Fun Things to Do in Downtown Norfolk for an Awesome Autumn

If you're ready for Fall fun, we've rounded up some must-do activities to embrace the coziest season with open arms.

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1.) See the leaves changing colors while riding along the Elizabeth River Trail on a Pedego Electric Bike

When & Where: You can rent a Pedego Electric Bike and ride the trail any time. See Pedego's hours here.

Details: Pedego offers fun, colorful electric bikes for purchase as well as rental. Bikes can go up to 15.5 miles per hour, so you can zoom through the beautiful fall foliage all along the 10.5 mile long Elizabeth River Trail to your heart's content.

2.) Catch the ferry and sail over to Portsmouth's Olde Towne Portsmouth Farmer’s Market and Antique and Flea Market

When & Where: Saturdays in November, 10am-1pm

Details: Nothing says Fall Fun like a Farmer's Market, and with 30 local vendors, the Olde Towne Portsmouth Farmer’s Market has something for everyone. The Antique and Flea Market features more than 70 vendors with unique and antique wares. A quick ferry ride from Downtown Norfolk, we highly suggest you make the trip and stock up on some fresh produce, artisan baked goods, meats and seafood, plants, flowers, and more! 

 

3.) Explore Downtown Norfolk Bite-by-Bite on Nor-Fork Eats + Drinks: A Downtown Progressive Dinner

When & Where: November 10, 5:30pm-8pm. Stops include Varia, Brick Anchor Brew-House, and Cafe Stella.

Details: Get ready to try all of the delicious food Downtown has to offer on this two-hour walking tour. Explore local hot spots with culinary luminary and food historian, Patrick Evans-Hylton of VirginiaEatsAndDrinks.com. More information and tickets available here.

 

4.) Embrace delicious fall comfort food with "The Good Shepherd" PieCasso from The Rustic Tart

When & Where: All season at The Rustic Tart, 323 Granby Street.

Details: One of the best parts of fall is the flavors: savory, warm, and comforting. The Rustic Tart has some wonderful sweets for the season, including Pecan Tarts and the fan-favorite Carrot Cake PieCasso, but we don't want you to forget the oh-so-savory side of The Rustic Tart, including this showstopper: The Good Shepherd PieCasso.

 

5.) Warm up with some hot coffee and boost your immunity at Town Center Cold Pressed

When & Where: Town Center Cold Pressed's Downtown Norfolk Location, 440 Monticello Avenue, across from the Scope. See hours here.

Details: Town Center Cold Pressed has you covered with delicious lattes and warm bowls of oatmeal. They also have six different immunity shots to keep you healthy this season.

 

6.) Cozy up to a warm bowl of soup from The Stockpot

When & Where: The Stockpot Norfolk, 215 E. Plum St., right next to Slover Library. See Stockpot's hours here.

Details: It is safe to say The Stockpot does soup right: they started as a soup pop-up at a local farmer's market, after all. Though they now offer amazing salads, toasties, pastries, cocktails, and a popular Ramen night every Wednesday, we still think fall is the perfect season to enjoy one of the soups that started it all.

 

7.) Cozy up with a good book and make new friends at Pastries & Paperbacks

When & Where: November 26 at 6pm at Stockpot. (Each subsequent book club meeting will be held the last Tuesday of the month at 6pm at Stockpot).

Details: Slover Library and The Stockpot Norfolk present Pastries & Paperbacks Book Club. November's book is "A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman. Each meeting is moderated by Slover staff. Freshly made desserts and beverages will be offered for purchase at special book club prices. Each month’s book club selection will be available to borrow at the Slover checkout desk while supplies last (or participants may obtain their own copy). 

If book clubs aren't your thing, feel free to curl up with a book of your choice inside the beautiful Slover Library any time they are open.

 

8.) Toast to the season at Varia's Weekly Wine Program, The Art of Wine

When & Where: Thursdays at Varia, 5pm-7pm

Details: Explore and learn about a variety of wines each week along with a different, specially curated theme.The event is free to attend, and only $15 to enjoy tastings and small bites.

 

9.) Laugh away the early sunset blues at Comedy with Cats

When & Where: Friday nights at 8pm at Zeke's Beans and Bowls in the NEON District

Details: Get 5 minutes of your best material together and hit open mic night at Zeke's. Sign ups start at 7:30pm each night. If you just want to watch and laugh along, the show starts at 8pm. Make sure to grab a coffee, pita, or poke bowl while you're there!

 

10.) Grab one of Vessel's fall-themed drinks for yourself and your Instagram

When & Where: All season long at Vessel Craft Coffee inside Selden Market, 208 E. Main Street. See Vessel's hours here.

Details: Vessel has some great coffee, but they also have some of the cutest and coziest fall-themed flavors around. Grab a Pumpkin Bliss, Pumpkin Cold Brew, Hot Apple Cider, or a Mint Chocolate Cold Brew, snap a picture for your Instagram story, and enjoy.

 

11.) Stock up on all kinds of cozy gear for fall at Urban Outfitters

When & Where:  All season long at Urban Outfitters' Downtown Norfolk location, 271 Granby Street. See hours here.

Details: Now seems like the perfect time to grab that new chunky sweater or puffer jacket to look good this fall. Check out Urban's Instagram for some fashion inspiration (be warned: you will want it all).