Established in 1634 as one of the original 8 shires of the Virginia Colony, Isle of Wight County, with its quaint towns of Windsor & Smithfield is rich in history.

Day 1: Begin your visit at the Visitor Center - also home to the Arts Center @ 319 - offering tourist information, a gallery/gift shop & the chance to chat with resident artists. Further down Main Street is the Isle of Wight County Museum, with an overview of the county's history & the world's oldest ham. Next, enjoy a Walking Tour of the Downtown District with over 50 historic buildings, including the 1750 Courthouse, modeled after the Capitol Building in Colonial Williamsburg, & the Schoolhouse Museum, an African-American Museum. Lunch at the Ice Cream Parlor. Afterwards head to Historic Saint Luke's Church (c1632), the oldest church of English foundation in America & the only surviving original brick Gothic church. Visit Darden's Country Store, a classic country store to tour the family's smokehouse & farm. Finish with dinner at Smithfield Station, followed by one of our local concerts or events or a class at the Arts Center.

Day 2: Breakfast at the Gourmet Bakery, then visit Fort Huger for a self-guided walking tour to view mounted cannon & the ghost fleet on the James River. A short drive takes you to Fort Boykin Historic Park, situated on the bluffs of the James, in a beautiful natural setting. Lunch riverside at Captain Chuck-a-Muck's in Rescue. Then head to Boykin's Tavern, named after Major Francis Boykin who served with Patrick Henry & George Washington. A savvy businessman, his tavern was located next door to the land he donated for the Isle of Wight Courthouse of 1800. Head back into town to browse the shops & galleries of downtown & be sure to stop at the Genuine Ham Shop! Finish your visit with dinner at the Smithfield Inn. For dessert, stroll down to Lisa's Sweet Shop on the boardwalk at the Smithfield Station & enjoy the sunset over the Pagan River.