Western Hampton Roads

Isle of Wight County is one of the oldest county governments in the United States of America. Nestled on the shores of Virginia’s James River, Isle of Wight’s residents enjoy the rural nature of the County coupled with the quaint atmosphere of the two incorporated Towns, Smithfield and Windsor.

Smithfield has many of the charms associated with Hampton Roads communities, including 18th & 19th Century architecture, a revitalized historic downtown, and all the character of a former colonial seaport. Smithfield offers residents a small-town atmosphere, a good school system, affordable housing, a historic downtown, and a new state-of-the-art community/conference center – The Smithfield Center.

The Town of Windsor is located just west of the City of Suffolk and is able to maintain its small-town charm and atmosphere, yet manage the growth pressures through the thoughtful planning of the Town Council and the Planning Commission.

Franklin is located in southeastern Virginia along the Blackwater River. Once a railroad and steamboat hub of commerce, the City of Franklin is a laid-back cousin to larger cities in the Coastal Virginia region. The welcoming Visitor Center, in the old railroad depot, is in the heart of the historic area. You’ll find a variety of shops and delicious places to eat, beautifully restored vintage homes, and parks perfect for an impromptu picnic.

Southampton County is a sprawling landscape that boasts small towns waiting to be explored and more Century Farms than any other Virginia county. Scenic trails invite you and your horse to explore all the beautiful nature. Numerous boat landings welcome casual boaters and fishermen, while hunters find abundant game. The Rawls Museum Arts, part of the Virginia Museum of Fine Art, exhibits work by local, regional and nationally known artists. The Southampton Agriculture and Forestry Museum/Heritage Museum—with a grist mill, sawmill, county store, schoolhouse, and more—reflects rural life over the last 200 years.