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Family-Friendly African American Itinerary Ideas
More family-friendly itinerary ideas!
The Contribution of African Americans
Visit the Schoolhouse Museum built in 1932.
Established in 1634 as one of the original 8 shires of the Virginia Colony, Isle of Wight County has a rich history that can be traced because its records were not destroyed during the Civil War. Charged by the Clerk of Court to take the records from the Courthouse of 1800 into hiding, Randall Boothe, an African-American slave, took them by wagon to Greenville and Southampton. After the war he returned the records, was freed and served as the Caretaker of the Courthouse.
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.
Further down Main Street is the Isle of Wight County Museum with its 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.
Enjoy lunch riverside at Captain Chuck-a-Muck’s in the village of Rescue. Then head to Historic Fort Huger, the “Gateway to the Confederate Capital,” built mainly by slaves and freed slaves, and featuring a self-guided walking tour to view mounted cannon and the ghost fleet on the James River. The names of those who worked at the fort are displayed.
Afterwards visit the Courthouse of 1800 and peruse the geneological records, protected for the duration of the Civil War by Randall Boothe. The courthouse is still in use today. Visit Boykin’s Tavern, named after Major Francis Boykin who served with Patrick Henry and George Washington. A savvy businessman, his tavern was located next door to the land he donated for the Isle of Wight Courthouse of 1800.
Finish your day with dinner at the historic Smithfield Inn followed by one of our local concerts or events.
Day 2:
Have breakfast at the Smithfield Gourmet Bakery on Main Street. Then head down Main Street to the Schoolhouse Museum. Built in 1932, it is an African American History Museum of Public Education, featuring period desks and books and over 150 oral histories of those who attended the school.
Lunch in Smithfield at the Olde World Tea Company or the Smithfield Ice Cream Parlor, then stroll down Main Street to browse the unique shops and art galleries of the downtown district.
Finish your visit to Smithfield & Isle of Wight County with dinner at Smithfield Station, dessert at Lisa’s Sweet Shop on the boardwalk and a sunset over the Pagan River.
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From elegant B&B’s, waterfront and historic inns to national chains,
Smithfield & Isle of Wight offer distinctly different establishments
to suit any traveler’s preferences and needs.
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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
Cheryl Ketcham, 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.
