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Grand-Travel Agri-Tourism Itinerary Ideas
There’s no time like the present to visit Smithfield & Isle of Wight and create
precious memories with your grandchildren. There’s something here for all ages
– history, art, great food, concerts & shopping. And with free attractions, lodging
specials and a guaranteed small-town pace, your time together is sure to be
hassle-free. Choose from one of the itineraries below or call the Visitor Center
for further information and help in planning your grand-travel escape.
We Celebrate Our Agricultural Roots in Smithfield & Isle of Wight County.
Photo by Irene Morris
In 1608, shortly after the Jamestown settlement was established, Captain John Smith crossed the James River and obtained 14 bushels of corn from the Warraskoyack Tribe, first residents of present-day Isle of Wight County. Established in 1637 as one of the original 8 shires of the Virginia Colony, the county remains largely a rural community with its quaint towns of Windsor and Smithfield - home of the world-famous “Smithfield Ham.”
Begin your visit in Smithfield at the Visitor Center, also home to the Arts Center @ 319. This unique facility offers tourist information, a gallery/gift shop and the opportunity to chat with resident artists.
Further down Main Street is the Isle of Wight County Museum, with its overview of the county’s history, a country store and the world's oldest ham (1902). Visit the gift shop for souvenirs that reflect the agricultural nature of the area. Also be sure to stroll down Main Street with its unique shops and art galleries, making sure to stop at the Genuine Ham Shop.
Agricultural products, like tobacco, cotton, peanuts, soy and corn have helped sustain the county’s economy throughout its history. Ham production made the town of Smithfield famous. Today this tradition continues and includes everything from local family run farms and alpaca farms to a new vineyard and the corporate headquarters of Smithfield Foods, a Fortune 500 company.
Darden’s Country Store is a classic country store, where visitors can tour the family’s smokehouse and farm or work their way through a corn maze. Summer Wind Vineyards & Christmas Tree Farm offers tours, or visit the alpacas at Woodland Trail Farms. You can even purchase fresh natural Angus beef, pork and fresh country eggs at Windhaven Farm in Windsor.
In Windsor, the Commonwealth Gin, a working cotton gin offers tours, or visit Zuni Gourmet Peanuts. Indika Farms is one of several “Century Farms” in the county, farms that have been in operation for at least 100 consecutive years. Many offer tours with advance notice.
The Olde Towne Curb Market is held each Saturday morning from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with several specialty markets monthly throughout the year. The market is packed with plenty of locally grown produce, handmade goods and live music!
Museum staff is available for programs with advance notice. Tours are offered seasonally. Contact the Visitor Center for details.
CLICK HERE FOR LODGING PACKAGES & SPECIALS
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
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.
