Norfolk skyline (Getty Images)
NORFOLK, Va. – Travel + Leisure put together a list of the 50 Best Places to Travel in 2017 and Norfolk made the list!
The list goes international and North America made a strong showing for 2017.
Travel + Leisure surveyed writers based around the world, talked to their A-List travel specialists, and looked at the most exciting hotel and restaurant openings over several months to compile the list.
The site says they take food and drink options heavily in to account because people will travel far distances to experience these treats.
Norfolk made the list with this description from Christine Wei:
“Once characterized mainly by the defense industry and a massive naval base, Norfolk has become an off-the-radar, affordable hot spot thanks to a flourishing arts scene and increasing city- and university-supported entrepreneurship. Its craft beer continues to be a huge attraction: Benchtop Brewing was one of the newest breweries to open in 2016; the upcoming Bearded Bird Brewing will operate as a microbrewery co-op and have a large patio where visitors can sample beers. A taproom from Starr Hill Brewery will be part of a newly developedWaterside District—an area that will see several restaurant openings (like regional favorite Cogan’s Pizza) in 2017. Nearby, The Main aims to become another downtown hub in the spring, with a seafood restaurant, rooftop lounge, 300-room Hilton, and other entertainment additions. And don’t miss theNEON District—the mural-studded home of the Chrysler Museum of Art—which has recently introduced an extra element of urban cool.”
As you can see, the NEON and Waterside districts look to be key factors tourists will want to visit the area, as well as the growing craft beer scene.
Norfolk is in good company with other cities like Paros, Greece, Turin, Italy, and Honolulu, Hawaii making the list too.
