Chesapeake local attractions

Hours and admission are subject to change. Call ahead to confirm times and prices.

Battle of Great Bridge site

116 Callison Drive

Chesapeake is home to the site of the first battle of the Revolutionary War to be fought on Virginia soil, in a spot just a few hundred yards from where the Chesapeake Municipal Center stands today. Re-enactments take place annually. For information, call (757) 382-6411 or check www.CityofChesapeake.net/parks.

Chesapeake Arboretum

Chesapeake Arboretum 624 Oak Grove Road, Chesapeake, (757) 382-7060, www.chesapeakearboretum.com

This 47-acre combination of gardens and natural areas is sandwiched between Battlefield Boulevard and Kempsville Road. The arboretum includes a 43-acre stretch of mature hardwood forest and a top-notch trail system.

Chesapeake Planetarium

312 Cedar Road, at the Chesapeake Municipal Center, (757) 547-0153 for reservations, www.cps.k12.va.us/departments/planetarium/index.html

The programs change monthly. Visitors can learn about the universe's wonders at 8 p.m. Thursdays. The shows are free, but reservations are necessary.

Chesapeake Veterans' Memorial

306 Cedar Road, www.chesapeakeveteransmemorial.com

The memorial, dedicated in 2002 commemorates the service of citizens and loved ones who are serving or have served in the military. The memorial, at the city's municipal center, includes a marble structure and more than 1,000 individual pavers.

Chilled Ponds Ice Sports Complex

1416 Stephanie Way, (757) 420-4488, www.chilledponds.com

Chilled Ponds has ice rinks and offers public skating sessions, skating and hockey lessons, adult and youth hockey leagues, a fitness center and cafe.

City parks

Chesapeake Parks and Recreation, (757) 382-6411, For information, www.cityofchesapeake.net/services/depart/park-rec/ index.shtml.

A few parks:

Chesapeake City Park, 900 Greenbrier Parkway: Includes 75 acres of pine trees and open space; a gathering place for dogs, children and adults; the location for a farmers market; and the home of a popular skate park.

Deep Creek Lock Park, 300 Luray St.: This 25-acre forested park has a path of pedestrian bridges and walkways along tidal inlet and marsh areas and hiking trails. There aslo is a play area and a canoe put-in.

Northwest River Park, 1733 Indian Creek Road, (757) 421-7151: Located on the banks of the Northwest River, these 763 acres make up the city's most expansive park, offering camping, trails, picnic shelters, an equestrian center, putt-putt course and play areas.

Cuffeytown-Longridge community

On Cuffee Road and various locations

This site of the oldest continuously occupied community of free blacks in the state includes the Cuffeytown School for Colored Children, organized in 1865, and the Gabriel Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, founded in 1866.

(See Tours in the listing.)

Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

Located in Chesapeake, Suffolk and Northeastern North Carolina. Headquarters: 3100 Desert Road, Suffolk, (757) 986-3705, www.fws.gov/northeast/greatdismalswamp/

This preserve consists of about 111,000 acres of forested wetlands. It's home to one of the East Coast's largest black bear populations, as well as bobcats, white-tailed deer, river otters, bats, raccoons, mink, turtles, more than 200 species of birds, 21 types of snakes and 23 species of fish. Fishing and boating are allowed in Lake Drummond. Seasonal deer hunting, with the proper permits and licenses, is permitted. The refuge has trails for biking and hiking.

Jolliff United Methodist Church

1900 Jolliff Road, (757) 488-2784

The white clapboard church has been a landmark for more than 150 years.

A Place for Girls

912 Cedar Road, www.gsccc.org

The headquarters of the Colonial Coast Council of the Girl Scouts of America, the facility sits on 11 wooded acres and includes a nature trail, canoe docks and a boardwalk.

Portlock Galleries at SoNo

Portlock Galleries at SoNo, 3815 Bainbridge Blvd., (757) 502-4901, www.portlockgalleries.com. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 1-5 p.m. weekends The contemporary gallery features artwork, education facilities, a visitors’ center and meeting spaces. Classes on art appreciation and various media are offered. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Tours

Cuffeytown, other historic sites The Bells Mill Historical Research and Restoration Society sponsors tours of Cuffeytown and other historic sites in the area. (757) 547-5542, www.bellsmill.net

Virginia Civil War trails

Chesapeake is home to many Civil War stops. (888) CIVIL-WAR, www.civilwartraveler.com