Whether you are Jewish or not, you will find something truly compelling and thought-provoking when you pay a visit to Portsmouth's Jewish Museum and Cultural Center. The Chevra T'helim Synagogue now serves as the museum and center and offers visitors a chance to see a stunning example of European Jewish Orthodoxy. Various exhibits and presentations offer the opportunity for visitors to learn about the tradition of the faith as well as key historical events that have both shaped it and challenged it.
Travel back to a time when the only mode of mass transportation was the railroad. A slice of that history is still very much alive in Portsmouth with the Pokey Smokey. Efforts to raise funds to complete the repair of an impressive scale replica of this 19th century steam locomotive are underway. For 41 years, the Pokey Smokey traveled through Portsmouth City Park and offered the opportunity for visitors to ride through and see the area from a truly unique perspective. Soon, that tradition will be continued again. Until then, history buffs and train enthusiasts can still flock to see the Pokey Smokey for a closer look and for many excellent photo opportunities.
While going to the movies is always a great way to spend an evening, the experience of catching one of the latest box office hits gets taken to a higher, classier level when you plan to see a movie at the Commodore Theatre in Portsmouth. This luxurious theater was originally built in 1945 and was recently renovated in an eye-catching Art Deco style. But don't let the vintage trappings fool you–your movie-watching experience will prove to be quite a cutting edge entertainment experience thanks to the facility's state-of-the-art sound and projection technology.
The Virginia Creeper Train is a 35-mile multi-purpose rail trail in southwestern Virginia. The trail runs from Abingdon to Whitetop, Virginia, near the North Carolina state line - through National Forest and crossing numerous restored trestles and crossing the Appalachian Trail.