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HeARTs Lovers Itinerary
Take our "Hams, History, Hospitality & HeART" Quiz
If you're not an artist yourself, you're certainly a devoted arts patron and appreciator! Whether it's a gorgeous painting, sculpture or folk art piece, or unwinding with a terrific live concert or play, your travel plans are as creative as you are. Smithfield and Isle of Wight County offer "HeARTs Lovers" 5 galleries within a 3 block area, one of the region's premiere community theaters, concerts and special events throughout the year and exquisite, life-size bronze statues of such luminaries as Ben Franklin, Robert Frost and Thomas Jefferson scattered throughout the lovely downtown district.
Smithfield & Isle of Wight County, Virginia: Where the HeART is!
Smithfield and Isle of Wight County, one of the oldest county governments in the country, are vital components of our nation’s beginnings. Smithfield, incorporated in 1752, maintains its quaint river town feel and is known worldwide for its famous ham curing process. The area offers year-round cultural arts events, and with the Smithfield Station and several other area marinas, downtown Smithfield is easily accessible by water and land. This small town gem delivers “hams, history, hospitality & HeART,”
Visit with the resident artists at the Arts Center @ 319
Day 1:
Begin your visit in 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. Peruse the 5 art galleries along Main Street, and stop by the post office which features a mural depicting the early settlers of the county. Enjoy lunch at the Smithfield Gourmet Bakery & Beanery, a local favorite.
After lunch take in the unique shops in the downtown district. While strolling, watch for the town's six distinctive life-size bronze statues depicting such figures as Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Frost, the “Valentine Couple,” and the founders of Smithfield Foods. Miniatures of many of the bronzes are available for purchase at Imagine Art Studio. The Historic Downtown District Walking Tour guides visitors past many historic buildings featuring stained glass, including Christ Episcopal Church (which features a Tiffany-style window), Trinity United Methodist Church and the Gwaltney Mansion.
The Mike Aiken Band are among the many featured musicians at Smithfield Music's popular annual "Celebration of Songwriters" Aiken & Friend Fest taking place the first weekend of October each fall.
Finish your day with dinner at Smithfield Station, followed by one of our local concerts or events, a class at the Arts Center, a massage at @One Alternative Therapies or Encore Pilates Studio, or a class at Unity Yoga. Or plan your trip around on e of our many local events and concerts including: SmARTs (Smithfield Monthly Arts Stroll), Olde Towne Curb Market (featuring live music every week), Friday Night Summer Concert Series, Fridays on the Boardwalk at Smithfield Station, Wednesday night music at the IBX Bar and Grill at Smithfield Station, Aiken & Friends Music Fest, Smithfield Olden Days Festival, Smithfield Music concerts or the Sundays at Four Concert Series.
Ben Franklin is one of six life-size bronze statues placed throughout the Historic Downtown District.
Day 2:
Breakfast downtown at the Gourmet Bakery in Smithfield, then visit the Isle of Wight County Museum on Main Street with its overview of the county’s history, the world's oldest ham and its beautiful stained glass dome. The stained glass dome at the museum is one of its most attractive features. Finish your tour of the Historic District by visiting both the Old Courthouse of 1750, modeled after the Capitol Building in Colonial Williamsburg, and the Schoolhouse Museum, an African-American Museum built in 1932.
Have lunch at the Ice Cream Parlor, then head to Historic St. Luke’s Church (c1632), the oldest existing church of English foundation in America and the only surviving original brick Gothic church. The church offers lovely examples of historic stained glass and two bronze statues on the grounds.
The county offers 2 historic forts in beautiful natural settings overlooking the James River. Historic Fort Huger, the "Gateway to the Confederate Capital," offers a self-guided walking tour to view mounted cannon and the ghost fleet. A short drive takes you to Fort Boykin Historic Park, a fort constructed in 1623 to protect the colonists from the Indians and raiding Spaniards.
Finish your visit to Smithfield & Isle of Wight County with dinner riverside at Captain Chuck-a-Muck’s in the scenic village of Rescue.
The stained glass dome in the ceiling of the Isle of Wight County Museum
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 Thompson, Event Coordinator
Kristin Wilda, Farmer's Market Manager
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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.
