Saturday:
9:00 am:
Kick that Saturday into gear with caffeine and donuts. Head out to Cova Brewing for a cup of cold brew to get the blood pumping. Don’t forget to grab your yoga mat on the way out the door for later.
9:30 am:
Meander across the Shore Drive to the East Beach Farmers Market. Grab some produce for later, then head straight for the baked goods: Klassic Doughnuts, Empowered Plant Cakes, and Flour Child Bakery features a smorgasbord of sweets to choose from.
11:00 am:
Cruise down Ocean View Avenue to the Ocean View Beach Park. Meet up with Samantha Crandall for Community Gentle Yoga. Donations appreciated, but never expected.
12:00 pm
You’ve started off the day strong and probably already broken a sweat. Head home for a quick regroup, you’ll need your energy for the rest of the day.
1:30 pm
Grab a couple of reusable shopping bags before you leave the house, then head down to Selden Market for Asian American Pacific Islander Vendor Fair. While you shop grab a quick snack – perhaps a few lumpia from Slide Thru Fam (available in original or vegan).
3:00 pm
Next up the Chelsea District. We’re headed to Smartmouth for Bluegrass BBQ, & Brews. Grab lunch from Bar-Q and one of Smartmouth’s 2 new beers ( Hall Pass | Honey Bock Lager & Weird Flex, But OK | Lo-Cal IPA ).
3:30 pm
Brackish Water Jamboree kicks off the bluegrass. Sit back and enjoy the show.
5:30 pm
You’ve been busy and it’s hot. Stop by Strawberry Fields for a quick cool-off.
7:00 pm
Make your way to Maker’s Craft Brewery for Lava’s Summer of Fun featuring: Berries, Ladada, You’re Jovian.
11:00 pm
Don’t let the good vibes stop. Head to Toast for a late-night cocktail. They’ve got the best Moscow Mule in town.
Sunday:
9:00 am
Hop on the saddle and head to “Ridin’ Dinghy,” the monthly donut pop-up & bike ride at Local Bike Shop.
12:00 pm
Roll that bike just a few blocks to O’Connor Brewing. Harvest Market is kicking off so do a quick peruse for some snacks
1:05 pm
Take that to the end of Granby Street and follow the Elizabeth River Trail to Harbor Park for the Tides Game. They’re playing the Charlotte Knights and have a solid record against them this season. Home team victory or not, there’ll be post-game fireworks either way.
4:30 pm
Cruise into Downtown for dinner. The options are bountiful, but my top picks would be to hang at Hell’s Kitchen’s awesome new outdoor seating right on Granby Street.
7:30 pm
If you’re not done basking in the sunlight, hit the rooftop at Grain. DJ Saint James is there to help you rock the night away.
12:00 am
You’re still out and about? Well, if late-night munchies are your aim, grab a giant slice of pizza from Benny’s.
Monday:
10:30 am
Grab the towels and sunscreen and hit the beach. There are seven miles of beach to choose from, take your pick.
1:00 pm
Stop by My Mama’s Kitchen for Memorial Day dogs. The Comfort Dog comes topped with baked beans, macaroni, cornbread crumbs, and mama’s bbq sauce. That’s all your memorial day flavors packed onto a single dish.
3:00 pm
Red Stapler Duo hits the stage at the Ocean View Fishing Pier. Grab a ‘lifeguard chair’ and soak in the last few hours of your three-day weekend.
Paul Stetson Rice
Chelsea, NFK
Paul is the creator of NFKVA.com. He was born and raised in Norfolk, graduated from Virginia Tech, and narrowly avoided law school. Chat with him about economics, entrepreneurship, hip-hop, and hiking. When he's not working on five different projects, you'll catch him sharing a beer with friends at a local brewery. Go Hokies!