Claire's

Fans of history will not want to miss the opportunity to visit the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum in Portsmouth. This is much more than a history lesson–this impressive facility houses an incredible collection of military artifacts, pictures, weapons and many historic ships including the CSS VIRGINIA (EX-MERRIMAC) as well as the world's first aircraft carrier, the LANGLEY.

The Lake Smith Reservoir in nearby Norfolk offers outdoor lovers an excellent chance to make a big splash! Lake Smith is an impressively large body of water that takes up nearly 193 acres, but offers safe aquatic fun as it is only five feet deep all the way around. In addition to fishing and sunbathing, anglers can enjoy catching some highly desirable largemouth bass.

Whether your kids are sports fans or not, they will enjoy the experience of visiting the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in Portsmouth. Over the course of this impressive two-story facility, you and your family will discover the stories and victories of more than 300 past and present athletes who have earned their rightful place in this Hall of Fame. Additional points of interest include the popular NASCAR driving simulator, an exhibit that will test the speed of your baseball pitch, as well as various other interactive attractions.

Thoughts and feelings always need to be expressed. Artists who express their unique thoughts and feelings usually convey them through a variety of media, but the original spirit is always the same–to communicate their story to as many people as possible. That type of expression is at the heart of all of the incredible exhibits and displays that you will discover at the Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center. Through the many traveling exhibits and special programs, visitors can uncover the stories behind some of the world's most fascinating cultures as told through paintings, sculptures, pottery and more.