The City of Portsmouth is the proud owner of four golf courses, two of which are just outside the city limits.

Bide-A-Wee Golf Course

Reopened in 1999 with an $8 million renovation, this 18-hole championship golf course - a Curtis Strange signature course - now has L-93 bent greens, 419 Bermuda fairways, two practice putting greens, a chipping green, a golf range, and a practice sand bunker. Lessons available. Clubhouse features a pro shop, grille, meeting room, and a patio. Pavilion can accommodate 350 guests and will cater lunches, dinners, receptions, dances and weddings. I Bide-A-Wee Lane. (757) 393-8600.

Portsmouth City Park, The Links at City Park, and the Pokey Smokey

A 93-acre beautifully landscaped park along the Western Branch of the Elizabeth River, which includes a 9-hole executive golf course with a 30-station lighted driving range and a challenging 18-hole natural grass putting course. Park also features boat ramps, tennis courts, and the Pokey Smokey. The Pokey Smokey, an authentic 19th-century reproduction of coal-fired steam locomotive, travels through Portsmouth City Park from 2 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, April through October. 140 City Park Ave. (757) 465-2937 or 465-2935.

Sleepy Hole Park and Golf Course

Overlooking the Nansemond River, this park offers camping facilities and a golf course to challenge players at every ability level. The course was the site of the LPGA's Crestar Classic from 1981 to 1988. Sleepy Hole Road, Suffolk. 757-538-4100.

Suffolk Golf Course

An 18-hole, par 72 championship - yet friendly - course that is fun for the entire family. Designed by Russell Breeden. 1227 Holland Road, Suffolk. 757-539-6298.

Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve

This 142-acre site includes vast wetlands, a heavily wooded forest, and a unique saltwater lake. Located on the shores of Hoffler Creek in northwest Churchland, the preserve is the last viable wilderness area in Portsmouth and is a thriving habitat for countless species of plants and animals - both aquatic and terrestrial - native to Southeastern Virginia. Plans are being made to build a 3,200 sq. ft. nature center, along with an outdoor classroom, a habitat display, a butterfly garden and pond, a wildlife meadow, an oyster garden, walking trails and a wildlife observation tower. Programs are free and open to the public. Call for reservations. 4510 Twin Pines Road, near River Shore Road. e-mail: hofflercreek@ddaccess.com. (757) 398-9151.