Virginia is for Lovers

While travelling for work...aka..sailing on the Atlantic..we stopped in VA for over a week.  I put in for leave so I could see my baby, as we hadn't seen each other in over two months.

Leave approved!!

I picked him up after my duty day, and we hit up my favorite dive bar, Greenies.  Then, we checked into our hotel, the Marriott at Waterside.  Thank goodness for Meghan for setting that up for us!

We had dinner at Shulas..amazing!  Then we met up with friends at my favorite bar in downtown Norfolk, Hells Kitchen.  I love me a purgatory.

Sunday we spent the morning with some great friends from Department Head school.  It was nice to catch up!

That evening we saw some Chicago friends, and were able to catch up with them over some great dinner and wine in Virginia Beach.

It was a short, whirlwind weekend, but much needed with my love!

General MacArthur and me.

Love this girl!

Love him!

A week in good ol Virginia

After a horrible bout of food poisoning, I finally began my drive down to VA.  I got there in 12 hours from Newport to Virginia Beach.

I was able to see some amazing friends.  Liz, Brad, Bogie, Sarah, and I just relaxed with the folks in my class.  I am lucky to have such good friends all over the country.  Living in VA, I forged some great relationships.

We went to Harpoon Larrys, Greenies (a few times), Taste Unlimited, Press, Hells Kitchen..

My old haunts as I like to call them.  Something about a day/night at Greenies that just makes it feel like home.  Beer, beach, live music.  No judgement, just cocktails.

Gibbs would be jealous.  A boat on a porch!

Me n Liz

Typical night at Hells.  Met some NHL coaches too.  No biggie;)

USS Wisconsin BB-64

Virginia is for...

Lovers so they say.  Back in the good old commonwealth.  Glad to be here after a rough couple of days!  I got food poisoning the day of my graduation.  Walked the stage white as a ghost, and disappeared for a while so I could recover.  Drove to Virginia from Rhode Island in the middle of the night so I wouldn't get stuck in traffic.  Crazy right?  I made it in less than 12 hours, stopping a lot because of the food poisoning.  I prayed it was a hangover.  No such luck.  I finally feel better this morning, 3 days later.  I can't wait to get my hands on some good seafood, and see some friends. 

I am staying with some dear friends, so this way I am definitely making the most of my stay.  This is going to be a great visit.  School, friends, beaches, some drinks, and some of my favorite haunts. 

Favorite Things Friday

I have already covered my favorite bars/seafood joints in Norfolk, now onto my other favorite places.

1. Francos.  Awesome Italian food.  Shout out to Mikey for taking us here!
2. Charlies.  Best breakfast place ever!  Steps from where I used to live, and loved going there.  Plus they serve beer.  Just saying.
3. Baker's Crust.  Great place for lunch with the girls.
4. No Frill Grill.  I went here for dinner every time I came back from deployment.  Crab cakes and beer. Yum.
5. Freemason Abbey.  Classic nice dinner spot.  Always a good choice!

Dessert...Doumars!  Home of the ice cream cone. 

I miss Norfolk..and can't wait to visit this summer!

Favorite Things Friday

I lived in Norfolk for 4 years..and have a top 5 favorite bars/sea food places that I absolutely love. 

1. Greenies.  Hands Down Awesome.  This is one of those places that isn't just one "group" of people.  You have Navy guys, bikers, surfers, etc.  Great beer, decent food, awesome location and atmosphere. 
2. Hells Kitchen.  Favorite Bar.  Can pretty much find me here if I am in town visiting.  Purgatory is the best drink.  Ever.
3. Scottie Quixx.  Who doesn't love a bar with caipirinhas.  And the occasional poser.
4. Harpoon Larry's.  Schlitz, Rum Runners, and awesome seafood.  I used to go here almost every day.
5. O'Sullivan's Wharf.  Great Norfolk Gem!

I will have to make another post for my other favorite restaurants in Norfolk, but these are my fav bars/seafood joints.