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This mid-size American city existing beneath the tourist radar turns out to be a destination of major merit and interest.

Norfolk is home to more than 100 annual festivals, the grandest of which is Harborfest, a three-day harbor-oriented extravaganza which unfolds each year in mid to late June. Festivities start with the Parade of Sail, as hundreds of boats sail up the Elizabeth River to dock at the downtown Town Point Park. Among the armada are several tall ships, whose high masts and complex rigging make for a thrilling spectacle as they approach.

Other Harbor festivities include nightly music programs and, for the past two years, parades by a wildly colorful and enthusiastic Bahamian Junkanoo band, which really juice up the evening. There are arts, crafts, food stands of many flavors and an extraordinary firework extravaganza that just doesn't want to stop. Another fun Harborfest event is the Lizzy River Anything That Floats But a Boat Race between the most oddball, innovative floating craft. It's quite a hoot!

A Maritime City Rich with History

Known most prominently for its naval connections (home to the largest natural harbor in the U.S. and the largest naval base in the world), Norfolk is a city with much to offer all year round. It was founded more than 300 years ago in an area rich with American history. The Second Battle of the Virginia Capes was fought nearby in September 1781, arguably the pivotal naval battle of the Revolutionary War.

There's only a shard left of colonial-era Norfolk, however the more famous and intact (or reconstructed) sites of Jamestown and Williamsburg are a 45-minute drive away. Today's town center is quite compact, with architecturally pleasing residential neighborhoods, museums, and restaurants nearby.

Most of the city sights are an easy and very pleasant walk from the downtown hotels and nearby B&Bs. The wear and tear on feet can be reduced by riding the local electric bus system, known as NET (Norfolk Electric Transit), which runs often through downtown and out to the Historic Ghent neighborhood free of charge. You'll probably board it on Granby Street, the most active downtown street, with many restaurants, shops, clubs, and theaters. It's hopping at night!

For a good walking tour, click on the "History at your Feet" icon on this Chrysler Museum website; download the map and head out. As you walk through the downtown area, you can't help but notice the oddly regular recurrence of some 375 large (6-10 ft. long) and colorful statues of mermaids. Mermaids on Parade, a municipal art project, sponsors these bright additions to the cityscape.