Ten Cool Things to Do this Hot Memorial Day Weekend in Olde Towne

It's Memorial Day Weekend - the unofficial start of the summer season.  There's plenty to do right here in Olde Towne Portsmouth.  So much that I wanted to help you, well, plan your weekend.   Here is a sampling of what's going on over the Memorial Day Weekend.  Be sure to get outside and enjoy the long holiday weekend.

Grand Opening Weekend of the NEW Children's Museum of Virginia. 

The anticpation turns to reality as local residents, visitors and tourists alike can now enjoy this new state-of-the-art Children's Museum.The two-story facility contains 72,000 sq. ft. of pure imagination.  It includes 12 large exhibit areas on the first floor and three themed areas on the second floor.  Once inside there is plenty to ooh and ahh about. 

Hours:  Memorial Day thru Labor Day: Monday thru Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Open year-round.

Admission Fee(s):  Listed below are the prices for admission:

General Admission:  Adults (18 & up): $11; Ages 2 to 17: $10; Military and Seniors: $10; Children under two: Free.  The Children's Museum of Virginia gladly accepts cash, checks or major credit cards.  Are you a teacher?  Admission is FREE with vaild I.D.

The Children's Museum of Virginia is located at 222 High Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia 23704. www.childrensmuseumvirginia.com   

For more information on The Children's Museum of Virginia, click here.

 

Olde Towne Farmer's Market - Saturday, May 28th

The Olde Towne Farmer's Market features the first flavors of spring from several local farms, including Batten Bay Farm and Brothers Farm Market (which, rumor has it, may have greenhouse asparagus and strawberries), as well as beef, poultry and eggs from Broken Arrows Farm. West Pierhead Bakery returns with their delicious crusty home-baked breads.  SilverSpoon Bakery of Portsmouth will be participating as well.  It starts at 9 a.m. and runs until 1 p.m. or depending on when they run our of their products, etc. 

The Olde Towne Farmer's Market is open every Saturday and continues thru mid-November.

For more information, click here. 

The Courthouse Galleries  Corner of High and Court streets.  Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Tel: 757.393.8543.  

 

Memorial Day Weekend Concert at nTelos Pavilion May 28th

Ticket Prices: $59.75 orchestra; $39.75 gold circle; $24.00 lawn.

Special Discounts for this Concert: 

Present your AAA Membership Card at the nTelos Wireless Pavilion Box Offce or any Ticketmaster outlet and receive $3 Off Gold Circle and Lawn tickets purchased.

Present your Military ID at the nTelos Wireless Pavilion Box Office or any Ticketmaster outlet and receive $3 Off Gold Circle and Lawn tickets purchased.

Tickets available at the box office, all Ticketmaster locations, charge by phone or online at www.PavilionConcerts.com or www.Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800.745.3000.  Convenience charges will apply.

How to Reach nTelos Wireless Pavilion

nTelos Wireless Pavilion, 901 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704.  Phone: 757.393.8181, Fax: 757.391.3249.   www.pavilionconcerts.com.  Become an nTelos Wireless Pavilion 'Fan' on Facebook or 'Follow' them on Twitter.

For more information and the first wave of 2011 concert dates released, click here.  

 

 

The Elizabeth River Run: A Memorial Day Weekend Classic Continues May 28th

The Portsmouth Museums Foundation and the Tidewater Striders will host the Elizabeth River Run in Olde Towne Portsmouth on Saturday, May 28, 2011.   Over 1,000 runners will participate in the Elizabeth River Run 10K, Crawford Street Mile and Children’s Museum Fun Run.  This event has become a Memorial Day Weekend classic.

Runners will follow the exciting and scenic course through the streets of Olde Towne, along the Elizabeth River on Crawford Parkway and the grounds of the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center.

This year is the 31st year of the Elizabeth River Run.  The race moved to Portsmouth, Virginia six years ago.  It's held on an exciting and scenic course in this small seaport. 

Elizabeth River Run & Walk Division 10K

With magnificent views of the Elizabeth River, participants will will enjoy the fantastic views of the river, the waterfront area, the city skyline, riverboat activity, the Lightship PORTSMOUTH, Hospital Point, Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, the historical monuments and homes of the Olde Towne district and the nTelos Wireless Pavilion.

The race will start and finish on Crawford Street near the nTelos Wireless Pavilion at Harbor Center. 

The run division will recognize the top three overall winners - along with the top three in each age group.  The Walk Division in the 10K will recognize the top overall male and female.  Start time: 8 a.m.

The Elizabeth River 10K Run is part of the Tidewater Grand Prix Event.  The Elizabeth River Run course has been certified by USA Track & Field.

Crawford Street Mile

No matter what shape you - or your sneakers are in - be part of the fun by running or walking in Olde Towne Portsmouth.  Experience is not necessary.  Each participant receives a tee shirt and entry to the post party.  Awards for the top three overall males and females will be presented.  Start time: 745 a.m.

Children's Museum Fun Run

Children 6 mos. to 5 years old can participate in this 30-yard run.  Each child will receive a tee shirt and race bib number.  Start time: 10 a.m.  Please be on time - this race should be over in a matter of seconds.

For more information, click here. 

 

Captain Jack is Back at The Commodore Theatre

Jack Sparrow returns to Olde Towne Portsmouth in Pirates of the Carribbean IV ( PG-13) is now playing at The Commodore Theatre.  The movie stars Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Keith Richards, Ian McShane & Geoffrey Rush.

The Commodore Theatre is a great way to see a first run movie in a unique dining setting.  This luxuriously restored 1945 Art Deco style motion picture theatre presents first run films with a fine dining restaurant within the main auditorium. 

Shows are daily at 7 p.m.; matinees Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday ad Memorial Day at 2 p.m.  Same day ticket sales, in person, at the box office.

The Commodore Theatre  421 High Street.  Tel: 757.393.6962. 

RELATED ARTICLE:  Click here, to read my article on the Commodore Theatre.

 

Set Sail on the Schooner Spirit of Independence May 28th thru 30th

Olde Towne Portsmouth residents and visitors saw the schooner have discovered a great way to get out on the water and enjoy the sights of Portsmouth from a different vantage point - aboard the Spirit of Independence for a cruise along the Elizabeth River.

This Memorial Day Weekend. the schooner sails on Saturday at 11:30 a.m., 3 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. and Sunday and Monday at 3 p.m.  All departures are from High Street Landing in Olde Towne Portsmouth. 

WEEKEND SCHEDULED SAILS

Departure at 11:30 a.m. (1 ½ hour cruises)  Adults $14;  Children: $8.

Departure at 3 p.m.  (2 hour cruises) Adults $16; Children $10.

Departure at 6:30 p.m. (2 hour cruises)  Adults $22; Children $12.

*Children rates are 12 and under.

Group rate discounts of 15 people or more only with advanced reservation, reduce the above rates by $1 per person.  Group rate discounts are only available for their regularly scheduled charters.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at: The Portsmouth Visitor's Center, 6 Crawford Parkway, 757.393-5111; Starboards Coffee Kiosk, 101 High Street, 757.478.0056; Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery, One High Street, 757.399.5012.  You can purchase boarding passes at the Spirit of Independence directly at the schooner for the current charter as well as future charters (subject to availability). 757.971.1865; Email: j.c.waters@earthlink.net; Website: www.spiritofindependence.net

For more information about the Spirit of Independence, click here.  

 

Sunday Brunch in Olde Towne

This holiday weekend is a great opportunity to enjoy Sunday Brunch at one of the many restaurants in Olde Towne Portsmouth.  Listed below are the restaurants that offer Sunday Brunch.  Several have online links to their brunch menu.  We recommend that you try to make reservations in advance.

Amore Casual Italian offers Sunday Brunch Buffet from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  606 High Street.  Tel: 757.337.8382. 

Brutti’s offers a Grand Sunday Brunch Buffet with Prime Rib carving station from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  They also offer an A La Carte Weekend Brunch menu served all day on Saturday and Sunday.  Brunch menu online.  467 Court Street.  Tel: 757.397.1923.

Deck Restaurant offers an A La Carte Sunday Brunch menu from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Brunch menu online.  10 Crawford Parkway (Tidewater Marina).  Tel: 757.398.1221

Montgomery Grill offers an A La Carte Sunday Brunch menu from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  725 High Street.  Tel: 757.393.3322.

Still Worldly Eclectic Tapas offers an A La Carte Sunday Brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Selections include spiced pumpkin beignets with maple caramel drizzle, "Green eggs & ham" (cilantro lime egg scramble with Smithfield ham and tomatillo salso with surry sausauge and sweet potato hash) and a D.L.T. (like a B.L.T. but with Duck confit).  Brunch menu online  450 Court Street.  Tel:757.332.7222. 

For more information, visit the website for the Portsmouth Independent Restaurant Association.

 

Portsmouth to Salute Armed Forces with 127th Memorial Day Parade May 30th

The nation’s oldest annually held parade turns 127 this year!  The City of Portsmouth presents the 126th Annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 30th.  Parade starts at 11:00 a.m. (Rain or Shine) in downtown Portsmouth.  The first parade started in 1884.

Annually, the Memorial Day Parade salutes the service and sacrifices of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and celebrates Portsmouth’s proud military heritage. This year’s parade will include floats, marching band units, armed forces units, lots of excitement, and much more.

Grand Marshal Rear Admiral-Select Gregory Thomas of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard will be the Grand Marshal for this historic parade.

For additional information and parade route, click here. 

 

Come Sea History at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum and Lightship PORTSMOUTH May 39th

Celebrate Memorial Day with the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum and Lightship Portsmouth!   Learn about over 250 years of Portsmouth and naval history. Join in on Civil War era Revenue Cutter Service and U.S. Navy Demonstrations.  Create special patriotic crafts.  Open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial Day.

Also, make sure to visit Trophy Park at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, VA, which will be open to the public for tours.

To find out more about this special program please contact Katie Barnes at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum at 757.393.8591.

Hours: Monday thru Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission:  Adults: $3; Students (ages 2-17): $1 (Admission covers both the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum and the Lightship Portsmouth)

Military (with active Military ID) and Senior Citizens (60 years of age and over) discount is $.50 off the regular admissions price (see hours of operations schedule to determine your rate). 

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum is located at High Street Landing, on the corner of High Street and Water Street.

 

Check Out the Antique & Specialty Shops in Olde Towne

The concentration of antique shops along High Street has made it one of the Hampton Roads region's antiquing hot spots.  Make sure that you stop by and visit some of Olde Towne's finest antique shops. 

Antique Adventures Ltd specializes in signed Tiffany & Co. pieces, i.e. Silver, Bronze, Glass, and Clocks.  They have an extensive collection of many other Clocks, Jewelry, Paintings, Prints, Silverware, China, Furniture and consignement items.  507 High Street (Governor Dinwiddie Hotel).  Tel: 757.398.8763.

Nearthebay Antiques, Collectibles and Gifts specializes a collection of Antiques, Collectibles, Jewelry (old & new), Crystal, Sterling Silver, Lamps, Rugs, Tools, Sheet Music, Books and Post Cards.  310 High Street.  Tel: 757.393.3301.

Queen Bee’s Antiques features an eclectic mix representing many eras and styles. They specialize in Antique Furniture, Oil Lamps, Chandeliers, Table & Floor Lamps, Kitchen Utensils. Books and Vintage Quilts.  425 High Street.  Tel: 757.397.3939 

Skipjack Nautical Wares and Marine Gallery spcializes in Nautical Clocks, Barometers; Nautical Instruments; Nautical Lamps; Boat & Ship Models; Nautical Furniture & Furnishings; Sailor Art; Nautical Folk Art and Ship's Salvage & Nautical Hardware.  One High Street (facing the riverfront) at High Street Landing.  Tel: 757.399.5012

Way Back Yonder Antiques features the largest selection of 18th & 19th Century Antique Furniture, Glass, Silver, Jewelry and China in Hampton Roads.  They specialize in Clocks, Estate Linens,Glass, Rugs, Paintings, Prints and accessories.  620 High Street.  Tel: 757.398.2700. 

For more information on Portsmouth:  The official tourism website for the City of Portsmouth is www.visitportsva.com.  The official website for events in Portsmouth is www.portsvaevents.com.  You can reach the Portsmouth Visitors Center directly at 757.393.5111.

 

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Thanks, for reading and sharing... 'A New Day in Olde Towne'.

Have a great day!

David Cartier

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