There is no doubt that COVID-19 wreaked havoc on businesses, but perhaps hit hardest were small and local businesses. While some did not survive, others thrived. Here is a list of some of my favorite small businesses in Norfolk:
Norfolk Smoothie
Newly renovated, Norfolk Smoothie is a must visit. With a variety of fresh ingredients, the team at NS have created a fun and lively atmosphere to enjoy healthy eating and healthy sipping. This is a great option for when summer weather is in full swing. Cool off with a delicious smoothie or perhaps a bowl. They not only serve up fantastic fare, they are very knowledgeable about additives and supplements that elevate the nutrition game. My Order: Behold the Green
Neighborhood: Downtown Norfolk; Current Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9am-9pm
Vessel Craft Coffee
Inside the Selden Market is Vessel Craft Coffee. They serve delicious coffee ad even sell beans to go. Vessel serves only the best beans from farms that offer fair wages and humane working conditions to their workers along with sustainable farming practices. It’s coffee you can feel good about drinking. They are the perfect place to grab a cup while you visit the shops at the market and peruse the variety of shopping that it has to offer. My Order: Small Hot Latte.
Current Hours: Tues-Thursday 11-3pm, Friday-Saturday 10-5pm, Sunday 11-5pm; Neighborhood: Selden Market
A. Dodson’s
I stumbled into this store on the hunt for Christmas gifts and like many procrastinators, it was last minute. I found something for nearly everyone on my list. I found hand-beaded earrings for my mother-in-law and CBD topical creams for my own. What I love about this store is the variety. From gifts for the holidays to weddings and engagements, A. Dodson’s has it all. You may need to reserve plenty of time to browse as the gifts are nearly floor to ceiling.
Current Hours: Mon – Sat: 10am – 6pm, Sun: 12pm – 4pm; Neighborhood: Colley Ave, Suffolk
Less Than
In between his underway schedule in the fall, my husband and I explored Colley Ave and found Less Than. It’s a one stop shop that specializes in every day solutions for reducing waste and recycling. You can get refills on household cleaners and personal hygiene products, sustainable cosmetics and make up, and even eco-friendly kitchen items. The offer environmentally friendly alternatives for every day life. They have one goal: to help find sustainable alternatives to common goods, to help you think about the life cycle of an item before you buy, to encourage a shift away from single-use and plastic and to help you create less waste than before. Check out any of their three locations!
Current Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 11am-7pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm, closed Mondays; Neighborhood: Shirley Ave, Hampton and Virginia Beach
Pendulum Fine Meats
Diagonal and across the street to Less Than is Pendulum Fine Meats. They are a one stop shop for deli items and specialty meats. My first Christmas in Norfolk happened to coincide with deployment. My parents drove over from Charlottesville and I picked up duck breast to cook for Christmas Day dinner. My parents were stunned at the quality of the duck. They take pride in where they source their meats from. From pasture to plate, they can guarantee you will enjoy their selection. Pendulum also has a luncheonette offering sandwiches for dine in or take -away and they also have wine selections and can make recommendations of what to pair with each of their offerings.
Current Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 10 to 6pm, Sunday 11 to 5pm, Lunch is 11am-4pm, closed Mondays and Tuesdays; Neighborhood: Shirley Ave