Also known as the Armistead House and to locals more recently as Dr. Madblood’s Castle, the Elks Lodge is an impressive example of Romanesque Revival architecture. This home was built in 1898 for Mrs. Laura Armistead. This home has gone through many iterations in its 122 year existence: After being home to the Armistead family …
Colonel Dempsey Watts built this house in 1799. It was originally constructed on a hill between Dinwiddie and Washington but moved to its present location in 1808. Congressman Henry Clay, Chief Blackhawk, and and President Andrew Jackson have all been entertained in this Virginia historical site.
Not available to visit due to military security. Constructed of large blocks of Massachusetts granite with sides built up in a series of giant tiers, this impressive engineering work is one of the first two drydocks erected by the U.S. government. Begun in 1827 and completed in 1834, it remains in regular use at the …
Freedom Boat Club offers members from all over the world the opportunity to explore the Elizabeth River by water. Boats available for fishing, wake-boarding, relaxing, or simply getting away for a bit. It’s like owning a boat without the hassles of owning a boat. Memberships available.
The Fort Nelson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter House was constructed in 1935 in Portsmouth. The building appears as a typical Tidewater-style house, with its one-and-a-half stories, prominent external chimney, and symmetrical façade, and exemplifies the Colonial Revival architectural trends of the 1930s. This Virginia historical site stands as an important …
This Virginia historical site is not available to visit due to military security. Originally known as the Norfolk Naval Hospital, this famous facility was an outgrowth of the 1798 Congressional act creating the Marine Hospital Service. Fort Nelson, a Revolutionary War defense work guarding the Norfolk harbor, was chosen as the hospital site in 1826. …
The Downtown Portsmouth Historic District, also known as the High Street Corridor, is comprised of buildings primarily dating to the years around the turn of the 20th century, and include such architectural styles as Gothic Revival, Greek Revival, Colonial Revival, and Romanesque Revival, as exemplified by Pythian Castle. Located within the district’s boundaries are churches …
A limited number of marina sips available for transient and permanent berthing. Newell’s specializes in custom repairs and additions, yacht restorations on both wooden and fiberglass vessels.
Inspired by the everyday family cooking that we grew up with, you’ll feel right at home while savoring a great meal in our casual and relaxed dining room. Experience our one of a kind BBQ flavors, attentive service, and friendly atmosphere. Ribs, burgers, sandwiches, and more. Open seven days a week from 11 AM until …
Hampton Roads Transit operates three 150-passenger ferries on the Elizabeth River between Norfolk and Portsmouth. They travel between North Landing and High Street in Portsmouth and the Waterside District in downtown Norfolk. They’re fast, economical and offer a unique view of the river and the waterfront. Ferries operate every 30 minutes with 15-minute service during …
Asian fusion restaurant specializing in chicken and sushi. Choose from wings or tenders as well as a vast array of sushi favorites. Open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM – 8:30 PM | closed on Sunday’s Read Sonja Barisic’s review of Chick N Roll in the Virginian Pilot.
Located in City Park, the monument recognizes those who died while serving in Portsmouth’s Light Artillery, organized originally in 1809. It was dedicated June 8, 1906. The shaft is eighteen feet high, of rough Virginia granite, with four polished sides. On one side is inscribed the names of Capt. Arthur Emmerson’s men who fought with …
Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve is a 142-acre park dedicated to conservation, education, research, and recreation consistent with good stewardship. Hiking, birdwatching, kayaking, and special wildlife programs are offered at the park. Though it is tidal, Hoffler Creek is flat water and accessible to individuals of any skill level. Seven individual and four tandem kayaks available …
The stone pyramid stands inside City Park and celebrates the Marquis d’Lafayette’s visit to Portsmouth in October 1824. The memorial was placed as part of the Centennial celebration on October 24, 1924 by the Fort Nelson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The monument was restored in 2002.
A 93-acre, beautifully landscaped park along the Western Branch of the Elizabeth River, which includes a nine-hole executive golf course with a 30-station lighted driving range, a challenging natural grass putting course, a pro shop and a learning center. The park also features boating, tennis, picnic shelters, a covered amphitheater, and a concession stand. City …
Situated on the waterfront in the waterfront historic district of Olde Towne Portsmouth, this hotel offers stunning views from 247 inviting guest rooms and 5 lavish suites. Totaling 24,355 square feet, the event space includes a 70-seat Case Study Amphitheater and 2 large ballrooms. Overlooking the Elizabeth River, the Portsmouth Ballroom’s outdoor terrace seats up …
Authentic New Orleans style Polar Snoballs. The flavors come from Louisiana, perfected from a hundred years of satisfying thirsty customers in sweltering summer heat. Add it all up, fluffy snow, over 100 fantastic flavors, a great family atmosphere and a hot spot to cool you down. Open seasonally, March through October. Hours: Spring Hours: Monday …
Set around an enclosed courtyard, Anderson-Wright Rooms & Gardens offers an extensive selection of decorative home and garden furnishings including cast iron urns, cast stone containers and statuary, as well as cast iron and aluminum furnishings. Their courtyard is an amazing place to inspire your next garden or patio project. Anderson-Wright also offers a collection …
Rick’s Frozen Custard is a family friendly, locally owned, frozen custard restaurant. Outdoor seating, including a giant swing that can hold the entire family. With non sweet snacks like nuggets and dogs, Rick’s is best known for ice cream desserts like sundaes, concretes, malts, floats, and old fashioned cones. Lots of toppings too. Located in …
Shipwright Marina is a family-owned 60 slip marina on the banks of the Elizabeth River. Conveniently located between Norfolk and Portsmouth, Virginia, this marina is one of the few in Hampton Roads that provides direct, bridge-free access to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Shipwright Marina’s amenities include pump-out stations, washroom/laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, travel lift services, …
A full service destination management company, Portsmouth Hospitality can help plan your special event, organize tours for small and large groups, and provide support for conferences and conventions.
An 18,000 sq. ft. flexible event space accommodates a variety of group sizes and event types. A veteran-owned family business, Venue 757 offers onsite catering and event planning to make holding your event as easy as possible. It can accommodate 32 Round and Rectangular Tables, 400 Chairs, Uplights, Wash Lights, Movers, Strobes (available in various …
Toys and Gifts for kids. Take the excitement of learning home with a broad selection of toys, kits, and books. Items available for the tiniest of tykes, as well as older kids who are eager to explore the world around them.
The Children’s Museum of Virginia is a place where kids can learn in fun and interesting ways. The largest children’s museum in the state, it is one of the most popular Portsmouth, Virginia attractions. Children step inside a world where bubbles grow bigger than they are, where the forces of energy electrify and spark their …