Alan D. Altschuler, CPA

Norfolk's connection to the United States Navy is quite obvious when you visit the city. But nowhere is it more vividly brought to life than at the site of the USS Wisconsin. This is the last U.S. Battleship to be built. The impressive vessel has enjoyed a colorful career that includes being employed in three wars over 50 years. Relive the details and see some fascinating attractions when you visit the ship's museum.

York River State Park offers beautiful scenery as well as several recreation trails that offer a chance to get a unique view of the park's lush surroundings. Two of the most popular are the Majestic Oak Trail that is used more by bikers and horseback riders than hikers, and the Mataponi Trail that offers a great view of the York River and the 7-acre Woodstock Pond.

The kids will go absolutely wild when you take them to visit the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The Great Dismal has the impressive distinction of serving as the home of more mammals than any other local preserve. Among the more popular residents are the black bears and the endangered Dismal Swamp shrew. The refuge sprawls out 750 miles and includes Lake Drummond

Travel back in time to get a taste of what life was like in Norfolk in the 1700s when you visit the Willoughby-Baylor House. Constructed in 1794, this federal townhouse tells the story of the city's beginnings through the creative use of its décor and ambiance. The house museum and its property also features a lovely flower and herb garden as well as other interesting amenities that help paint a classic picture of how Norfolk's forefathers lived.