A Visit to Smithfield

 

A Visit to Smithfield

It was one of those perfect Autumn days when the sky was brilliant blue, the sun was shining, temps were perfectly pleasant and we were free to roam.  We opted for a drive out to charming, historic Smithfield and had a delightful afternoon.

Since we left home at noon, we went straight to Smithfield Gourmet Bakery and ordered take-out sandwiches which we ate in the car.  I love their chicken salad on sourdough bread.  They butter the bread and grill it - decadently delicious!  Larry had a Smithfield ham sandwich on wheat that he much enjoyed as well.  Thus fortified, we began walking around one of the most charming towns in Virginia!

A number of the lovely homes were built around 1790, with others from the early and mid 1800s.  The town sits on a bluff above the Pagan River, which makes it unique to our flat-land area.  The picture above and below were taken on our walk across the marsh and into Windsor Castle Park later in the day.

There were so many beautifully colored trees along the way.  When sunlight shines through the leaves they glow with the most vibrant colors.  I tried to capture their beauty in pictures, but it doesn't do them justice.

             We also saw a Japanese persimmon tree loaded with beautiful orange fruit (below)

Here are a few more sights along the way --

These boots are made for walking - and aren't they cute!

Joseph Luter was a BIG MAN in town in his day -- as the Luters still are

(although they may not actually be THAT big)

We (meaning Sandra) had to stop in Ivy Hill Cemetery (ca 1887)

No visit to Smithfield is complete without a picture of the Valentine Couple -- 

one of the enduring delights of this unique and special town!

We praise God for the gift of a most beautiful day.

Sola Gratia - by Grace Alone

Carpe Diem -- Seize the Day