“Date Night” in Portsmouth

We lingered in Portsmouth for one more night. Our friends on Magnolia joined us here and we all agreed it was time for a “date night” to celebrate the beginning of our ICW trip AND the sunshine peeking through the clouds. We found the perfect place – The Commodore Theater, a  “luxuriously restored 1945 Art Deco style motion picture theater” in the historic section of Portsmouth. After 30 years, the theater closed its doors in 1975. In 1987 it was purchased and restoration work began to restore it back to its original 1945 grandeur. The artwork in both the auditorium and lobby areas was completely redone, including the repainting of the 20 by 40 foot side murals.

The brochure states – “Not just a meal – not just a movie. An unforgettable experience.” To top off the ambiance, the theater also serves meals at tables with comfortable chairs. You order your food by telephone from the table! The food is mostly sandwiches and light meals; nothing gourmet, but satisfying. Frankly, it was really unusual and great fun. We had a terrific time. The movie was Captain Philips, starring Tom Hanks. How fitting that we saw a movie with Navy ships and a container vessel (let’s not include the pirates) while we are anchored in Norfolk’s  harbor.

Tomorrow morning both Magnolia and Kindred Spirit will depart for the first leg of our ICW adventure by heading into the Dismal Swamp Canal. Good news  – we saw the sun this afternoon!!