Fall is one of our favorite times of year in Olde Towne – the air is crisp, the leaves are just beginning to turn, and there is a magic in the air we just can’t put our fingers on. Below are five seasonal “pairings” that are sure to make your fall in Olde Towne extra memorable.
1
Treat yourself to a relaxing Saturday morning in Olde Towne before you dive into the weekend’s activities. Calm your mind at yoga, enjoy the seasonal flavors of our local coffee shops, and stock up on produce for a weekend full of healthy and delicious fall meals.
2
Can’t make it to Oktoberfest in Germany? Miss the local Oktoberfest? Make your own! Our local restaurants are more than prepared. With over 400 carefully curated biers, you’re sure to find one that hits the spot. After that we recommend stopping by Legend Brewing, Olde Towne’s newest waterfront restaurant and brewery.
3
Start the day off right with a healthy and delicious treat – the Sweet Potato Pie juice at Fit Bar Express. This is a drink aimed at helping boost vitamin D (critical to losing weight and boosting energy) and stabilizing blood sugar. You can try it 3 ways…grab it cold in a bottle, have it hot and topped with whipped cream or have it made into a smoothie! Next, head to Bowman’s Garden Center to pick out a picture perfect pumpkin to carve later. After that, head to the new Vendor’s Village pop up to shop the wares of 22 local vendors. Finally, head to an Olde Towne Portsmouth classic safe trick or treat experience — “trunk or treat”, hosted at the Portsmouth Pavilion!
4
Based on the Jack-the-Ripper Walks in London, this event is an Olde Towne favorite. Guides take spectators on a walk past haunted houses and mansions of Olde Towne, a 20-square block, 200 building area on the National Register of Historic Places. At each house on the tour, actors in appropriate costume will retell the legends of ghostly visitations and things that go bump in the night. All that spooking will surely work up a hunger – continue with the English spirit and grab a bite to eat and a seasonally-inspired drink at Gosport Tavern.
5
Summer might be over but one of our favorite features of Olde Towne, the waterfront, is still kickin! The Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race will bring authentic schooners to the Portsmouth waterfront on October 14. Next visit Skipjack Nautical Wares and Marine Art Gallery, selected as one of the 10 best art galleries in Virginia. Here you’ll discover authentic maritime antiques, fine original marine art, prints and custom framing, custom nautical furniture, furnishings and lighting, and one-of-a-kind ship salvage. Fun fact: their own line of nautical apparel is made right here in Olde Towne Portsmouth, VA! After you work up a hunger shopping, head to the waterfront to enjoy local seafood at one of our newest restaurants, Fish & Slips.
