20 Things to See in 2020

The Salty Southern Route is full of hidden treasures and unique places to visit. We are compiling  a list of the most interesting sights for you to include in your travel goals for 2020.

1. Character Corner--The story (although difficult to confirm) is that Planters Peanut founder Amedeo Obici held a contest in 1916 for a company mascot. The winning design was submitted by a school-boy named Antonio Gentile. Today, the corner of West Washington Street and North Main Street in downtown Suffolk features a statue of Mr. Peanut along with a historical marker. Update: We are sad to hear of Mr. Peanut's death in January 2020. We send thoughts and prayers to all his loved ones.
2. Chanco Monument--Chanco was a Native American who prevented a massacre of the Jamestown settlers in 1622. The monument is located in front of the old Surry courthouse at the corner of Rt 10 and Rt 31.
3. Statue of Robert Frost--This bronze sculpture by George Lundeen sits in front of the Smithfield Little Theater. Robert Frost gazes over the river finding inspiration for his writing.
4. Railroad Cars--The train cars and railroad station in front of Birdsong Peanuts are interesting to explore, and they give us a glimpse into downtown Franklin's past.
5. Antique Peanut Picker--The agricultural communities along the Salty Southern Route have been home to lots of peanut innovation. This peanut harvesting machine can be seen in front of Plantation Peanuts in Wakefield.
6. Antique Railroad Bell--The Surry, Sussex, & Southampton Railroad was very important to those communities, especially the town of Dendron where the Surry Lumber Company was located. The bell sits in front of the small Dendron Museum.
7. British Telephone Box--This phone booth was a gift from Isle of Wight in England to Isle of Wight in Virginia. It no longer holds a pay phone, but it can be seen on Main Street in downtown Smithfield.
8. Jarratt Restaurant Sign--Jarratt is a small town in Sussex County. This sign is all that remains of the restaurant off Rt 301.
9. Children's Graffiti--These drawings were discovered under wallpaper at Bacon's Castle. The drawing dates back to the 1800s. Even children long ago drew on the walls. You can see it preserved on the wall when you tour Bacon's Castle.
10. 1936 Peanut Roaster--Planters Peanut Center in Suffolk roasts fresh nuts in this machine every single day. The small store is located on Washington Street.
11. Giant Peanut Sculpture--The First Peanut Museum in Waverly tells the history of Peanut agriculture in our region. This giant peanut is carved from a block of wood.
12. World's Tallest Goat Tower--Goats love to climb. You can see this amazing tower created just for the goats at Hampton Roads Winery in Surry.
13. ​Windsor Castle Boardwalk--Windsor Castle Park in Smithfield features walking trails, many of which wind through wetland areas. It is a uniquely beautiful walk.
14. Birdsong Peanuts--The Birdsong Peanut plant in Franklin is the only peanut shelling facility in Virginia. You can't go inside the plant, but exploring the area outside the brick buildings and peanut silos is very interesting.
15. 4-Seater Outhouse--Some parts of the past might bring us a little too close for comfort. The 4-seater outhouse is part of the Southampton Agriculture & Forestry Museum in Courtland (open March-December).
16. Old Driving Tunnel--On the back roads behind the Virginia Diner you can find this old tunnel that goes under the railroad tracks that run through Sussex County. It is very narrow, but you can still drive through it. 
17. Poem On Old Cemetary Wall--The Old Brick Church and Cemetary in the Bacon's Castle area of Surry dates back to the 1600s. You can find part of a poem on one of the crumbling walls. It is part of The Deserted Village by Oliver Goldsmith. "In all my wanderings round this world of care, In all my griefs—and God has given my share— I still had hopes, my latest hours to crown, Amidst these humble bowers to lay me down."
18. Nike-Ajax Missile--During the Cold War Isle of Wight County was home to Nike-Ajax Missile Site N75L. Nike Park now hosts soccer games and cookouts. You can also see a disarmed Nike-Ajax Missile which was donated by Air Power Park in Hampton.
19. Antique Farm Equipment--The Farm & Forestry Museum at Chippokes State Park in Surry shows what agricultural life was like through the years.
20. World's Oldest Ham--In 1902 Pembroke Gwaltney misplaced this ham. When discovered years later it became a prized example of Gwaltney's curing process. The ham is still remarkably well preserved after nearly 120 years. It is on display at the Isle of Wight Museum.

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