DAY TRIP

ALL IN A Day’s Trip Across the border Story by Leslie Beachboard Photos by Michelle Leicester & Leslie Beachboard Suffolk, VA

Those looking to spend a day filled with history, adventure, shopping and a variety of foods to delight the tastebuds should look no further than just across the North Carolina-Virginia state line. Suffolk has all of these things and more. The city has a rich history dating back 400 years to the first exploration of the Nansemond River in 1608.

It offers a restored and thriving downtown, along with other unique communities for activities for everyone. Suffolk is nicknamed “Virginia’s Caffeine Capital” because coffee producers from around the world import, roast and distribute from the area. Lipton Tea has been processing tea in Suffolk for over 60 years. Planters Peanuts has been processing a variety of peanut flavors in Suffolk for more than 100 years, and the birth of the iconic “Mr. Peanut” began here. The Suffolk Visitor Center offers excellent displays of the rich history of the city, along with brochures filled with information about local museums and exhibits for anyone’s interest. There is also information about other towns and attractions all over the state available. Inside, visitors can browse a wide variety of gifts available in the gift shop. There is something for everyone from artwork, clothing, glassware and books. The Suffolk Visitor Center is located at 524 North

Main St. in Suffolk. The Suffolk Visitor Center Pavilion is a location for many outdoor events hosted. The Suffolk Farmer’s

Market is held from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. every Saturday from

May through November. Visitors can browse a variety of fresh produce,

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plants, baked goods and more from local participants.

Looking for something a little more spooky, then look no further. The “Legends on Main Street” ghost walk is a guided walking tour through the shadows of historic Main Street. The tour is offered once a month, and reservations are required. For more information, contact the Suffolk Visitor Center at 757-514-4130 or visit www. visitsuffolkva.com.

Just next door to the visitor’s center is Riddick’s Folly Museum and Gift Shop.

Riddick’s Folly is Suffolk’s only historic house museum, and the only museum in the tidewater area dedicated to the early 19th Century.

The museum is a reminder of times past. Mills Riddick built the mansion in 1837 after the Great Suffolk Fire of 1837. Riddick died five years after the house was complete. After his death, his son, Nathaniel, and his family lived in the house until retreating to Petersburg during the Union occupation.

During the Union occupation of Suffolk, the house served as the headquarters for General John James Peck of the Union Army.

The tour leads visitors through the museum which showcases period furnishings, art and artifacts many belonging to the Riddick family. Penciled messages on the walls from Union soldiers and Confederate prisoners can still be seen today.

Riddick’s Folly is located at 510 North Main St. in Suffolk.

All aboard. The Suffolk Seaboard Station Railroad Museum is one of Suffolk’s most recognized landmarks.

The Suffolk Seaboard Station was built in 1885 and was used as a passenger train station until the 1960s.

The station was eventually abandoned and fell into disrepair. The building again suffered extensive damage from a fire in 1994, and put the station in danger of being demolished.

The Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society worked to have the station repaired. Inside the museums, visitors will find a wide array of memorabilia including train artifacts, old train menus and other unique items from the six railroads that serviced the city.

The largest display is a two-room model of the railways and Suffolk in 1907.

The museum is located at 326 North Main St. in Suffolk.

Cedar Hill Cemetery dates back to 1802. Originally constructed as Green Hill Cemetery, the 32-acre features a beautiful landscape of hills and cedar trees.

This historic cemetery is the resting place for many Confederate Generals and soldiers, as well as many prominent families, and state and local officials from Suffolk.

Cedar Hill offers many unique examples of tombstones, structures and several family mausoleums.

The cemetery is located at 102 Mahan St. in Suffolk.

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Suffolk also offers much outdoor adventure for those who are looking to spend some time in nature.

Adventure awaits on the guided kayak excursions through the Suffolk Visitor Center.

These excursions are scheduled March through November and participants can reserve a slot in one of the kayak adventures through the Great Dismal Swamp’s Lake Drummond, Nansemond River, Bennett’s Creek or the Lone Star Lakes.

These guided expeditions are facilitated by a water adventures outfitter with years of experience.

The excursions are $40 a person and reservations are required.

Participants must be at least 10 years old or older.

For more information or to reserve a trip, call 757-5144130.

The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and Trails offers many ways to experience nature.

The 112,000 acres of forest and wetland, along with 3,100-acre Lake Drummond, visitors may participate is a variety of activities including hiking, biking, nature photography, wildlife observation, hunting, fishing or boating.

Downtown Suffolk boasts a shopping community with stores for everyone. Take a stroll through downtown and browse a variety of unique shops that house antiques, clothing and speciality gifts. While downtown walk over to the park and take a picture with the famous “Mr. Peanut” statue.

If one is hungry while in Suffolk, there is an option for whatever it is one craves. Suffolk is the home of a variety of restaurants with foods, coffee and sweet treats of all kinds.

Amicis specializes in Italian cuisine, including pastas, subs and pizza. It is open for brunch through dinner.

Amicis is located at 159 East Washington St. in Suffolk.

Baron’s Corner Pub serves American comfort food in a casual atmosphere.

These are just two of the many options to choose from.

Need a pick-me-up?

Stop in Pour Favor for a speciality iced or hot coffee drink. Have a seat inside or outside by the fire pit to relax.

Suffolk offers activities for all ages and most can be seen in just a day.

Leslie Beachboard can be reached at bertienews@ ncweeklies.com.

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