Each month, the participating Life Enrichment teams at affiliated communities will host the monthly Port of Call program. This program is designed to help the residents explore the culture of a different country or city from the comfort of their chairs through fun happenings such as games, activities, and food. Each community’s Life Enrichment team will work to develop their own unique spin on each city and give the residents a glimpse into the history and culture of each place!

The theme this month is Norfolk, Virgina! Let’s check out some of the unique facts about this city and why millions of people decide to travel here each year.

About Norfolk, VA

The city of Norfolk boasts 235,000 residents and stretches across 66 acres of land. Norfolk borders the Chesapeake Bay by at least seven miles and contains at least 144 miles of shore along the lakes, rivers, and beachfronts. Norfolk is also known as a tree city, with many of its neighborhoods hosting acres of trees and flowers.¹

Fun Things to Do in Norfolk, VA

There are plenty of fun activities that the city of Norfolk, VA is known for. Whatever your interests might be, there’s something for everyone to do in Norfolk. Here are a few highlights you won’t want to miss if you decide to visit the city.

Norfolk Botanical Gardens

The Norfolk Botanical Gardens are the largest gardens in the state of Virginia. Thomas P. Thomson, along with Frederic Heutte, felt that Norfolk could grow an azalea garden to rival those in Charleston, South Carolina. Today, the Norfolk Botanical Gardens have over 175 acres of gardens, with 65 themed gardens that can be explored by tram or foot. Volunteers have given more than 17,000 hours of their time to help with the upkeep of the gardens.²

Chrysler Museum of Art

The Chrysler Museum of Art hosts a variety exhibits year round. There are a ton of events that the public is invited to, and they also host different art camps and programs to help people explore their creativity. This museum has over fifty galleries and a collection of over 35,000 objects, as well as hosts a glass studio^.3

Virginia Zoo

The Virginia Zoo is over 100 years old, starting in the year 1900. There are over 700 zoo animals of over 150 different species in the zoo. The Virginia Zoo was first accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums in 1987 and continues to strive to adhere to the AZA standards to maintain its standing. This is a great place for animal lovers to discover the history of different animals and see them up close!⁴

Nauticus

Nauticus is a famous maritime discovery center located on Norfolk’s waterfront. This place hosts a variety of STEM and STERN programs to help visitors learn about maritime history, the environment, and military. This is a great place for visitors to come and learn more about maritime history and its importance.⁵

The Food of Norfolk, Virginia

Virginia has a rich culture for its cuisine, with thousands of restaurants celebrating different southern tastes throughout its borders.

Virginia is known as the birthplace for:⁶

• American barbeque
• Macaroni and cheese
• Fried Chicken
• Brunswick Strew

One of the most famous menu items that can be found in Norfolk are:⁷

• Cromer Crab: This is a popular crab dish available in many restaurants across the Norfolk area.
• Brancaster Mussels: This is a local favorite enjoyed by many tourists
• Samphire: This is a sea vegetable that can be added to salads or eaten on its own, and Norfolk is known for growing this in its salt marsh
• Norfolk Black Turkey: Norfolk is known as a place for its delicious Norfolk black turkey, which is enjoyed by locals all year long
• Temple’s Cheeses: These are locally made cheeses, and the most popular flavors are Binham Blue, Copys Cloud, and Walsingham

Life Enrichment

Here at Saber, the participating affiliated Life Enrichment departments will plan food, fun, and games based on each city or country each month. Here are some of the planned activities some of the affiliated teams are planning! Please note that these activities lists are not final.

Tremont Health & Rehabilitation Center

The Tremont residents are going to get their passports stamped and enjoy some “Richmond Rainbow” cookies. They will also take a virtual tour through Richmond from the Maymont Gardens to the Carytown murals. The residents will listen to some soft jazz (which is a local favorite) as they discuss did you know/fun facts.

Autumn Care of Biscoe

The Autumn Care of Biscoe team is painting wooden anchors and decorating with nautical ribbons and twine. The Biscoe residents are also watching a travel video on Youtube and learning about the history and famous landmarks in Norfolk.

Autumn Care of Norfolk

What is the best way for the residents to celebrate Norfolk, while being from Norfolk?  Visiting everywhere they can! The Life Enrichment team has a weeks’ worth of fun activities to celebrate with. They plan on going to a lot of the local hot spots, and also plan on hosting a local bingo!

Colonial Health and Rehab

The Life Enrichment team will to take their residents to a Norfolk Tides Game and have them paint seashells and anchors since they are near the beach and near the big battleship in Norfolk They also plan on having a Virtual tour of Nauticus Museum.