Or call us to request one
Toll free: 800-365-9339
Local: 757-357-5182
Guided Tours are available for groups of 10 or more! Click here for more information!
Map of Historic Downtown Smithfield
The "HeART" of Smithfield...Five Art Galleries in Five Blocks!
Visit with resident artists at the Arts Center @ 319.
Five unique galleries: The Arts Center @ 319 – which now shares space with the Visitor Center –8 resident artists to visit and chat with and a lovely gallery/gift shop featuring artwork and unique jewelry. Imagine Art Studios features original historic art. Colorscapes offers sculpture, paintings and clay objects by Ann Hubbard and the Painted Garden features the artwork and painted furniture of Robbie Perrotti-Younger. Mansion House Art & Antiques offers antique artwork, jewelry and other “hand-picked” originals. And while in town take our “Historic Walking Tour,” to view the art of Smithfield’s architecture featuring over 50 historic homes from the Colonial, Gothic and Victorian eras.
In addition Smithfield's Porcine Parade - eight life-size statues of market hogs painted by local artists depicting the history and culture of the area, and exquisite, life-size bronze statues of such luminaries as Ben Franklin, Robert Frost and Thomas Jefferson are scattered throughout the lovely downtown district.
Why not schedule your trip during one of the many concerts and events that take place in the area, including the Smithfield Farmers Market, the Smithfield Wine & Brew Fest, Friday Night Outdoor Summer Concert Series, Smithfield Music programs, Sunday's at Four concerts or a production at Smithfield Little Theatre.
The “Ham Capital of the World”
Begin at the Isle of Wight County Museum, home to the world’s oldest and largest hams and learn about the ham industry’s origins from colonial times to the present. Then head out to visit the family-owned Darden’s Country Store where Dee Dee Darden will give you a tour of the family’s smokehouse and let you sample their very own country ham. Then you’ll be ready to take a break at one of the many fine dining establishments which serve up Smithfield Ham, such as the Smithfield Gourmet Bakery, the Smithfield Station, Captain Chuck-a-muck’s or the Historic Smithfield Inn. If it’s available, you can also visit Darden’s booth at the Smithfield Farmers Market which operates every Saturday morning from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with a few specialty markets on the other months. And of course, be sure to finish your visit with a stop at Smithfield Foods' new flagship shop and cafe "Taste of Smithfield" in downtown for culinary souvenirs of your trip!
Visit the unique specialty shops and galleries of charming Historic Downtown Smithfield. The town’s three blocks are easily walkable and offers free parking throughout. Lovely historic homes and attractions are scattered throughout, as well as great places to stop for a bite to eat. Make sure you begin at the Visitor Center where you can pick up your “Passport to Savings” discount card for the downtown shops. All historic attractions in downtown Smithfield are free!
Even beyond its fame as the “Ham Capital,” Smithfield offers fine dining experiences. Captain Chuck-a-muck’s in the charming rivertown of Rescue was featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-in’s and Dives” and offers fresh seafood in an informal waterview setting. The brand new Taste of Smithfield offers Smithfield Foods fine pork products in this new cafe/retail shop. The Smithfield Gourmet Bakery and the Historic Smithfield Inn (c. 1752) are both located in the historic district and feature fine dining and desserts. Accessible by water as well as land, Smithfield Station is a unique establishment offering waterfront dining on the Pagan River, the IBX Lounge ("Inner Banks") and finely appointed lodging facilities including the only lighthouse you can spend the night in on the Chesapeake Bay! For less formal meals or a treat, step back in time to the Smithfield Ice Cream Parlor or Jeff's Sir Cakes-a-Lot. The lovely Olde World Tea Company serves up lunch and tea time options. And be sure to check out Bon Vivant Market for your favorite wine or beer!
When you visit the Smithfield Farmers Market in small town Smithfield, you won’t find a “small market!” This unique market is packed with plenty of produce, handmade goods and live music! While you’re here, visit our restaurants, museum, free attractions & specialty stores in town. The Market is held every Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until noon from Memorial Day through Labor Day with additional “Specialty Markets” featured throughout the year.
The town of Smithfield is now home to a new park, within easy walking distance of the historic district. Windsor Castle Park, located on the banks of the lovely Pagan River and Cypress Creek, features miles and miles of beautiful walking trails, a kayak/canoe launch, picnic areas, scenic overlooks and even a dog park. Free and open to the public!
Operating out of Windsor Castle Park & other locations in Isle of Wight County, Pagan River Outfitters offers kayak rentals, tours and instruction. Call (757) 621-9925.
With its beautiful rural setting, it’s no surprise that Smithfield & Isle of Wight County are home to 2 interesting shops devoted to equestrians! “Horse & Hound” has an extensive selection of tack, supplies and gifts for horses and their riders and is conveniently located in Carrollton. “Sesroh” (pronounced sez’-roe – “horses” spelled backwards) is located just outside the historic district and offers everything horses and riders need to look their best – from head to toe.
For something totally unique, arrange a visit to the Mill Swamp Indian Horse Farm where the nearly extinct Corolla Spanish mustangs from the Outer Banks are bred. Watch as the wild horses and colts are “gentled” by the trainers and riders there. Schedule a tour with owners Steve and Beth Edwards or check online for one of their special programs coming up in the spring.
Fort Boykin Historic Park
If history is your thing, you’ve come to the right place. Begin with the Old Town Walking Tour of over 50 buildings of historic significance in downtown Smithfield, including the Old Courthouse of 1750, the Isle of Wight County Museum and the Schoolhouse Museum. Follow that with a trip out of town to one of our 2 historic forts, Historic Fort Huger or Fort Boykin Historic Park, both located in beautiful park-like settings. We are also home to important historic properties: Historic St. Luke’s Church (c.1632) and Boykin’s Tavern Museum. And all of these attractions are free with the exception of St. Luke’s which charges a nominal fee.
And when you want to be with someone special...
Smithfield & Isle of Wight...the perfect romantic Get-Away!
Smithfield Station...just one of many romantic lodging options to choose from.
Smithfield & Isle of Wight County offer distinctly different lodging facilities to meet the needs of any traveler. They include: Smithfield Station (Historic District) overlooking the Pagan River with a lodge, boardwalk rooms and 2 romantic suites in a one-of-a-kind Chesapeake Bay Lighthouse, the Smithfield Inn (Historic District), originally built in 1752 – some say George Washington did indeed sleep here! Mansion on Main Bed & Breakfast (Historic District), located in a beautiful Victorian home built in 1889, and the brand new Hampton Inn & Suites - Smithfield. Be sure to arrange your stay around one of our many local events!
One of our most popular events is Chocolate Lovers! Taking place in February, this is a hotly-contested event! Professional judges select the winners in various chocolate confection categories. A great Valentine date!
Or when you have cause to...
Smithfield Center
Celebrate one of your special occasions at one of Smithfield & Isle of Wight’s unique venues, including the Smithfield Center located on the beautiful Pagan River, the Smithfield Station, the Smithfield Inn and its outdoor gazebo, Mansion on Main Bed & Breakfast,Hampton Inn & Suites - Smithfield or even a historic site such as Historic Fort Huger,Fort Boykin Historic Park, or the Isle of Wight County Museum. For weddings, the area also offers the Isle of Wight Wedding Chapel, Hayden’s Lane, other outdoor sites and Historic St. Luke’s Church.
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Smithfield & Isle of Wight CVB Staff:
Judy Hare Winslow, Director of Tourism
Lois Chapman Tokarz, Marketing & Public Relations Manager
Terry Rhinier, Event Coordinator
Deborah Marshall, Visitor Center Manager
Kathy Mountjoy, Group Tour Coordinator
Cheryl Ketcham, Farmer's Market Manager
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