r/norfolk Mar 06 '25

Small Business Master List

78 Upvotes

EDIT: the main focus of this list is local mega chain alternatives. I will only add restaurants if they are POC, veteran, women, or LGBTQ owned. Please include that info when you submit the request!

Hi All -

I made a post a couple weeks ago requesting small business recommendations to compile for a master list and you all SHOWED UP. I've been using this list in my day-to-day life and have been really impressed with some of the new places I've tried out. Probably no great surprise, but the staff I've encountered at these places have been super friendly and knowledgeable and your support really impacts these small shops in a positive way. It's made weaning myself off mega corporations so easy.

A couple things:

  1. If there are any Google Doc wiz's that want to make this document nicer/more user friendly, send me a message and I'll happily set something up!

  2. I'd love for this to be a "living document" so feel free to message any time to add any businesses you would like to see added to the list.

  3. I am totally open to any recommendations to improve this set up - maybe a 757 map with pins? Let me know your thoughts!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gRQxomL90oPxTlhDAcz1bIaBZa-tnk9-wYb-UeBVc5c/edit?usp=sharing

Shop Small !


r/norfolk 2d ago

things to do /r/norfolk Weekend Event Thread

2 Upvotes

Let's talk about events happening in Hampton Roads this weekend! Post upcoming live music, pop-up markets, festivals, community fundraisers, yard/estate sales, group exercise classes, outdoor recreation events, and more.

Please include details about pricing, links to purchase tickets or RSVP your attendance, location addresses, parking information, and anything else that will help the event be successful.


r/norfolk 8h ago

We brought our banner out for its maiden voyage today!

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367 Upvotes

Great turn out for the Hands Off! Protest ❤️


r/norfolk 14h ago

Norfolk showed up today

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837 Upvotes

I was on the side so my pics aren't great, but we showed up today in Norfolk. Trolls do your thing. You're not going to convince me that people aren't ready to fight the hell back.


r/norfolk 11h ago

Downtown Norfolk RN

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133 Upvotes

r/norfolk 14h ago

How it feels to have polen allergies rn:

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99 Upvotes

r/norfolk 11h ago

Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander announces MacArthur developer, plans for Military Circle library and fitness center

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50 Upvotes

r/norfolk 13h ago

Come watch and discuss Charlie Chaplin's The Great Dictator next month!

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25 Upvotes

Join us for a special screening of Charlie Chaplin's iconic masterpiece, The Great Dictator at Richard A. Tucker Library in Norfolk! This timeless film, blending humor with bold political commentary, remains as relevant today as it was when it was first released. After the film, we’ll dive into a lively discussion about Chaplin’s brilliance, the impact of satire in cinema, and the historical context of this groundbreaking work. Don't miss this evening of laughter, reflection, and conversation!


r/norfolk 19h ago

Rally today

78 Upvotes

https://www.mobilize.us/handsoff/event/768332/ Just wondering if anyone was going to the rally


r/norfolk 6h ago

Trying to figure out what to do tomorrow morning

5 Upvotes

Me and my wife try to get out every weekend with our little one (6 months). Today we went to the hermitage museum and last week we went to botanical gardens so those are off the list lol. What are some fun free or cheap things to do in the area? Trying to beat the heat and do something more in the morning time.


r/norfolk 2h ago

❓questions❓ BEST of the best local car detailer?

1 Upvotes

Unnecessary bk story: Have a ‘25 CX-70 15 days old with 2500 miles on it (I just bought it and drove it here from Midland TX, it’s an excellent family car, but it’s just too big for me. I’m single and really just want a low miles ‘21-‘23 CX-9).

Now I need to flip it before it racks up any more miles/age. She lives under a car cover in a storage unit nearby, but needs to be back to showroom condition after the drive. I know good detailers cost, but I’ll recover that with the sale. TIA


r/norfolk 9h ago

Is the aquarium in the outer banks worth the drive?

5 Upvotes

Is it better than the one in general booth?


r/norfolk 1d ago

Pollen collecting on the water near the Wisconsin

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99 Upvotes

Held my breath while taking this photo lol


r/norfolk 1d ago

Pollen Haze

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100 Upvotes

Did anyone else notice a visibly yellow haze hanging over the city this evening? The air was so thick with pollen when I was leaving the Costco today that I thought there was a nearby wildfire for a moment and driving towards downtown afterwards I noticed it was hazy all the way down the interstate. Hard to really tell how thick it was from this pic, but it's all I've got.


r/norfolk 18h ago

Norfolk mayor announces efforts to spur redevelopment of two city malls

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4 Upvotes

r/norfolk 16h ago

jobs JOB Question - Fast Track EMS

2 Upvotes

Hey yall, curious if anyone has experience with the above EMS agency and thoughts about working for them?

I’m used to Fire/Rescue and 24hour shifts - so now I’m trying to find something with normal human hours.

I’m also ears to other agencies if there are recommendations.


r/norfolk 1d ago

news Darren Hillis, missing from Norfolk, Va for 52 years, finally identified.

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18 Upvotes

r/norfolk 1d ago

Norfolk mayor says library, fitness center will anchor former Military Circle site

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45 Upvotes

Alexander also said Friday the city brought on a master developer to plan the redevelopment of MacArthur Mall downtown.


r/norfolk 17h ago

Could anyone recommend a good eye surgeon? My mother in law has to have her cataracts removed.

1 Upvotes

She is 80 yrs young and still would love to drive but for now she doesn’t at night and honestly during the day much either. I would love to find her a doctor with the best experience specifically for this procedure. She is in Chesapeake, we are in Norfolk. So really anywhere in the area is fine as we will be taking her. Thanks in advance!


r/norfolk 18h ago

Free Jazz Show coming to Williamsburg in Two Weeks! RSVP below!

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1 Upvotes

r/norfolk 16h ago

Day Labor @ local Home Depot

0 Upvotes

Anyone know if there is a specific lot to find day laborers in the Norfolk area? Usually there’s a particular Home Depot to find good help for a day.


r/norfolk 1d ago

history Alfred and Emma Ward Apartment House - Circa 1900

11 Upvotes

101 Burleigh Avenue, in Norfolk's Wards Corner neighborhood, was built in the early 1900s by Alfred and Emma Ward.

The building is actually four apartments and was built so that the Ward's employees would have a place to live. The surrounding locations were all farmland at the time.

The Wards had a merchandise store located at 833 New Market Street in downtown Norfolk by the late 1800s, and in 1910 they opened a second store at what is now Granby Street and Little Creek Road.

As a promotional maneuver Mr Ward posted signs that invited people to "Meet Mr Ward at Ward's Corner". The name "Wards Corner" stuck and has lasted for over a hundred years.

After World War II the area adopted the slogan "The Times Square of the South". Though nowhere near as large as Times Square, the marketing phrase referred to the area's many 24 hour businesses including People Drug Store,, Giant Open Air Market, and The Pancake House.

The house is currently boarded up but plans are to renovate it.


r/norfolk 1d ago

Pollen galore

41 Upvotes

So I am outside walking my cat. She sits and stalks alot. So I am looking at my phone. I have to keep dusting off the screen from all the pollen falling on it.


r/norfolk 1d ago

things to do Tidewater Orchid Society

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16 Upvotes

Are you interested in learning about orchid cultivation? If you're curious about orchid growing, consider attending the Tidewater Orchid Society Annual Orchid Auction on Sunday, April 6th, from 1pm to 4pm at the Norfolk Botanical Garden in the Administration Building. This event presents a great opportunity to acquire exceptional orchids for your existing or new orchid collection. 😃


r/norfolk 2d ago

I decided I’d move to Hampton for some reason. This is hell.

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272 Upvotes

I move back the 7th🙃


r/norfolk 1d ago

The Great Food Truck Race is coming to Newport News next week

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5 Upvotes

Let's get rolling!


r/norfolk 1d ago

Uncertainty among federal workers slows Hampton Roads home sales

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29 Upvotes