With the new year, I’m excited to explore and share new areas and adventures around Norfolk. One area I’ve been especially excited to get to know better is my own neighborhood, the NEON District.

If the NEON District, which stands for New Energy of Norfolk, isn’t on your radar yet, this up-and-coming artsy neighborhood should be on your Norfolk bucket list. The NEON District is located down Granby street across Brambleton, parallel to downtown Norfolk. While the NEON District boasts many fun restaurants and bars, one of the biggest appeals is the art scene. This area of Norfolk is a place for artists to share and express the “energy” of Norfolk through murals on the sidewalks, buildings, and even on benches.

Norfolk Energy Through Art

The artwork throughout the area has messages of love and encouragement, combined with bright and beautiful colors that really do give off Norfolk energy.

As you walk down Granby Street, you’ll notice that the businesses are just as unique and abstract as the artwork and murals surrounding them. One of the largest and most noticeable buildings is Bob’s Gun Shop, partially because of the beautiful, geometric mural on the side of the building, and partly because it stands out among the cutesy cafes and restaurants adjacent to it.

You’ll find a little bit of everything in the NEON District - from a skateboard shop, to an authentic French bakery, to night clubs, a furniture store, and even a tattoo parlor. Part of the charm of the area is that it doesn’t cater to any one person, but has a little bit of everything for anyone to enjoy.  

Sidewalk Masterpieces

It can be easy to overlook some of the most fun artwork while looking up at the tall buildings and wall murals. Make sure you take a peek at the sidewalks as you stroll along. Every once in a while, there’s bright and colorful art piece that will make you smile.  There are also lots of small but encouraging messages throughout the neighborhood hidden in the artwork that are sure to leave you feeling happier than when you came.

The Plot Thickens

As you continue further into the NEON District, you’ll notice a large open space called The Plot. This urban park is perfect for pausing to eat lunch or taking pictures with the colorful fence as a backdrop. It is just as random as the rest of the attractions and businesses in the area, which make it a perfect fit. There are old shipping containers spelling out The Plot, which also double as vertical gardens.

Off the Beaten Path

While the main attractions are primarily right on Granby Street, some of the most beautiful art (and great experiences) you’ll find are when you roam down the side streets. One of my favorite places I stumbled upon accidentally is Sanctuary, a small hole-in-the-wall taco joint that can be easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there. They have affordable yet delicious tacos, great drink specials and a unique ambiance that you’ll have to see for yourself. There’s also a beautiful mural on one of the walls of the building that you won’t see from the main street.

While downtown Norfolk and Colley Avenue have good reason to be the hot spots in Norfolk, the NEON District has it’s own charm and beauty that is worth checking out.