Planning on visiting Portsmouth, Virginia and wondering how to fill your days once you're there? You could order a product of the latest brochure printing online at the Virginia tourism office or you could take two minutes to read this article. Which one seems easier to you? That's what we thought. So sit back and enjoy our two minute guide to the highlights of the Portsmouth, Virginia area.

Sightseeing

If you're a London architect or have a keen interest in Colonial structures, you're in for a treat, because Portsmouth is part of the oldest European settlement in the United States. There are 45 historic sites within one mile of each other that can easily be walked in a day. Start in the Old Towne historic district and admire the 300 year old buildings, then move on to the naval relics at the old shipyard. Also nearby are battlefields and forts from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, like Fort Nelson and the Battle of Craney Island.

Museums

Portsmouth's museums are much more than just a few old photos with words on walls describing things as they were. You can tour real ships at the Lightship Museum and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum. Hill House still contains the family's old belongings from 1825 and the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame features games that allow you to test your mettle against the best. See glass artwork blown before your eyes at the Courthouse Gallery and for kids, Andalo's Clubhouse is both fun and educational.

Shopping

No doubt when you were going over your itinerary with your event planner in Toronto you made sure to leave plenty of time for shopping. While the malls in the other nearby Hampton Roads cities offer the same merchandise you see everywhere, Portsmouth is a treasure trove of local boutiques featuring antiques, nautical memorabilia, local artwork, Victorian flower displays, vintage bicycles, upscale clothing, and hand made crafts.

Recreation

Are you more of a girls hockey tournament participant than a shopper? No worries, Portsmouth has you covered for outdoor activities. You can take a tour of the harbor on a modern ship or an old schooner like the Spirit of Independence or ride around town on the 19th century steam locomotive Pokey Smokey. Spend the day in the wilderness viewing local wildlife at the Hoffler Creek Preserve or have a picnic in Portsmouth City Park. For golfers, you can play nine holes at the city park or upgrade to eighteen at Bird-a-Wee, the best municipal course in Virginia.