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18 B M & T ••• July/August 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Nearby, Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin provide access to hands-on science exhibits, naval history, and meeting space aboard a ship built for history. By evening, the Battleship Wisconsin becomes something rare. The moon rises above still water. History rests underfoot. For planners seeking an off-script venue with ambience, panoramic river light, and a touch of grandeur, this is a setting that delivers. For those drawn to naval heritage, it feels almost sacred. OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE BACK For those looking to incorporate meaningful community engagement into their visit, The Union Mission Ministries offers various volun- teer opportunities. This nonprofit organization pro- vides shelter, meals, and life-changing recovery programs to the homeless in Norfolk. Volunteers can assist with meal services, participate in collection drives, or engage in other supportive activi- ties. It's a chance to contribute positive- ly to the communi- ty and make a last- ing impact. For more information, visit www.unionmissionmin- istries.org or call (757) 627-8686. A GARDEN OF SERENITY The Norfolk Botanical Garden is 175 acres of calm. Alongside its 17,000 sq. ft. of event space, the property fea- tures a miniature shuttle train, food trucks, and a direct trail to Norfolk International Airport. Guests can unwind with inten- tion, and planners can host with natural elegance. Among its many highlights, the Japanese Garden offers a tran- quil retreat with its meandering creek, traditional stone lanterns, and meticulously pruned trees, creating a refined balance of nature and design. The Butterfly House is another enchanting feature, where visitors can walk among fluttering butterflies in a vibrant, flower-filled enclosure. These serene settings provide not only pic- turesque backdrops for events but also moments of reflection and connection with nature. WHAT TASTES LIKE THE CITY Norfolk is homegrown in every sense. Saltine is fresh, seasonal, and locally rooted, making it an essential dinner stop for seafood- focused events. Grain, above it, offers skyline views and craft beer with a rooftop buzz. Mermaid Winery delivers a quieter, oceanic experience—ideal for toasts, tastings, or tender conversations between business leaders. Varia, located within the Hilton Norfolk The Main, is a sophis- ticated wine studio and Italian restaurant offering private dining options. Its ambiance and curated wine selection make it a stand- out choice for intimate gatherings. In the Waterside District, a vibrant cluster of eateries and enter- tainment venues lines the riverwalk. Guy Fieri's Smokehouse boasts bold flavors—and yes, a mechanical bull, if your post-meet- ing crowd wants to unwind with a little attitude. For those staying at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott, the hotel's own restaurant offers a delightful breakfast and brunch experience with city views and outdoor dining options, perfect for guests who prefer to dine in. When I needed a quiet moment during my visit, I found Cafe Stella in Ghent. It felt like a place to return to even if you don't have to. That's the kind of warmth this city offers without asking. Omar's Carriage House, located in the historic Free-mason n e i g h b o r h o o d , offers a distinctive dining experience blending Moroccan and New American cuisines. Set within a restored 19th-cen- tury carriage house, the restaurant exu- des charm and ele- gance. Signature dishes include the Moroccan Sampler, Beyond Kefta, and Walnut Bourbon Salmon. The venue also features a pri- vate dining room accommodating up to 45 guests, making it ideal for intimate gather- ings and special occasions. GETTING THERE WITHOUT GETTING LOST Norfolk is a planner's dream when it comes to movement. Walkable blocks, relaxed streets, and minimal traffic make transi- tions smooth. For extra ease, F.R.E.D. (Free Ride Every Day) offers complimentary shuttle rides throughout downtown. For further reach, the Tide Light Rail and Hampton Roads Transit provide reliable options across the region. AND THEN—CONNECTION The city moves at the speed of connection. You feel seen here. Cared for. And it's not just the venues—it's the people. Each year, the Virginia International Tattoo assembles military bands from across the globe to perform in majestic unison. Norfolk provides the arena, but it's the people— young and old, waving flags and dancing in their seats—who transform it into a patriotic ritual of joy and pageantry. For planners seeking a coastal destination with built-in his- tory, art, hospitality, and heart, Norfolk delivers. On land and by sea. FOR THOSE WHO PLAN, NORFOLK PLANS BACK Meeting planners are never left on their own here. VisitNorfolk offers personalized assistance, connections, promotional support, and local insight. For more information: www.visitnorfolk.com (757) 664-6620 Dawn Whittaker, Director of Sales