Discover the Spirit of Suffolk

Experience the charm, history, and vibrant culture of Suffolk, Virginia, with this two-day itinerary filled with scenic beauty, unique dining, and local flair. Begin with an immersive exploration of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, delve into the city’s rich historical sites, and enjoy distinctive local eats. Explore the lively arts scene, shop at local boutiques, and unwind with craft brews or specialty cocktails each evening. From nature walks to historic tours, Suffolk offers a captivating blend of experiences to make every moment unforgettable.

Day 1

Morning

Guided Nature Walk of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Includes learning about the history, mystery, and lore surrounding one of the remaining American wildernesses. Learn about the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program.

Lunch

Enjoy lunch at a downtown eatery. Possible establishments include The Mod Olive, Amici’s Pizza Café, or Baron’s Pub, with several other downtown restaurants available for mid-day dining.

• The Mod Olive – Enjoy the quirky vintage vibe and eclectic menu, perfectly constructed cocktails, and a sense of hospitality that never goes out of style.
• Amici’s Pizza Café – Casual, brick-lined hangout providing brick-oven pizza plus subs and Italian staples.
• Baron’s Pub – Known for their signature Baron’s Burger, daily specials, terrific salads, scallops, oysters, and more!

Afternoon

Enjoy a visit to the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, perusing two lovely art galleries, a historic classroom museum, artisan gift shop and more. Check out SuffolkCenter.org for performance, workshop and class schedules.

Visit local shops and stop at the Planter’s Peanut Store for fresh peanuts roasted in a 1936-model roaster. Visit the Suffolk Art Gallery for the current exhibit and a hands-on art activity. Pop into Main Street’s Cecelia’s Boutiques & Gifts, where you will discover unique women’s apparel, accessories, shoes, jewelry, handbags and home décor. Or, visit Darla’s Downtown Boutique for the latest fashion apparel, gifts, jewelry and more.

Dinner

Pick one of downtown’s many independent eateries for a dine-in experience or grab a to-go meal and head to the Nansemond Brewing Station, Suffolk’s first brewery. Enjoy live music and/or fun trivia nights and happenings with your carefully crafted brews.

• Nansemond Brewing Station – What’s your favorite beer? You’ll find it there. Stout, Porter, IPA, Pale Ale, Lager, Ale, Wheat, Bock, Witbier, Dunkel, Smoked, Imperial, Tripel, Malt, Dark, Light, Pale, Strong, Amber, Blonde…they’ve got it all!

Day 2

Morning

Tour Riddick’s Folly House Museum (1837). Guided by a Suffolk historian, this beautifully appointed house tour includes four floors, 21 rooms, and 16 fireplaces. Registered with the Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission and the National Register of Historic Places.

Enjoy a guided tour of Seaboard Station Railroad Museum. This restored Main Street station features a two-room HO-scale model of Suffolk in 1907. (Currently closed for restoration)

Lunch

Venture down to Godwin Blvd. to discover the “locally loved” flavors of Mason’s Grill & Smokehouse, a restaurant inspired by the chef/owner’s grandparents’ history of hospitality and home cooking. Or grab a delicious bite to eat at another nearby restaurant!

Mason’s Grill & Smokehouse – Offering a wide variety of slow-smoked and grilled items, daily chef specials, and handcrafted desserts.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon checking out the fun shops in North Suffolk!

Take Route 58 to Wilroy Road Exit … turn left onto Nansemond Parkway and continue to Driver Village on King’s Highway:

• Knot Hole Station – The quintessential country store complete with a huge selection of many major collectibles brands, figurines, jams and jellies, candles and gifts. Seasonal flowers and produce also available.
• Happy Hour Glassworks – While this funky shop specializes in fused glass, mosaic and resin classes, they also offer an adorable gift shop, an outdoor garden center, and a variety of unique yard art and seasonal tropical plants.

Holland; South Quay Road:

Miss Lilly’s Trading Post- Discover a diverse shopping haven for vintage items, antiques from the past, handmade treasures by local artisans and heirlooms passed down through generations.

Drive to Bennett’s Pasture Road:

Embroidery & Print House / Gift Shop – Don’t let the name fool you! While this shop offers a variety of embroidery and screen-printing services, it also has a huge gift shop with a plethora of baby, wedding, ladies, men, and locally-made jewelry, as well as “Suffolk, Virginia” merchandise.

Bennetts Pasture Road to Bridge Road:

• Fireflies on Bennett’s Creek – Beautiful, eclectic, and fun, this waterfront boutique offers a variety of merchandise, including a large selection of “Made in the USA” options. Frequently hosts wine tastings, book signings, and other events.
• A. Dodson’s – It’s not just a store…it’s a destination! A. Dodson’s is a shopper’s oasis, where you can select from trendy clothing, distinctive home furnishings, exquisite gifts, toys, and antiques of yesteryear. They are serious about style, but you’ll also find this shop unpredictable, quirky, and alluring.

Dinner

So many choices! A few notable options are:

• Decoy’s Seafood – Stunning views of Bennett’s Creek greet you along with this delightful seafood experience. Fresh fish, crabs and shrimp along with steaks, sandwiches, soups and baskets fill the expanded menu and compliment the specialty drinks and craft brew selections. Live music weekly by the area’s best artists and old friends of Bennett’s Creek Marina will entertain you at both the Blind Duck Tiki Bar and main bar at Decoys.
• Fin & Tonic – Both a small-plates restaurant and a cocktail-forward speakeasy. Their menu is inspired from all over the world — Spain, Italy, and Virginia.
• Decent People Taproom – A casual space for folks to come grab a bite, a drink, and hang out with other decent people. They also support local craft beer offered through 44 self-serve taps, local spirits, and tasty comfort food that hits the spot.
• Sojourn Fermentory – a new brewery located in Bridgeport Suffolk with a focus on fresh takes on traditional styles of beer, specifically progressive European lagers and sweet and dry fruited ciders.