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Sheraton Norfolk Waterside
777 Waterside Dr.
Norfolk, VA 23510

The Accelerator Applications Planning Team is excited to offer 6 exclusive excursion opportunities for participants and their guests. All excursions will be held on TBD, 2024 starting at TBD. Each excursion will include either a boxed lunch or light refreshments. View the available excursions below.  Space is limited so book your excursion soon!

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel - Behind the Scenes $60 - Boxed Lunch provided

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is a four-lane, 20-mile-long vehicular toll crossing of the lower Chesapeake Bay, providing the only direct link between Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The Bridge-Tunnel, a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia, is operated by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel District and governed by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel Commission.

Following its opening on April 15, 1964, the CBBT was selected as one of the "Seven Engineering Wonders of the Modern World," and in 1965, it received the "Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers. In 2000, the Bridge-Tunnel was recognized by Structural Engineer magazine as one of the "Seven Structural Engineering Wonders of America for the 20th Century."

This east coast scenic shortcut welcomes more than four million vehicles annually and saves travelers time and mileage as they travel from points north of Wilmington, DE to Coastal Virginia or the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

The CBBT is actively involved with Phase II of the Parallel Crossing with the construction of the Parallel Thimble Shoal Tunnel.

Guests will travel to #3 Island, located approximately 10 miles in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay, where they will then experience a “Behind-The-Scenes” tour of the working ventilation building.

Inside the building, guests will descend and climb five flights of stairs where they will visit:

  • The roadway level
  • The lighting control floor and upper air duct of the tunnel
  • The fan floor
  • And the Control room

Kayaking - Northwest River Natural Area Preserve $125 Boxed Lunch Provided

Kayak or paddleboard the Northwest River Natural Area Preserve in Chesapeake; a unique cypress forest located in the heart of Coastal Virginia. Join us as we navigate through an array of secluded mesic islands located near the boundary of the Great Dismal Swamp. With endless miles of water and tall towering cypress trees providing shelter from the wind, this is the perfect location for beginners and experienced paddlers of all ages. Abundant wildlife is another attribute of this tour location. Osprey, Great Blue Herons, wild turkeys, owls and Green Herons are often seen here, along with Whitetail deer, river otters, turtles and snakes. This is the perfect paddle to immerse yourself in completely natural surroundings.

This private tour will begin with paddling instructions and basic kayak training from your instructor. The guide is always there to help you.

 

SUNSET Kayaking - Northwest River Natural Area Preserve $110 

The sunset tour will take place from 4:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.

Kayak or paddleboard the Northwest River Natural Area Preserve in Chesapeake; a unique cypress forest located in the heart of Coastal Virginia. Join us as we navigate through an array of secluded mesic islands located near the boundary of the Great Dismal Swamp. With endless miles of water and tall towering cypress trees providing shelter from the wind, this is the perfect location for beginners and experienced paddlers of all ages. Abundant wildlife is another attribute of this tour location. Osprey, Great Blue Herons, wild turkeys, owls and Green Herons are often seen here, along with Whitetail deer, river otters, turtles and snakes. This is the perfect paddle to immerse yourself in completely natural surroundings. No meal will be provided for the sunset tour.

This private tour will begin with paddling instructions and basic kayak training from your instructor. The guide is always there to help you.

Chrysler Museum of Art & Glass Studio - $70 – Light Refreshments provided at 5PM, no lunch provided

The Chrysler Museum of Art, located just one mile from the Norfolk Marriott, is one of America’s most distinguished mid-sized art museums, with a nationally recognized collection of more than 30,000 objects, including one of the great glass collections in America. The core of the Chrysler’s collection comes from Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., an avid art collector who donated thousands of objects from his private collection to the museum. The museum has growing collections in many areas and mounts an ambitious schedule of visiting exhibitions and educational programs each season.

Attendees will have the afternoon to experience the Museum on their own. At 5pm, once the Museum closes, The Perry Glass Studio will offer a private hot glass session where attendees will learn the basic methods of glassmaking and create their own keepsake.

Nature Bus Bird Tour - Brock Environmental Center $70 – Boxed Lunch Provided

Prepare to fall in love with our feathered friends, and join a birding expert on this birding-adventure. You’ll travel to Pleasure House Point and discover some of our local bird species. At a time when they are most active, an inspiring ornithologist will be your guide to observe and identify, listen to their songs, and learn fascinating facts at a time when they are most active. Binoculars are provided for all guests.

Boxed lunches will be provided when we arrive at the Brock Environmental Center, one of the World's Greenest Buildings!

Norfolk Botanical Gardens - $65 – Boxed Lunch Provided

An oasis in the heart of the city, Norfolk Botanical Garden encompasses 175 breathtaking acres with 53 distinct themed gardens that can be viewed by tram, boat or by foot. Founded in 1938 through the WPA, Norfolk Botanical Garden is nationally recognized for its deep-rooted history and is home to a plethora of coastal wildlife and beautiful blooms. With multiple sculpture gardens, butterfly house, children’s garden, seasonal café, and lovely gift shop, there is always something to see, do and learn at Norfolk Botanical Garden.

Attendees will be provided a boxed lunch to take with them as they travel to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens.

Dolphin Watching on Atlantic Ocean - $85 – No Lunch Provided, Light Refreshments on the boat

A dolphin watching cruise with us is the essential trip for both the aquatic enthusiast and the fun-seeking vacationer. Each 90-minute experience is narrated by our experts who are ready to share their knowledge and answer your questions about dolphins, other marine life, and the Virginia Beach coastline.

For questions about the excursion, please contact eventPower, LLC.

Book your excursion now