Local Attractions in the Suffolk Area

Historical


Cedar Hill Cemetery (1802)

326 North Main Street, (757) 923-3880
Originally constructed as "Green Hill Cemetery," this 32 acre expanse of hilly terrain and ancient cedar trees has many stories to reveal. Self-guided walking tour. Main entrance located behind the Suffolk Seaboard Station Museum.

Constant's Wharf (c.1720)

Constance Road & North Main Street
Located on the Nansemond River, John Constant founded this important trading center and village known as Constant's Wharf, which would become the Town of Suffolk in 1742. A hotel, conference center, park and marina are under construction.

First Suffolk Church Site (1753)

The site of the first church erected in Suffolk is memorialized by a monument surrounded by towering magnolia trees. The Church survived the burning of Suffolk by the British in 1779 but fell to ruin and was razed by 1802.

The Gardner Store (c.1825)

341 North Main Street, (757) 923-0929
Used both as a store and a residence, the restored historic building now features an antique and gift shop. Ballast stones from Constant's Wharf were used in the construction of the foundation, and it served as a prison during the Civil War.

Glebe Episcopal Church (1738)

4400 Nansemond Parkway - Driver Village, (757) 538-8842
One of the oldest landmarks in northern Suffolk, the church is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Heirloom Botanica Garden Boutique

5664 Shoulders Hill Road, (757) 638-0705
Historic 1850's farmhouse and kitchen garden located in the Bennett's Creek Village. Fine home and garden furnishings, organic gardening supplies, unique collectibles, topiaries and personalized service.

Historic Downtown Churches:

Six churches anchor the downtown historic district.
  • Suffolk Christian (1891) - 216 N. Main Street
  • St. Mark's Episcopal (1931) - 140 Tynes Street
  • St. Paul Episcopal (1895) - 213 N. Main Street
  • Main Street United Methodist (1914) - 202 N. Main Street
  • First Baptist (1957) - 237 N. Main Street
  • The First Baptist (1951) - 112 Mahan Street

Nansemond County Courthouse (1755)

524 North Main Street
The original structure was completely burned by the British in the 1779, but was rebuilt shortly after the Revolutionary War. During the Civil War, the courthouse served as part of the headquarters for Major General Peck of the Union Army. In 1837, the courthouse again burned during the "Great Fire" and was rebuilt and used until 1998.

Obici House (1870's Farmhouse relocated and expanded)

Sleepy Hole Golf Course, (757) 923-2360
This 1920s Art Nouveau-style mansion was built along the Nansemond River by Amedeo Obici, an Italian immigrant and founder of Planters Peanuts. The former home is on the National Register of Historic Places and currently is under restoration.

Planter Peanut Center (1889)

West Washington Street, (757) 539-4411
Step back in time and enjoy the aroma of peanuts roasted in the shell daily by a 1936-model roaster. The retail store offers a wide variety of Planters Peanuts, candies and other snack products. Gift packs and shipping. Complimentary peanut recipes upon request.

Riddick's Folly House Museum (1837)

510 North Main Street, (757) 934-1390
Open: Wednesday - Sunday
Registered with the Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission and the National Register of Historic Places. During the Civil War, this 21-room, Greek Revival style home served as headquarters for the Union.

St. John's Episcopal Church (1755)

828 Kings Highway, (757) 255-4168
Located in Chuckatuck Village, this church is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts

100 West Finney Avenue, (757) 923-0003
Erected in 1922, the architecturally remarkable school has been transformed into the elegant Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts. The 62,880 square foot, state-of-the-art Center features a 500-seat theater for educational, civic and entertainment programs. A ballroom/banquet hall, great hall, art galleries, gift shop, and an on-site restaurant offering catering services are also available. The facility also offers meeting places and classrooms to support the teaching of dance, pottery, textiles, photography, music, literature, aerobics, visual arts and computer technology.

Suffolk Seaboard Station Museum (1885)

326 North Main Street, (757) 923-4750
Open: Wednesday - Sunday
The restored Main Street Station displays a two-room HO-scale model of Suffolk in 1907. Railroad memorabilia and gift shop.

Suffolk Visitor Center at the Historic Prentis House (c.1800)

524 N. Main Street, 757-514-413, 866-SEE-SUFK
Open: Daily, 9am - 5pm
One of the oldest standing homes in Suffolk, the three-story structure has undergone an extensive restoration in compliance with the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities. The home now serves as the Suffolk Visitor Center and offices for the Suffolk Division of Tourism.

Local Interest


Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

3100 Desert Road, (757) 986-3705
This Nature preserve encompasses over 111,000 acres where visitors enjoy 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. Deer hunting by permit is available during the fall.

Heirloom Botanica Garden Boutique

5664 Shoulders Hill Road, (757) 638-0705
Historic 1850's farmhouse and kitchen garden located in the Bennett's Creek Village. Fine home and garden furnishings, organic gardening supplies, unique collectibles, topiaries and personalized service.

The Knot Hole Station, Ltd.

3129 King's Highway, (757) 538 2488 or 877-KNOTHOLE (566 8465) toll free
In business since 1976, the Knot Hole Station offers a wide variety of collectibles and gifts. Located in Driver Village, the Station features Boyd's Bears, Cairn Studio Tom Clark Gnomes, Dept 56 Snowbabies, Willow Tree Angels, Lefton Lighthouses, and many more collectibles brands, figurines, and gifts.

Nansemond Indian Museum and Gift Shop

6068 Godwin Boulevard, (757) 255-7001
Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 10am - 1pm; Saturday 10am - 2pm
The Nansemond Indians originally lived along the Nansemond River and were part of the empire ruled by Powhatan (father of Pocahontas). The museum exhibits an assortment of crafts, jewelry, clothing, books and historical artifacts. Touchtablesand special programs for children.

Planter Peanut Center (1889)

West Washington Street, (757) 539-4411
Step back in time and enjoy the aroma of peanuts roasted in the shell daily by a 1936-model roaster. The retail store offers a wide variety of Planters Peanuts, candies and other snack products. Gift packs and shipping. Complimentary peanut recipes upon request.

The Rio Grande Trader

3057 King's Highway, (757) 538-3512
Located in Driver Village, this Southwestern-theme shop, boasts amazing "iron works" including everything from yard art to wine racks. Also features pottery and fountains. Terrific selection of functional and decorative items for sale.

Shooting Star Gallery

118 North Main Street, (757) 934-0855
Open: Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm
Situated prominently on North Main Street in the heart of historic downtown Suffolk. The Shooting Star Gallery features photography, conservation framing, fines arts and crafts by regional and National artists, soaps and candles, and photo restoration.

Southern Gun Works and Museum

167 South Main Street, (757) 934-1423
Offers a wide selection of the finest limited edition military art. War souvenirs, military firearms, uniforms, paper documents, war photos, swords, bayonets, and headgear on display. Reproduction weapons for the re-enactor.

Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts

100 West Finney Avenue, (757) 923-0003
Erected in 1922, the architecturally remarkable school has been transformed into the elegant Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts. The 62,880 square foot, state-of-the-art Center features a 500-seat theater for educational, civic and entertainment programs. A ballroom/banquet hall, great hall, art galleries, gift shop, and an on-site restaurant offering catering services are also available. The facility also offers meeting places and classrooms to support the teaching of dance, pottery, textiles, photography, music, literature, aerobics, visual arts and computer technology.

Suffolk Farmers Market

Adjacent to Seaboard Station Railroad Museum in downtown Suffolk, (757) 923-3880 or 866-SEE-SUFK
Open: Saturday's, June - September 9am - Noon
Seasonal fresh vegetables and fruit; plants and flowers; jams, jellies and pickles. Special events and activities for the entire family.

Suffolk Museum

118 Bosley Avenue, (757) 923-2371
As a community partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, this museum offers changing art exhibits as well as a concert series, artists' demonstrations and an array of art classes. The museum is also home to the Suffolk Fine Arts Commission and the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

Whidbee Lane Farm

(757) 657-6953
Open: Seasonal
A family operated farm in the Holland Village area offering kid-friendly fun and education about farm life. Petting zoo, hayride, fresh vegetables and corn maze.


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