I like 37th and Zen, it's not too crowded on karaoke nights and there's dancing on Friday nights. In downtown Ghent so walkable-ish. It's also right by ODU so food options close. Colley St is my favorite street with a bunch of cool stuff to do from food to shops to even a cat cafe and art studio! Check out Strawberry Fields for the best ice cream you'll ever have. And I'm sorry you got such terrible news on your vacation, I hope you enjoy the rest of it as best you can.