NORFOLK, VA– In Norfolk, there is something in the water – hundreds of pleasured boaters.  These travelers choose the 400-year-old port city as a favored getaway due to its convenient location, full-service marinas and easy accessibility to the pulse of what makes this year-round destination tick – its historical and cultural attractions, burgeoning art scene, shopping, café culture, annual festivals and events.

Situated at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay and Mile Marker Zero on the Intracoastal Waterway, Norfolk is a popular stopping point for transient boaters migrating northward each June and southward from September through November.  Additionally, regional boaters from Virginia and Maryland regularly dock in Norfolk to spend the day or two.

Conveniently located in downtown Norfolk, Waterside Marina is a bevy of excitement as an array of vessels makes the locale their home away from home.  The Waterside Festival Marketplace features a wide range of eateries including Jillian’s, Have a Nice Day Café, Bar Norfolk and Joe’s Crab Shack.  Additionally, culinary enthusiasts can dock and walk to nearly 60 other restaurants. Other nearby adventures to explore by foot include Nauticus, a 120,000 square foot, multi-level maritime showcase with more than 150 nautical exhibits, and the USS Wisconsin, America’s largest battleship. Visitors can also take in local artists in action at the d’ART Center, catch a baseball game at Harbor Park, home of the Mets AAA-affiliate Norfolk Tides, attend one of the many annual festivals at Town Point Park or shop at MacArthur Center Mall, anchored by Nordstrom and Dillard’s.  Waterside Marina offers a 20 foot depth and has 35 slips for vessels up to 200 feet in addition to several hundred feet of lateral docking. Cost to dock is $5.25 for up to three hours and $1.50 per square foot.  Waterside Marina staff can arrange taxi pick up for guests who choose not to test their sea legs following a day sailing.  The marina also features an athletic club, showers, laundry facilities, satellite TV, grocery van service, ice, floating docks, wireless internet and winter storage.  Boaters can also receive mobile mechanical service and discounted diesel fuel (arranged off site).  For more information on Waterside Marina, visit www.watersidemarina.com or call 757-625-DOCK (3625).

From Sept. 18-20, 2009, Festevents will host the fifth annual Virginia In-Water Boat Expo and Sailfest along Waterside Marina. Ideal for buyers and dreamers alike, the Expo features the newest and best in luxury motor and sailing yachts, sports fishers, performance boats, sailboats, personal water craft and more.  For more information on the event, contact 757-441-2345 or www.festeventsva.org.

In addition to Waterside Marina, three other marinas are located near downtown:

•    Taylor’s Landing can accommodate boats up to 55 feet long and offers overnight dockage, costing $2 per foot.  The marina also features a large pool, secure air conditioned locker rooms & showers, three grass picnic areas, two fuel docks with gas and diesel and low fuel prices.  Taylor’s Landing also hosts fishing tournaments and is equipped with three fish cleaning stations with power and lights.  Boaters can stock up at the Light House Tackle & Fly Shop and enjoy the Surf Rider Restaurant complete with a Tiki Bar.  Special fishing charters can also be arranged.  For more information on Taylor’s Landing, visit www.taylorslanding.com or call 757-587-8000.

•    Bay Point Marina and its sister marina Little Creek Marina have 485 wet slips combined and welcome yachts up to 150 ft. at a price of $2.00 a foot. Featuring all floating docks, a store equipped with ice, drinks, bait and supplies as well as a picnic area, mariners even have internet access through WiFi capabilities.  Hungry?  Grab a bite to eat at their on-site restaurant, Paradocks East Coast Grille. For information, call 757-362-3600 or visit http://www.viningsmarine.com/marinas/bay-point-marina.htm

•    Willoughby Harbor Marina is a 271 slip marina centered in the most popular recreational area in Virginia at the mouth of the James River on the lower Chesapeake Bay adjacent to Bayville Street. Located in Norfolk’s Ocean View Beach, the area offers seven-miles of glittering sandy beach which is perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Willoughby Harbor can accommodate yachts up to 150 feet at a rate of $1.50 per foot.  Slips offer full utilities including bathrooms and showers, Wi-Fi, a restaurant, Sunset Grill. For more information about Willoughby Harbor Marina call  757-583-4150 or visit http://www.viningsmarine.com/marinas/willoughby-harbor-marina.htm

Throughout the year, Norfolk plays host to a multitude of events open to the public taking place downtown near the water.   Boaters are encouraged to tie up and enjoy the party.  Docking for vessels under 35 ft. in length is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information on events and boater packages, call 757-441-2345 or visit www.festeventsva.org

•    33nd Annual Norfolk Harborfest®, June 3-5– Over 300 watercraft including international tall ships gather for Harborfest’s annual Parade of Sail.  Activities include fireworks, tall ship tours, boat races, wake board shows and more than 100 hours of live entertainment on multiple stages.  Noted bands include The Temptations Review, The Wailers, Marc Cohn and Deana Carter.  Local and regional favorites will also perform.

•    20th Annual Cingular Wireless Bayou Boogaloo and Cajun Food Festival, July 31-Aug. 2 – Norfolk’s salute to the unique culture of New Orleans toasts the spirit of the Louisiana Bayou and her people. This year’s festival will benefit the Louisiana Hurricane Relief Efforts.  $20 docking fee per day plus daily admission fee for each guest on board. Docking is available during festival hours only.

•    27th Annual Norfolk Jazz Festival, July 24-25 – Groove to the sounds of legendary Jazz artists. Boating Packages are available. $20 docking fee per day plus daily admission fee for each guest on board. Docking is available during festival hours only.

•    21st Annual AT&T Virginia Children’s Festival, Oct. 10 - $20 docking fee plus $3 admission fee for each guest on board. Docking is available during festival hours only.

•    22nd Annual AT&T Town Point Virginia Wine Festival, Oct. 17-18 – Boater’s Package includes four tasting tickets and park-side docking during festival hours.  Prices begin at $225 for up to 35-ft. vessels on Saturday and $225 on Sunday. Pricing and ticket quantity increases for larger vessels.  Reservations are required. Docking is available during festival hours only.

Reminiscent of the long low black schooners that served as the preferred vessels from the early to late 1800s – and made popular by the Pirates of the Caribbean blockbusters – Norfolk’s 154-ton Schooner Virginia is considered one of the city’s favorite treasures. This summer, youngsters from 13-17 years old have the opportunity to test their seafaring skills on board the vessel with its popular Youth Sail Adventures program; teaching kids the pleasures of hard work, cooperation and fun of sailing and crewing the Chesapeake Bay.

Youth Sail Adventures are available from June 28 through Aug. 24.  The program offers five, seven and 14-day training sessions. Each participant has his or her own bunk with a privacy curtain. Linens, blankets, towels and three meals a day are included. Certified by the United States Coast Guard as a Passenger Carrying Vessel and Sailing School Vessel, the camp can accommodate 14 youth who sail alongside a professional crew of 10.  For more information, call 757-627-7400 or visit www.schoonervirginia.org.

Considered the dynamic heart of Virginia’s storied Hampton Roads region, Norfolk attracts thousands of travelers each year to enjoy its lively downtown waterfront and 144 miles of shimmering coastline.  Offering a vibrant blend of history and heritage with contemporary attractions, outdoor adventure and the Commonwealth’s most revered cultural institutions, Norfolk is an exciting destination.  Here, where the Elizabeth River meets the Chesapeake Bay, visitors will find an easily walkable downtown that offers eclectic dining options, a rich arts scene, high-end shopping and year-round special events.  For more information about Norfolk, visit the city on the Web at www.norfolkcvb.com, or call 757-664-6620 or toll free at 800-368-3097.