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• Gallery: Smithfield, Va.

SMITHFIELD, Va. — Even if you haven’t eaten Smithfield Hams for generations, you probably know them from their collaboration with southern food maven, Paula Deen.

Smithfield hams can only be made in Smithfield, Va. But Smithfield – and surrounding Isle of Wight County – has a lot more than just ham. Food-wise, it’s also a center for Virginia peanuts and Chesapeake oysters. Its location on the James River and proximity to Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown give it historical significance dating from the first English settlements to the Revolutionary War and on through the Civil War. It’s perfect for a laid back or outdoorsy couple’s weekend or a family-friendly trip with the kids. You can get to Smithfield from Huntington in about a day’s drive.

Where to stay: Smithfield has a new Hampton Inn  (http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml;jsessionid=00ZF3JWZW552QCSGBJC32EQ?ctyhocn=ORFSMHX ) which has complimentary hot breakfast with biscuits and gravy, an indoor pool open late, 24 hour fitness center, business center and spacious rooms. It’s located in town, just outside the historic district.

Smithfield Inn (www.smithfieldinn.com ) is in the historic district and has five luxurious guest suites, with features such as gas fireplaces, private sitting rooms and Antebellum-style garden.
What to do: There are lots of outdoor activities in the area. Windsor Castle Park is brand-new, with walking trails that lead both to Smithfield Marina and to the historic district. Smithfield Marina is full-service, accommodating boats up to 70 feet. Fort Boykin dates from 1623 with terrific views of the James River. Fort Huger was built during the Civil War to defend the path to Richmond. 

Smithfield has become a bluegrass music hub with festivals and concerts, including the Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department’s shows on the third Friday of each month right in the firehouse.

The Isle of Wight County Museum (www.co.isle-of-wight.va.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=628&Itemid=84) has an eclectic collection. Some of its exhibits include the world’s oldest peanut, the world’s oldest country ham, Native American artifacts and rural curios.

When was the last time you took an art class? The Arts Center at 319 (www.smithfieldarts.org) is located in the same building as the Visitor’s Center. Valerie Johnson will design custom half-hour or one-and-a-half hour art classes. They’re perfect for a rainy day, a team building exercise or when you’d like to do something different.

The Schoolhouse Museum (www.theschoolhousemuseum.com ) is a well-preserved one-room school that was used to educate Isle of Wight County’s African American children in the 20th century. It houses historically important documents, photos and artifacts.

St. Luke’s church (www.historicstlukes.org), the oldest English church in North America, dates from 1632. Many interesting architectural details from the transition period of the early days of the Anglican Church remain.

Where to eat: Enjoy classic southern coastal cuisine – such as Hatteras chowder - using local ingredients at Smithfield Station (www.smithfieldstation.com/dining.html ), with an on-site marina and shops. The Smithfield Inn (www.smithfieldinn.com ) has hosted such celebs as Tyler Florence, serving elegant meals including Smithfield ham biscuits, savory she-crab soup, and local seafood in a graciously comfortable, romantic southern setting.

Captain Chuck-A-Muck’s (www.captainchuck-a-mucks.com ) is a Jimmy Buffett-style watermen’s hideaway on the Pagan River. Don’t let the plastic plates or Mason jars fool you – the secret recipes for everything from wild cocktails to grilled rockfish earned them a place on TV Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives”.

Smithfield Bakery and Beanery is a casual little café serving gourmet dinners on weekends. Whether you go for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’ll enjoy the international flare applied to local ingredients. Smithfield Ice Cream Parlor is a good place to bring the kids for a quick lunch or early dinner.
 

Courtesy of Tamar Alexia Fleishman

Smithfield, Va., is known for its country ham, but located on the James River, it and surrounding Isle of Wight County has a lot more than just ham.

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