| :: Atlantic City >Surrounding Areas >South of AC >Cape May
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Attraction >Neighborhood
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Description and Basic Information ::
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Located about 30 minutes from Atlantic City, the Historic Towne of Smithville can add some dynamic qualities to your vacation at the Jersey shore. What Atlantic City might feature in neon, glitz and flash, Smithville boasts in charm, character and a distinguished sense of yesteryear.
Each year thousands of visitors walk the cobblestone streets of this historic town and return if only for a moment to the 1700s, a time when just about everything was homemade. This type of old-fashioned lifestyle is part of what makes Smithville so appealing.
Smithville is also home to more than 60 fine shops and numerous restaurants ranging from sandwich shops to gourmet establishments. A neighborhood highlight is the Smithville Inn, built in 1787 by James Baremore, just two years before George Washington was elected President. At that time the Inn was just one room on a well-traveled stagecoach route. The building was not officially an inn back then, but houses in general were far between in those days and word of the Baremore’s hospitality spread until innkeeping soon became their livelihood.
Sometime after the turn of the twentieth century the inn was abandoned. Then in 1949, a local couple purchased it along with seven acres of property and restored the structure. It finally opened again in 1952 as a 42-seat restaurant.
The Village Greene at Smithville epitomizes true Americana during the country's early years. Numerous buildings throughout this area emanate the richness of a long history. Many have been reconstructed to house shops tended by merchants who follow the old-school rules of true craftsmanship, artistry, hospitality, and industry. Witness a real blacksmith, the art of glass blowing, and numerous other arts and crafts when you visit this fascinating village.
The Village Greene is also home to the annual Oktoberfest, a giant celebration of food, fun, crafts and spirits. And don't forget about the rest of the family, who will enjoy the carousel, paddleboats rides, steam train, and miniature golf. Parking and admission are free. Amusements open in warm weather months. Village open year round. For more information call 609-652-7777 or 609-748-6160. |
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:: Atlantic City >Surrounding Areas >South of AC >Cape May :: |
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