**There are four regional parks in Suffolk: Bennett's Creek, Lake Meade, Lone Star Lake and Sleepy…read moreHole. But, there are also 14 neighborhood parks as well. I am going to visit as many as I can before I move next month. That is my last parting gift to Suffolk.** Neighborhood Park #1 of out 14 Coulbourn Park (CP) is very close to my house, and I drive by all the time. I'm not sure why I never stopped to check it out, especially since parks are my specialty. I decided to take some pictures and write a review before I leave Virginia, and that's when I realized it is a neighborhood park and not a regional park--and that there are 14 of them in Suffolk! CP is a small, 5-acre park, but has some charm. It's a nice place for kids to play, not just only at the playground, but lots of trees and fields to explore--there's even a bridge! The nicest thing about CP is that hardly anyone uses it. Amenities: *playground with swings *picnic shelter *water fountain *more small picnic tables and benches *grill *no restrooms *short trail *grassy fields

Dismal Swamp State Park has a lot of history. The State Park is in its own section, just down from…read morethe Welcome Center. After you find a place to park, you need to check in with the ranger at the booth, and then you can open the gate to walk across the bridge. From there you can either go on the walking trails or visit the museum building. I just went into the building as I wanted to see the Underground Railroad exhibit but there was just one storyboard so not quite what I expected. I did appreciate the audio of Moses Grandy reading his book. The Great Dismal Swamp was dug by hand by slaves. It was about a million acres when built but now is much smaller. It became part of the Underground Railroad for those going north but was also a place where a community formed as it was easy to hide in the ruggedness and the swamp provided a lot of resources. The exhibits are in the lobby and two rooms and provided a lot of information. The Great Dismal Swamp is in North Carolina and Virginia and is home to wildlife; birds, insects reptiles, trees and plants. 97 species live in the swamp today and 43 species of butterflies. Native Americans first lived there. They lost the land to European settlers. George Washington was one of many that wanted to drain the swamp but the canal was built instead. The 22 mile canal went from Chesapeake VA to South Mills NC. Barges took supplies and people from one end to the other. The canal system stopped being used when railroads started as they were more efficient. I highly recommend checking out this State Park.

I was born and raised near the Dismal Swamp Wildlife Refuge. I have a love/fear relationship with…read morenature, especially the swamp. I know to expect the unexpected when it comes to navigating the swamp. You may encounter mosquitoes, snakes, a bear--or all three. I had visited the Dismal Swamp State Park as a teenager, but I spent most of my visit on the water. I enjoyed revisiting the park as an adult, and I have to admit I was a bit relieved to hop on the wagon ride. It was a nice way to enjoy being in nature amongst the wildlife without the fear of walking up on any of the animal friends. I also enjoyed learning from the tour guide, especially about the history of moonshine and bootlegging in the past. There were other trails to walk, but they warned visitors that snakes were out, so I decided to pass.

There is a lunch with Santa held every year. Usually the first Saturday in December. Always a…read moregreat time! This is a well kept recreation center! I had never had a compliant about this center. The staff and facility are always in tact. I visited here last Saturday for their annual Lunch with Santa! The event started promptly at 11am and ended promptly a few minutes before 1pm. The City of Suffolk opens there doors to Northern Shores Recreation for a few hours of free fun for the kids. If adults want to participate (eat lunch) they are asked to pay $5 in advance (registration required). But I found out that the in advance registration is only to get a rough estimate of attendees. As a result, if you do not register prior to the event, there is certainly opportunity to register once you arrive. While adults are responsible to pay $5, children are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for a boy or girl to place under the Christmas tree. Now how awesome is that!! So once the adult pays and the child brings the toy...a day of fun begins. During this event you will experience: bounce houses, cotton candy, popcorn, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday crafts, coloring, face painting, custom balloons, lunch from Chic Fil A and raffles drawn throughout the event. Now I love a great children's event and I must say Northern Shores has it put together very well!! This was my 2nd year attending and I plan to attend until my 7 yr old daughter tells me she's too old to go. Children ranged from toddlers to 11 years old. And even if your child isn't into Santa it's still a great time for a worthy cause!! I would definitely recommend you mark your calendar for the first Saturday in Decemeber 2015 (when the event usually takes place). You will definitely not be disappointed a Saturday of fun well spent... Also...the picture quality is great as well. If you wish to bring your own camera to take the picture that is totally acceptable! Have fun :)

This is a great addition to the area the state of the art rec center has so many activities for the…read morecommunity everything from seniors karaoke to a gym and walking trail outside There is plenty of parking in new activities added monthly you can check out the website for updates or pop in for a preview They are currently hiring a senior activity Director, which will then open up a lot of programs for our local community in the 55 and up range. The staff here are absolutely wonderful and the building itself is beautiful. The architecture is very unique and it's very clean. I am very glad they decided to build us in our neighborhood.

Not a large park, but there is lots of parking thanks to the convention center. Nice views of the…read moreriver in the swampy setting. The walkways are wonderfully paved.

Any park that I as an adult can enjoy sliding on get a five star rating from me…read more Okay maybe not all of them but this one does earn it for sure Located beside the Windsor library and near the school this is a prime spot for a cute park It does have safety features like a fence and security cameras The equipment is well kept and there is a field of clovers good luck finding a four leaf :) They even have some art work painted on the fence I will definitely bring my little friends here anytime I'm driving through

Small park but perfect to get the energy out of littles. There are swings, a dirt digger, and…read moretypical slides. There isn't much shade but there is a small pavilion called Windsor Station. Park was a little worn out but clean.

I love Old Towne Portsmouth! I love the history all around you, plenty of dining places, stores,…read moreand the occasional festivities like the High Street Festival and Farmers' Markets. Looking to get out and about? Check it Out!

Beautiful walkable streets with shops restaurants and bars. Super cute farmers market on the…read moreweekend and 5 minutes from the waterside

We love our local YMCA! The workers are incredible, and though it may not be as large in some…read morerespects as various ones in the bigger surrounding cities of Hampton Roads, it has all you could want or need and more!!! They have great indoor and outdoor pools, workout/weight lifting room, exercise classes galore with awesome instructors and tons of choices with types of classes, big basketball gym and smaller one for the little guys (love it!!!), camps, sports teams for kids...we always do the fall and spring of soccer at the Y...the kids are crazy about the Y for sure!!! There is a great park in the back and tons of nets to practice soccer all year long. There is also a baseball field for those partial to baseball and an indoor tennis court I believe. If there was any question of if you should join the Y, I hope you can now change that question around a little to "why wouldn't I join the Y?!"! They always have great family activities going on all year round, different camps or classes for the kids and adults, oh and a babysitting room so the moms can workout for a bit on their own, and a kid zone that has a Wii and some just dance thing, and exercise equipment made just for older children which is awesome! There is really too much great stuff to list, and know I am missing a different elements, but they let you tour the place and try out a day for free...so come in and enjoy firsthand so you can decide for yourself! You won't regret it!