I am having to spend time with in laws this summer in suffolk va. they have some things planned for us but what else might be suggested? Are there any sights to see in this area without having to drive the 45 minutes she is talking about to go to the beach? Any GOOD dining spots? PLEASE help!!!

Linda,

I live in the area you're visiting, called Hampton Roads. This includes Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, etc. There's an unlimited variety of things to do and see other than the beach, which I'm concluding you're not too thrilled about. ;-) Have they made many other suggestions? What are YOUR interests?

Downtown Norfolk is great for shopping, historic waterfront, Nauticus, etc. Virginia Beach has museums, shopping, of course the beach and shops a few streets over (although a bit cheesey!), etc. If you're willing to drive to Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg, there are plenty of things to do and see there.

Suffolk is a bit out of the way of the "main action" of the other cities, but nothing is father than an hour or so away.

My suggestions for excellent dining spots are:

Italian - Aldo's in VA Beach
French - La Chambord in VA Beach (pricey)
Eclectic - Lucky Stat in VA Beach
Seafood - Locks Pointe in Chesapeake

A website you might find helpful is:

http://www.gohamptonroads.com
It's our "local" site and you can find information on all sorts of things.

Summers in this area are hot and HUMID, especially in July and August. Enjoy your planning and enjoy your vacation.

Ooooops, that's Lucky Star!

Linda,
While Lynn gave some good ideas, they are all really far away. Over 1 hour drive. My Grandmother lives in Suffolk and visit her every other year. There is nothing to do in the immediate vicinity. The big thing to do there is go to Super Wal-Mart. If you can take them to the Outterbanks for a few days or to Virginia Beach. There are a lot of thing to do there. Good luck!
Tracey

Linda: I posted a similar question when I was going to be in Norfolk for a weekend last July and got some nice feedback from others on this site. It ended up being a great city, very walkable and there is a great art museum there called the Chrysler Museum (all art, no cars!) and had a teriffic meal at Magnolia Steakhouse. Hope this helps!

Linda.....why the aversion to driving a bit? You're on vacation.....see the great sights that that area of the state has to offer. The surrounding cities have plenty to keep you busy, unless you're just wanting to sit around countrified-Suffolk for your whole vacation. While there's nothing wrong with that, I suppose, get out and experience southeastern Virginia!