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Let Our Lively Characters Guide You Through Historic Olde Towne Portsmouth, VA

Let Our Lively Characters Guide You Through Historic Olde Towne Portsmouth, VA

Overview

Our guides don't just dress the part. These expert interpreters, in the guise of real characters from Portsmouth's rich and colorful past, will entertain you with stories and songs, amuse you with word origins and colonial culture, and educate you on the history of the homes and their architectural features.

Portsmouth boasts the largest collection of standing period architecture between Charleston and Alexandria, and has been an integral part of the history of our nation. Walk the streets where Benedict Arnold, Cornwallis, Lafayette, James Armistead, Billy Flora, Andrew Jackson, Chief Black Hawk, Mark Twain, and Martin Luther King Jr. walked.

End at the Portsmouth Arts and Cultural Center where something new and interesting is always on display for your enjoyment. Then, find yourself in the heart of the restaurant district, with a plethora of eateries from which to choose.

City: Virginia

Mon 21 Jul

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $20.00

Make a reservation

Mon 21 Jul

Starting at $20.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Fun, Fun, and More Fun!!!

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Our tours are primarily out-of-doors. The nature of what we do is not compatible with wearing a mask, although guests are, of course free to do whatever makes them comfortable.

What To Expect

Lightship Portsmouth Museum

See Portsmouth's own lightship museum and hear its history! There are only 17 lightships left in the U.S., and even fewer are maintained as museums. The interior of this museum is currently closed for renovations, but now that you know it's location, you can revisit it when it opens again. The Norfolk Naval Shipyard Museum is only one block away, and another point of interest you might consider after the walk (if open) or on your next visit.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews (10)

TeacherageBB

Jul 2022

Highly recommended! The warmth and knowledge they transmit makes history so much fun. Every time I'm in town, I look for available walks with them. I enjoy history now (And I used to fall asleep in history class during my teenage years).

Response from Host

Jul 2022

Thank you so much for taking the time to review our walking tour! Our primary goal is to make history fun and entertaining. It's appears we accomplished that during your time with us. We also do in-school presentations and a walking tour for students called, "History Happened Here" if you know of any teachers who might be interested. It's a pleasure whenever we run into you on the streets of Olde Towne!!! Always at your service, Mary

grahamhA851GK

Jul 2022

We were in downtown historic Portsmouth on a Saturday morning and met Mary and her husband dressed in colonial garb. They are the perfect host for this walking tour as they have great knowledge of the area and a terrific sense of humor. Highly recommended.

Response from Host

Jul 2022

Yes, I remember you and your lovely wife had just purchased a home in our faire city. It was truly a pleasure to show you around town! That pleasure is renewed every time we see you both on the streets of Olde Towne. Your lovely smiles are a welcome addition to Portsmouth!!! Always at your service, Mary

DrHanselUnion

Jul 2022

This is the best way to see olde towne Portsmouth. A stroll with the colonials makes history come alive in engaging and memorable ways. I highly reccommend this for any visitors to Portsmouth with an interest in history!

Response from Host

Jul 2022

Thank you for your kind words! I especially enjoyed the walk I did for your grandchildren. It is such a privilege when we get the opportunity to share history with young people!!! Always At Your Service, Mary