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Smalltown Devotee Itinerary
Take our "Hams, History, Hospitality & HeART" Quiz
Nothing strikes your fancy more than discovering a quaint, historic Main Street with charming shops, interesting places to eat and art galleries featuring local talent. A stroll through downtown Smithfield will offer you all this and more! Step back in time a bit and be embraced by our own unique brand of Southern Hospitality.
Smithfield Historic District Map
A Stroll through Smithfield, Virginia: Hospitality Hamtown Style!
Historic Main Street in downtown Smithfield, Virginia
Lying on the shore of the James River just across from Jamestown, Isle of Wight County was discovered by Captain John Smith and other early settlers. Smithfield, incorporated in 1752, maintains its quaint river town feel and is known worldwide for its famous ham curing process. This small town gem delivers “hams, history, hospitality & HeART.”
Pet Persona offers unique products for pampering your pets.
Shopping & Art:
Begin your visit to Smithfield at the Visitor Center - also home to the Arts Center @ 319 - offering tourist information, a gallery/gift shop and the chance to chat with resident artists. Browse the unique shops and galleries of Smithfield’s historic district, including the Genuine Ham Shoppe, Lindsey Jones Ltd., Pet Persona and Wharf Hill Antiques. Further down Church Street are the new Boardwalk Shops at Smithfield Station featuring girl this and Nautical Decor.
History:
The Isle of Wight County Museum, offers an overview of the county’s history and the world's oldest ham, an example of Smithfield’s famous ham curing process. Just across the street is the Old Courthouse of 1750, modeled after the Capitol Building in Colonial Williamsburg. The Olde Towne Walking Tour of the Historic Downtown District boasts over 50 historic buildings exuding the charm of bygone eras.
The Olde Towne Walking Tour of the Historic District offers over 50 buildings of historic significance in a variety of architectural styles.
Just outside of town are several other historic attractions. Historic Saint Luke's Church (c1632) is the oldest existing church of English foundation in America. Boykin's Tavern Museum is located right next door to the Isle of Wight Courthouse of 1800 and has been lovingly restored. Isle of Wight County also boasts two earthenworks forts. Historic Fort Huger, the "Gateway to the Confederate Capital," offers visitors a self-guided tour to view mounted cannon and the ghost fleet on the James River. A short drive takes you to Fort Boykin Historic Park, situated on the bluffs of the river, in a beautiful natural setting the fort was begun in 1623 to protect the colonists from the Indians and raiding Spaniards.
Smithfield Olden Days, taking place the weekend before the Fourth of July, is a popular annual festival!
Events:
Plan your trip around our many local events and concerts including SmARTs (Smithfield Monthly Arts Stroll), Olde Towne Curb Market, Friday night summer concert series, Fridays on the Boardwalk at Smithfield Station, Wednesday night music at the IBX Bar and Grill at the Smithfield Station, Smithfield Music's Aiken & Friends Fest, Smithfield Olden Days Festival, Smithfield Music Concerts or the “Sundays at Four” Concert Series. You might also enjoy a massage at @One Alternative Therapies or EnCore Pilates Studio, a Yoga class at Unity Yoga or an art class at the Arts Center @ 319, all conveniently located in downtown Smithfield.
Smithfield Station is one of the few establishments on the Chesapeake Bay (accessible by both land and water) that offers lodging, dining, shopping, the IBX Bar & Grill and is within easy walking distance to the downtown district.
Dining:
Smithfield offers a variety of dining options, such as the Smithfield Station, the historic Smithfield Inn, the Gourmet Bakery & Beanery, Smithfield Ice Cream Parlor, Olde World Tea Company and Lisa’s Sweet Shop. And for something unique, a short country drive will take you to Darden's Country Store, a classic country store where the family will be sure to offer you a tour of their smokehouse and farm.
The Historic Smithfield Inn (c1752) can boast that George Washington did indeed "sleep here!"
Lodging:
Located right in the historic downtown district are Smithfield Station, the Smithfield Inn and Mansion on Main Bed & Breakfast. The Mansion also offers guided tours.
The lovely Mansion on Main Bed & Breakfast offers guided tours of this Victorian beauty.
All attractions listed are free with the exception of Historic St. Luke's Church which charges a nominal fee. Custom tours can be arranged. For further information or ideas to personalize your itinerary, contact the Visitor Center at (757) 357-5182, Toll Free at (800) 365-9339 or via email: smfdtour@isleofwightus.net.
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Smithfield & Isle of Wight CVB Staff:
Judy Hare Winslow, Director of Tourism
Lois Chapman, Marketing & Public Relations Manager
Cheryl Whitener, Visitor Center Manager
Terry Rhinier, Event Coordinator
Kristin Wilda, Farmer's Market Manager
Join our email list to receive our Tour-E Newsletter listing of local events.
Smithfield & Isle of Wight CVB and the Isle of Wight Arts League are partially supported by funding from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the Virginia Tourism Corporation.
