#ad Nostalgia hits hard this time of year, and no place makes me think of being a kid in Hampton Roads like thinking of the Winter Wonderland Coleman Collection at the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center. As a kid, I remember both my grandparents taking me on several field trips across the tunnel to see the collection. The display began in 1965 after the owners, Junie and Millie Lancaster, were inspired by the animatronics in Disney's Small World at the New York World's State Fair. It started as a way to bring people into the Coleman Nursery during the winter months. In the 1980s the nursery suffered a horrible fire damaging parts of the collection, but the community rallied and raised donations of money and decorations to help bring it back. It ultimately closed in 2003 and the collection was bought by the City of Portsmouth Museums, where it has been on display every winter at the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center since 2004.
One thing I love about Olde Towne Portsmouth is how easy it is to get there and to find ample free parking. The Winter Wonderland collection is on display now until December 28th, Thursdays 10-4, Fridays 12-8, Saturdays 12-8, and Sundays 10-4. Admission is $3.00 per person, children under 2 are free. Santa is on site Fridays from 5-8, Saturdays 3-8, Sundays 12-4 through December 21st. There are special programs every weekend including face painting, musical performances, art activities, and much more. The Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center is located at 400 High Street.
