Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe. – Anatole France
DAY TRIP ITINERARY: Road Trip to Surry, Virginia
If quarantine has you feeling stressed and in need of some harmony, round up your family and friends for a road trip to remember! Spend the day in Surry County, Virginia where you can get away from it all; take in a leisurely hike, delicious food and drink, quirky driftwood art, and so much more!
Begin or end your journey on the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry for a unique scenic experience. Serving our community for over 90 years, the ferry is free and takes about 20 minutes to cross the James River, bringing you to Surry County.
Upon your arrival in Surry, follow Route 31 to Edwards Ham Shop. Edwards Virginia Smokehouse is internationally known for their quality smoked pork products. Here, you can purchase a multitude of Virginia grown food products and pick up a picnic lunch to enjoy along your journey. Whether you prefer country ham, deli ham, smoked turkey, or a pimento cheese sandwich – you are sure to find something that will make your mouth water!
Your next stop is at Hampton Roads Winery, a working farm and vineyard that offers a self-guided farm tour. Enjoy a tasting of their award-winning wines, wine slushies and mulled wine (available seasonally). Spend some time watching the goats run up and down the World’s Tallest Goat Tower. This is a great spot to spread out your picnic lunch – under the goat watch pavilion or on the patio overlooking the pond.
Now, got a taste for some locally grown peanuts? Head out to Bacon’s Castle Supply. Located on Route 10 East, this small shop is full of big surprises! Peanuts, peanut brittle, chocolate covered peanuts, peanut butter, peanut coffee . . . Wait, peanut coffee? Yep, they have that too.
Just around the corner is Bacon’s Castle Plantation. Owned and operated by Preservation Virginia, Bacon’s Castle (circa 1665) is the oldest existing brick dwelling in Virginia and the only surviving example of Jacobean architecture in North America. Outbuildings include a lovingly restored smokehouse so guests can learn how the process of smoking meats was vital to the early settlers of this region. (Open Fri, Sat, Sun; open Mon from Memorial Day to Labor Day.)
Not far from Bacon’s Castle, hidden under the trees of Chippokes Plantation State Park, lies a subtle trail where guests can literally take a step back in history. Today the trail is tranquil and quiet, enabling one to relax and take in all the natural beauty of the area. However, in the late 1660’s this would have been a bustling dirt road filled with farmers and oxcarts taking their products to the James River to sell.
“Chipoax Road”, the first documented road on the south side of the James, was the lifeline that connected the early settlers’ farms to Cobham Wharf, where they would sell their goods and subsequently send them by ship to consumers.
Today the trail follows a section of the road from the housekeeper’s cabin between cabins 2 and 3 and winds along the sides of the road for a beautiful view of College Run Creek. It is a one-mile trail which serves as a “down and back” hike, although plans are being made to connect it to another existing trail within the park which leads to the Farm and Forestry Museum. Chipoax Trace Trail is a unique opportunity to experience our country’s history in a different way. It provides a link to the farmers, fishermen, merchants, and enslaved people for whom this road was a pathway to survival.
In addition to the Chipoax Trace Trail, the park offers additional hiking trails, gardens, Farm and Forestry Museum, picnic areas, playground, programmed activities, and sandy beach along the James River.
“Chipoax Road”, the first documented road on the south side of the James, was the lifeline that connected the early settlers’ farms to Cobham Wharf, where they would sell their goods and subsequently send them by ship to consumers.
Today the trail follows a section of the road from the housekeeper’s cabin between cabins 2 and 3 and winds along the sides of the road for a beautiful view of College Run Creek. It is a one-mile trail which serves as a “down and back” hike, although plans are being made to connect it to another existing trail within the park which leads to the Farm and Forestry Museum. Chipoax Trace Trail is a unique opportunity to experience our country’s history in a different way. It provides a link to the farmers, fishermen, merchants, and enslaved people for whom this road was a pathway to survival.
In addition to the Chipoax Trace Trail, the park offers additional hiking trails, gardens, Farm and Forestry Museum, picnic areas, playground, programmed activities, and sandy beach along the James River.
End your day with a “down home” meal where quirky awaits you at Cre8tive Works Gallery and Café. Menu includes pulled pork, pigs’ feet, fried chicken, meatloaf, sandwiches, and salads.
The adjoining gallery is “where driftwood comes to life!” The artist, Everett Mayo, once a heavyweight boxer, is now “artist in residence”. He not only loves to share his vibrant and stunning creations, but also conducts workshops designed to encourage others to embrace their creativity too.
The adjoining gallery is “where driftwood comes to life!” The artist, Everett Mayo, once a heavyweight boxer, is now “artist in residence”. He not only loves to share his vibrant and stunning creations, but also conducts workshops designed to encourage others to embrace their creativity too.
Had a wonderful day? We hope you’ll plan your return trip soon!
