GO DIFFERENT: ON THE BEAUTIFUL PORTSMOUTH WATERFRONT FAST FACTS

Tired of going to the same old places?

Consider hopping off the beaten path to “Go Different” on the Portsmouth Virginia waterfront. This historic seaport city is filled with exciting new things to do, from Olde Towne’s charming restaurants, shops and historic homes, to waterfront concerts, high-speed LeMans go karting and nonstop, Vegas-style gaming action. But if a slower pace is more your speed, you’ll still feel right at home. Check out a first run movie at The Commodore, explore the City’s rich maritime history, or hike and kayak for miles. There’s even a museum designed just for kids.

Eat Different

You’re bound to get hungry with all that exploring. Luckily Portsmouth is home to some great local food, from casual and international fare to fine dining and old-school classics. Dinner and a first-run movie is always a hit at the gorgeous Commodore Theater, a completely renovated Art Deco cinema complete with tableside dining.

LIGHTS. CASINO. ACTION.

MAJOR INDUSTRIES

Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Naval Medical Center, Port of Virginia, PepsiCo, Lineage Logistics, Collins Machine Works, Fairlead Integrated, Crofton Industries, Linx Industries

CITY INFORMATION (757) 393-8000

SCHOOL INFORMATION (757) 393-8751

History On Every Corner

Portsmouth has been welcoming guests since its founding in 1752, so the city doesn’t just practice Virginia hospitality. It practically invented it. You can still feel that here, especially in Olde Towne –a charming square mile of beautifully preserved period homes, chef-owned restaurants and littleheard tales of African-American and American seafaring history. Self-guided walking tours make it easy to see and discover it all.

MUSEUMS, MUSEUMS, MUSEUMS

All that history makes Portsmouth a favorite destination for museum lovers, too. Unique stops include the Lightship Portsmouth Museum, the Colored Community Library Museum, and the ever-changing line-up of contemporary exhibits at the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center. This city is filled with unique military and maritime history, too, and you can experience it all at the Naval Shipyard Museum. Still, the city’s biggest attraction isn’t those big ships. It’s a place just for the little ones: the Children’s Museum of Virginia, with two floors of fun for kids to learn and play.

Rivers Casino Portsmouth is the region’s only fullservice Vegas-style casino. You can try your hand at the tables, hit the slots, cheer on your picks in the Sportsbook, and soak up some truly fabulous dining and entertainment. Rivers Casino is open 24 hours and located just a few miles from the downtown waterfront, right off Highway 264.

Business With Pleasure

More than a great travel destination, Portsmouth is ideal for business, too, whether you’re starting one, relocating one, or working in the offshore wind or maritime industries. Learn more about doing business in Portsmouth at AccessPortsmouthVA.com.

Plan Your Visit Today

Where to stay? The gleaming and contemporary Renaissance Hotel in Olde Towne is the perfect launch pad for everything there is to see and do in Portsmouth. The hotel offers stunning views of the Elizabeth River, along with 249 newly refreshed rooms, 24,355sq. ft. of flexible gathering space, with state-of-the-art audio-visual capabilities ready for everything from weddings to business meetings to family reunions. 

Suffolk, Virginia, stands as a testament to the power of transformation over the past five decades. Marking the 50th anniversary of its merger with Nansemond County in 1974, Suffolk has blossomed into a dynamic hub of commerce and community. Nestled in the southeastern corner of Virginia, Suffolk is a hidden gem in the Hampton Roads Metro Area that is rapidly gaining popularity. People seeking a high quality of life, friendly neighbors, and a charming, small-town atmosphere are finding themselves right at home in Suffolk. From its rich history and natural beauty to its vibrant culture and thriving economy, Suffolk offers something for everyone. Here are just a few reasons why people should consider making the move to Suffolk, Virginia.

History And Heritage

Suffolk is steeped in history, and this is reflected in its many museums, historic homes, and landmarks. The city was originally settled in the early 17th century and played a key role in both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Today, visitors can explore historic sites like the Riddick’s Folly House Museum and the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, where runaway slaves once sought refuge.

NATURE & RECREATION

For nature lovers, Suffolk is a paradise. The city boasts over 400 square miles of beautiful countryside, including the Great Dismal Swamp, which is one of the last remaining wilderness areas on the East Coast. The swamp is home to a vast array of wildlife, including black bears, river otters, and bald eagles. Suffolk is also located on the Nansemond River, providing ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities. If you’re looking to perfect your swing, there are also four golf courses.

Culture And Entertainment

Despite its small-town feel, Suffolk is a vibrant cultural center with a thriving arts scene. The city hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the Earth and Arts Festival, Taste of Suffolk, and the Peanut Fest, each of which celebrates the region’s rich diversity of art, cuisine, and history. Suffolk is also home to a number of museums, galleries, and performing arts venues, including the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, which hosts concerts, plays, and other cultural events throughout the year.

Economy And Employment

Need a job? Suffolk’s economy is booming, with a number of major employers in the region, including Amazon, Target, and Lockheed Martin. Suffolk welcomed over 30 new businesses in the past year and the job market expanded by nearly 800 positions. Hampton Roads has a number of top-rated schools and universities, providing ample opportunities for education and career advancement.

Quality Of Life

Perhaps the most compelling reason to consider a move to Suffolk, Virginia, is the high quality of life that the city offers. The city has a low crime rate, excellent healthcare facilities, and a cost of living that is significantly lower than many other major cities on the East Coast. Suffolk also boasts excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities, making it an ideal place for families to settle down and raise children.

Suffolk, Virginia, is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, culture, and economic opportunity.

Whether you are looking for a new place to call home or simply seeking a weekend getaway, Suffolk is well worth a visit. With its friendly people, vibrant culture, and high quality of life, come see why so many people are saying, “Yes, Suffolk!” and why you should, too. 