Weekend Wanderer: Norfolk, VA & Orlando, FL | Travel, Virgnia, Florida, Weekend Wanderer | DONNE TEMPO

Weekend Wanderer: Norfolk, VA & Orlando, FL

Weekend Wanderer: Norfolk, VA & Orlando, FL

by Jacquie Kubin


Where do you like to wander?

I have my favorite places to visit. They are spots, near and far, that I return to when the travel bug starts to nibble at my heels.
Nauticus at Norfolk, VA
The Nauticus Museum (Photo/J. Kubin)
This weekend, I am pleased to share with you two or my most favorite getaways – Norfolk, Virginia, a southern town filled with great museums, including the world class Chrysler Museum where I can spend hours wandering through their world reknowned glass exhibit and The Orlando World Center Marriott Resort, which, while it is located within miles of those famed theme parks Disney World and Universal Studios, offers plenty to do without ever leaving the property.

Through March, Norfolk is once again home to the Pirates of the Caribbean with the National Geographic "Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah."

The exhibition is berthed at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center and your admission will include entrance to the Nauticus Museum, the Battleship Wisconsin and Real Pirates where visitors will explore the history of the Whydah, a three-masted galley ship that left London, England in 1715 to serve as a heavily armed trading ship for use in the Atlantic slave trade.
Real Pirates Cannon
Cannon from the Whydah (File Photo)
Pirate Captain “Black Sam” Bellamy, who was sailing the Sultana, another quick three-masted schooner, between Hispaniola and Cuba, pursued, attacked and commandeered the Whydah, just one of over fifty ship the pirates plundered during a short period of two-months.

The exhibit explores the Whydah as it journeyed from "Slave Ship to Pirate Ship" through April 4, 2010.

In support of the Real Pirates exhibit, Norfolk hotels are offering a variety of traveler specials most of which are running through April 4, including:
Norfolk, VA Waterfront
The Norfolk Waterfront (File Photo)
The Norfolk Marriott is located downtown and within walking distance of Norfolk’s most popular attractions, including the Real Pirates exhibit, shopping and a slew of downtown restaurants.

Packages include the Pirate Family Getaway that starts at $149, and features two double beds, breakfast for four in The Dining Room, four tickets to the Real Pirates exhibit and special treats just for the kids.

The Pirate and the Matey Getaway is designed for romance with a package offering shipmates a deluxe king room, breakfast for two, two tickets to the Real Pirates exhibit and a pouch of chocolate pirates gold. Rates start at $159 per night.
Shearaton Norfolk
Sheraton Norkfolk Waterside Guestroom (File)
The Sheraton Norfolk Waterside offers a package that includes deluxe accommodations, breakfast for two, two tickets to the Real Pirates exhibit, a visit to the Sheraton treasure chest, gold coin countdown service, pirate S’mores and story time. Rates begin at $185.00 per night.

The Hampton Inn Hotel in Norfolk is offering a pirate’s package that includes breakfast, special chocolate coins, a unique pirate necklace and a pirate-themed in-room bath amenity. Included in the hotel stay are discount coupons to the Real Pirates exhibit. Located down the road from the largest naval base in the world, the Hampton Inn features 117 fully equipped rooms with a complimentary beverage station and on-site valet.

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites offers pirate booty at check-in, breakfast and discount coupons for admission to Real Pirates exhibit for $99.00 per night. The hotel is conveniently located in the central area of Hampton Roads.

In addition to great hotel discounts, the Spirit of Norfolk, the city’s very own ship, is also getting into the swing of things with a package ($55.21 pp) that includes a lunch cruise ticket and admission to the Real Pirates exhibit. This is a great way for patrons to hit the high seas and experience their own sea legs.
Rowena's Norfolk, VA
Rowena’s Tea Shop Photo/J. Kubin
And when you are done with the Pirates, travel out to Rowena’s Tea Room & Gift Shop. Rowena’s is one of those treasures that you will talk about for years to come.

Rowena’s serves a traditional tea featuring incredible cakes, cookies, curds, jams and tea sandwiches.

Browse the gift shop an take home plenty of treats for those weekends when you need something special, but can’t wanderer too far from home.

If your compass is pointed south, escape the winter at the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort, an incredible property that offered this traveler one of the best nights sleep on the road ever experienced.

The World Center Marriott Resort is enormous property with eight quality eateries – from the Hawk’s Landing Steakhouse & Grille to Ristorante Tuscany. Also to be found are some of the coolest pools to be found outside of Las Vegas.
Orlando Marriott World Center
Orlando Marriott World Center
Here are six watering holes, including the lagoon pool with a 106’ waterslide and rock waterfalls to swim under and around. Other pools are themed for children and adults.

For a bit of serenity, experience the Spa Pool, located just outside the properties spa, it offers an adult only whirlpool and private cabanas away form the hustle and bustle of the main lagoon pool.

While the kids frolic in the adventure lagoon pool, mom enjoys the peace or a good book and sun worshipping before or after a spa treatment, other family members can head to the 18-hole, championship links at Hawk’s Landing Golf Club.

The property offers a variety of packages with rates starting at $189.00 per night however take advantage of one of their incredible stay packages and the room seems to be almost free.
Orlando Marriott World Center
Marriott World Center Guest Room (File)
For example, The Orlando Romance Package includes a pool view room upgrade, breakfast buffet for two in the lovely Solaris restaurant, a bottle of wine and a $100 Food and Beverage credit useable at the resorts many fine dining spots and lounges for $239.00 per night.

If you have a favorite place to wander, please email Jacquie and let her know where you like to unwind, play or party! You might find your favorite place featured here in Weekend Wanderer!

Hotel and event information is deemed reliable however availability and final costs, which will most surely include additional taxes and fees, are determined by the property/event operator at the time of reservation. Neither the writer, Donne Tempo Magazine, Donne’s World or the Communities at The Washington Times set, control or can be held responsible for final costs or promotional package availability.

Jacquie Kubin is a 15 year, award-winning veteran of travel and culinary writing. Today Jacquie edits and directs a staff of writers for Donne’s World at the Communities at the Washington Times where you can read more of her entertainment, travel and culinary reviews.

Jacquie is always looking for new talents who wish to expand their horizons. Email
Jacquie with ideas, questions or to share your writing dreams. Follow Donne Tempo on Twitter and Facebook.
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