Or call us to request one
Toll free: 800-365-9339
Local: 757-357-5182
Play Here!
Feel like a round of golf? How about a hike along a scenic riverway? With our rural setting, the rivers, parks and the marshlands - we celebrate the outdoors in Smithfield and Isle of Wight County!
Whether camping, fishing, sailing, golfing, riding horses, birding, biking or geocaching, there's always something fun to do, so get outside and get some fresh air!
The Visitor's Center has information on water and biking trails and tours.
The Isle of Wight Parks and Recreation Department has more information on all the spots on the following list. Contact them at (757) 357-2291 or visit their website at Activenet3.Active.com/IsleOfWight
Family-friendly travel ideas in Smithfield & Isle of Wight County.
Your input is needed!
Take the "Smithfield-Nike Park Multi-use Path" Survey
The Town of Smithfield and Isle of Wight County are in the conceptual layout and planning stages for a multi-use path that will connect users from Battery Park Road to the Cypress Creek Bridge. There are currently three options under consideration. Before any design can occur, a desirable route needs to be selected. Your input is important to the County/Town and may provide valuable insight on advantages, disadvantages, and preferences among these three options. Please take a couple minutes and fill out the brief on-line survey.
Windsor Castle Park
"A Walk in the Park" by Jennifer Lycke
Walking bridge to Smithfield Station - Photo by David Williams
Located right in the heart of downtown Smithfield, this riverside park will feature bike paths, a woodland trail system, picnic areas, dog park, kayak and canoe launch, scenic overlook and the Windsor Castle Historic Site.
Pagan River Outfitters provides kayak rentals, tours and instruction at Windsor Castle Park and from several locations in Isle of Wight County.
Off Season: Available by reservation only. Call (757) 621-9925
Golf
Cypress Creek Golf Course
600 Cypress Creek Parkway, Smithfield
(757) 365-4774
18 Hole Championship Golf Course, Driving Range, Practice Greens, Club Rentals, PGA Instruction by appointment, Club Repair and Re-grip, Pro Shop and Snack Bar. Nominated by Gold Digest for 'Best New Public Golf Course " in 1999.
Boating
The Pagan was recently dredged by the Army Corp of Engineers and the channel is now maintained to a minimum depth of 10 feet, creating ample depth for vessels with 6-foot drafts to navigate.
Smithfield Station Restaurant, Waterfront Inn & Marina
415 South Church Street, Smithfield
(757) 357-7700
Smithfield Station was awarded 9 of Chesapeake Bay Magazine's "2010 Best of the Bay" Awards including: "Best Resort Marin,a""Best Marina for Small Boats" and "Best Marina for Natural Environment."
Brown's Marina
10230 Brown's Marina Road, Smithfield
(757) 357-4459
Gatling Point Yacht Club
903 Gatling Pointe Parkway, Smithfield
(757) 357-0693
Boat Ramps
Jones Creek Boat Ramp & Fishing Pier
Boundary Lane, Smithfield
(757) 357-2291
Tyler's Beach Boat Ramp
Tyler's Beach Road, Smithfield
(757) 357-2291
Boating Supplies
Hearn's Bait Barn & General Store
841 Main Street, Smithfield
(757) 357-7164
Nautical Decor
409E S. Church St., Smithfield
(Located at the Boardwalk Shops at Smithfield Station Waterfront Inn)
(757) 357-0037
Outfitters
Pagan River Outfitters
Operating out of Windsor Castle Park & other locations in Isle of Wight County.
Offering kayak rentals, tours and instruction.
Hours: Friday & Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 until 7:00 p.m.
(757) 621-9925
Bicycling
Smithfield & Isle of Wight County - a bike-friendly community!
We offer miles of riding on country roads of mostly flat and rolling terrain with access to historic venues. Route maps are available to download from the biking page of this website to help you plan a trip appropriate for you or your family's needs.
A bike stand and courtesy locks are available at the Visitor Center.
Download bike routes of Smithfield & Isle of Wight County.
Downtown Smithfield HAMmer Fest Criterium Bicycle Race
Saturday, April 3 in Downtown Smithfield
A classic "Main Street" Criterium course located just one block off Main Street in Historic Downtown Smithfield.The 0.75 mile course contains 4-corners and small, but steep hill. This is a "must do" race for all levels. Over $2,000.00 in cash and prizes will be awarded!
For further information call (757) 515-5940 or email: vbwheelmen@cox.net.
Details on the HAMmer Fest Criterium
Beacons of Hope Relay for Life
"Hope, Hams, History, Hospitality & HeART" Bicycle Tour
Saturday, April 24, registration begins at 8:00 a.m.
Beginning in Smithfield, this beautiful bike ride will take you through the back roads of Isle of Wight and Surry Counties to historic sites. Cap it off with a lunch with friends in Historic Downtown Smithfield and a visit to the Arts Center @ 319. Three circuits to suit all riders of all ages and abilities. Proceeds go to the American Cancer Society, so remember family and friends lost to cancer and fight back by "Biking for a Cure!"
Details & Registration Form
Sign up online
For further information email: pat@iwsbeaconsofhope.org
Carrollton Nike Park
Located just outside Smithfield off of Route 32
13036 Nike Park Road, Carrollton
(757) 357-2291
This park features a 2.5 mile wooded mountain bike trail as well as softball and soccer fields, basketball and volleyball courts, tennis courts, picnic areas, a fishing pier, nature trails, skate park, playground, senior center, recreation hall and mulit-purpose room.
Windsor Castle Park
310 Jericho Road, Downtown Smithfield
(757) 356-9939
Although bikes are not permitted on the walking trails in Windsor Castle Park, there is a challenging mountain bike path in the park. The entrance to the trail is beside the dog park.
Park to Park Trail
The Town of Smithfield and Isle of Wight County are in the process of building and financing the bike/pedestrian Park to Park Trail. This 5 mile off road path will connect the new Windsor Castle Park with Nike District Park. This will serve to connect more than 10 miles of trails, through communities/neighborhoods, shopping facilities and Smithfield’s Historic Downtown District.
Park to Park Trail Project Update August 2009
East Coast Greenway
Smithfield & Isle of Wight County are proud to have been selected as part of the East Coast Greenway (ECG), a trail system linking 3,000 miles of bike/pedestrian trails across sixteen states. The ECG has included the county in its trail connecting the Historic Triangle (Williamsburg/Jamestown/Yorktown) with the Great Dismal Swamp Canal Trail. Maps of the ECG’s Virginia Trail will be published this spring and Smithfield is currently working on establishing its “trail town” status as one of the bike-friendly towns along the route.
Nike Park to Fort Boykin & Return Bike Route
A map of the route is available at the visitor center.
Fishing & Hunting
The Pagan and Blackwater Rivers and the Jones and Cypress Creeks
provide a bounty of fishing opportunities.
Farmer's Service
865 Main Street, Smithfield
(757) 357-4367
Fresh and salt water licenses are required in Virginia and may be purchased here.
Hearn's Bait Barn & General Store
841 Main Street, Smithfield
(757) 357-7164.
A good source for bait and tackle.
Clontz Park
400 North Church Street, Smithfield
(757) 357-2291
A gorgeous boardwalk on the Pagan River, perfect for fishing.
Jones Creek Boat Ramp & Fishing Pier
Boundary Lane, Smithfield
(757) 357-2291
See also...Carrollton Nike Park, Ragged Island Wildlife Refuge & Butler Campgrounds.
Sportman's Hunting Preserve
9060 Farmland Road , Carrsville
(757) 620-4184
Upland bird hunting at its finest, morning and afternoon hunts, the option to use your own dogs or guided hunts with our dogs. Physically challenged guests are always welcome. Lunch available upon request
Horseback Riding & Carriage Service
Amazing Grace Stable
21383 Titus Creek Drive, Carrollton
(757) 357-7471
Riding instruction, dressage and jumping, shows held at various times.
Smithfield Horse & Carriage Company
P. O. Box 65560, Virginia Beach, VA 23467
(757) 635-9963
Carriage Service for all occasions.
Mill Swamp Indian Horse Farm
13644 Bethany Church Road, Smithfield, VA 23430
msindianhorses@aol.com
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 or check the website for one of their special programs coming up in the spring.
Eco-Cruise
Jeff Turner, founder and director of the Blackwater-Nottoway Riverkeeper Program has received the prestigious 2011 Community Impact Award in the Environmental category from Hampton Roads public television station WHRO and Dominion Virginia Power.
The Franklin boat ramp is scheduled to be modified to meet ADA requirements for easier loading and unloading of our Eco-Cruises we provide the community. Riverkeeper Officials expect the work to be completed by summer 2011.
Parks
Most parks are open from dawn until dusk.
Governor McDonnell will join us for the Grand Opening Dedication -
Saturday, May 22 at 11:00 a.m.
Windsor Castle Park
Located right in the heart of downtown Smithfield, this riverside park will feature bike paths, a woodland trail system, picnic areas, dog park, kayak and canoe launch, scenic overlook and the Windsor Castle Historic Site.
Camptown Park
33457 Carver Road, Franklin
(757) 569-9810
Community center, tennis courts, basketball courts, playground, picnic shelter, softball field and soccer fields
Carrollton Nike Park
Located just outside Smithfield off of Route 32
13036 Nike Park Road, Carrollton
(757) 357-2291
Softball and soccer fields, basketball and volleyball courts, tennis courts, picnic areas, a fishing pier, nature and mountain bike trails, skate park, playground, senior center, recreation hall and multi-purpose room.
Fort Boykin Historic Park
7410 Fort Boykin Trail, Isle of Wight
(757) 357-5182
Situated high on the bluffs of the James River, a beautiful natural setting with a secluded beach, about six miles west of Smithfield.
Heritage Park & Joel C. Bradshaw Fairgrounds
21311 Courthouse Highway, Windsor
(757) 357-2291
A 26 acre property - home of the County Fair, historic re-enactments and other outdoor events.
Ragged Island Wildlife Refuge
12527 Carrollton Blvd., Carrollton
(757) 357-2291
A beautifully natural wildlife refuge located near the James River Bridge, making it an excellent spot for fishing in the James.
Riverview Park
255 James Street, Smithfield
(757) 357-2291
Basketball & tennis courts, baseball & softball fields, game area, restrooms, shelter with tables, gazebo, playground, exercise court & trail, fenced tot lot.
Robinson Park
Church Street, WIndsor
(757) 357-2291
This public park near the WIndsor High School has a large play area for children.
Roller Skating & Skateboarding
Smithfield Skate
200 Wimbledon Lane, Smithfield
(757) 357-0607
Isle of Wight/Franklin Skating Rink
32510 Walters Highway, Franklin
(757) 562-6064
Skate Park at Nike Park
Located just outside Smithfield off of Route 32
13036 Nike Park Road, Carrollton
(757) 357-2291
A must for skateboarders! Located in Nike Park. Hours vary pending time of year. Helmets required for all skateboarders - under 18 must also have elbow pads and knee pads. Call for specifics, rules and regulations.
Camping
Big Bear Family Campground
7651 Whispering Pines Trail, Windsor
(757) 357-7211
Off of Route 258, featuring full hookups, and a boathouse. Open year-round.
Butler Campgrounds
15566 Woodland Drive, Windsor
(757) 357-3770
Tent camping and fishing. Full hookups available, boathouse available March through November.
Birding
Smithfield & Isle of Wight County is at the southern end of the northern migration pattern and at the northern end of the southern and therefore attracts a rich diversity of species and great birding opportunities.
Birding Information & Opportunities in Smithfield & Isle of Wight County
Other Recreational Opportunities & Services
Luter Family YMCA
259 James Street, Smithfield
(757) 365-4060
Wellness Center, indoor swimming pool, full gymnasium, Teen Center, computer lab, group exercise studio, multipurpose room
Public tennis courts.
Growing in Grace Yoga Studio
1812 S. Church Street, Suite A
(757) 962-9278
Drop-ins welcome!
EnCore Pilates & Physical Therapy
337 Main Street
(757) 408-4068
Pilates, Physical Therapy, Massages & Tai Chi
MASSAGES & private Pilates & PT sessions available for visitors. Call for appointment.
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
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.
