Friday Five: Places to go in South Norfolk

Last weekend, I found myself driving through Chesapeake's South Norfolk neighborhood for the first time in ... well, ever. I'd read a lot about SoNo -- how it used to be a thriving independent small town but has been struggling since it was incorporated into the City of Chesapeake in the 1960s. Did you know that once, a streetcar ran from Ocean View all the way to SoNo? I had no idea.

Signs of the old days are still there, if you look, in the beautiful homes, vibrant businesses, and in the efforts of a tight knit community to restore the neighborhood to its full glory. As I meandered my way around the neighborhood, I started to note a few gems of places that seemed especially worth a visit and made me resolve to spend more time exploring there. Here are the places I'll hit first.

1. Rodgers Banana Pudding Sauce, Retro Candies, and Gift Shop: Reggie Rodgers, the "banana pudding man" started his business years ago serving his mother's famous banana pudding recipe. Today, you can buy his famous banana pudding sauce -- and much more -- at the Rodgers storefront on Poindexter Street. Not only is their product supposed to be super delicious, but I adore the shop's story and the mission of its nonprofit, which donates free vacation lodging to Purple Heart recipients and their families. So much to love about this local business.

2. South Norfolk Library: The SoNo library is one of the newest and nicest in the #HRVA area, with a drive-thru checkout and return and an archives room full of resources on the area's history. There's also the Bookend Cafe, which opened just last week, and provides employment opportunities for adults with disabilities in addition to all sorts of food and refreshments.

3. Lakeside Park: It wasn't an especially nice day when I passed by -- gray and drizzly, in fact -- but I was still charmed by Lakeside Park and the little wooden footbridge that spans its namesake lake. The park is home to SoNo's annual Fourth of July celebration and other festivals throughout the year. There's also a nice-looking playground, score!

4. Historic homes: The architecture in South Norfolk is some of the most distinctive in the area, with tons of beautiful Victorians with ornate gingerbread moulding and classic metal roofing. It's worth poking around the side streets to see some of these old gems or looking up a home tour (there's a holiday home tour near Christmas that looks amazing).

5. SoNo Flea Market: someone on their Facebook page called the flea market the "best kept secret" in Chesapeake and you know that means I can't wait to check it out, especially the Buy Local Corner Store, which features all sorts of local gifts and goodies and is located inside the market.

What are your favorite places to stop in South Norfolk?

Have a great weekend!