The first thing most people notice when they learn about Suffolk, VA, is its impressive scale. With a population that hovers around 97,000 people, this sweeping community covers more square miles than any other in the Commonwealth of Virginia and is one of the largest cities in the United States by land area. Its wide spaces and abundant natural landscapes are only a part of what makes this place unique. The beauty of this place is equal only to the depth of its history, which stretches back centuries and continues to unfold to this day.

The story of this place is tightly woven with agriculture and transportation. Long before modern highways and commuter routes were etched across the region, indigenous peoples thrived along the rivers and marshes. Later, fertile soil and the favorable climate of the region made it a central player in peanut production, a legacy visible in the old warehouses and processing facilities that still stand from the early 20th century. Agriculture remains an important part of the local identity, even as creative entrepreneurs and small business owners invest in the downtown and neighboring areas.

Food lovers and local explorers find much to savor here. There are familiar neighborhood favorites that have become staples for friends and families gathering around a table. Harper’s Table presents a refined take on classic American fare where thoughtfully sourced ingredients are prepared with technique that highlights seasonal offerings. Vintage Tavern keeps things down to earth with hearty ribs and grill selections that feel like an invitation to linger, and the lively energy of its dining room mirrors the friendliness of the community. Amici’s Pizza Cafe attracts those seeking relaxed Italian favorites such as crisp pizzas and pastas, dishes that have become gathering points for celebrations and casual meals alike. For mornings or afternoons that call for a cup of coffee and a pastry, Knotts Coffee Company provides a cozy setting where conversations and quiet moments both feel at home.

Beyond the plate, there is always something unfolding. The rhythm of events ranges from the Suffolk Earth and Arts Festival, an inclusive celebration of creativity, craft, and community interest that brings together more than one hundred vendors, musicians, and creators for a day of exploration and enjoyment, to seasonal farmers’ markets that brim with produce, honey, flowers, preserves, and handmade goods from local growers and artisans. These gatherings reflect long-standing traditions that give life to the cultural calendar while offering moments for neighbors to connect and travelers to join in the experience.

History pulses through the streets of the historic core. Walking through downtown, many people pass by without noticing the many architectural details, many of which have stories of their own. The Professional Building, for instance, rises several stories above Main Street with its early twentieth-century Colonial Revival features and stands as a marker of economic ambition in a bygone era. Elsewhere, remnants of earlier peoples emerge at places like Dumpling Island, where the footprints of centuries past have been preserved and studied by archaeologists, offering tantalizing glimpses into the deep narrative of human presence here.

Recreation appeals to a wide spectrum of interests. The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge provides access to large tracts of water, boardwalks, and trails that invite exploration and reflection among towering trees and quiet marshes. Bennett’s Creek Park, following the gentle bends of its namesake waterway, extends welcoming fields and paths for picnics, fishing, and simple days outdoors. Canoe and kayak excursions offer another way to connect with the waterways that have shaped local life for generations, while parks and green spaces throughout the area provide places for rest and play.

Art and performance also hold a valued place in the community. The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts presents live theater, music, dance, and gallery exhibits throughout the year, drawing audiences into shared appreciation of creative expression. The art gallery and various smaller studios and galleries bring forward rotating exhibitions and classes that encourage participation and deeper engagement with visual art.

There are fleeting, almost folkloric stories that local guides will share with visitors who wander the historic districts after dusk. Tales of spirited encounters in the older portions of town or whispered accounts of long-ago happenings lend an added layer of intrigue to evening strolls along shadowed streets where the glow of lampposts and the creak of old floorboards seem to speak to the past.

As a company that services this area, we understand that living in this region brings unique opportunities and occasional challenges when it comes to local wildlife. We provide comprehensive management services designed specifically for local properties and the needs of the people who live and work here in Suffolk. If wildlife has become a concern on your property and you want professional assistance with handling the issue, don't hesitate to contact us today at Two Guys Wildlife to learn how we can help protect your space and give you peace of mind.