Forum Address
Old Dominion University
5115 Hampton Blvd
Norfolk, VA 23529
Travel
The Annual Forum will be on the Old Dominion University campus.
The local airport is the Norfolk International Airport (ORF). It is the closest major airport, just a 20-minute drive to the city center. ORF boasts non-stop flights between Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas and Baltimore via Delta, Southwest, American, United, and Breeze Airways.
Alternative airports include Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF), which is about 30 miles away, and Richmond International Airport (RIC), located a little more than 90 miles from Norfolk.
Lodging Information
There is no host hotel for the Forum.
Recommended Hotel:
Springhill Suites Marriott
4500 Hampton Blvd
Norfolk, VA 23508
(757) 423-4100
Recommended Attractions and Self-Guided Tours in Norfolk:
Nestled in the heart of Coastal Virginia, Norfolk is a vibrant waterfront city where maritime history and modern charm converge. Located on the Elizabeth River at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, this port city boasts 144 miles of shoreline, making it a haven for water lovers. As home to the world’s largest naval base and the North American headquarters for NATO, Norfolk proudly showcases its naval heritage through attractions like the Battleship Wisconsin at Nauticus, a WWII-era ship offering immersive tours, and the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Beyond its military roots, Norfolk’s walkable downtown pulses with energy—think eclectic dining at spots like Freemason Abbey, shopping at the Waterside Festival Marketplace, and cultural gems like the Chrysler Museum of Art, renowned for its world-class glass collection and 30,000+ artifacts spanning 5,000 years.
Historical Activities
Battleship Wisconsin at Nauticus
Explore the WWII-era Battleship Wisconsin, one of the largest battleships ever built, now a museum ship. Interactive exhibits at Nauticus dive into naval history and maritime science.
Hampton Roads Naval Museum
Located within Nauticus, this museum showcases the naval history of the Hampton Roads region, including artifacts, models, and exhibits on the Civil War and modern Navy. Free admission.
Freemason Historic District Self-Guided Tour
Stroll through this cobblestone-lined neighborhood with 18th- and 19th-century homes. Download a map to explore landmarks like the Moses Myers House, one of the first Jewish homes in America.
Cultural Attractions
Chrysler Museum of Art
A world-class museum featuring over 30,000 objects, including a renowned glass collection, European paintings, and American art. Don’t miss the Perry Glass Studio for live glassblowing demos. Free admission.
NEON District Self-Guided Art Tour
Wander the New Energy of Norfolk (NEON) District to see over 80 public art installations, murals, and sculptures. The area also hosts live music and performances—check the calendar for events.
Virginia Opera at Harrison Opera House
Experience a performance by the Virginia Opera in the beautifully restored Harrison Opera House. Check the 2026 schedule for shows around April 16-17.
Outdoor Activities
Norfolk Botanical Garden
Virginia’s largest botanical garden spans 175 acres with themed gardens, seasonal blooms, and a Butterfly House. Take a tram tour or walk the trails to enjoy azaleas, roses, and more.
Elizabeth River Trail Self-Guided Tour
This 10.5-mile urban trail offers waterfront views, public art (like the famous mermaid statues), and access to parks. Bike or walk the trail to explore Norfolk’s shoreline and neighborhoods.
Virginia Zoo
Home to over 700 animals, including lions, giraffes, and red pandas, this 53-acre zoo offers a fun outdoor experience for all ages. Check out the Zoo Farm for interactive exhibits.
Unusual Activities
Navigator
The sculpture, designed to commemorate the “miracle of flight” in the form of a blue heron, stands 24 feet high with a total wingspan of 44 feet, is mainly composed of recycled plane parts and has a hand-blown glass eye.
Doumar’s Barbecue
This old-fashioned carhop restaurant is the home of the original Waffle Cone. With pit cooked Carolina-style barbecue, burgers, and shakes delivered car-side since 1933, it ranks among the most quintessentially American dining experiences left in our modern world.
Cementiscope
Cement mixer-turned-kaleidoscope provides unique views of the city.
Cannonball in Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church
The last royal governor of Virginia, Lord Dunmore, in an act of desperation and anger, attacked Norfolk as he fled Virginia.
McClure Field
America’s second-oldest brick baseball stadium and host to a very exclusive 11-day, 7-game series. Some of baseball’s biggest names including Bob Feller, Pee Wee Reese, Dom DiMaggio, Phil Rizzuto, and many of others found themselves playing on the field as members of one of the base’s two teams: the Naval Training Station Bluejackets and the Naval Air Station Airmen.
Campus Map
