Tours

Saturday April 20, 2013

Smithfield

Sponsored by The Elizabeth River Garden Club and The Nansemond River Garden Club

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Simply Southern is the theme of this tour featuring historic homes and gardens on South Church and Main Streets in Historic Smithfield. Nestled along the Pagan River, the town was founded in 1750 by Arthur Smith IV with permission from the General Assembly. It is quaint river-port town rich in history and many other pleasures. Experience the harmonious blend of 18th century Colonial, Federal, Georgian and Victorian period homes and buildings. Smithfield is proud that its Historic District is designated as a Virginia State Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Historic Register.

Homes and gardens on the tour include Berryman Mansion, Sinclair-Hines House, The Old Library, Wentworth-Barrett House, Mansion on Main Bed & Breakfast and Parker-Todd House.

The following special events are planned during the tour:

John Zukowsky of Smithfield will sell his orchids from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. And will give presentations about orchids at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Both located at Christ Episcopal Church, 111 S. Church St.
Local artists from Art Center @ 319 will demonstrate en plein air throughout the day at various locations.
Smithfield Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to noon in the parking lot at 115 Main St. Enjoy fresh locally grown produce, handmade goods and live music.
Historic St. Luke’s Church will have tours all day along with an 11 a.m. organic gardening program by Lisa Ziegler, flower growing expert from Newport News. Her seeds and book will be available for purchase from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Also tea and cookies available from 3 to 5 p.m. Both events require presentation HGW Smithfield ticket. Located at 14477 Benn’s Church Blvd.
Bacon's Castle will host a cricket match and lawn party in addition to tours from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Costumed interpreters will play this ancient sport with period-correct sporting equipment. Enjoy modern refreshments throughout the day. Admission is $8. Located at 465 Bacon's Castle Trail, Surry.

Advance Tickets: $30 per person for full ticket only. Available online at www.VaGardenWeek.org or at the following locations: Smithfield & Isle of Wight Convention and Visitors Bureau in Smithfield; The Suffolk Seaboard Railroad Museum and A. Dodson’s in Suffolk; Bowman’s Garden Center and Way Back Yonder Antiques in Portsmouth; 18th Century Merchant in Chesapeake.

Day of tour Tickets: $35 for full tour; $15 single site admission. Children ages 6-12 are $15; ages 5 and under, free. Available for purchase at any home on tour, Historic St. Luke’s Church and Hospitality Tent.

Lunch: Gourmet boxed lunches will be available at Historic St. Luke’s Church from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations must be received and paid for by April 6. For selections and reservations contact (757) 357-3367 or stlukes@visi.net. For a list of local restaurants open during the tour, visit www.visitsmithfieldisleofwight.com/dining.php.

Refreshments: Flower Garden Tea from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Smithfield Gourmet Bakery & Café, 218 Main St. For reservations and price call (757) 357-0045.

For more information, contact Stephie Broadwater at stephiegb@gmail.com or (757) 356-1248 or Maggie Creamer at creamer1@cox.net or (757) 393-7840.

For more information about Smithfield, visit www.visitsmithfieldisleofwight.com

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