This Up-and-Coming Virginia City Is Perfectly Located

People can make the case that midsize towns are perfect. I might even agree with them. They have the charm and relaxed pace of small towns, but with many of the conveniences and amenities of big cities. I love visiting small towns, but their lack of an airport or museums can be frustrating. At a population of around 100,000, Suffolk, Virginia, is that perfect, middle-of-the-road size. The city is also experiencing renewed growth in its population and its economy.

Suffolk is in the southeast of Virginia and near some of the state's biggest cities. It is about 20 miles from Norfolk, 21 miles from Chesapeake, and 37 miles from Virginia Beach. Suffolk is also about a 30-minute drive to the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, a 113,000-acre swamp with impressive wildlife diversity. But the truth is that you never have to leave Suffolk to have a fantastic experience.

The Riddick's Folly House Museum is an incredible historic site in Suffolk. The home, built in 1837, has been carefully preserved and has incredible architectural details, including double chimneys on either side of the house, Greek Revival columns, and intricate ceiling medallions. Visitors can tour the impressive four-floored home, which has 21 rooms and 16 fireplaces. As one enthusiastic reviewer recently shared, "If you enjoy and appreciate history, this is a place for you. Joyce delivered an informative and engaging tour. This museum is one of Suffolk's hidden treasures!"

Recent growth in the city has invigorated its arts and culture scene. Visitors and locals can participate by visiting the Make Something Studio, where kids and adults can paint pottery, build with clay, create door hangers, and more. The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts hosts a variety of performances, including ballets, puppet shows, symphonies, and concerts. Visitors can also enjoy local art through the exhibits at the Suffolk Art Gallery in downtown Suffolk.

Suffolk has many parks and hiking trails for those who prefer to be outdoors. The Lake Meade Park Loop is a 1.7-mile trail generally considered easy. The Washington Ditch Boardwalk Trail, a nine-mile round-trip hike, is also nearby. Some of the area's most popular parks include Lake Meade Park, which has hiking trails, a dog park, a picnic area, a playground, and tennis courts, and the Lonestar Lakes Park, which has areas for horseback riding, fishing, boating, and canoeing.

A hallmark of any great city is fabulous restaurants, and Suffolk has no shortage of incredible places to eat. Harper's Table is an American restaurant on Main Street serving delicious dishes in a swanky atmosphere. Amici's is a wonderful pizza and Italian restaurant on Washington Street downtown (you can check out the Amici's pizza menu online!).

If you're interested in planning a getaway to up-and-coming Suffolk, Virginia, consider staying in this Airbnb guest suite with access to a pool and hot tub.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.