Attractions

For a special treat, take in a movie and dinner at this 1945 art-deco style movie theater.

Experience the art-making process first hand at d’Art Center, a visual arts center featuring 40 plus professional artists who, in open studios create, display and sell an exciting mix of original art. This unique attraction expands the creative process and brings the visual arts to life.

Rich in history and tradition, this national landmark has been making waffle cones since 1934. Owner Abe Doumar invented the first waffle cone in 1904 for the St. Louis Exposition. Doumar's restaurant features curbside service and a simple, yet appetizing menu.

Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center is a 52,000 square foot facility, which houses the Ella Fitzgerald Theater, a 276 seat venue that honors the "First Lady of Song," who was born in Newport News in 1917.  It also offers a banquet room, a multipurpose room, two exhibit galleries and several smaller meeting rooms---plenty of room for your group’s performance event!  Originally built as the Walter Reed School, this historic building has been restored and was reopened to the public in October 2008.