfolk is a vibrant city and fun to explore.  Self-guided walking tours and local museums and attractions offer something for everyone. Steps from the Marriott is Nauticus, a hands-on science and technology center that allows visitors to experience the power of the sea, including interactive exhibits featuring the Battleship Wisconsin. Also in the vicinity of the Marriott are two unique shopping experiences, the historic Selden Market Promenade. The thriving, local music scene in Norfolk features venues within an easy walk or Uber ride from the Marriott. Norfolk is also home to the Tides, an exciting professional AAA league baseball team that plays home games at nearby Harbor Park. In addition to the local attractions, the venue is a 30 minute drive from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Boardwalk. There are also several nature preserves nearby, including the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, First Landing State Park and Back Bay Wildlife Refuge. At False Cape State Park one can find pristine and uncrowded beaches.

Optional Excursions

Kayaking, dolphin watching and more!  Book now on the Excursions page.

Pre- and Post- Conference Opportunities

May is also a perfect time of year to visit the Mid-Atlantic region of the country. There are many interesting destinations within a few hours’ drive of Norfolk. An hour north is the Historic Triangle area of Williamsburg/Jamestown/Yorktown as well as popular theme parks – Busch Gardens, Williamsburg and Water Country, USA. Across the famous 15 mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel are the Eastern Shore, Chincoteague and Assateague Island beaches. An hour and a half drive south gets one to the Outer Banks of North Carolina including Kitty Hawk and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. About 3 hours west puts one in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains and Shenandoah National Park. In the same area, Charlottesville is home to historic Monticello (Thomas Jefferson’s home) and a good base point to explore the area. Finally, Washington, DC is about a 3 hour drive north and is also the closest major international arrivals airport (Dulles).

For those arriving early, there will be an Air Show running May 5–7 held at the Joint Base Langley-Eustis, roughly an hour north of Norfolk.

The Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival also runs across the street from the CHEP venue on May 6–7.  An excellent pairing with the preconference workshop!

There will be a casual social event for all CHEP and WLCG Workshop attendees (and others!) on the evening of Sunday, May 7 that all are welcome to attend.  Please join us at "A Scientist Walks Into A Bar..." from 6pm–7:30pm on the Marriott Rooftop (6th floor)!