Things to Do in Portsmouth

It's been more than 25 years since American Rover raised its majestic red sails and floated out on its first narrated tour. From April to October of each year, the 135-foot schooner still journeys across the smooth waters of Hampton Roads Harbor and the Elizabeth River. As its flags ripple in the wind, the three-masted sailboat explores sights such as Old Fort Norfolk and the battleship Wisconsin. Its captain narrates each of these excursions and invites guests to take turns at the helm and man the sails.

At night, American Rover transforms into a floating party. Twinkling harbor lights, live musicians, and a fully stocked bar set the mood for birthday celebrations or everyday outings. Meanwhile, climate-controlled lounges hide passengers who have an awkward history with the man in the moon.

On your hour-long copiloted flight, leave the small world behind to coast aloft on an adventure of atmospheric exploration. How you use your time is up to you; spend some of the time piloting the mechanical bird or signal your cockpit companion to take over while you enjoy the high-altitude views. With no predetermined flight pattern, choose to fly over the coastline in search of pre-Columbian strip-mall fortifications, or simply breeze through the clouds in pursuit of undiscovered powerup blocks.

It’s fitting that Grand Slam 2’s name suggests a sequel, as the baseball complex’s team of instructors consists of former collegiate coaches and athletes who continue their involvement in the sport even after hanging up their game-day cleats. In classes, camps, and clinics, these instructors impart their appreciation for baseball as they build their students’ hitting and fielding skills from the ground up. Though the facility’s batting cages play an important role in correcting swings, sessions may also include off-field weight training—this is especially true for pitching classes, which aim to bulk up throwing arms in preparation for more serious competition. At winter and summer hitting academies, bats crack against approaching baseballs like the whip of an exceptionally demanding coach.

Players can put their newfound skills to the test in the Tidewater Bombers baseball program, a competitive, age-appropriate league that imparts the principles of teamwork through live-action games. To prepare for league games, check out Grand Slam 2's pro shop, which stocks bats, gloves, and terrifying masks for psyching out opposing pitchers.

Virginia Beach Cornhole brings the classic challenge of chucking a corn-filled bag through a hole in a tilted game board to the seaside. Its waterfront shops stock an array of regulation-sized boards, with both painted and unfinished options, which patrons can rent or purchase. Like the bed pillows of most chickens, Virginia Beach Cornhole’s bags are packed with a pound of corn each, and are available in a rainbow of vibrant colors. For friendly competition, players can chuck bags in one of the company’s contests, hosted weekly throughout the summer and sporadically in winter months.