Portsmouth Virginia is Rich in History and Scenic

 Portsmouth Virginia, one of America's oldest seaports, offers an array of historic sites and museums that exude old-world charm. Additionally, there are plenty of dining establishments and scenic nature walks to help you unwind after a long day at work. Visit Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve, a 142-acre city park that offers hiking and kayaking adventures. It's home to numerous species native to southeastern Virginia.

Olde Towne

Olde Towne is an enchanting district rich in history. Here, you'll find numerous antique and specialty shops, charming boutiques, and historic architecture that transports you back in time. Plus, it's very walkable - thanks to all the restaurants and breweries along High Street which have been drawing new businesses over the last few years. The Portsmouth Historical Society operates Discover Portsmouth in Olde Towne business district and offers guided tours of historic sites that have shaped our nation's past. Tours are tailored for a range of ages and interests, which can be booked through their website. Spend an afternoon or evening discovering Portsmouth's history while also visiting some of America's finest art museums. The Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center should not be missed by those interested in world cultures and artistic expression.

Take a walk through the galleries at Portsmouth Visual Arts Center, featuring paintings and sculptures by local and international artists. Or explore collections at Portsmouth Colored Community Library Museum to gain an understanding of African American history through photographs, journals, and other memorabilia. Another place you'll want to check out is the Commodore Theatre, a luxurious movie theater built in 1945 that boasts cutting-edge sound and projection technology for watching the latest releases with ease. You must visit the Hill House Museum, a restored home dating back to the 1800s. This rare example of an English basement home has been preserved in its original state. Spend some quality time with your family at this idyllic park. Boasting 8.8 acres and plenty of green space, the kids will have plenty to do while you relax on the patio or take a leisurely walk around town. For an affordable hotel option in Portsmouth, Quality Inn & Suites Olde Towne is a perfect choice. Situated near Navy Base, it provides convenient access for budget travelers while boasting numerous amenities like free parking and Wi-Fi internet access.

Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve

Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve, situated off Twin Pines Road in Portsmouth Virginia, is a quiet haven for birdwatchers and other nature admirers. Situated on 142 acres, the preserve features a tidal creek, salt marshes, pine forest, and non-tidal lake that support an array of native plants and animals. Tuesday through Sunday, Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve Foundation and their staff of three are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Executive Director Randi Strutton lives on site and is often available to welcome visitors. In the mid-1990s, a group of Portsmouth residents recognized that their last undeveloped land in Hoffler Creek watershed was about to disappear. They joined forces and created the foundation with one purpose: to protect and develop this preserve into an area where people could connect with nature.

After several years, the foundation has transformed Hoffler Creek to include hiking trails and docks, kayaking and oyster gardening, educational programming, and more. They've formed relationships with schools, colleges, and community groups who come to explore Hoffler Creek's natural world firsthand. This 142-acre preserve is home to the tidal creek and expansive salt marshes, as well as riparian forest, meadow, and non-tidal brackish lake. Its habitats support an array of native plants and animals such as deer, river otters, crabs, and oysters. In 1995, a committed group of individuals formed Hoffler Creek Wildlife Foundation to protect this last undeveloped parcel in its watershed. Through their work, now run as a non-profit organization, this foundation has transformed Hoffler Creek into an idyllic haven of wilderness. These trails are well-kept and provide short loops suitable for most recreational hikers. Along the way, you'll find benches, small bridges, and picturesque views to take in. Furthermore, there are piers, kayak launches, and porta johns available too.

Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center

Portsmouth Virginia offers a wealth of activities for visitors to enjoy, such as visiting its numerous museums. You can also take a guided tour through historic buildings, attend concerts and festivals, or sample some delicious cuisine at various establishments. If you're curious to explore Portsmouth's history, take a tour of the Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center. Here, you'll find many of the city's top historical landmarks and attractions. Explore the museum's galleries to gain an understanding of local history, plus view recreations of a 17th-century bedroom, 1930s kitchen, and 1950s living room. Additionally, kids will love visiting the children's museum which provides educational activities and engaging exhibits. The museum boasts an impressive collection of artifacts and artworks, such as sculptures, paintings, and photographs. You can even try your hand at painting yourself!

Other popular activities at the Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center include attending concerts or sporting events. You can buy tickets for events directly through our user-friendly online booking system in advance. Experience the Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center by joining one of their many walking tours. These tours can be tailored to fit your interests, with options for all ages. Take for instance the Homes and History Walk Tour to uncover Portsmouth's rich history and some of its most remarkable homes. On this tour, you'll hear tales about those who lived in these buildings and what their lives were like. On the Heroes and History Walk Tour, you can discover the heroes who helped shape African American culture in America. On this tour, you will uncover their role in both Portsmouth's history as well as that of America at large. MONA, or the Museum of New Art, is a brand-new art museum set to open its doors in Downtown Portsmouth in 2021. Housed within a recently restored 1905 YMCA building, MONA forms part of an exciting cultural hub that also includes Jimmy's Jazz and Blues Club.

Hill House

Within walking distance of downtown Portsmouth, this exquisite Queen Anne Style colonial revival Victorian offers breathtaking water views of Blue Bill Cove. It has a wrap-around front porch with patterned shingles and an eye-catching color palette on the outside. Inside, a three-story turret living room with tiled working fireplaces is accented by ornate oak woodwork throughout; plus there's also a full butler's pantry, kitchen, and rear "good morning" staircase that completes the ground floor. Upstairs are 4 bedrooms and 2 baths on the second level; an attic space offers expansion potential plus there's even space in nine room cellar below! This 40-acre marshland along the Elizabeth River is home to an abundance of wildlife. It's a popular spot for nature enthusiasts, offering several trails so they can get out into the wild and take in the scenery.

This historic site is an integral part of Portsmouth's past and a great place to spend the day. There are plenty of activities like hiking, jogging, and biking as well as swimming and boating opportunities. For an even more daring adventure, there's the 950-foot floating dry dock which has become one of the city's top attractions. It offers an enthralling experience and should not be missed by history enthusiasts! Visitors to Portsmouth are drawn to its diverse culture, which offers visitors plenty of museums to choose from. The Portsmouth Museum of Art houses a permanent collection of contemporary artwork by international artists as well as hosts special events and exhibitions. Furthermore, the Colored Community Library opened in 1937 to educate about the town's African American history.

Another historical site to check out is the Portsmouth Shipyard, which showcases an array of exhibits. You'll see various naval vessels displayed and if you'd like to take in the sights, you can even board some of them! While in the area, be sure to visit Lightship Portsmouth - a must-see for history buffs. This lighthouse, which once guided ships on the Atlantic Ocean, is now permanently anchored off London Street and houses numerous exhibits about its fascinating past.