Suffolk Good Time Guide - 2023

Suffolk, VA

If you like Small Town Charm, Eco-Adventure, Performing & Visual Arts, History, Festivals, Boutiques, Chef-Owned Restaurants, Recreation, Golf, Guided Tours, and Peanuts– you’ll love Suffolk, Virginia.

VisitSuffolkVa.com

Tour Suffolk Historic Downtown Suffolk Narrated Bus Tour Suffolk’s rich heritage dates back to the early 17th century, when Captain John Smith first encountered the Nansemond Indians on the Nansemond River. Even now, you can trace Suffolk’s legacy through our historic homes and neighborhoods, churches, and Virginia Civil War Trails.

Legends of Main Street: A Suffolk Ghost Walk A hair-raising encounter with the “spirited” side of Suffolk. Follow a costumed guide through the shadows of historic Main Street, discovering stories, legends, and “unexplained occurrences” by lantern light. Tales of unsolved mysteries and unresolved affairs abound throughout Suffolk’s historically hip Ghost Walk.

Victorian Suffolk: Dying To Be There, A Guided Discovery of Cedar Hill Cemetery This walking tour explores the hidden meanings buried in Suffolk’s Historic Cedar Hill Cemetery. The tour features Victorian-era symbolism, burial practices, funerary industries, and mourning rituals. This intriguing and educational excursion highlights how the residents of Suffolk both lived and died in the 19th century. Cedar Hill Cemetery is more than two centuries old, with roots that harken back to the founding of Suffolk. With keen eyes and curious minds, this tour will bring into focus the fascinating world of Victorian America, their obsession with death, dying, and living beyond the grave.

Cedar Hill Cemetery Guided Stroll Downtown Suffolk’s historic Cedar Hill Cemetery is a 32-acre expanse, rich in history and natural beauty. Once the 18th century farm of John Constant, Cedar Hill is now the final resting place for historical figures, politicians, and soldiers—many of whom greatly impacted the growth of Suffolk, as well as Virginia. An official Virginia Civil War Trail site, Cedar Hill Cemetery has long been an attraction for history buffs and walking groups.

Hometown Heroes Walking Tour Suffolk’s citizens, like in most other American localities, have served and sacrificed in the name of freedom. This 60-minute walking tour through Cedar Hill Cemetery highlights and honors the graves and memorials of soldiers from Suffolk and old Nansemond County who died in combat during the two World Wars, Korean War, and Vietnam War. Great Dismal Swamp Safari Narrated Bus Tour Anything but dismal! Despite its foreboding moniker, the Great Dismal Swamp is one of a few remaining American wildernesses and is home to the black bear, bobcats, rare plants, snakes, and river otters. The Great Dismal Swamp boasts 200 species of birds, frogs, lizards, salamanders, and yellow-bellied and spotted turtles.

Great Dismal Swamp Underground Railroad Pavilion Tour The Great Dismal Swamp became the first national wildlife refuge designated as a site on the National Underground Network to Freedom. The Dismal Swamp maroon history is featured on this 90-minute guided tour of the Underground Railroad Pavilion built to showcase the swamp’s role for those seeking freedom.

Great Dismal Swamp Guided Nature Stroll A wonderful place to connect with nature, with the Washington Ditch Trail the most often-recommended trail for hiking and biking. Enjoy a guided walk as you learn about the flora, fauna, wildlife, and history that abound in this 112,000-acre wilderness. The elevated boardwalk is located adjacent to the Washington Ditch parking area.

Photos this page, top to bottom, left to right: Legends of Main Street – A Suffolk Ghost Walk; Victorian Suffolk Cemetery Tour; Cross at Cedar Hill Cemetery; Gravestones in Cedar Hill Cemetery; Boardwalk at Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

Guided Kayak Excursions: Great Dismal Swamp’s Lake Drummond | Nansemond River | Lone Star Lakes | Bennett’s Creek Guided kayak excursions are facilitated by a water adventures outfitter with years of experience. All equipment is included with registration fee. Sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable clothing recommended.

Lake Drummond: Experience the breathtaking Lake Drummond, a 3,108-acre bowl-shaped lake located near the center of the Great Dismal Swamp. The larger of only two naturally occurring lakes in Virginia, on windless days on the lake, the water appears smooth as glass as the horizon disappears into the sky above.

Nansemond River: Located on the Nansemond River, John Constant founded this important trading center and village known as Constant’s Warehouse, which would become the Town of Suffolk in 1742.

Lone Star Lakes: Located in the Chuckatuck section of Northern Suffolk, explore one of the many freshwater lakes that make up this beautiful park.

Bennett’s Creek: Explore the tidal wetlands along Bennett’s Creek while viewing a variety of bird and plant species.

Advance reservations are required for all tours. Payment is required at time of reservation. Operator cancellation due to weather or unforeseen circumstances: Ticket holder will receive a full refund or may select another tour date. Ticket holder cancellation: Ticket holder will not receive a refund but can transfer ticket to another tour date. Rescheduling is expected no less than 24 hours prior to scheduled tour date. Private Group Tours are available for groups of eight or more and require a 50% deposit at time of reservation. A minimum of two-week advance notice is required for requesting a private group tour. Fees may be found at VisitSuffolkVa.com.

757-514-4130.

Photos this page, top to bottom, left to right: Lake Drummond Kayak Excursion; Great Dismal Swamp Guided Nature Walk; Birdwatching at the Great Dismal Swamp; Black Bear at the Great Dismal Swamp; Angel statue at Cedar Hill Cemetery; Boardwalk at Lake Drummond; Kayaking Bennett’s Creek; Cypress Tree at Great Dismal Swamp; Great Egret at Great Dismal Swamp; Kayaking the Nansemond River at Constant’s Wharf.

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2 CONSTANTIA HOUSE The original Constantia House was built in 1720 by John Constant in what is now Cedar Hill Cemetery. After the house was razed in the 1930s, the Suffolk Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution had a replica built behind R.W. Baker Funeral Home in downtown. 509 W. Washington St.

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1 HISTORIC CEMETERIES 1A ALBERT G. HORTON, JR. MEMORIAL VETERANS CEMETERY Virginia’s veterans cemeteries provide a final resting place for our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines – a place of honor, dignity, respect, and remembrance. 5310 Milners Rd., dvs.virginia.gov/cemeteries/suffolk-cemetery, 757-255-7217 1B CEDAR HILL CEMETERY (1802) Originally constructed as “Green Hill Cemetery,” this 32-acre expanse of hilly terrain and ancient cedar trees has many stories to reveal. Selfguided walking tour. 105 Mahan St., 757-514-4130 1C HISTORIC OAK LAWN CEMETERY In 1884, seven AfricanAmerican veterans and businessmen of Suffolk, Virginia, purchased a plot of land for a cemetery for the local AfricanAmerican community. 200 E. Pender St.ea

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3 CONSTANT’S WHARF (c. 1720) John Constant founded this important trading center and village on the Nansemond River, which later became the Town of Suffolk in 1742. 110 E. Constance Rd. 4 GLEBE EPISCOPAL CHURCH (1738) One of the oldest landmarks in Northern Suffolk, the church is on the National Register of Historic Places. 4400 Nansemond Pkwy., GlebeChurch.org 5 NANSEMOND COUNTY COURTHOUSE (1839) The original structure was burned by the British in 1779 and was rebuilt shortly after the Revolutionary War. In 1837, the courthouse again burned during “The Great Fire” and was rebuilt the same year. During the Civil War, it served as part of the headquarters of Major General Peck of the Union Army. Currently the Suffolk Visitor Center. 524 N. Main St., VisitSuffolkVa.com, 757-514-4130 6 OBICI HOUSE (1870 FARMHOUSE RELOCATED AND EXPANDED) This 1920s Art Nouveau-style mansion was built along the Nansemond River by Amedeo Obici, an Italian immigrant and founder of Planters Peanuts.

Open to the public and features include a snack bar, golf pro shop, and event space. 4700 Sleepy Hole Rd., TheObiciHouse.com, 757-373-4217 7 PLANTERS PEANUT CENTER (1889) Step back in time and enjoy the aroma of peanuts roasted in the shell daily by a 1936-model roaster.

Offering a wide variety of Planters peanuts, candies, and other snack products. 308 W. Washington St., SuffolkPeanuts.com, 757-539-4411 8 REMARKABLE TREES Two impressive trees have gained statewide recognition for their size and uniqueness.

8A Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) is 90 feet tall and was transplanted from California to Suffolk in 1954. Located behind R.W. Baker Funeral Home. 509 W. Washington St. 8B Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) boasts a 14-foot circumference and has a Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) tree emerging from its trunk. Located inside Cedar Hill Cemetery. 105 Mahan St. 9 RIDDICK’S FOLLY HOUSE MUSEUM (1837) During the Civil War, this 21-room, Greek Revival-style home served as headquarters for the Union. Gift shop. 510 N. Main St., RiddicksFolly.org, 757-934-0822 10 ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH (1755) Located in Chuckatuck Village, St. John’s is on the National Register of Historic Places. 828 Kings Hwy., StJohnsEpiscopal-Suffolk.org.

11 SEABOARD STATION RAILROAD MUSEUM (1885) The restored Main Street Station displays a two-room HO-scale model of Suffolk in 1907. Railroad memorabilia and gift shop. 326 N. Main St., SuffolkTrainStation.com, 757-514-4135 12 PHILLIPS-DAWSON HOUSE (c. 1881) Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society headquarters – this beautiful historic home offers changing exhibits, archival materials/artifacts, gift shop, and meeting space.

137 Bank St., SuffolkHistory.org, 757-539-2781 VIRGINIA CIVIL WAR TRAILS SITES include Riddick’s Folly House Museum (1837) and Cedar Hill Cemetery (1802). CivilWarTrails.org, 888-248-4592 (toll free).

Eco-Adventure, Golf & Recreation 13 BENNETT’S CREEK PARK AND BOAT RAMP This 50-acre park offers two free boat ramps, disabled-accessible fishing and crabbing pier, a playground, tennis courts, shelters, a nature trail, and open fields.

Suffolk Parks & Recreation. 3000 Bennetts Creek Park Rd., 757-484-3984 14 DAVIS LAKES AND CAMPGROUND This family fun spot south of Downtown Suffolk has 138 campsites and offers nature trails, swimming, fishing, and more. 200 Byrd St., DavisLakesCampground.net, 757-539-1191

EQUESTRIAN FACILITIES Numerous facilities are located throughout the city. For information visit the Suffolk Horse Show Association.

FISHING STATIONS Lakes Cohoon, Kilby, Meade and Speight, Burnt Mills Reservoir, Lake Prince, and Western Branch Reservoir, Lone Star Lakes and Crumps Millpond. Boat permits are required, information can be obtained at the Suffolk Visitor Center.

757-514-4130 15 GREAT DISMAL SWAMP NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE This nature preserve encompasses over 112,000 acres of wildlife observation, history, mystery, and lore. Fishing and boating are permitted year round on the waters of Lake Drummond, a 3,100-acre natural lake in the heart of the swamp. Bear and deer hunting by permit is available during the fall. 3100 Desert Rd., fws.gov/northeast/ greatdismalswamp, 757-986-3705 16 KAY’S ACRES An award-winning company offering guided trail ride adventures with petting zoo encounters and private parties.

800 Lummis Rd., KaysAcres.com, 757-932-0551 17 KID ZONE PLAYGROUND Located off Main Street adjacent to Holly Lawn Cemetery. The playground area is surrounded by a walking track, two shelters, a skate park, a dog park, a nd the Howard Mast Tennis complex. 757-514-7250 18 LONE STAR LAKES PARK Over 1,000 acres with 11 lakes for fresh water fishing, nature trails, picnic areas, playground, horse trail, archery range, crabbing, disc golf, and model airplane flying field.

Currently in development nearby: Mattanock Town is a 70+ acre project by The Nansemond Indian Nation recreating an authentic Native-American Algonquin dispersed village. 1 Bob House Pkwy., Nansemond.org, Suffolk Parks & Recreation, 757-255-4308 19 SUFFOLK SEABOARD COASTAL TRAIL The former Seaboard Coastal Railroad right-of-way is now a 10-foot wide trail for pedestrians and bicycles. Beginning in the village of Driver, the Trail extends 3.3 miles eastward to the Suffolk/Chesapeake city line. 757-514-7250 20 SKYDIVE SUFFOLK, INC. Located at Suffolk Executive Airport, USPAcertified instructors offer tandem and accelerated freefall from the first jump through expert licenses. Reservations required.

200 Airport Rd., SkyDiveSuffolk.com, 757-539-3531 21 SLEEPY HOLE PARK 66-acre park, located off Sleepy Hole Road on the Nansemond River, offers an 18-hole golf course, a variety of natural areas, open spaces, and breathtaking views, trails, fishing pier and kayak launch, a 30-acre lake, 12 picnic shelters, and a playground. 4700 Sleepy Hole Rd., Suffolk Parks & Recreation, 757-538-4102 22 SUFFOLK FARMERS’ MARKET AT THE PAVILION Seasonal fresh vegetables and fruit, plants and flowers, jams, jellies, and crafts.

Special events and activities for the entire family. 524 N. Main St., Saturdays, 9am-1pm: Spring to Fall, 757-514-4130 23 CEDAR POINT COUNTRY CLUB A private membership 18-hole course off Route 17 on the Nansemond River in Northern Suffolk. 8056 Clubhouse Dr., CedarPointCountryClub.com, 757-238-2275 24 RIVERFRONT GOLF CLUB at Harbour View is a semi-private 18-hole course designed by Tom Doak on the banks of the Nansemond River near the mouth of the James River. 5200 River Club Rd., RiverfrontGolf.com, 757-484-2200 25 SLEEPY HOLE GOLF COURSE A public 18-hole course located at Sleepy Hole Park on the Nansemond River in Northern Suffolk.

4700 Sleepy Hole Rd., SleepyHoleGolfCourse.com, 757-538-4100 26 SUFFOLK GOLF COURSE A public 18-hole course bordering Lake Kilby near downtown Suffolk. 1227 Holland Rd., 757-539-6298

Arts & Entertainment 27 ART-VENTURES, LLC An exciting way to explore and learn about art through traditional learning styles and techniques with handson experiences. Summer art camps, educational art programs, paint parties, private lessons, and therapeutic art practices. 3616 Pruden Blvd., ArtVenturesLLC.com, 757-647-8679 28 HAPPY HOUR GLASS WORKS A glass studio and retail space, serving as a creative space to learn the basics of fused glass and to provide the community with unique artwork.

3049 Kings Hwy., happy-hour-glass-works.square.site, 757-708-8053 29 HARBOUR VIEW GRANDE CINEMAS A 16-screen movie theatre with leather recliners, reserved seating, first run movies, and concessions. 5860 Harbour View Blvd., regmovies.com/theatres/regal-harbour-view-grande, 757-638-7827 30 SUFFOLK ART GALLERY As a community partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, this gallery offers changing art exhibits, as well as open mic nights, artists’ demonstrations, and an array of art classes. The Gallery is also home to the Suffolk Art League.

118 Bosley Ave., SuffolkArtLeague.com, 757-514-7284 31 SUFFOLK CENTER FOR CULTURAL ARTS This 1922 former high school has transformed into a state-of-the art Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, boasting musical, theatrical, and dance productions.

The 62,880-square-foot facility features a 500+ seat theater, a ballroom/banquet hall, galleries, gift shop, classrooms, and restaurant. 110 W. Finney Ave., SuffolkCenter.org, 757-923-2900 32 MAKE SOMETHING STUDIO An all-inclusive DIY studio, including Paint Your Own Pottery, for children and adults.

3235 Bridge Rd., Ste. 8, MakeSomethingVA.com, 757-354-5426 33 HUB 757 This 28,000-square-foot facility offers an urban chic, industrial atmosphere capable of accommodating all types of events, conferences, expos, etc.

6801 Bridgeway Dr., Hub757.com, 757-800-1800

Untap the Possibilities 34 DECENT PEOPLE TAPROOM 44 self-serve craft beers, ciders, and wines, using an innovative self-serve system where patrons can pay by the ounce. Also includes a full-service restaurant with outdoor seating. 5140 River Club Dr., DecentPeopleTaproom.com, 757-977-1211 35 GREAT BOTTLES Quality, well balanced wines whose value exceeds the cost. Everything from world-class small craft brewers of the U.S. to niche brewers from around the world. 3575 Bridge Rd., GreatBottlesVA.com, 757-686-2222 36 HAVEN & HULL A great selection of beers, gourmet items, wines, and more! Regular wine tastings. 115 W. Washington St., facebook. com/havenandhull, 757-539-5397 37 NANSEMOND BREWING STATION This nearly 4,700 sf historic building in Downtown Suffolk dates back to 1914. Featuring multiple unique brews, a tasting room, brewing observation window, a private party/meeting space, and outdoor seating.

Live music, food trucks, trivia nights, etc. 212 E. Washington St., NansemondBrewing.com, 757-630-2178 38 Coming Soon! NEW REALM BREWERY IN HARBOR VIEW Featuring an outdoor beer garden, rooftop dining area, entertainment space, and on-site brewing. NewRealmBrewing.com 39 Coming Soon! SOJOURN FERMENTORY AT BRIDGEPORT This 9,200-square-foot building will include a tasting and dining room, full kitchen, and outdoor biergarten. 1400 Bridgeport Way, Ste. 103, sojournfermentory.com

Photos this page, top to bottom, left to right: Nansemond Brewing Station; Suffolk Art Gallery exhibit; Students at the Suffolk Art Gallery; Patrons at downtown eatery; Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts.

A Sampling of Suffolk Events Bridgeport Farmers Market & Live Music Driver Days Fall Festival Festival of Lights at Sleepy Hole Park Holiday Artisan Gift Fair Holland Founder’s Day Juried Photography Exhibit Motorcycle Rallies Nansemond Indian Tribal Pow Wow Outdoor Family Movies Stars & Stripes Spectacular Suffolk Art League Antique Show & Sale Suffolk Farmers’ Market Suffolk Grand Illumination Suffolk Holiday Parade Suffolk Mystery Authors Festival Suffolk Peanut Fest Suffolk Restaurant Week Taste of Suffolk Downtown Street Festival T.G.I.F. Summer Concert Series Touch a Truck Events Year-round events make Suffolk a fun and affordable destination. In the Spring, we host a variety of events including Drive-In Movies, The Eggstravaganza, Suffolk Mystery Authors Festival, and the kick off to the Suffolk Farmers’ Market season. Summer brings riverfront concerts, such as the Stars & Stripes Spectacular, Nansemond Indian Pow Wow, Suffolk Plein Air Festival, and the Taste of Suffolk Downtown Street Festival. We welcome Autumn with the Suffolk Peanut Fest, Driver Days Fall Festival, Touch a Truck, Train & More children’s event, Friday Night Fright Film Series, and more.

For a complete calendar of events: VisitSuffolkVa.com Photos this page, top to bottom, left to right: Taste of Suffolk Downtown Street Festival; Suffolk Farmers’ Market; Nansemond Indian Pow Wow; Fresh local produce; Summer Concerts; Downtown Suffolk event; Art-Ventures Activities; Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts; Peanuts pic at downtown event.

Photos front cover: top to bottom, left to right: Kayaking Bennett’s Creek; Horseback riding at Kay’s Acres; Live music at Nansemond Brewing Station; Bartender at Fin & Tonic; Suffolk Art Gallery; Amedeo’s Ristorante; Kids at Artisan Gift Fair Photos back cover: top to bottom, left to right: Seaboard Station Railroad Museum; Narrated Bus Tours; Love Local Buy Suffolk banner in downtown Suffolk; Dining at Harper’s Table; Bennett’s Creek Marina.

Suffolk Visitor Center 524 N. Main St., Suffolk, VA 23434 (Open daily, 9am - 5pm) 757-514-4130 VisitSuffolkVa.com VisitSuffolk@suffolkva.us / VisitSuffolk@suffolkva.us