John Denison, DDS, PC

The Children's Museum of Virginia offers entertaining fun for all ages. While the focus of many of the exhibits and attractions are geared toward educating kids about the arts and sciences, bigger kids (including mom and dad) will no doubt enjoy experiencing the various activities that the venue offers. Some of the many highlights include interactive exhibits about paleontology, dental hygiene, nutrition, art, music, communications technology, sculpture and much more. For more interactive fun, the little ones will jump at the chance to get on board the kid-sized submarine, lobster boat and space shuttle. And even the smaller children won't be left out, as there is an excellent hands-on section for toddlers.

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

The Lightship Portsmouth Museum tells the story of this retired lightship that was built in 1915 and is now a National Historic Landmark as well as a history-laden maritime museum. The "Portsmouth" was launched in 1916 then went through some reconstruction and was relaunched in 1926. After several years of service as well as collision damage, the vessel was finally retired in 1964. Three years later it was donated to the city and has undergone extensive renovation and repair that has restored this impressive ship to its original glory.

Kelly's Tavern is one of those rare places where you feel instantly comfortable the moment you walk in the door. This nightlife venue is located in the city's trendy Ghent area and offers a great lunch menu that includes burgers, fries, and chicken sandwiches. When the day winds down, though, Kelly's draws in a wide variety of patrons that range from young professionals to students to college professors, and more. The mood is always so inviting that no matter where you come from, you'll fit right in!