The Plot

There is so much potential for this the space that is The Plot and the Neon District. There is buzz around the plans that the City of Norfolk has to revitalize the area. It's a shame that a lot of established business in the Neon District has either left or have plans to move. The murals, the tables and chairs, and the potted plants that hang on the walls of the painted containers are all very nice to see, but wish that people utilized it more. At the time of my visit, the concrete in the Plot seems to be in pretty rough shape! More shade would be nice so that if people purchase food from surrounding businesses could have a place to eat their food out in the nice outdoors!If you're in the area, you should definitely check out the space and the murals in the area. There is a giant one of fish by a well known muralist in the area known as Onie Tonie. I also liked the one with "LOVE VA" that is one street over from The Plot, right in front of the Sanctuary, a local taco spot.Enjoy, Friends and never stop exploring!

I have now had well over a dozen visits to The Plot. An idea developed from the folks who own The Parlor restaurant across the street a few years back. The goal to do something with the vacant lot which was an eye sore. So it may not appear to be much and maybe it isn't to many. However, it's the nucleus of the Neon District and that's enough for me to dub it pretty darn special.The location of The Plot is the intersection of Granby and Olney. There is a sign that was once for a car lot I believe. This is not a city owned lot like many believe. The City of Norfolk pays rent to the owner. Parking will be off street. The half block is repurposed land that has a few cargo containers for storage, a stage for performances and some art pieces. There are also plantings. You can find a newspaper mailbox made into a cell phone charging station, who came up with that fantastic idea. There is also station to get air for your bike tires. This more of a meeting type place than a park. There are a few benches. Small events are held here. The largest even for the area will be October 15&16 when the area holds it's first annual Neon Festival. There has been a lot of activity taking place in the 2-3 block area such as wall murals and construction of the new wheel house glass studio. I am excited and hope to attend the event.So what does the future hold for The Plot. For most this will be a shock. The Plot's land is actually for sale, if sold it will be moved one block over into a City of Norfolk lot of around the same square footage. This could always change I suppose, but this is information that I just recently got from a store owner.Come check The Plot you will love it. Walk around and enjoy the shops, restaurants and nearby Chrysler Museum of Art. It goes with out saying enjoy the art...it's every where. I applaud all involved in the Neon District, It is something Norfolk has needed and is beginning to take off.

This is a cool spot to hang out and watch cars & pedestrians pass by. I didn't even know this spot was called "The Plot" and even more existed for people to chill. I was with my friend when we happen to see a cool art piece thing and we wanted to check it out. It was a solar panel phone station to charge your android or iPhones. Whoa...It's free to use. Say Word! They have a few benches and plenty of space for your little ones to run around. I haven't really seen people hanging out as it looks like a private lot. But it's a cool space and in a desperate situation I know where I can charge my phone!!

Low key disappointed in this place. Might have just gone on a bad day, but I was expecting more art and life in this place. It was empty and sad. Lots of potential to be a great spot!

Cool urban spot! Great for a photo shoot.There are many artistic murals that embroider the urban streets of Norfolk. I'm so glad I found this gem.

Norfolk is re-inventing itself. I'll spare you the history lesson, but not too long ago, a good share of downtown Norfolk was not exactly a destination. As Virginia Beach grew more and more in love with tourist dollars, Norfolk was quickly becoming the forgotten cousin, left to wallow and wither on its own.Then somebody got smart. Or more likely, several somebodies. Instead of trying to be 'Me Too,' Norfolk decided to become 'Not You.' Instead of trying to cookie cutter in a Norfolk version of Town Center, the city celebrated the unique and eclectic. The Plot was one of the first manifestations of this.The Plot is a green space downtown. it is there for anybody to enjoy. Few rules (see one of the pictures to see exactly how few), this is an experiment in populist rule. And it seems to be working. If you feel like playing some music, grab your guitar, hipster boots, and climb onstage. Nobody is going to stop you, in fact, we will celebrate you practicing your art.Christmas Day, 2014 was a day of giving back at The Plot. Spaghetti Santa was an event where anybody could drop in, grab some grub, sit down, and meet new friends. No judgement, no questions, no cost. Let's be different together. In short, a day to celebrate all the is right with the world. I hope that there are more days like this at The Plot and in other locations too.Not far from The Plot is the Norfolk Art District with a couple of new night time destinations. About 5 years ago or so, this section of town was somewhat left for dead. Sure there is aways to go, but as long as the politicians stay out of this and let the people determine what works and what doesn't, we have hope to tap into the endless vibe that is Norfolk.So let VB keep Town Center and its pretentious mix of high end chain restaurants (exactly who was the rocket scientist that decided VB needed a high end seafood chain here). Norfolk has become the new go to destination for entertainment, nightlife, and vibe. Now if we can convince the Powers that Be to let Waterside evolve into what it wants to be instead of what out of town developers want it to be....