I moved to Norfolk from MD about a month ago and took a local CCW class that was clearly targeted toward people who know nothing about guns.  Is there anywhere nearby where I can take a class that will actually teach me about carrying and shooting in self defense?  I'd prefer something that's a day trip, but I wouldn't mind staying overnight or a weekend long course.  

What exactly are you hoping to learn?

I do a class that may be what you are looking for - Introduction to Concealed Carry in Virginia

I don't know about the Norfolk area but there's always FPF Training.

From their website:

Conceal Carry for Self Defense
Course Purpose: CCSD is designed to prepare average citizens to apply lethal force to protect themselves and others from criminal violence.  I emphasize mental preparation for extraordinary circumstances around the principles of awareness, conflict avoidance, and de-escalation.  Students will learn weapon manipulation and acquire practical shooting skills within the context of self-defense shooting scenarios.

Granted it's in Culpeper which is clean across the state but his training has gotten positive reviews here before.

The website is http://www.fpftraining.com/ and the owner posts here quite often.  I'm sure he'll be along shortly.  

Sol

We do the NRA personal protection outside the home course.  http://arlingtonfairfax-iwla.org/personalprotection.html

Have one coming up in September, but the personal protection in the home course is a prerequisite.

I definatly recommend Pat Goodale and team, his outfit is out of WV but they run a great class. I have attended several and everytime I go I am impressed

Heres a link to his handgun courses
http://practicalfirearmstraining.com/Course-Catalog/Defensive-Handgun-Courses/

Pat runs one HELLUVA program.  Never a moment wasted in his classes.

If you're looking to stay local, Mike Lucas teaches courses out of Superior Gun and Pawn on VA Beach Blvd. It isn't high-speed, low-drag tacticool training, but he will go over the basics of CCW carrying, and self defense shooting. He's also a great guy, and a very down to earth instructor.

http://michael-lucas.com/default.aspx

+1 to CCSD out of Culpeper taught by John Murphy. One of the best training values going. http://www.fpftraining.com/

thanks for the replies.  The CCSD course at FPF Training sounds like exactly what I was looking for.  PFT looks decent too, but the 5.5 hour drive would make for a long drive.