Suffolk was initially settled by colonists in the mid-18th century who wanted to create a port on the Nansemond River for the transportation of tobacco grown on the surrounding plantations. As time progressed and several through routes plus rail tracks were built, Suffolk continued to evolve as a transport hub. It was during the 1930s though that Suffolk underwent a major growth spurt. This was mainly due to the city becoming a bedroom community for nearby Chesapeake and Norfolk. Even though part of what is known as the Great Dismal Swamp is located in Suffolk, it didn't put people off relocating there and by the 1980s, Suffolk was home to more than forty-five thousand people. A few Italian families weren't put off by the creepy swamplands either and moved to the Virginia city to open the first pizzerias in Suffolk.

Suffolk in Virginia is known for Traditional Italian pizza

If there's one thing to be said for the pizzerias in this Virginia city, it's that they don't go chasing trends. For that reason, Suffolk is known for traditional Italian pizza which is not a bad thing at all. Traditional Italian pizza comes in several forms, but the ones you're most likely to find on the menus of the pizzerias in Suffolk are old world-style thick and thin crust. Old world thick and thin crust pizzas are the backbone of the Italian pizza scene. The only difference between them is, as their names suggest, the thickness of their bases. Thick crust is a pizza that's always been baked all over Italy while thin crust is more proper to the Rome and Naples region of the country. No matter which you try while you're in Suffolk, you're guaranteed a great pie.

Best Delivery Pizza in Suffolk, Virginia

If you order a delivery pizza, you don't want to be waiting all night for it. One pizzeria who will not only send you your pie fast, but bake the best delivery pizza in Suffolk is Sal's Pizzeria on North Main Street. Sal's Pizzeria is housed in a strip of stores that form part of a larger discount shopping complex. It's a basic pizza joint as far as furnishings and décor go, but what they do excel at here is baking pizzas if not interior design. Whether your personal preference is for red or white pizzas, you can get both so there's no making do when it comes to choosing your supper. One pizza that comes recommended is Sal's Chicken Florentine. It's a tasty treat topped with chopped chicken and spinach.

Best Takeout Pizza in Suffolk, Virginia

If you've been working your vocal cords singing hymns at the Salvation Army Center or have been jogging around Joyner Park, it's no surprise you're thinking of pizza. Not far from where you are is the pizzeria that makes the best take-out pizza in Suffolk, so you won't be going hungry for long. You can pick up the best take-out pizza in Suffolk from Amici's which is on East Washington Street. Amici's is an Italian cafe with a real Italian atmosphere. They do things the real Italian way too and not even a drop of rain will prevent them cooking the pizzas out back in their wood-fired oven. Rain can make the take-out box go soggy pretty quick, so make the most of the friendly atmosphere in Amici's and eat in instead.

Best Pizza near Suffolk, Virginia

Norfolk

Make a trip twenty-two miles northeast from Suffolk and you'll arrive in Norfolk. Norfolk is a city on the Elizabeth River with a long maritime history. You can find out more about Norfolk and shipping by visiting the Nauticus Museum where the Battleship Wisconsin is at anchor. One of the most unusual collections housed in the museum is that of messages in bottles found in the river which are on display alongside subaquatic vehicles used in marine conservation. Also of maritime interest is the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, but if that's just a bit too much on the same theme try visiting the Chrysler Museum instead which is an art museum with excellent collections. Before you head back to Suffolk, drop by Granby Street Pizza on Granby Street for a pie.

Chesapeake

Chesapeake is twenty miles east of Suffolk and one of the cities bordered by the Great Dismal Swamp. Get to know this unusual area by visiting the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. While it may not sound over-enticing setting out to explore here, you'd be wrong. There are several different entrances to the swamp where you can join trailheads leading through the swamp. Some lead through forests, some are boardwalks, some are gravel roads and some are dirt tracks. There's also the opportunity to visit the Underground Education Pavilion if you use the Lake Drummond Wildlife Drive Entrance. If you were considering picking up a pizza from Windy City Pizza on Kempsville Road for a picnic when you get there, dont. Eat the pizza before you go or you'll be sharing it with a hungry bear.

Smithfield

If you only have a few hours to spare and want to do history-related activities then you could do worse than drive the twenty miles north it takes to get from Suffolk to Smithfield. In Smithfield you'll find several interesting museums like the mid-18th century Isle of Wight Courthouse, the School House Museum and the Windsor Castle Park where there is a castle-like historic mansion. After you've been inside the first two, you'll welcome a breath of fresh air in the third where you can take a leisurely walk through the mansion grounds on the network of nature trails. You can also go kayaking or canoeing there on Cypress Creek by renting a craft as well as look out for all manner of migratory bird species. If you have time for a pizza before you go home, you can get a good one at Q Daddy's Pitmaster on South Church Street.