Why I Love Suffolk, Virginia

Her name means, literally, "territory of the southerndeer hunting is permissible during the season.
people," and it is quite fitting since in SoutheasternCycling enthusiasts will want to visit Suffolk in the fall
Virginia, Suffolk lies south of Norfolk. Situatedfor the Great Peanut Tour. Many people know that
approximately twenty miles from Norfolk and nearly anSuffolk is home to Planters Peanuts - the original
hour and a half from Richmond, Suffolk is attractive toPlanters Peanut Center is still open to visitors and sells
Virginia residents for its distance from the moreall sort of delicious peanut treats - and the Peanut Ride
populous areas of Hampton Roads. In recent years,is just one way people in southern Virginia celebrate
too, many major industries have come to set up largeSuffolk's heritage. Each year, thousands of cyclists
offices in Suffolk, among them Unilever and Target.embark on a series of rides over Suffolk and
However, this does not detract from the rural charmneighboring towns, fueled by a love of the sport and
of this growing city, and it is certainly one placethe energy of a few peanuts!
anybody visiting southern Virginia should see.Even more popular is the annual Peanut Festival, a
Where other areas of Hampton Roads offerweekend long fair celebrating the best of Suffolk.
excitement at the shore and historical interest withThousands of visitors descend upon the fairground
Colonial-era curiosities, Suffolk's attractions are uniqueeach year to sample local fare and enjoy top music
and as equally interesting. Suffolk is a haven for theacts. The Peanut Festival is one of the top fairs held
outdoors-bound with opportunities for fishing, camping,annually in Virginia, and is a must-see if you are visiting
golf, and hiking. Part of the Great Dismal Swamp lies inin the fall.
Suffolk, close to the North Carolina border, and herePeanuts made Suffolk famous, but the city's natural
visitors may explore the over 100,000 acres of naturalbeauty and offerings for outdoor recreation make
wildlife refuge. Boating is permissible year round, andSuffolk a place to visit any time of year.