Local Heroes

Remember having tea parties when you were a kid? Well, now you can enjoy the real thing when you visit Rowena's. This charming venue offers light lunch menu items but the real focus here is having the experience of enjoying some afternoon tea. The basic tea service includes jam, and lemon or raspberry curd, plus a pot of tea. Other services include scones, cakes and other sweets like fruit and finger sandwiches. You can bring the kids along so they can enjoy the special children's tea service. Also, don't forget to check out the gourmet gift shop.

Satisfy your need for an aquatic adventure when you visit Lake Drummond. Plan a picnic on the shore or wade in for a swim or some fishing during the warmer months of the year. You can also enjoy such activities as hiking, biking, and hunting. Plus, you can enjoy a scenic walk along the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail which stretches for a mile along the edge of Dismal Swamp. This scenic body of water is the perfect backdrop for a great afternoon outdoors just relaxing or enjoying a great day out with the family.

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.