The American Bandmasters Association

2011 Convention Excursions

77th Annual Convention
The American Bandmasters Association
March 2-5, 2011, Norfolk, Virginia

Thursday, March 3, 2011

The Spirit of Norfolk
The Spirit of Norfolk cruise departs from The Waterside Festival Marketplace in Downtown Norfolk (If we have 100 people who want to take the cruise they will send the ship to our hotel to pick us up). The excursion covers the Elizabeth River waterfront with spectacular skyline views of the mighty ships of the Navy's Atlantic Fleet. No trip to Norfolk is complete without a view from the deck of this ship. And while you’re enjoying all the highlights, you can dine, dance and have a great time, too. A buffet lunch is included.
Cost: $45.00

Click here for more information on the cruise route

Friday, March 4, 2011

Nauticus
Nauticus is a naval and maritime museum situated in downtown Norfolk on the bank of the Elizabeth River. Permanent exhibits include:1907: The Jamestown Exposition & Launching of the Steel Navy, Secrets of the Deep, An Enduring Legacy: The U.S. Navy & the 1907 Jamestown Exposition, SOS Station, Aegis Theater, Design Chamber: Battleship X, The Modern Navy

Berthed at Nauticus, the Battleship Wisconsin is one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy. Explore its deck through a self-guided or audio tour that will take you back in time to experience this majestic ship that earned five battle stars during World War II. The United States Fleet Forces Band will perform on the deck of the Wisconsin during our tour.
Cost: $15.00

Click here for more information on the U.S.S. Wisconsin

Saturday, March 5th, 2011

Naval Station Norfolk Tour
Tour the Norfolk Naval Base, which is part of Naval Station Norfolk - the largest naval installation in the world. Home port to 78 ships, ranging in size from aircraft carriers to submarines, 26 aircraft squadrons comprised of 133 aircraft and headquarters of the Atlantic Fleet, this naval complex occupies over 8,000 acres of land and is home to more than 100,000 military personnel. Your tour will take you past the 14 piers and through the Naval Air Station. You will also drive by the historic homes built for the 1907 Jamestown Exposition on “Admiral’s Row” which now house the flag officers.

Doumar's
Before returning to the hotel, visit Doumar’s, home of the world’s first ice cream cone machine. Abe Doumar created the first ice cream cone at the World’s Fair of 1904 in St. Louis. It was so successful that he designed a four-iron waffle machine that he launched during the Jamestown Exposition of 1907. Today, the family business still bakes cones on the original cone machine. While at Doumar’s, Mr. Doumar will give you an introduction and all passengers will be treated to an ice cream cone before boarding the bus.
Cost: $30.00 (includes Naval Station Norfolk Tour and Doumar's)