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 kids will love learning about the history and tradition of lightships and their nautical significance when you visit the Lightship Portsmouth Museum. Lightships were originally known as “floating lighthouses” that guide ships into harbors our out to sea. Their legacy is kept alive thanks to the preservation of Lightship Portsmouth, a vessel that now serves as a museum to tell its story and of similar types of watercraft through exciting exhibits and attractions.
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.
Enjoying a superb concert outdoors is always a treat for the senses. Thanks to the nTelos Wireless Pavilion, it is an experience that you can enjoy on regular basis. This 6,500 capacity outdoor venue is expansive enough to allow you to stretch out but also intimate enough to allow you to get lost in the music being created on stage. The entertainment venue has hosted an impressive roster of performers that include Tony Bennett, Vince Gill, BB King, Tom Petty and Anita Baker. Performances are always being added, so check the website regularly to stay informed of upcoming shows.