which contains the largest collection of maritime books and records in the United States, and is ideal for the maritime researcher.
How Much Time Will You Need?
If at all possible, plan to spend the whole day at newport residences pricing the museum - there is that much to see, from the Mariners' Museum to the brand new Monitor Center.
Family members who get bored or need a break can eat a sandwich or dessert in the Compass Café (but not on Sundays or Mondays, and not after 2.30 pm, mark you!), rent a paddle boat, and go for a paddle on Lake Maury, or go out for a walk on the Noland nature trail which winds around the lake. They could also browse in the large store, visit the Library, or play on a few wooden ships on the rear grounds of the museum. And if that's not enough, just about 20 yards away is the Peninsula Fine Arts Museum, for those of a less nautical and more artistic bent. (Although there is much of the art in the Mariners' Museum yourself, as you will see.)
Museum Drive
The Mariners' Museum is located off the intersection between J. Clyde Morris Blvd and Warwick Blvd. (See Directions at the end of this article.) For the purpose of this article, I shall assume that you'll approach the Museum by driving (or biking) south along J. Clyde Morris (which starts out in York County as George Washington Memorial Highway and is also called Highway 17).
When you stop at the intersection between J. Clyde and Warwick Blvd., you will see on your right-hand side, on the other side of Warwick, a 30-foot tall statue of Christopher Newport, captain of the Susan Constant which brought the settlers to Jamestown in 1607. This statue marks the entrance to Christopher Newport University.
Three Lanes of Traffic
Going south, J. Clyde Morris has three lanes - the far left lane is to turn left onto Warwick, and the far right lane is to turn right onto Warwick. You want to be in the middle lane. When the light turns green, drive straight across Warwick Blvd, and get into the far left lane at this point, because you'll be turning left onto Museum Drive. (The road itself continues on to the University.)
The sign for the Museum turning will be on your right-hand side, on your left-hand side you'll see a statue of Leif Ericson (about half the size of the Newport statue, but still impressive), which used to be inside the Museum.
Parking Lot
Unless there's some function going on, the many parking lots will not be filled up. There's probably no reason, therefore, to turn into the first parking lot that you'll see on your right. You'll want to park here only if you intend to use only the Noland Trail, a nature trail that winds along Lake Maury. This is of use only for walkers, bikes are not allowed. (There are several starting points for the Noland Trail, this is just one of them.)
There is plenty of parking space right by the museum, either on your right-hand side as you drive up to it, or behind it. If you're going to be using the Library, you'll want to park in this back parking lot.
Back Entrance
The back entrance is only for museum people. However, you'll want to take a walk to this back entrance, to see the basrelief murals flanking the doors. They feature nautical scenes, from a mermaid to a fisherman to the god of the sea.
