Visit Suffolk, Virginia

By: Coastal Virginia Magazine
February 23, 2021

Web Exclusive

To capture the full flavor that is Suffolk, Virginia, one must blend a rich agricultural foundation, the historic charm of repurposed landmarks, the delicious creations of local chefs, the thrum of live bands setting the mood for street festivals, and the bold vibe of an emerging arts and cultural district. Add in the excitement of eco-adventures, craft brews, quirky shops, guided ghost walks, and even skydiving – and we think you’ll find Suffolk a well-rounded, if not, unusual destination.

Suffolk Tourism offers a variety of tours. Whether you are looking to kayak the Nansemond River or discover the flora and fauna of the Great Dismal Swamp, several outdoor excursions are available. History buffs enjoy our guided Cedar Hill Cemetery strolls and downtown historic Suffolk tours. More daring individuals will find the Legends of Main Street: A Suffolk Ghost Walk to their liking, with its whispers of legends and lore as you meander through downtown at twilight. Expect a supernatural shiver or two and a hearty laugh at the brash humor along this tour. We also cater to the more independent explorers, those who wish to discover Suffolk by way of a self-guided walking tour or perhaps just enjoy wandering around Cedar Hill Cemetery examining the Victorian symbols etched in century old gravestones.

If one finds themselves parched while roaming Suffolk, one mustn’t look far to find afternoon tea for two, locally ground coffee to-go, a glass of Chardonnay, or a flight of craft beers—some which will delight your taste buds with notes of peanut butter and locally harvested honey. Suffolk boasts a plethora of independently owned and operated eateries, sprinkled throughout the city’s 430 square miles. From mouthwatering brisket to award winning sushi, Suffolk offers a cuisine to suit even the most discerning palate. A quick online visit to DiningInSuffolkVa.com provides a one-stop shop for Suffolk dining information.

If you hunger for more history, see to it that you visit Riddick’s Folly House Museum and Seaboard Station Railroad Museum, conveniently located along Main Street, mere blocks from each other. The former, is an 1837 Greek-Revival mansion featuring 4 floors, 21 rooms and 16 fireplaces. Occupied by the Union Army during the American Civil War, the historic home-turned-museum displays preserved graffiti left behind by soldiers. The latter is a restored Main Street train station built in 1885 and much as remain unchanged. The Queen Anne-style building is reminiscent of the Victorian era, enhanced by a tower with a beautiful walnut spiral staircase. A prominent feature of the museum is the two-room HO-scale model depicting Suffolk circa 1907.

Just blocks away, you’ll find the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, now a 67,000 sq. ft, 500-seat performing and visual arts center that began its life as Suffolk High School back in 1922. And a bit further, nestled in the historic Lakeside neighborhood, is the Suffolk Art Gallery, originally erected as a library in the 1960s, the distinct time period best reflected in its mid-century architecture. Currently it serves a gallery for changing art exhibits, arts lectures, open mic nights and children’s programs.

A glimpse into Suffolk, a tiny sampling, an appetizer of sorts—that’s all this is. Suffolk offers so much more and you may find it all at VisitSuffolkVa.com or Facebook/Instagram/Twitter at /vistsuffolkva.