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

Need some ideas? We’ve got you covered.

Plan a day trip

From Route 58 & Points West

Spend the weekend

From Route 460 & Points North

Foodie Fanatic: Three-day itinerary

From Route 58 & Points West

From the historic triangle

From the Historic Triangle

Peanut Trail

In Franklin & Southampton

Hams & History

In Smithfield and Isle of Wight County

Enjoy our Salty Southern Route videos produced by Rock Eagle Productions

Enjoy our Salty Southern Route videos

produced by Rock Eagle Productions

What’s Happening

Special Events

Current Month

Capturing Music Exhibit(June 12) 8:00 am - (July 26) 6:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 110 Finney Ave, Suffolk, VA 23434

Suffolk Art League's Open Members' Show(June 21) 8:00 am - (July 25) 6:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Suffolk Art Gallery, 118 Bosley Ave, Suffolk, VA 23434

Virginia Living Museum: Nature's Palette6:00 am - 7:00 am(GMT-04:00) Carrollton Library, Newhaven Ln, Savoy, IL 61874