Anyone familiar with Virginia?

[NathanFranke]

Go west. The VA section of the Appalachian Trail is absolutely gorgeous. Take a trip to Galax or Blacksburg (not sure how far they are from Norfolk, probably out of day trip range but they're worth a weekend) and take in some nature.

[faeriegodess612]

I don't know much about that area. But one thing I did when we moved here to ugly Killeen/Fort Hood Texas from the beautiful Smokey Mountains of East Tennessee was look up places that arent far. I use Google Maps A LOT and Street View. I found this lighthouse and Buchannan Lake by way of Google Maps. I've explored downtown Austin many times, and found Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center from looking up websites of things to do and see in Austin. There's the Umlauf Sculpture Garden, the river walk, various art museums, Texas University, the Congress Avenue bats, the Capitol. All this I wouldnt have found unless I'd explored, and looked it up. I had a fun time exploring Texas when the Hubs was overseas. A quick search shows some things you might be interested in, like the botanical gardens, and a children's museum.
Things to Do in Norfolk, VA - Attractions, Activities, What to Do in Norfolk - Uptake.com
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C...+in+norfolk+VA

That's what I do at least. Websites are awesome for showcasing whats available in an area. You can find some awesome restaurants that way too. Those lil mom and pop places that always have the BEST food.

[Hill Country Hack]

I also was stationed at Langely many years ago and loved it. Ft. Lee used to have many cool older colonial style general officer housing. There are many fishing piers to shoot candids/sunrises. Go to the west into the Shenendoah mountain area. DC is 3 hours away. Plenty to shoot there. Take the Bay Bridge Tunnel and go exploring there.

I do agree Norfolk is not the prettiest of areas. There is an old military saying...."The worst place I've ever been is the place I left and the best is where I'm going". It is all what you make of it. Granted your first two assignments were in very prime locations, this canbe a very nice assignment also, if you let it.

[JDDriver]

As others have said, the historical sites all over that area - Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, etc. - are well worth checking out, although if you wait until Spring it may make for better photo opportunities. That being said, I agree about the Norfolk area. It's crowded, traffic can be a nightmare, and the humidity is oppressive and constant. When you have the time (as a couple of others suggested), try heading West into the Shenandoah Valley, or check out the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's a much nicer area of the state (I'm biased since I live in the Valley, but I feel sure you'd agree - there's much less concrete, for starters). Again, Spring and Fall probably make for the best photo opportunities in the Valley and on the Parkway. At any rate, best wishes on adjusting to your change in location - I badmouthed the Norfolk area a little, but there are some great people there.

[MindyRaeL]

Thanks so much for the ideas everyone! I'll definitely be checking them out.
I'm sure a big part of this is mind over matter. I still really miss Charleston and my friends there, and it's making this place look more grim than it really is. But I'm very excited to check out some of the places you mentioned, and I'm sure it won't seem so bad once I settle in a little bit more. Thanks again!

[RLucas]

I just got back from there. I had to go for work, so I didn't get to spend to much time sightseeing. Most of my down time was spent walking around Town Center. There are a lot of photo ops there, you just have to break it down in to small chunks to get rid of the distractions. I did take my camera, but didn't even get it out of the bag. All the photos I took were with my phone.
Just look around, there's plenty to shoot. I wish I could have spent more time there.
The one thing I did notice is there is no shortage of furniture stores.

[MindyRaeL]

Originally Posted by RLucas

The one thing I did notice is there is no shortage of furniture stores.

There a definitely a ton of those! My personal favorite is "The Dump. It's definitely a name that speaks quality.