Touched by Torii

Tradition and art are dramatically combined at the Chrysler Museum of Art. This is one of the country's most lauded museums, and with good reason. The facility is home to over 30,000 pieces of art that are presented over the course of 55 impressive galleries. See stunning works by everyone from Rembrandt to Lichtenstein as you stroll from exhibit to exhibit. The museum also features an impressive library, charming gift shop and excellent restaurant.

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.

Go on a multicultural adventure when you visit the Hermitage Museum and Gardens. This museum is housed in a 1908 Tudor style home on a twelve acre estate along the Lafayette River. Within its walls, you will discover an amazingly eclectic collection of Western and Asian art. Numerous cultures are represented, with some dating all the way back to 200 BC. Marvel at attractions and exhibits that features English and European paintings and ceramics as well as Chinese bronze statues, Persian rugs, French and Italian textiles, and ivory carvings, among many other stunning pieces.

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.