Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

The Hill House in Portsmouth still stands as a slice of historical domestic splendor. Upon visiting the Hill House, you will get the opportunity to peer at what the privileged life was like around 1825. The structure is a four-story example of regal living as it is meticulously adorned with belongings and personal effects that once belonged to the Hill family. This is a truly memorable piece of Portsmouth history that is understandably on the National Register of Historic Places.

There is no question that Portsmouth is a city that is proud of history. And you can even reach back and experience a bit of it for yourself when you take the popular Olde Towne Lantern Tour. This is a walking tour of the Olde Towne Historic District and your guide not only leads the way with a big lantern, but he is also dressed in period attire to add to the authenticity of the tour. Held at twilight, you will visit some of Olde Towne's most significant attractions and structures, and hear about the legends and folklore that are still very much alive here.

Located in nearby Chesapeake, the Virginia Zoo is an excellent way to experience some of the world's most amazing creatures without having to travel too far. This award-winning facility presents these fascinating creatures in their natural habitats that only add to the authenticity of your visit. Among the zoo's most popular residents are the monkeys, the elephants, the alligators and the many colorful birds to be found in the aviary. Special presentations, school trips and seasonal events make the Virginia Zoo a great place to visit year round.

Given the fact that Portsmouth is situated right on Virginia's coastline, it is little wonder that the city has been a key site in the history and development of the shipping industry. Learn about it all when you visit the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum. You will get the chance to see various exhibits that highlight the many aspects of naval and nautical history, plus see memorabilia that dates back to this centuries-old Southern port. The museum is a piece of history itself, as it was established in 1949 within the confines of the nation's oldest shipyard.