MLB's "Catfish" Hunter said it best: "Winning isn't everything. Wanting to win is."
If you can only commit to social engagements during the off-season, you'll probably want to make your way to the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum (206 High St., Portsmouth, Va.)... you know, some time when there's not a game on.
Located about 200 miles south of downtown D.C, the Hall of Fame features multimedia presentations, one-of-a-kind displays, and interactive exhibits featuring Virginia's sports stars from the past and present.
Enjoy the lap of luxury at the Redskins Skybox Experience, or hit a homer or two at the Chuck Boone Sports Complex. At the "You Make the Call" exhibit, you can see what it's really like to be behind the mic during Virginia's most famous sports moments. At the Paul Sawyer Auto Racing Exhibit, jump in a racing simulator for a better ride than you'll generally experience on the Beltway.
Worth the Trip
Kids can benefit here, too -- the museum offers a wide variety of educational programs for students with correlations to the Virginia Standards of Learning. They offer math, science, health and character development programs to pre-K through 12th grade students -- which should still be a lot more fun than sitting in a classroom.
The museum is also in a giving spirit. On Saturday, Dec. 10, during A Heroes Holiday, you can bring in items to donate to the Hampton VA Medical Center (see PDF list of needed items here), and receive $2 off general admission. You can also make holiday cards for the veterans who are staying at the hospital during the holidays.
Tickets are $7 per person. See hours of operation here.
