Hi everyone, I am a new member seaking information about Petersburg VA. My husband was recently transfered from FCI Ashland to the area, my first visit to Petersburg will be in November. I currently live in Minnesota so, as you can see I no nothing about the area. If you can let me know about hotels, visiting hours, the facility, what to expect, things to do, or any other helpful hints I would appreciate it.

My husband is in Petersburg Low, too. Although our son and I live in Ohio, we were able to finally go see him at the beginning of this month. I, like you, did not know what to expect. Jamie had not been sent to a prison yet. For a little over a year they were holding him at county jail (yuck). In the county jails we had to speak through glass windows, so when they moved him to VA, I was somwhat excited for the simple fact that I could touch my man again. I tell you what, though, I expected worse at the visitation. I was thinking like a big cafeteria room and we would have to sit across from eachother, but it was nothing like that. We were able to sit next to eachother, he stroked my hair through the entire visit, and we were able to embrace eachother at beginning and end of the visit. There are vending machines in there so take a bunch of coins and dollar bills. You can take a clear purse in. Make sure you can see through it or its not going in. But for the most part it wasn't that bad. The COs weren't too bad neither. The hotel I stayed at was called the InnKeeper. Being that I don't have a lot of money, that was the cheapest but cleanest place I would stay. Stop at a truck stop and get one of those free hotel coupon books. there is coupon for the InnKeeper in there. How to get there, I could better show you than tell you the names of the street. But since I can;t do that, I try my best to tell you how to get there. When you get off the highway to get on the street that leads you to the prison, which I believe is called Temple Ave?, go straight and make a left where there is another big intersction. You are going to get in to a lil town, just pass everything until you see the InnKeeper on the right. It doesn't sound like much for directions but once you're out there you'll be fine. It's really pretty easy. Well, I hope that you have a wonderful visit. if it was anything like mine, I not worried that you won't.I'm still pretty new to this. I got to admit that I got kinda excited to read that someone else on here has a loved one at the same place where mine is at. Good Luck, and I hope to hear from ya.

Thanks JG, I need all the help that I can get. A couple of other PTO members gave me some helpful info also. I agree with you we should all try to support our region as much as possible. Although my husband has transfered from another prison, I still feel uncomfortable going to a town I know nothing about. So every bit of information helps to ease that fear. Also knowing that other PTO members are located their is also helpful. The only information I have not heard about is things to do while in Petersburg. I have a son who will be coming with me, and I don't want his visit to be overloaded with the prison. I would like for him to have fun. Tourism, play, parks, history center, or what ever. Does any one have any idea's? It would be great to post "Things to do while visiting this are". I will be traveling 1200 miles. Thanks again for a response.

Hey, again! About stuff to do IN Petersburg, I really don't know about. But Williamsburg is like a half an hour away. If your not familiar with, it's an old historical colony. It's pretty neat , they have old cottages set up and stuff. Also, you are really close to Virginia Beach! And there is alot out there between the navy ships to the beach. I haven't done much exploring myself, but I have inlaws that live in VA Beach. Its probably like an hour away from Petersburg. Hope you and your son have a good time! I'm sure you will.

Hi girls,
My husband was just transferred to Petersburg. I haven't been able to go and see him yet. Any wise words of wisdom before I get to go?
Thanks

IF ANYONE IS AN AAA MBR , THEY HAVE LIL GUIDE BOOKS FREE , !!

Jamie, my husband, sent me some pages 28 through 35 from his Inmate Information Handbook. Ask your loved one to do the same. It might answer a few of your present and future concerns.

When I hear from my husband I will have to ask him to send me those pages. I don't want to break any of the rules and get him in trouble. Thanks for the information

Hey thanks everyone for the response, I was beginning to think that I was the lone ranger here. I will most likely try to tour the old colony's/plantations. Sorry I have no info quite yet about Petersburg except come dressed appropriate, get there early so you do not have to wait, carry a clear purse with change, and enjoy your visit. Oh and visiting hours are M,Th,F from 5-9 pm and Sat, and Sun from 8 am to 3pm. It was also advised that I check with my husband to see how many points he has left prior to visiting to make sure the trip is not in vain. By any chance is anyone planning on visiting during the Thanksgiving weekend? Jaimie what is pages 28 thru 35 in the guide book?

J'sgirl, you mentioned the innskeeper, how much was it per night, and is it close by the Prison?

With the coupon that I found, it was like 39.99, 45 after tax. The other hotels around it was like 70 and up. And that was with a coupon! It's really not far at all. When you get off interstate 95, you get off at exit 54 (Temple Ave.,Colonial Heights), you make a right turn and the road to the institution is the 5th light on the left. Pass that and the road to get to the InnKeeper is like the 6th or 7th light. But there is signs pointing to like Holiday Inn and Comfort Inn. Follow that sign and you are going to get to a busy lil' town and you are going to pass all the other hotels first. When the busyness starts to calm down, the InnKeeper will be on your right, next to Econo Lodge. It's probably like 5 to 10 mins away from the institution.
Pages 28 through 35 from their institution handbook basically cover like their mail, what kind they can get from who, publications, and packages upon approval, also visitation like the hours, who can see him, dress code, and what is considered as identification to come in and see him. Nothing really big that you are missing out on but nice to have if you do have a question to look back on before calling the institution, you know? But if there is anything else I can help you out on, don't be afraid to give me a hollar.
About Thanksgiving, I wish I was coming to see him, but I'm going to visit his mother in South Carolina instead because she hasn't seen her grandson in a good 6 months. But I will be visiting for X-mas! Actually, I will be moving there right before X-mas. I need to be close to him, GOD I miss him so much. I know you can relate. Well, speak to soon and good luck!

Yipee - skippee I finally get to go and have visitation for the first time next weekend. Thanks for all the help with the motel information. If anyone from the Savannah area is going next weekend, let me know, maybe we can carpool.
Thanks

That is great, Jane! I'm so happy and excited for you. I wish I was on my way there, too, to see mine as well. Soon, though. Have fun and steal lots kisses in as you can! and have a safe trip.

Thanks for the good wishes. I am just concerned about the metal detector. I have a body piercing - will I make it through it? What about the underwire bras - sorry for being personal - just don't want to be turned away. Wonder how many kisses you can steal in 3 hours :-)

You'll be fine. I got a couple body piercings, too, and I wear an underwire. No problem. The worst you might have to do is take off your shoes because the zipper makes the detector go off and then you put them right back on. The only way they will send you back is if you are showing cleavage. Don't worry youself too much. You are going to have a great time.

Thanks - I am all ready to go just need to wait till Friday. One more question - I have read where we have to go through some sort of drug scan which perfume, hand lotion and such can send it ringing - is this the same way at Petersburg? As I said - don't want to get turned away for hand lotion...

They did do some crazy thing where we rub a piece of cloth between our hands. But I never heard of lotion or perfume makin it go off. Thats a new one on me cause I wear both. But I totally feel ya on not wanting to get turned away. Believe me I was the same way you was and I had no one to talk to. You'll be fine.

Thanks again. I will let you know how everything went. I won't be able to visit about for about a month - hate it - it could be much worse. I won't complain. Have a great week.
Jan

Wow, so much information and I was not here. What's the whole cloth thing about? I never had to do that before, that sounds odd. I never knew about the wire in the braw thing either. This is all news to me. I am so glad I posted this, I feel like I have my own Petersburg Virginia support group. Hey Jane_t46, I hope your visit goes well for you. I know how you feel on the visiting issue, I visit my husband only 2-3 times a year because of the distance. By the way has any one heard of the poetry set that is in Virginia? I want to visit while in the area. It sounds like a nice unwind spot after vistation. I don't drink, smoke, or club but Poetry that's up my alley. It's worth a visit. It would be nice to post places we visted while seeing our loved one's. That way it will deescalate the departure anxiety after visit's. Any body know of some places?

Just got back from my very first visit to Petersburg Low. Now that was an experience. Got there Friday night - computers went down - we waited over two hours to get in - first they told us if the "guard" recognized us we could have visitation. Then they changed their minds. Of course they didn't extend visitation either. But at least I got to see my husband and that was all that matters. The metal detector is not all that sensitive. Didn't like regular shoes and boots but my tennis shoes passed. The drug machine didn't work all weekend and the vending machines were empty by Saturday 11AM. Sunday they were fine. The CO's were extremely nice and even polite. Weather was colder than squat but at least I got to visit. If anybody has any questions, will be happy to help out.

I have two more weeks before my journey begins. I am so excited. By the way who mentioned the INNskeeper for the Hotel? I was told the hotels in the area are booked up for the week of my visit. Does anyone know the number to the Innskeeper? Jane, I am glad you enjoyed yourself on your visit.

Jane, I'm glad everything went well on your visit! As to the the number to the InnKeeper, #804-458-2600. I called around to make sure this was the number and they said they were the one closest to the prison. So good luck, Angel, and have a safe trip. Happy Holidays!

Angel - stop and get a discount book from the rest areas. They have a coupon for the Innskeeper. They are really nice there and cheap. The motel is close in a round about way. Easiest way to get to the institution is from I-95 and easiest way to Innskeeper is I-295. But I will be glad to give you directions either way. I spent Saturday afternoon finding all the different roads, Walmart, K-Mart and Target - Let me know if you need anything. Jan

I am heading there again Nov 21 - if that is your weekend let me know maybe we can meet.
Jan

Right about now I feel a group hug coming on(LOL). Seriously I am so appreciative of all your help. Lord knows I am a little nervous about this trip but with all of your help and support I am going to make it. I will call the Innkeeper today to make reservation. I will be in Petersburg Thanksgiving Day until the following Monday. Jan I would love to meet you and any other Petersburg PTO members.

My man is also at Petersburg - its not so bad there. But I will say this my first few visits were a breeze they didnt care what I had on or anything - but the last time I went the woman denied my visit - saying my sweat suit - yes my sweat suit was too tight. So always bring a change of clothes this was the first time I didnt and look what happened. Outside of that its nice to be able to sit next to you loved one and touch them - they dont really bother you too much during the visit. If you have any questions about the area feel free to ask Ive lived in VA my whole life. Good Luck - sorry the trip is so far.

Thanks L's girl, I still have questions about what to do in Virginia. I will have my sister and son along with me, so I don't want them to get bogged down with prison visits. I most def will not mind. This is like a summer vacation to the Islands for me. But do you know of anything going on in the area? Are places we can go?

Well Petersburg is only 15 - 20 min. from the capitol of VA(RICHMOND) so there is plenty to do. I wouldnt hang out too much actually in Petersburg :( not so great - but there is a half way decent mall thats only 5 min. from the prision. Alot of the things to do depend on the time of year it is - when are you going for your next visit?

Ok now your scaring me. Not to offend anyone in no way shape or form, but I am from W. Virginia and race relations are still horrible there. I was also told the same about Virginia too. I hope I don't have to see that side of Petersburg. I plan on visiting the old plantation houses, but never wanted to visit the ugly face of racism! I will be visiting Nov 27- Dec 2

PM me and let me know the haps. Good to know Richmond is 15 min away, I was told a half and hour.

Can anyone tel me the actually name of the prison. What you right on the letters? I am trying to find infromation on this one as well being my man will be transferred there after the first of the year. Thanks

The following is the address to the prison. However it depends where he will be stationed at. He could go to the camp, low, or med, securtiy prison. So after you find out then you will get a specific address.
FCI Petersburg
PO BOX 1000
Petersburg VA 23804-1000

Can anyone give me help? I am in Petersburg and got turned down for a visit due to a drug test. I don't know what to do or where to start. I don't use drugs or mess with drugs yet I tested positive for a drug. Can anyone give me clues on how to get rid of the residue on my hands.

Whoa, That is crazy that you tested positive even though you don't mess with that junk. I really don't know what you should do. But I think that is real F#@$ed up. Obviously their little contraption don't work and we have to suffer from it. Sorry you didn't get to enjoy your visit. Are you allowed to come back, like on another day?

Yes I will be able to return tomorrow. However I will have to take another test tomorrow. So if you know anything that will help so that I can get it off my hands I would appreciate it.

This information has been extremely helpful to me. I know this post is a bit older, but I would like to tell you guys that I am in the same boat. My husband self-surrendered today in the Low Facility in Petersburg. I talked to him on the phone the whole time, as I was not able to mentally and emotionally handle it. I have printed this thread for my inlaws.

Now what 4 I am glad it could be of help to you. I am actually going back to visit my husband next week and was happy to see the post still at the top. I needed to get the hotel name and number to make reservations. Ask whatever questions you need. Someone in PTO has probable got the answer.

Hey, again! About stuff to do IN Petersburg, I really don't know about. But Williamsburg is like a half an hour away. If your not familiar with, it's an old historical colony. It's pretty neat , they have old cottages set up and stuff. Also, you are really close to Virginia Beach! And there is alot out there between the navy ships to the beach. I haven't done much exploring myself, but I have inlaws that live in VA Beach. Its probably like an hour away from Petersburg. Hope you and your son have a good time! I'm sure you will.
i just wanted to say i live in virginia beach which is about an hour away from petersburg ther is plenty to do here. but is kinda costly except you can always go to the ocean front and spendthe day for little except food and sovenors.tthere is a zoo, botancal gardens,several museums around and a water park and go cart places and minature golf for the kiddies. actually the zoo and gardens are located in norfolk. the home of the naval base.is somwhat less expensive here in the winter than during the summer months.hope you have a safe and enjoyable trip.

I'm sorry I missed this thread prior!

If you ladies who have dealt with Petersburg could put some info down, we would love to add it to our federal forum! I also have a list of questions that if prisoners want to answer...it would help our future members who will spend time there or have loved one inside. If anyone is willing...just pm me and I would be glad to get those questions to you.

Diane