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Norfolk, VA: Ghent Urban Recovery

Norfolk, VA has never been known as a tourist destination, but city leaders are trying to change, starting with Ghent.

The Ghent district of Norfolk, began its development in 1890 and was named after the city Ghent in Belgium. Located on the west side of Norfolk, Ghent went into steep decline in the years following WWII. It is one of the most economically diverse in Norfolk and has been the focus of a very concentrated and successful gentrification effort that continues to this day. Much of what was East Ghent (which was predominantly a Black area) was torn down and rebuilt with a growing community of more affluent residents. An area of transition that is slowly recovering from a long economic downturn, providing art, culture and high-end businesses who cater to middle to upper class dollars, Ghent shows signs of successfully recreating itself.

Ghent is home to the Virginia Opera at the Harrison Opera Theater, at one time a World War II USO theater. This historic venue was lavishly renovated in 1993. With 1,632 seats, the stunning Edythe C. and Stanley L. Harrison Opera House retains an intimate ambiance, but one adorned by the beauty of glittering chandeliers, sweeping staircases and bistro tables where you can sip champagne and drink in the glamour.

The Chrysler Museum is just steps away, boasting an incredible inventory of fine art. Walter Chrysler, Jr., scion of the automotive company founder, donated nearly 10,000 objects as part of an arrangement where the Norfolk Academy of Arts and Sciences became the Chrysler Museum of Art. His donation was simply breathtaking, with art critics calling Chrysler the most underrated American collector of his time.

In desperate need of some recovery of my own, I sought out Changes City Spa in the bustling city section. With bundles of businesses on every corner, tucked into the large turn-of-the century apartment buildings, rows of cozy bungalows, side by side with newly developed condominiums, I had a selection of spas from which to choose. Because of it's high recommendations, I called Changes City Spa and they had an appointment for a massage for me within 2 hours. Julie, my massage therapist did an excellent job, first discussing options and then getting down to work on my sore, tired muscles, relieving all of the pain and tension I had built up on the ride.

To my surprise Changes is a one-stop-shop for any lady who needs a pick-me-up. With a complete list of spa services, beverages and snacks for customers, as well as a cute gift shop for chicks, Changes seemed to have all of my needs covered. Taking care of the men too, nearby is Jake's Place, a spa for men, operated by the same fine folks who pampered my afternoon away at Changes.

After being "Changed" into a happy girl again, Highway and I wanted to fill up on some grub. Asking the staff at the spa for suggestions, 4 ladies chimed in together shouting "Moes!"

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Moe's Southwest Grill is actually a national chain, but a local favorite for Fresh-Mex, just a couple of blocks away. And because our motto is always, "Eat where locals eat," we chowed on the build-it-yourself fare. Highway opted for the hottest burrito he could create, throwing handfuls of fresh jalapenos and hot sauce, topped over shredded pork, pinto beans, cheese, rice, and corn salsa. I'm not sure if he had the burrito of if the burrito had him! My Mountain of Nachos was terrific with pork, queso sauce, cheddar cheese, black olives and cilantro. For Virginian Mexican food, it was pretty good.

Ghent boasts a large array of specialty shops, casual to fine dining options, bars and nightlife as well. There are eclectic coffee shops, hip wine bars, and lively taverns, frequented with tourists, neo-hippies, and trophy wives. Momentum is also building on a series of trendy pubs and brewhouses, and there's now a tour that takes tourists to the best of them.

The best areas in Ghent for sidewalk shopping, dining, and art galleries is along Colley Ave as well as 21st Street.

Largely known for its giant naval base and Section 8 housing projects, Norfolk is trying to turn itself around to rake in more tourism dollars. And now that the city has breathed new life into Ghent, I'm planning to stay here in this historic section of Norfolk on our next trip to the Tidewater region.

For more information about Ghent:
http://www.destinationghent.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ghent-Norfolk/357360072290