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.

Headlines & Footnotes: A Downtown Suffolk Walking Tour Downtown Suffolk contains a multitude of antique buildings, new businesses, old stories, and fresh food! This tour explores the streets of Downtown Suffolk’s historic district, complete with revived century-old mansions, repurposed schools and warehouses, forgotten architectural gems, and a glimpse into future developments.

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 has long been known for its impenetrability, as a place where travelers could easily lose their way. Yet in the early centuries of American history, many of the people who vanished into the swamp were lost by their own choice. The swamp was a sanctuary for thousands of fugitive African American slaves.

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.

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.

Historic Attractions & Points of Interest

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

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.

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, and 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