Elizabeth Sims
Weekender Editor
The Chrysler Museum of Arts has been a cultural staple in Norfolk since its grand opening in 1932 as the Norfolk Museum of Arts and Science. Since then, the museum has gone through several minor renovations to keep up with the times. However, in 2011, the board of trustees decided to do a major overhaul, repairing and updating the building as well as many of the exhibits, pieces of artwork and sculpture. In 2012, the museum performed a soft-close, keeping open only one wing of the facility at a time in order to complete the biggest renovation in the museum’s history.
Sixteen months later, the Chrysler Museum re-opened, exhibiting twice as much art, sculpture, and other creations as before. Some new exhibits include “Celebrating Smokey the Bear,” “Adeline’s Portal” (an exhibit that showcases the work of Chrysler Glass Studio Artist in Residence Beth Lipman), and the updated “Ancient Worlds and Non-Western Art.” They have also improved the general accessibility of the museum.
Discover These Attractions
The Glass Studio Wing: This wing, the largest of the first floor, showcases the glasswork of the Chrysler Museum’s resident artists as well as that of international artists.
The Community Gallery: Located on the first floor, this gallery is a collection of local favorites, voted on every month by patrons.
Wisteria Café: This café isn’t just a place for a snack. Head there for a full delicatessen-style meal and a variety of craft beers.
FIVE PLACES TO EAT THIS SUMMER
Hungry and already tired of the caf food? Pinched for cash but stir-crazy and desperate to escape campus? These five restaurants will keep you within your budget but will get you off campus and enjoying the local fare.
1. Roosters Café and Grille
5785 Northampton Blvd
Although this place is open for just breakfast and brunch, it’s well worth heading there after a long night of “activities.” It offers eggs to order, omelets, pasta, sandwiches and homemade sides. Every plate is filled to the edges and you always get more than what you pay for.
2. Bilus Colombian Restaurant
544 Newtown Road
If you’re feeling like trying a new ethnic food, then head to Bilus for some out-of-this-world Colombian dishes. Locally run, it offers pollo asado (grilled chicken), trucha (trout), crawfish, and passion fruit milkshakes. It’s open until 10 p.m. and offers massive margaritas, which you can enjoy while watching sports on its numerous televisions.
3. Sunrise Pizzeria
4848 Virginia Beach Blvd
Head to this place if you’ve got a friend who leads a gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian lifestyle. It has a wide variety on its menu, including custom pizzas, gyros, tiramisu, and rustic sandwiches. What’s even better is that you can order delivery from the entire menu and have it sent directly to your room. Try the spinach ravioli and meatballs for a filling meal that will also guarantee you’ll have leftovers.
4. Dawg House Grill
928 Diamond Springs Road
This place is everything a good grille should be; it has sauces on the table, TVs up, and everything from chili cheese fries and chicken tenders to subs and gyros. However, the specialty, as one can tell from the name, is the selection of crazy hot dogs, including chili-smothered dogs, dogs with cheese and chopped onions, and dogs with various toppings crafted daily by the cooks.
5. Fat Philly’s
2700 Azalea Garden Road
This is not the place to go if you are watching your weight. These Philly cheesesteaks are large and in charge, and take no prisoners. You may be a little hesitant to head into the restaurant at first, mainly because it looks run-down and like a place where drug deals go down, but have no fear. The owners and staff are great people and very welcoming. Also, if you’re 21 or over, you can have a beer with your cheesesteak. Just don’t drink and drive.
