Pretty awesome today as I was able to not only tour the exterior but one of the sheriff's deputies…read moregave me a brief personal tour of the interior and one of the courtrooms. After passing through the magnetometer, of course. Designed by architect Albert L. West and built between 1882 and 1883, the courthouse has a Classical Revival architecture. It is notable for its red brick façade and symmetrical proportions. The most striking features include a central tower with a working clock and columned portico. Elizabeth City wasn't always the seat of Pasquotank County. From the 18th century onward, the seat moved from Brook Field to Relfe's Point, then Winfield, Nixonton, and finally Elizabeth Town in 1800 which was renamed to Elizabeth City. [Review 878 of 2025 - 4303 in North Carolina - 24435 overall]

The Virginia Beach Courts (Second Judicial Circuit) is located in the municipal center area of…read moreVirginia Beach. They are located at building 10. My visit here was on July 13, 2026. The reason for the visit was that I was summoned for jury duty that day. There is a big parking lot, but it does seem to be pretty full, but at least there was an area for juror parking. The process after coming in felt like a TSA version of a checking. You can't bring any electronics, etc. into the courthouse, but they do have lockers where you can store it while here. You can't even take a Fitbit in either. I found out after that I could have had my phone with me locked in a specific type of case since I have a CGM (continuous glucose monitor). The locker cost is 50 cents, and they do have a money exchange to convert dollars to quarters for it, as it only takes quarters. After going through the security checkpoint, the place looks pretty big. There were monitors along the hallways for cases pending in the courts for the day. I ended up going down to the floor below the main entrance as that is where the juror check in and waiting room is located. There was a pretty big line waiting, but the check in itself was pretty easy, even though my ID was left in the locker at the security checkpoint. They also give you a debit card that would be loaded with $50 within 24-48 hours. In the juror waiting room, it was like we were back in time without technology. The only sign of technology was the screen in front. There were magazines and such in there you could read though if desired. Once everyone was checked in, one of the juror administrators came in and talked a bit about the process. It would be followed by a video about jury service from the Chief Justice of the Virginia Supreme Court. After all of that was done, it was just a waiting game for the day to see how the case would proceed. Later in the day, the case ended up being pushed to a different day, and then we were all released from jury duty for the day since it ended up being only one case pending that day. Overall, I would say it was just like a typical day at a courthouse. There wasn't anything fancy or anything like that. The overall process was pretty easy. I also found out that we can only be considered to be a juror once at the city/state level every three years, so I won't have to worry about being called again in the near future.

Not necessarily a place you want to be if your not a player and a puppet in the system. Players…read morework there, puppets are obligated by law to appear. I had never been inside a court room until recently after receiving a traffic citation and wanting to fight it. The location is not desirable for most who reside in Virgina Beach. It's in building 10 in the city complex off Princess Anne road west of town. Parking is by lot, or street and free. The entrance is important to note because it changed to front (North) only. So ideally you want to be on the main entrance side. No fire arms, explosives etc in the building. They have airport type of security with a wand. All cellphones must be put in a locker at a cost of 50 cents, they have a machine that has change, but it did not work for me on one of my visits. The staff was pleasant to deal with on my two times visits. Especially Mrs. Wilburn who is an older lady who assisted me with a locker. There are monitors that tell you which room to go to on a scrolling screen with your name. Hey your famous, you made the big time. I found the common areas, as well as court rooms clean and even inviting if that's possible. Our tax dollars are paying for the up keep and I was impressed. You will observe all types of people from law enforcement, to attorneys, to witnesses to those compelled to appear in front of the judge. Virginia Beach has a nice court system. If your a player and this is where you find yourself often then I can see it being a comfortable place to conduct business. If your a puppet then good luck. I hope to not return anytime in the near future. However, it was nice to walk out of the building a winner.

Amazing was still open at 5:00 pm and they helped me other dmv close 30 min early so I rushed here…read morelast minute but they were still nice to me

This is a very clean place. Signs make it easier to choose between business or property taxes…read more There's a parking lot across the street if the front lot is full.

The Chowan County Courthouse was completed in 1767 and is the oldest courthouse still in active use…read morein North Carolina. The courthouse's design is attributed either to John Hawks, architect of Tryon Palace in New Bern, or Gilbert Leigh, a local builder. It features a T-shaped layout with Flemish bond brickwork, a central courtroom, and a second-floor assembly room often referred to as a ballroom. The building has a two-stage wooden cupola with a weathervane atop the structure, reflecting classical British architectural influences. During the Revolutionary era, the courthouse was a hub of political and legal activity. Figures such as Joseph Hewes (a signer of the Declaration of Independence), James Iredell (later a U.S. Supreme Court Justice), and Samuel Johnston (Governor and U.S. Senator) practiced law and held meetings there. It is one of the most impressive buildings in Edenton and well worth a stop. [Review 838 of 2025 - 4268 in North Carolina - 24397 overall]

Tons of history in this building! Very cool to stand on original stone floors that were imported…read morefrom Britain. It's still an active courtroom and we learned that the NC Supreme Court holds court here once in a while. You can walk around freely and sit in the judge's seat which was a cool experience. The guided tour with Lucas was fun and informative.

Came to the magistrate to get an An Emergency Custody Order (ECO) for my 17 year old son. In…read moreVirginia it's a legal mechanism allowing law enforcement to take a person into custody for up to 8 hours for a mandatory mental health evaluation if they pose a danger to themselves or others due to mental illness. He was finally able to get the help he needed thanks to them and he was not only diagnosed with Bipolar 1 but he also has high functioning autism, ADHD, and ODD. If it wasn't for the magistrate he would have never agreed to get checked out and things would still be bad. He is now on the path to recovery. Thank You So Much for your help! Without you, who knows what the outcome would have Been.

Went in for a marriage license. When we walk in the front door i greet the officer and ask, " is…read morethis where we apply for a marriage license?" He doesnt answer the question but abruptly asks me do I have a cell phone. Talk about poor people skills! But after dealing with the sentry staff everyone else was happy to assist. But first impressions go a long way.

Located outside the former Princess Anne County Courthouse, you'll find this statue that was…read moreerected in 1905 as a memorial to the heroes of the Confederacy. Young men who fought for the South in what locals still call The War of Northern Aggression. Yankees like myself would say "Civil War" or "War Between the States." Yes, Virginia was one of the states who seceded from the Union and many battles were fought in the State. Including the final one, the Battle of Appomattox Court House in 1865. The tall statue is at the corner of Princess Anne Road and Nimmo Parkway. Note: The soldier is facing South with his back to the Union. Hint: If someone ever says "You're not from around here," the correct password is "The South will rise again."

A first for me, I didn't know this house existed. I found out about the holiday decor/open house…read morevia an IG story that VBhistory museums posted. Apparently they have been doing these holiday open houses for a couple years or so now. Admission is free but suggested donations range from $3-$5 (there's a sign outside the house and the info is on their website). The holiday open house showcased the house decorated with 18th century decor with flowers, cotton, fruit and oyster shells designed by the garden club. The original house structure contained one room on the first floor and a loft upstairs, but after ownership had transferred across three families -Whitehurst, Bratten and Buffington it has undergone expansions. The house has been occupied up until 1986 and is considered one of of the 50 historically significant structures in Virginia Beach. It was built soon after the first lighthouse was erected in Cape Henry. Daniel Whitehurst was a commissioner and allowed for the VB courthouse to be built near his home. During the holiday open house they had refreshments consisting of mints, various cookies and nuts, with the accompaniment of coffee and cider. The house boasts four fireplaces where on the left, Bob Clark was doing what he does well, playing sweet sounds from the dulcimer. For those not familiar with the dulcimer, it's essentially an open stringed portable piano. The sounds that originate from it are very clean, calming and relaxing. Upstairs are three rooms, one which holds an old singer and a quilt, another with historic maps of the area and the last room has a bed and a bassinet. In an attic? Or small partitioned area was a violinist gliding her bow in a frenzy of holiday cheer. It was neat to see the house, however the kitchen had been updated and renovated in a 1950s style, which truly lives up to a "house over time."

While walking on the West Neck Natural Creek Area with my dog. I thought I could check out the…read moreWhitehurst Buffington House within the area. It was a nice stroll through the trees on the horse trail. I imagined how it was like before cars when one would ride a horse carriage. This place takes me back in time. Unfortunately, they would not allow dogs and I wasn't surprised. I got a peek at the nice house.

I have called Chesapeake home for over 40 years and in all of that time, I've never found a better…read moreplace to live, raise a family or to call my home. Taxes are a necessary part of life but the City of Chesapeake has been a good steward of our tax dollars over the years. They provide us with the essential services that we need and they have a great track record of educating our children. The police and fire departments are consistently ranked among the best in the country.

NOTE: This review is for the City Clerk's Office/Passport Application Processing office located at…read moreCity Hall of Chesapeake. I was at City Hall this week for an appointment, and while I was waiting, I was chatting it up with the friendly security guard and we got on the topic of passports, as I needed some for my children. He informed me that I could go up to the first floor at the City Clerk's Office to obtain an appointment. I remembered this from last year when I had to obtain one to go back home to Canada, that it was appointment only based, but I remembered the office being at least 4 months out. I ended up walking in at the Norfolk courthouse because I needed it ASAP (only place in the area who processes passport applications in person, on a walk in basis FYI). I was expressing my dread of potentially finding out how far out the appointments were, but with his encouragement, I went up to the first floor to ask. Plus, it's way more convenient for me to process them at City Hall in Chesapeake than in Norfolk. With parking, tight security and the lack of patience of children, City Hall in Chesapeake was a better option for me. Lo and behold, the nice lady told me that they had one in the coming days!! *Things to note (info current as of June 15/23)* - appointment only, no walk-ins - appointments can be made by calling the City Clerk's office (located on the 1st floor) at 757-382-6151 - appointment slots are available on Mondays from 9:00 am - 11:30 am & Thursdays from 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm ONLY - for your appointment, present yourself at the little office in the corner on the left hand side of the security desk on the ground floor. Top flap of the door will be open if they are open to process applications - if you are applying for minors, BOTH parents and/or all guardians must be present. If one parent cannot be present, you must obtain some other letter/form that must be notarized - for the actual application fees, you must have a cheque or money order (US Dept of State) - you can pay the processing fees by either cheque or card (City of Chesapeake) - all card transactions will be charged a 2.2% transaction processing fee - as of this writing, the processing time for the passport is 10-13 weeks for regular processing and 7-9 weeks for expedited (obvi with extra fee). The clerk let me know that the processing center has been especially busy this year with more and more people coming out of the pandemic funk and the eagerness to travel again. - come prepared with your documents filled out in advance (you can either fill it out online and print) or they do have paper applications right by the processing office - unlike the Norfolk office, they do not provide photos here, so be sure to obtain those in advance at your nearest pharmacy. We got them done at Walgreens on Hanbury - just an FYI, in case you didn't know, but this is very stressful for me, but they take the original document of the individual (especially if it's your first passport). They took my ORIGINAL citizenship certificate last year and it didn't come for weeks until after my passport arrived solo. Very nerve wracking too, just waiting....my citizenship certificate eventually showed up in a FedEx envelope, with no note, nothing. Just the certificate all by its lonesome. After losing a small fortune on 3 passport applications (my husband decided to get his done too since his had been expired also), processing fees and the photos, the clerk processed them quickly and efficiently. So now we wait. Not sure where we'll end up, but at least we'll be ready to go, once we receive their passports... HUGE shout out to the security guard for the recommendation and encouragement, and to the clerk for being so kind in trying her hardest to find an appointment that best suited our schedule and circumstance. She ended up being the one to process the applications a few days later. She set me up for success from the get go (she had provided me a small paper with a list of all the reqs and docs I needed at the time of making my appointment). They were both so nice, friendly and so helpful! If you live in Chesapeake and you need a passport, go to City Hall! But think ahead and make that appointment now! Stay safe, Friends, and safe travels!

The Barker House in Edenton, North Carolina, is a storied landmark that blends architectural…read moreelegance with deep historical resonance. Built in 1782 for Thomas and Penelope Barker, the home originally stood two blocks north of its current location and began as a modest Federal-style parlor wing and half hall. Penelope Barker is best known for organizing the Edenton Tea Party in 1774, a bold act of protest in which 51 women signed a petition against British taxation--making it one of the earliest political demonstrations by women in America. Unlike the Boston Tea Party, these women signed their names and sent the petition directly to King George III, drawing international attention and criticism from British newspapers. Since relocated (yes, they moved it two blocks), it now serves as Edenton's Welcome Center and the headquarters of the Edenton Historical Commission. Stop in for information about Edenton sights and history. I wasn't staying long here, but I was helped by friendly folks who clearly love their town. [Review 839 of 2025 - 4269 in North Carolina - 24398 overall]

We were greeted by an excellent curator that provided us a very warm Welcome into the Barker House…read more The house is a beautiful step back in time with period antiques and a very nice gift shop. I purchased a Tea House cookbook and was amazed by the recipes along with beautiful historical notes of the area. You must stop in while visiting Edenton!

This post office is located what one might call in the middle of nowhere, but it is located along…read morePrincess Anne Rd. at the southern end of Virginia Beach. From that location, it is about 8 miles from the North Carolina border. When you look at the outside of the place, it looks dated. Although it looks dated, it's not as noticeable as such inside. This post office is small and doesn't have a drive through. Parking is also fairly limited. However, due to the location of the post office, it's usually not that busy. They do close for a lunch break during the day. I can get in and out of here faster than other post offices in the city (such as at the Courthouse or Lynnhaven Pkwy). On this most recent visit, I came in to have a package delivered. After talking with the representative there, she was able to help me pick the best option for shipping. Since I was the only one in there, it was a very personable experience that is rare to find anywhere these days. Overall, this is a nice post office to come to if you don't want to have to worry about lines and waits. Sure, the drive may be a little while for some, but you may wait longer at other post office locations than it is to drive back and forth to this post office. If you are down in the southern part of Virginia Beach and need to go to a post office, this is your place to go.

Very small post office but it still has post office boxes and counter services. Not much traffic…read moregoing by here in rural Southeastern Virginia/North Carolina so they don't have a drive through.