I Took a Day Off

One of the “perks” of working for yourself is that you “get” to work every single day of the week, week in and week out.   But last Friday, I played hooky and took a little day trip with one of my pals to charming Smithfield, VA.

Of course, you have heard of the most Southern of staples, Smithfield ham, right? Smithfield actually has a lot more to offer than ham and bacon – like good shopping!  For the last several years, my friends and I have made the pilgrimage from Richmond to Smithfield during the first weekend in November for their bustling Holiday Open House.  We look forward to going all year long.

First stop is the Isle of Wight County Museum to say hi to old Mr. Gwaltney and his pet ham.  Here they are:

I kid you not.  You’ll have to go visit yourself to learn the story.  The little museum is quite charming with a mock-up of an old country store and displays with the area’s history.  I love these old posters – such terrific graphics.

Then it’s time to get our shop on.  Guess what the next stop is?Yup. It is called The Christmas Store and it is a lollapalooza.  Aren’t these toppers fabulous?  Makes my mouth water just to look at them.

The place is enormous and pretty nutty, actually.  Look at these displays!  Love the big flamingo.

And the crazy big giraffe with his tie-dyed pants.  Ooh-whee!

I want to hug the polar bear.

I confess that I did not come away empty-handed.  I fell for this little Eskimo peeking out from his igloo.  He will go on my tree with all the other North Pole creatures.

After we left there, we made our way to one of our other favorites haunts: Wharf Hill Antiques.  You would not believe how wonderful the shop is when it is all decked out for Christmas.  They have it all – antiques, a million Christmas trees (all with a nostalgic flair), and great gift shopping.

It’s a lot different in the summer. This room has wonderful antique toys and other treasures.

A gorgeous huge chunk of coral in the “sea” room.

This is my friend, Chris, rummaging through the shells looking for just the right ones for a project she has going on.  What a lovely day we had.

After we left Wharf Hill, it was time for lunch so we crossed the street to a new eatery combined with an expanded Smithfield Ham Shoppe.  It was yummy.

With our stomachs full, it was time for some antiquing!   Stay tuned. To be continued….