Suffolk, Virginia is a wonderful place to live. It has a rich history that goes back over 300 years. The area enjoys a strong economy, that is forward-looking with infrastructure that will bolster continual growth. Also, it is very family-friendly with great schools, and a number of parks and outdoor spaces.
When it comes to recreation and attractions, residents are spoilt for choice. There is so much to see and do in Suffolk, Va. Here we’ll take a look at just some of the adventures and attractions that you can explore as residents or guests in the area.
HISTORIC SITES AND LANDMARKS
Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and culture. From one-of-a-kind tours to awe-inspiring landmarks, history enthusiasts can find a wealth of Suffolk, VA attractions:
Embark on historic tours
New to town? Kickstart your adventure with the Historic Suffolk Narrated Bus Tour, a guided journey that takes you through the most significant points – and places – in Suffolk’s local history, from Cedar Hill Cemetery to the historic Lakeside neighborhood.
If you’re looking for a more spine-chilling experience, book a spot on the Legends of Main Street: A Suffolk Ghost Walk. Guided by a costumed storyteller, this lantern-lit tour takes you through the shadows of historic Main Street, revealing eerie tales of unsolved mysteries and unresolved affairs possibly side-by-side with Suffolk’s otherworldly residents.
Learn More About the Civil War
While Suffolk wasn’t the site of a major battle, it was a strategic location and point of contention for the Union and Confederate armies, and many places in the city continue to preserve and commemorate this important point in local and national history.
One such place is Cedar Hill Cemetery, a peaceful green space – spanning 26.4 acres on the corner of North Main Street and Constance Road – that honors veterans of various wars, including prominent Confederate figures and local heroes. Explore unique tombstones, family mausoleums, and the city’s first scatter garden, a space designed for the scattering of ashes and an alternative to traditional burials. The cemetery also features monuments and a cannon as a tribute to veterans, offering visitors a chance to reflect on the sacrifices made.
Riddick’s Folly, a historic Greek Revival home built in 1837, stands as a testament to Suffolk’s rich past. Located on North Main Street, Riddick’s Folly is a four-story Greek Revival home built in 1837, which has 21 rooms, 16 fireplaces, and impressive details such as double chimneys, Flemish bond brickwork, and slender columns. Aside from being a local architectural marvel, it also served as the Union Army’s headquarters during the Civil War, as is registered with the Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission and the National Register of Historic Places.
Visit centuries-old church sites
The First Suffolk Church Site is the location of the first church ever built in the city. Established in the early 17th century, this church braved several tumultuous events, including the burning of Suffolk by the British in 1779. However, time has taken its toll on the structure, leading to its eventual ruin and demolition in 1802. Today, a monument surrounded by majestic magnolia trees stands as a silent testimony to the church.
Another noteworthy landmark is the Glebe Episcopal Church, one of the oldest standing structures in northern Suffolk. Also built in the early 18th century, it’s one of the few remaining churches in Virginia built before 1738. This church was established when Percival Champion, a Puritan, donated a significant portion of his land grant to what would become the glebe farm for the East or Lower Parish of the Nansemond Parish. Over the years, the church has served a vibrant and growing community and is known for retaining possession of its glebe land after the post-Revolution government abolished the Anglican Church.
Lastly, there is St. John’s Episcopal Church in the quaint Chuckatuck Village. Its roots trace back to the founding of Jamestown, making the parish over 350 years old. This venerable church has witnessed pivotal events in American history, including the American Revolution and the Civil War. Its enduring legacy, active parish community, and regular worship and community service activities make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the area’s past.
Discover why it’s called the Peanut Capital of the World
Peanut farming flourished in Suffolk’s sandy soil, but it was only with the arrival of Amedeo Obici in 1912 that the city’s peanut industry truly took off. Obici, a visionary entrepreneur, established the Planters Nut and Chocolate Company, capitalizing on existing peanut cultivation.
Today, residents and visitors can still visit Obici’s first Planters Peanut Center, which has been in operation since 1967. Here, peanuts are still roasted daily in a 1936-model roaster. The retail store also offers a vast assortment of Planters Peanuts, candies, and other snack products.
Learn more about the Nansemond people
The Nansemond, the Indigenous people that lived along the Nansemond River, called present-day Suffolk and its surrounding area home for centuries. Their legacy and culture survive and you can immerse yourself in the Nansemond way of life at Mattanock Town, a recreated 17th-century village project led by the Nansemond Indian Nation. Walk along nature trails, visit the tribal center to learn more about the tribe’s history, and pay your respects at the well-preserved burial grounds.
The historical dwellings were meticulously constructed using traditional methods. These longhouses, approved by Nansemond tribal leaders, offer a glimpse into authentic Algonquian architecture.
ARTS AND CULTURE
From homegrown cultural organizations to art classes for all ages and skill levels, artistic expression thrives throughout the city. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or an aspiring artist yourself, here are Suffolk, VA attractions you don’t want to miss:
The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts
Sitting right in the heart of downtown Suffolk, the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts stands as a testament to the city’s love for the arts. Originally built in 1922 as Suffolk High School, the building is now a 78,000-square-foot facility that serves as a central hub for artists and performers.
The 500-seat Birdsong Theatre is the building’s main centerpiece – a stage that welcomes a wide array of performances, from ballets and symphonies to children’s plays and rock concerts. Beside the Theatre are two world-class art galleries, which host rotating exhibits and various events. The Center also houses several studios that offer classes in dance, painting, sculpting, weaving, and more.
The Suffolk Art Gallery & Suffolk Art League
Located in the historic Lakeside neighborhood, the Suffolk Art Gallery – in partnership with the Suffolk Art League and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – features a selection of rotating exhibits throughout the year, as well as a comprehensive program of art classes and workshops for all skill levels.
Once a library that was built in the early 1960s, the building found new life as a vibrant arts center in the mid-1980s. It also houses the Suffolk Art League, a member-supported non-profit that plays a vital role in enriching the gallery’s offerings through a variety of exhibits and programs, such as the Annual Juried Exhibition, the Melissa Darden Odom Speaker Series, and more.
Art-Ventures Program
The Art-Ventures program is a comprehensive arts education platform that caters to artists of all ages, skill levels, and preferred mediums.
For beginners, it offers introductory classes that cover basic art forms and techniques, helping them to explore and develop their artistic interests. For more advanced artists, the program provides specialized workshops and masterclasses that delve deeper into specific art forms, mediums, and techniques.
The program emphasizes experiential learning, where students can apply the concepts and techniques they learn in a hands-on manner. This could include creating their own artwork, participating in group projects, or even contributing to community art initiatives. Art-Ventures also encourages peer learning and collaboration, fostering a supportive and creative community for all participants.
Happy Hour Glass Works
This studio offers a variety of hands-on workshops where you can learn the techniques of working with fused glass, mosaics, and resins. Happy Hour Glass Works also offers private classes in which a group can book the entire studio and enjoy a personalized workshop with one of the skilled instructors. This can be a great activity for birthday parties, bridal showers, or corporate team-building events.
Make Something Studio
This all-inclusive DIY art studio offers a wide range of creative activities, from painting and pottery to woodworking. The studio regularly hosts specialty workshops led by experienced artists, providing a unique opportunity to learn new skills and techniques. For those who prefer a more casual experience, walk-in projects are available, allowing visitors to drop by and create at their own pace.
Make Something Studio also offers To-Go Kits, which can be ordered online and come with all necessary materials and instructions for a selected project, allowing you to enjoy the creative process from the comfort of your own home.
Outdoor Adventures
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Head out and explore The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. This vast area of forested wetlands, canals, lakes, and marshy borders covers around 113,000 acres, making it the largest site on the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail’s Coastal section. It offers 40 miles of trails and roads, some of which are historic routes mapped by George Washington. The centerpiece is Lake Drummond, a unique tannin-stained lake surrounded by cypress trees, accessible by water or road trails. The refuge is a big draw for birdwatchers, with over 200 bird species, particularly during spring migration. It’s also home to a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and mammals, including black bears and bobcats. Just be sure to bring insect repellent as mosquitos are prevalent in the area.
Boating and Fishing
Boating and fishing are popular activities in Suffolk, VA, due to its proximity to various waterways. Here are some great spots for boating and fishing in Suffolk:
- Nansemond River: This river offers great opportunities for boating and fishing. You can find various species of fish, including striped bass, catfish, and perch.
- Lake Prince: This lake covers 946 acres where you’ll find largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and more. It’s a peaceful spot for boating as well.
- Lake Meade Park: This park has a 53-acre lake where you can enjoy boating and fishing. It’s a serene spot to spend a day on the water. It also has many other activities and amenities for those who prefer to keep their feet planted on dry land.
If you’re new to fishing or other water activities, remember to obtain the necessary permits and licenses before engaging in fishing activities, and always practice boating safety measures while out on the water.
Equestrian Pursuits
In Suffolk, VA, you’ll find a deep love for the equestrian life. This is reflected in the number of equestrian sites found in the area. Whether you are just beginning to explore equestrian activities or looking to find a new community of like-minded enthusiasts, you’ll find Suffolk, VA is a place to develop your interest.
- Harmonia: This center provides a full range of services from lessons, training, and boarding. Run by husband and wife pair Joseph and Jennifer, the center specializes in training and restarting horses who display high levels of anxiety and trauma.
- Bridlewood: Slightly different from Harmonica, Bridlewood does not train horses but instead provides boarding for horses and works with trainers to provide optimum personalized training and care programs for boarders.
- Kay Acres: This establishment is a fantastic place to visit for beginners to equestrian activities. There are trails that provide a fun-filled day, and when you get out of the saddle, there’s also a petting farm to enjoy.
Community Events and Festivals
Suffolk, VA has a full calendar of events that all residents and visitors are welcome to attend and partake in.
Throughout the year, there will be events such as outdoor music festivals, many held at the outdoor area in the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts. Music from all genres can be enjoyed from Jazz and Blues to Rock and Alternative.
As the year closes the festivals begin to ramp up starting with the Downtown Suffolk Fall Festival in late October to the Holiday Parade in mid-December with floats marching bands and horses on show.
Find Your Place in Suffolk, VA
These are just some of the attractions in Suffolk, VA. The historical attractions are a homage to the rich history of the area and will likely be here far into the future of Suffolk. Others are well established and will grow along with the community, and with continuous innovation, more places will become places of interest.
If you’re keen to explore your real estate options in Suffolk, VA, or the surrounding areas, feel free to reach out to The Agency. Our team, led by Alan and Betsy Thompson brings a wealth of experience and expertise to their role in helping you find your ideal property.
Call us at 757.355.5444 or leave a message here and together we can start your journey to the perfect life in the perfect home.