PORTSMOUTH, Va — It’s time to take a walk with Patrick.
And we’re headed to Portsmouth for what Patrick says is a step back in time. It’s no secret that I really love cool old homes.
My own home was built in 1927, and most of the homes over in Port Norfolk are even older.
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Even if you’ve never heard of Port Norfolk, chances are you’ve driven by it on the West Norfolk Bridge, as you head to or from the Midtown Tunnel on the Portsmouth side.
There are more than 600 homes in this historic neighborhood. Most were built between 1890 and 1910.
Port Norfolk was what’s called a streetcar suburb. It was just a quick ride away from downtown.
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On our walk, we passed by craftsmen style homes, Colonials, Queen Annes and American Foursquare style houses. If you’re a fan of architecture like this, you’ll really enjoy a walk here.
A lot of the homes are surrounded by charming picket fences and some are really beautifully landscaped. It’s early summer, so there’s a lot blooming right now.
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All the streets in Port Norfolk have sidewalks. But because the neighborhood dates back to the 1800s, the roots from old trees have made some of the paths a little bumpy.
If you need a newer flat path for your walk, there is a paved path along the Elizabeth River.
The Port Norfolk Reflection Walk is a little less than a mile and runs along Bayview Boulevard. It’s landscaped and has several benches along the way.
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By the way, that reflection walk honors folks whose lives have been touched by cancer.
There’s even a bell you can ring three times to celebrate the end of treatments.
