What is the Salty Southern Route?
The southeastern region of Virginia has long been known for its peanuts, salt-cured hams and pork products. The Salty Southern Route takes you on a journey through this picturesque area to experience this tradition first-hand. From the town of Smithfield, namesake to the world’s largest pork producer Smithfield Foods, and the city of Suffolk, home to the world-famous Planter’s Peanuts, to the farms, peanut processors and charming country stores of Surry, Sussex, Franklin & Southampton County, you’ll experience the culture and people behind the delicious foods the area produces. And of course – you’ll get to sample some mighty fine food along the way!
Explore the Salty Southern Route
Learn about our counties
Savor the Secrets of Surry.
Surry embodies the unspoiled rural beauty of Colonial Virginia, with abundant farmland and wooded tracts that give visitors a feeling of what life was like in Virginia hundreds of year ago. This pastoral environment is a striking contrast to the adjacent metropolitan communities of Richmond, Virginia Beach, Newport News, Hampton, and Norfolk, all of which are only a short commute. The northeastern edge of the county is bordered by the James River, a gem that offers abundant recreation for boaters, fishermen, and wildlife enthusiasts. Surry County resides as an oasis of rural living within close proximity to all the conveniences of its upscale neighboring communities. It’s truly the best of all worlds! Tourism Website
Savor our Small-Town Southern Charm.
Genuine Smithfield and Isle of Wight County exude the charm and graciousness of bygone eras. Long known for its world-famous hams, this river town also boasts a rich history, picturesque main Street and a vibrant arts scene. Visit our quirky independently owned shops, our mouth-watering restaurants and distinctive art galleries. Two strategically important forts along the James River, St. Luke’s Church, Virginia’s oldest church, the Isle of Wight County Museum, home to the world’s oldest ham and peanut, and other important notable attractions will please history buffs. You’ll find plenty to enjoy and experience here. The town’s outstanding special events and close proximity to major cities like Norfolk and Virginia Beach, have made Smithfield the #1 Weekend Getaway for Coastal Virginians. And there are plenty of lodging options to accommodate – from waterfront luxury, to historic B&B’s – even a fabulous new franchise hotel to choose from! Visit Smithfield & Isle of Wight – you’ll be charmed by our “hams, history, hospitality & heART!” Tourism Website
Good Times Begin Here.
If you love small town charm, eco-adventure, performing and visual arts, history, festivals, boutiques, chef-owned restaurants, recreation, golf, guided tours, and peanuts – you’ll love Suffolk, Virginia. Home to Planters Peanuts and the birthplace of the iconic Mr. Peanut©, Suffolk boasts an array of activities and attractions. The 112,000 Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a favorite for guided tours, nature trails, canoeing and bird-watching. The up and coming arts and culture scene has developed into the perfect blend of local, regional and national artisans through visual arts, theater, dance, music and more. With four golf courses, boating, fishing and kayaking, not to mention the historic sites, guided historic tours, boutique shopping alongside of national retail brands, relaxing spas and unique eaters, Suffolk truly does offer something for everyone. Did we mention, we also offer skydiving? Conveniently situated as the “Gateway to Coastal Virginia,” Suffolk is within easy driving distance of beaches and historic Virginia treasures. Tourism Website
Escape to the Tradition of Fun
Come Visit Franklin Southampton VA and experience all that the area has to offer. From festivals to fairs and summer concert series the Franklin Southampton area has something for everyone. We invite you to come Escape to the Tradition of Fun in Franklin Southampton! Relax in our quaint southern community, take in the fresh country air, enjoy live entertainment, visit one our local historical museums or grab, fresh from the farm, fruits and vegetables at one of our local farmer’s. Sample southern cuisine with a gourmet touch, snack on roasted peanuts fresh from the fields or just sit back with a cool, refreshing iced-tea and enjoy life as it is lived when you Escape to Tradition in Franklin Southampton. Stroll our charming small town streets and browse unique boutiques, country markets, garden centers and antique shops that offer a little something for everyone. We invite you to come see all that Franklin Southampton has to offer. Tourism Website
Rooted in the past…growing for the future.
Sussex County, originally part of Surry County, was founded in 1754. English settlement in Surry began approximately the same time that the headquarters of the Virginia Colony began across the James River in Jamestown in 1607. The Virginia Colony grew and spread out from its small beginning until it was divided into eight original shires or counties in 1634. Today, Sussex County includes the towns of Jarratt, Stony Creek, Wakefield, and Waverly, as well as the unincorporated communities of Sussex and Yale. There is plenty to do in Sussex County including visiting several independent peanut producers, as well as the iconic Virginia Diner (featured on several popular Food Network shows). The gorgeous Southeast 4-H Educational Center on Airfield Lake offers overnight accommodations (deluxe rooms, RV and tent campsites), swimming, boating and horseback riding facilities. Sussex County is the perfect spot to explore, get outdoors, or just relax and take it easy. Tourism Website
