Virginia Crafted: A Journey Through Artisans, Makers & Local Flavors 

Experience the creativity, craftsmanship, and character that make Virginia unique on this four-day journey through the Commonwealth. From coastal communities and historic downtowns to family farms, artisan studios, breweries, meaderies, and award-winning wineries, this itinerary showcases the people and places shaping Virginia's vibrant culture today. Along the way, discover locally made products, savor regional flavors, meet talented makers, and explore the rich history and traditions that continue to inspire innovation across the state. Virginia Crafted is an immersive celebration of authentic experiences, local connections, and the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth. 

Day 1: Suffolk

Start your Suffolk adventure with lunch at Decoys Seafood, (90 min) where fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails, local beer, and laid-back vibes come together along scenic Bennett’s Creek. 

Spend the afternoon immersed in creativity at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts and Suffolk Art Gallery, featuring rotating exhibits from regional and national artists. (120 min)

Continue with a stop at the Suffolk Visitor Center, located inside the beautiful c. 1839 Nansemond County Courthouse. Then tour nearby Riddick's Folly House Museum, a c. 1837 grand Greek Revival mansion with four floors, 21 rooms, history, and 16 fireplaces. (90 min)

Cool off with a pint at Nansemond Brewing Station, (60 min)Suffolk’s first brewery, set inside a restored 1914 downtown building. Watch the brewing process while sampling unique local flavors. 

Take time to explore some of Downtown Suffolk’s locally owned shops,(60 min) including Cecelia's Boutique and Gifts, Embroidery Etc., Darla's Downtown, Flickerstix, and Brandon House Vintage Market for everything from fashion and gifts to handmade candles and vintage treasures. 

For dinner, head to Baron's Pub, (90 min) located inside the historic C. 1920 Elliott Hotel building. Expect hearty burgers, seafood favorites, cold drinks, and lively downtown energy. 

End the day with the Legends of Main Street: A Suffolk Ghost Walk. (90 min) Follow a lantern-lit guide through downtown’s shadowy streets as ghost stories, mysteries, and local legends come to life. 

Day 2: Suffolk & Smithfield

Begin the day at the Suffolk Seaboard Station Railroad Museum, a restored 1885 train station packed with railroad memorabilia and a massive HO-scale model of Suffolk in 1907.

No trip to Suffolk is complete without peanuts. Snap a selfie with one of the city’s famous Mr. Peanut® fence toppers before visiting the Planters Peanut Center, where freshly roasted peanuts have been a local tradition since 1967 and the aroma still comes from a roaster dating back to 1936. (90 min)

From here, continue your adventure with a scenic drive to nearby Smithfield.

Breezy Hill Meadworks and G&S Apiary (1 hr.) Discover a charming farm meadery where you can sample 14 craft meads, learn about beekeeping, and shop for local honey-based soaps, candles and more! 

Art Center at 319 Main & Smithfield Visitor Center  (30 min.) The Arts Center @319 hosts working studios with eight resident artists and a gift shop that features pieces by member artists. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the resident artists as new works are being created.  At the same location, The Visitor Center will provide you with a downtown walking map and information on our local merchants, restaurants and attractions.   

Lunch (1-1.5 hrs.) Treat yourself to an unforgettable meal on historic Main Street. There’s The Fiddlin Pig, a true British Pub experience, Taste of Smithfield, a Smithfield Foods flagship store  & restaurant, featuring pork & peanut products, or Chili Hill Food Market, blending local farm-fresh Asian produce with a deep passion for Thai cuisine, just to name a few.  

Shopping & History Stroll on Historic Main Street (1-1.5 hrs.) Step into three blocks of living history!  Explore century-spanning architecture and visit the Isle of Wight County Museum to see the legendary World’s Oldest Ham and Peanut. Enjoy it all while browsing charming boutique shops nearby.      

Darden’s Country Store (1hr.) Visit the home of real country hams! The Darden family has been curing hams for 75 years! Learn the technique of this age-old process of preserving this famous product and browse the iconic country store for delicious takeaways and garden décor.  

Dine and stay on the water at Smithfield Station (1.5 hrs.)  Relax by the Pagan River, where wetlands are teeming with eagles, otters, and osprey. This riverfront gem offers diverse lodging, from affordable rooms and deluxe suites to a unique, Chesapeake Bay lighthouse replica. 

Optional after dinner:

Summerwind Vineyard (1 hr.) This family-owned and operated winery is the best place to unwind after a long day.  With indoor and outdoor seating and situated on a strip of land between the James and Pagan rivers, you have full advantage of the river breezes.  Delightful bistro menu with amazing wines, specialty sangrias and beer offered.  

Wharf Hill Brewing Company (1 hr.) Unplug and reconnect at Smithfield’s premier craft brewery and restaurant! Savor local beers like Isle of Wheat, crafted by owners Dave and Tom. Free of TVs and Wi-Fi, it is the perfect spot for authentic camaraderie, friendly service, and true local hospitality.

Day 3: Stafford County & Fredericksburg

The Cockeyed Rooster (1-1.5 hrs.)  This "Best of Coastal Virginia" winner serves scratch-made breakfast, lunch, and brunch all day. Enjoy signature pancakes and waffles in a welcoming atmosphere with generous portions. The perfect place to ease into your morning before driving to Fredericksburg. 

Historic Downtown Fredericksburg & Made in Virginia Store (1.5–2 hrs.) Spend the morning exploring one of Virginia’s most charming and walkable downtown districts. Stroll along Caroline Street and discover locally owned boutiques, specialty shops, galleries, and historic architecture dating back centuries. Make a stop at the Made in Virginia Store, where locally crafted foods, artwork, home décor, and gifts showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of Virginia makers. This is the perfect opportunity to shop, browse, and experience the unique character of Fredericksburg's vibrant downtown district.

Lunch at 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company (1.5 hrs.) Enjoy a relaxed lunch at this veteran-owned brewery and restaurant known for its handcrafted beers, creative menu, and welcoming atmosphere. Guests can sample locally brewed favorites while learning the story behind one of the region’s most successful craft breweries.

Gari Melchers Home & Studio at Belmont (1.5–2 hrs.) Step into the world of one of America's most celebrated painters at Belmont, the former home and studio of artist Gari Melchers. Tour the beautifully preserved historic estate, explore galleries filled with original works, and stroll through the picturesque gardens overlooking the Rappahannock River. This National Historic Landmark offers a fascinating blend of art, history, and natural beauty.

Potomac Point Winery Tour, Tasting & Dinner (2–3 hrs.) End the day at one of Virginia’s most award-winning wineries. Inspired by the charm of Tuscany, Potomac Point Winery offers a memorable experience featuring guided wine tastings, behind-the-scenes insights into the winemaking process, and a relaxing dinner at The Bistro. Surrounded by vineyards and elegant architecture, it is the perfect setting to unwind, savor local flavors, and toast to a day well spent in Virginia. 

Day 4: Prince William & Loudoun County

Explore the historic town of Occoquan by enjoying delicious food and beverage! Begin your tour by receiving a warm welcome from the former mayor, Earnie Porta. Discover over 300 years of history in a guided driving tour of the quaint riverside town as he highlights the past and unique details of Occoquan. Uncover stories of the historic buildings and how the town got its name. (60-90 minutes)

Enjoy lunch on your own in historic downtown Leesburg, where a variety of dining options await. For small plates, consider The Wine Kitchen on King Street or Tuscarora Mill and Fire Works Wood Fired Pizza in the Market Station precinct on Harrison Street. If you’re in the mood for lighter fare, Puccio’s, a beloved local deli, serves classic Italian sandwiches and signature salads. For cultural immersion, try La Taqueria, Thai Pan or Señor Ramón’s. Other standouts include the cozy Rebellion Whiskey Bar, the charming SideBar and Buford’s Biscuits for a Southern twist. (90 minutes)

Visit Foliage Plant Shop to create a take-home Terrarium! Choose from a variety of size, plants and other decorative pieces, get your hands a ‘little’ dirty and build out this self-sustaining terrarium. (60 minutes

Tour the mansion at Morven Park, which is the historic 19^th Century home and former residence of Westmoreland Davis, innovative farmer and governor of Virginia from 1918-1922. The 1,000-acre property includes the Greek Revival-style mansion, boxwood gardens, replica Civil War-era log huts and a modern Equestrian and Event Center. (90 minutes)

Visit Great Country Farms to pick-your-own blackberries, peaches, apples and pumpkins – depending on the season. These fruits might make their way into the Sangria at Bluemont Vineyard, so make sure to pick the best! This family-owned farm also includes children’s activities, animals and a small market to stock up on apple cider donuts, cheeses and more. (60 minutes)