Outdoor Recreation
Whether you're searching for birds or birdies, Portsmouth is home to all sorts of natural habitats.
Bide-A-Wee Golf Course
Named Best Municipal Course in Virginia
Golf Digest - August 2009
Bent Grass greens. Narrow and challenging fairways lined with majestic pines. Picturesque lakes and ponds. First-class clubhouse, pro shop, restaurant and facilities. This is Bide-A-Wee, dramatically reshaped into a Curtis Strange signature championship golf course. With a storied past and a dramatic $8 million renovation that has the players and the national golf press raving, Bide-A-Wee is, without a doubt, one of the finest municipal golf courses in the nation.
1 Bide-A-Wee Lane, Portsmouth, (757) 393-8600
www.bideaweegolf.com
Portsmouth City Park/Links at City Park
A 93-acre, beautifully landscaped park along the Western Branch of the Elizabeth River, which includes a nine-hole executive golf course with a 30-station lighted driving range, a challenging natural grass putting course, a pro shop and a learning center. The park also features boating, tennis, picnic shelters, a covered amphitheater, and a concession stand.
140 City Park Avenue, Portsmouth, (757) 465-2937 or 465-2935
Pokey Smokey
Funds are currently being raised to repair this exact scale replica of a 19th-century coal-fired steam locomotive, which was taken out of service in spring 2005. For 41 years, the Pokey Smokey traveled through Portsmouth City Park on weekends between April and October. Call the Portsmouth Community Foundation at (757) 397-5424 to make a contribution toward the Pokey Smokey Fund.
Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve
Portsmouth is home to Virginia's only urban wildlife preserve. Touted as one of the best places in the state to view wildlife, the 142-acre preserve is a favorite spot for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, canoeing and kayaking. The preserve is located on the shores of Hoffler Creek in northwest Churchland and is open to the public every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting.
4510 Twin Pines Road, Portsmouth. (757) 686-8684
www.hofflercreek.org
The Waterfront / Cruises
Carrie B Harbor Tours
Available for private charter cruises, the Carrie B departs from Olde Towne for you to explore the world's largest natural harbor, see the nation's first naval shipyard and the Norfolk Naval Base (home to the Atlantic Fleet), and cruise near the site of the Battle of the Ironclads between the Monitor and the CSS Virginia (Merrimac) aboard a replica of a 19th-century Mississippi riverboat. Light menu served on board. (Note: In 2008, public sightseeing cruises were temporarily suspended due to excessive fuel costs).
(757) 393-4735 | fax (757) 397-6609
www.carriebcruises.com | info@carriebcruises.com
Spirit of Independence
Gearing up for this sailing season is SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE a new schooner charter that will be sailing out of downtown Olde Towne Portsmouth, VA. SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE is a sailing experience that presents over 1,700 square feet of sail to the wind. With her two masts and wide decks she will give you a ride that you can really participate in. Her three sailings per day; one at 11:00 AM, one at 3:00 PM, and the best of all Sunset cruise at 6:00 PM, will fit your schedule. Staying over in the Hampton Roads area? Consider the best waterfront digs in all of the East Coast. Check out the Boat and Breakfast experience with your own privet cabin and the best seats for the greatest show on the river front. Privet charters no problem. Tickets available at Starboard Coffee Kiosk, Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery, and the Portsmouth Visitors Center
(757) 971-1865
www.spiritofindependence.net
The Waterfront / Transportation
With a 300-year-old tradition of catering to water lovers, Portsmouth's 85 miles of navigable channels allow for a front-row seat to these fun waterfront activities:
Elizabeth River Ferry
Pedestrian ferry crossing the Elizabeth River between Portsmouth and Norfolk. Operates seven days a week, departing from High Street Landing on the hour and half-hour, and from North Landing at five minutes after the hour and half-hour for arrival at Waterside in Norfolk. Seasonal schedule to Harbor Park running one hour before game time and one hour after game ends.
(757) 222-6100 | www.gohrt.com
Water Taxi
Stops on the river include any destination in Olde Towne Portsmouth and downtown Norfolk. Available seasonally, the Water Taxi also offers a 20-minute tour of the Portsmouth waterfront. To call for a ride or to arrange a charter, call 439-TAXI (8294) or let the staff at the Visitor Information Center call for you.
