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| Sailing into Norfolk Harborfest. C. Pellicane © 2007-2008 |
sails into view June 6-8 at Town Point Park in downtown Norfolk, Virginia.
Harborfest will kick off on Friday, June 6 at 3 pm with a fantastic Parade of Sail, as tall ships and a regatta of pleasure boats sail down the Elizabeth River to downtown Norfolk. Visitors will be able to play "pirate for a day," climb aboard and tour authentic tall ships, peruse the wares of local artists and crafters, and listen to live musical acts.
There's a reason this maritime enertainment extravaganza is one of our favorite Virginia Beach events, and a top contender in our Cheap Family Vacation Getaway hall of fame. It's really breathtaking to watch these amazing tall ships--relics of a bygone era--glide stately by with their full, billowing sails.
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| Putting away the jib. C. Pellicane © 2007-2008 |
Couple that with toe-tapping entertainment, swashbuckling pirates regaling you with stories that will "shiver your timbers," and countless arts and crafts vendors to search for one-of-a-kind gifts, and you'll have the perfect fun (and inexpensive) event.
We find the hardest part is deciding what to eat! You'll have your pick from everything from the mundane (hot dogs) to more unique fare like roasted corn and crab cake sandwiches. Don't miss the funnel cakes--light and airy with powdered sugar.
The highlight of the weekend is a huge and elaborate fireworks display, which takes place on Saturday night at 9:30 pm.
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| Photo by C. Pellicane © 2007-2008 |
Harborfest Norfolk Celebration hours: June 6 and 7 (Friday & Saturday), noon - 11 pm; June 8 (Sunday), noon - 9 pm.
Here's a link to photos and stats of some of the tall ships you'll see, as well as a link to the bands that will play at the event.
Need directions to Town Point Park, Norfolk? Here's a Town Point Park Google map.
If you enjoy tall ships and want to see them beyond Norfolk Harborfest, keep reading to learn how climb aboard for more.
Tall Ships You Can Tour Year-Round
Even when Norfolk Harborfest is over, you can still enjoy these magnificent sailing ships. Several of the ships that participate in these events are berthed in the Hampton Roads area, and are available for tours or day sails.
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| Working in unison. C. Pellicane © 2007-2008 |
The Alliance (Yorktown waterfront)
This 80-foot schooner sails three times daily from the Yorktown's Riverwalk Landing Pier during the summer.
Alliance Cost: $30 adults, $15 for children. Sunset sails are $35 for all passengers.
Alliance Hours: Daily excursions at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Alliance phone number: 757-639-1233.
Godspeed, Susan Constant, Discovery at Jamestown Settlement
A new replica of the Godspeed has been touring to commemorate Jamestown's 400th anniversary. While they don't do day sails, visitors can climb aboard any of the park's three recreated ships and learn about 17th century navigation.
Jamestown Settlement Cost: $13.50 for adults, $6.25 for children 6-12.
Jamestown Settlement Hours: 9-6 p.m. through Aug. 15
Jamestown Settlement phone number: 757-253-4838.
American Rover at Waterside Marina in Norfolk
This 22 year-old, 98-foot vessel was inspired by 19th century cargo schooners, and makes pleasure cruises on the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads. It can carry up to 149 people.
American Rover Cost: $12-$22 adults, $10-12 children
American Rover Hours: 11:30 a.m. Wednesday-Sunday, as well as daily cruises at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. They also have a Saturday night party cruise at 10:30 p.m. The ship may also be hired for private charters, so call ahead for exact times and dates.
American Rover phone number: 757-627-7245.
Looking for more to do in the Hampton Roads/Norfolk area? Don't miss these attractions, including the best crepes in chocolate/Nutella crepes in town, funky and nostalgic Doumar's drive-in, the world-famous the world-famous Chrysler Museum of Art, and our #1 Girls Spot, Rowena's Tea Room.
Plus, you can even go on a free mermaid scavenger hunt!
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