Norfolk's Ghent district features unique restaurants, indie retailers... and a lovely, dog-friendly bed and breakfast

At first glance, the gorgeously renovated Page House Inn in Norfolk's historic Ghent district doesn't seem like the sort of establishment open to guests of the four-pawed variety. From the richly furnished formal dining room worthy of a magazine cover shot to the twin parlors filled with antique furniture, the place exudes elegance. Yet a closer look reveals that the beautiful surroundings are not just for admiring from a distance. They are meant to be settled into as one would at a friend's home. One parlor contains a large basket of well-used board games, clearly enjoyed by numerous guests on lazy winter evenings past. A plate of fresh-baked cookies waits for visitors wandering in after a day spent exploring the city. Loaner bikes are available for inn guests, the billiard room recently opened, and when Carl Albero served up breakfast in the dining room, the fare was home-cooked and hearty. We even saw canine innkeeper Stormi Weathers, pictured below, trot in to see if any leftovers were up for grabs. The Page House Inn isn't just the Albero family's business, it is an extension of their home.

Pet Policy

Dog fee is $25 per night up to 25 pounds. Call about larger dogs and multi-dog discount. The innkeepers told us they've had large dogs--up to 85 pounds--"but no Great Danes yet"!

Now, I should mention for fans of the famous traveling terrier Chaucer that he did not personally stay at the Page House Inn. Poor old Chaucer was left behind at a kennel while we enjoyed a jaunt down South two summers ago. We could not recommend this B&B any more highly, however. We stayed there over the Fourth of July holiday and were invited to join the innkeepers and their family and friends for their annual Independence Day barbeque. And by barbeque, I mean real Southern barbeque! (You can bet Chaucer won't be left behind the next time we head down to Virginia....)

The innkeepers told us the oak-lined streets of the Ghent district and the nearby port area are ideal for exploring on foot, making a visit to this important historic city perfect for family trips with the dog. The Boy particularly enjoyed his tour of the battleship USS Wisconsin and the Nauticus Maritime Center. Had Chaucer been there, he would have had to stay at doggy daycare for those portions of the trip, of course. Although we dined closer to the waterfront most evenings, Stormi informed us that numerous restaurants in the Ghent district offer outdoor seating, and most of those accommodate dogs.

Nearest Doggy Daycare/Dog Camp

Stormi recommended Wags Doggie Daycare, (757) 965-9052

Nearest 24-hour Emergency Vet

Stormi's people recommended Tidewater Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, (757) 499-5463

This article was adapted from one of Chaucer's reviews posted at ChaucerSeesAmerica.com. See the Paws Awhile section of his site for other reviews of dog-friendly B&Bs, hotels, restaurants, and shops around the United States.