The Charming Small Town In Virginia That Is Home To The World's Oldest Edible Ham
Megan Todaro
Author
One thing you might not immediately think of being synonymous with Virginia is the oldest ham in the world. And yet, here we are. Located in the small town of Smithfield, Virginia, travelers will find a nearly 120-year-old piece of pork with a wild and wacky history. Not only is this piece of ham dubbed the oldest in the world, but it was also made a “pet” by a gentleman named Pembroke D. Gwaltney Jr. If that doesn’t spark your interest…
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So, what do you think about the world’s oldest edible ham in Virginia? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section — we would love to hear from you. Or, if you want to take a trip to visit this old hunk of meat, you can head on over to the Isle of Wight County Museum! If you need the perfect home base for exploring all that this delightful region of Virginia has to offer, be sure to check out these unique vacation homes in Smithfield, Virginia.
Also, check out the world’s largest star is also in Virginia! It’s a true state landmark.
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More to Explore
Small Towns In Virginia
What are some of the most charming small towns to visit in Virginia?
Virginia has no shortage of adorable towns and villages to explore. Below you'll find a list of our recommendations for the most charming small towns to visit in Virginia:
- Abingdon -- home of the Martha Washington Inn & Spa
- Floyd -- famous for its Friday Night Jamboree at the Floyd Country Store
- Staunton -- brimming with historic architecture and home to the Frontier Culture Museum
- Charlottesville -- often named as one of the best places to live and visit in Virginia
- Chincoteague -- famous for wild ponies, delicious seafood, and beautiful beaches
- Smithfield -- named as one of the happiest seaside towns in America
- Cape Charles -- famous for its beautiful Chesapeake Bay views
- Clarksville -- noted as the only lakeside town in Virginia and home to Occoneechee State Park
- Crozet -- nestled in the mountains between Charlottesville and Staunton and home to award-winning wineries
- Waterford -- a town that was founded by Pennsylvania Quakers in 1733
- Berryville -- brimming with fascinating and picturesque historic sites
Of course, these are just a handful of the many towns worth exploring in the Old Dominion. For more information, be sure to check out our ultimate guide to visiting the most charming small towns in Virginia.
Which small towns in Virginia have the best restaurants?
You don't need to venture to the city to enjoy a top-notch meal. For proof of this, look no further than the following list of small towns with delicious restaurants:
- South Boston -- Bistro 1888
- Lovettsville -- The Restaurant at Potowmack Farm
- Washington -- The Inn at Little Washington
- Onancock -- Charlotte Hotel and Restaurant
- Eggleston -- The Palisades Restaurant
- Gordonsville -- BBQ Exchange
- Troutville -- Pomegranate Restaurant and Gathering Place
- Wytheville -- The Log House 1776
- Wachapreague -- The Island House Restaurant and Marina
- Linden -- The Apple House
How many of these delightful eateries have you tried? For more information about what makes each so special, be sure to check out our full list of the best small-town restaurants in Virginia.