A 48-Hour Guys Golf Getaway in Portsmouth, VA

There’s something to be said for a guys weekend getaway, especially when golf is involved. Only a short drive away for the majority of Virginians and much of North Carolina, Portsmouth is the perfect small town to explore, without the worry of big crowds. We’ve rounded up a whole weekend’s worth of activities to enjoy during a visit to stretch your legs, play some golf, race some carts, refresh your mind and rediscover what it means to hang out with the guys.

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Friday

3:00 pm

Check into Your Accommodations

Spend the weekend overlooking the Elizabeth River at the Renaissance Portsmouth – Norfolk Waterfront Hotel or, if you’re traveling on a budget, at the Quality Inn and Suites Olde Towne. Both properties are within walking distance of bars, restaurants, shops, and historic sites. Rest easy knowing these properties are being maintained with the best safety standards as set forth by Marriott and Choice Hotels.

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4:00 pm

A 9-Hole Warm Up

The Links at City Park is a 9-hole executive length golf course (Par 30) with a driving range and practice green.  It’s located inside a 93-acre, beautifully landscaped recreational park along the Western Branch of the Elizabeth River.  Take in the waterfront views while you play. And when you’re done with your clubs, why not try the region’s only Foot Golf course. See if your kick is as good as your swing.

7:30 pm

Pizza and Beer

There’s nothing better after a round of golf than a cold beer and some good pizza. Check out Amici’s Pizza Cafe in Midtown or Eastside Pizza on Portsmouth Boulevard or grab a pizza at Rita’s and take it next door to Momac Brewing. If you head back to Olde Towne, you’ll find New York and California style pizza at places like Gino’s, Baron’s Pub, and Humboldt Steel Company. Be sure to ask for some of the local brews!

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9:00 pm

Waterfront Nightcap

Finish the night with a drink on the waterfront. Head down to the marina and enjoy a nightcap on the deck at Fish & Slips, or hang out on the patio at Foggy Point Bar & Grill, or check out Thyme on the River. The Portsmouth waterfront overlooks a working harbor and the Norfolk skyline. You’re going to love the light show and the passing ships, but don’t stay up too late, you’ve got an early tee time in the morning.

Saturday

7:00 am

Tee Time

Pick up a Grab and Go breakfast from your hotel or hit a drive-through on the way to Bide-A-Wee Golf Course. This Curtis Strange Signature Course is an eighteen hole, par 72 course with a total length of 6,940 yards and a slope of 130 degrees. Bide-A-Wee features bent grass greens, narrow and challenging fairways lined with majestic pines, and a number of picturesque lakes and ponds throughout the course. The name is derived from the Scottish, meaning “stay a while!” So “bideawee!” and enjoy the game.

12:00 pm

Lunch at a Tavern

Portsmouth is known for its independent, chef owned restaurants. You’ll find excellent burgers, sandwiches, small plates, and entrees all over town. Maybe check out Gosport Tavern, Barons’s Pub, Griff’s Sports Lounge, Corner Cafe, JoJacks, or the Bier Garden German Festhaus for burgers or sandwiches.

2:00 pm

Indulge Your Need for Speed

Portsmouth is home to the largest indoor karting track in Virginia. Enjoy real speed and real racing in performance-tuned gas karts at LeMans Karting. Karts can reach speeds greater than 35 MPH. Test your driving skills and race your buddies for bragging rights. It’s an adrenaline rush for sure. They also have arcade games, prizes, laser tag, Gel-Blasters, and Axe Throwing!

4:00 pm

Explore Olde Towne

Check out the big guns at Gosport or Fort Nelson Parks. Take a walk through three centuries of history in the Olde Towne Historic District neighborhood. Visit the Lightship Portsmouth to see how the men of the Lightship Service lived during their many months at sea. Stop by the Naval Shipyard Museum and discover Portsmouth’s maritime heritage. Or, if you’re feeling lazy after a big day, grab a cigar and enjoy some libations at a sidewalk bar like 619 Cantina on High Street. Make the most of your afternoon doing something you enjoy.

7:00 pm

Treat Yourself to a Great Dinner

In the mood for a steak, check out the Olde Towne Public House or Roger Browns Sports Bar. Feeling like some ethnic food, check out Bangkok Garden, Thai Basil, Cancun Fiesta, or Bier Garden. Maybe all this water in Coastal Virginia makes you crave seafood? You’ll love Fish & Slips, Lobscouser, or Thyme on the River. The opportunities are endless!

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9:00 pm

Experience the Local Nightlife

High Street comes alive at night! Find live music and entertainment most weekends at Baron’s Pub, Olde Towne Public House, Roger Browns, and Grift’s. Don’t miss the whiskey selection at Portsmouth’s only speakeasy, Still. You might even be able to catch the jam at High on High. Feeling adventurous, head out to Churchland for live music at MoMac Brewing or The Barrel. For adult entertainment, take a short drive south on George Washington Highway. No matter where you go, you’re sure to have a good time hitting the bars and partying like a local on your last night in town.

Sunday

10:00 am

Billiards and Brunch

After checking out of your accommodations, start the day off with a friendly game of pool and delicious breakfast with Bloody Mary’s you won’t believe at Twisted Pig or Griff’s Sports Lounge. Just want the food? You’ll like the menu at Yoolks on Us, Hometown Diner, or JoJacks Bistro. Fuel the body for 18 more holes before you head home.

12:00 pm

18-Holes for the Road

Now that you’ve had a practice run at Bide-A-Wee, return for one last round of golf before hitting the road. Be sure to check out the gift shop when you’re done and get your Bide-A-Wee golf shirt as a souvenir of your visit. Safe travels home.

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