2013 Renaissance Faire

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Tracy Walsh

Renaissance Faire, May 4th and 5th from 10am to 6pm

Join the players of the New Jersey Renaissance Faire and travel back to the days of yore and merry olde England as the historic village of Smithville is transformed into the Shire of Smithville in the heart of the English Renaissance.  The good Duke of Northumberland has decreed merriment for all. Fun for the whole family including comedy, tragedy, sword fighting, dance, song, knights, jesters and so much more.  Also stroll amongst the wares of the local vendors and traveling merchants sporting historical gifts and finely crafted items.  Visit the website of the New Jersey Renaissance Faire at http://www.njrenfaire.com/ and feel free to send us a missive via ye olde email at info@njrenfaire.com.

 

Schedual for the day:

ALL DAY FAMILY FUN:
Archery * Paddle Boats * Train * Carousel 
Face Painting

SATURDAY:

11:00…    Opening Ceremony (Gazebo Stage)

11:30…    Shakespeare, the Bard of Avon (Gazebo Stage)

12:00…    Adamo Ignis, Street Circus and fire  (Lakeside Stage)

12:30…   Shelli Buttons, Aerialist (Greene)

1:00…      Stuck in the Crow’s Nest (the Greene)

1:00…     The Lords of Adventure (Lakeside Stage)

1:30…     William Shakespeare ( The Greene)

2:00…     Adamo Ignis (Lakeside)

2:30…      Shelli Buttons (Gazebo Stage)

3:00…     Crossford Singers  (Lakeside Stage)

3:30…     Lords of Adventure Comedy Sord fighting (the Greene)

4:00…     William Shakspeare, the Bard Of Avon (likeside)

4:30…     Stuck in the Crows Nest (The Greene)

5:00…     Sheli Buttons, Aerialist (The Greene)

5:30…     Closing Ceremony (the Greene)

SUNDAY:

11:00…    Opening Ceremony (Gazebo Stage)

11:30…    Shakespeare, the Bard of Avon (The Greene)

12:00…    Adamo Ignis  (Lakeside Stage)

12:30…   Shelli Buttons, Aerialist (Greene)

1:00…     Stuck in the Crows Nest (The Greene)

1:00…     The Lords of Adventure (Lakeside Stage)

1:30…     William Shakespeare ( The Greene)

2:00…     Adamo Ignis, street circus and fire (Lakeside)

2:30…      Shelli Buttons (Gazebo Stage)

3:00…    4 Pieces of 8, music (Lakeside Stage)

3:30…    Lords of Adventure Comedy Sord fighting (the Greene)

4:00…    William Shakspeare, the Bard Of Avon (likeside)

4:30…    Shelli Buttons, Aerialist (The Greene)

4:30…    Stuck in the Crow’s Nest

5:00…    4 peices of 8, music (lakeside)

5:00…   Shelli Buttons, Aerialist (the Greene)

5:30…   Closing Ceremony (the Greene)

5:30…    Closing Ceremony (Gazebo Stage)

Lords of Adventure: Two Man Comedy Sword Fighting Show
The Lords of Adventure, Jack Bold & Roger Awesome will teach our audience to remember the lord or lady of Adventure that they each carry inside, all while swinging dangerous objects at each other for everyone’s entertainment pleasure.  www.facebook.com/lordsadventure

Adamo Ignis: ‘Adamo Ignis’ is Latin for ‘to fall in love with flame’. Exactly what you’ll be doing when you see the literally hot stunts in this group’s show! The passion of dance, the danger of fire, and of course many other stunts and tricks will leave you in love with more than just the flame… www.adamoignis.com

William Shakespeare, The Bard of Avon : This is a living historical performance specializing in a on-man, audience-interactive, comedic, educational entertainment experience. The audience comes on stage and into the literary action.

That Magic Guy: DO you believe in magic? Have you ever been held captive by illusion? That Magic Guy has what it takes to make your day a magical delight. Illusion and fun for the whole family. In his own words,…”the funniest show this side of the Plague!”

Four Pieces of Eight: Watch three beautiful daughters drive thier step-father to madness, and deelight you with lovely tunes in the process.

Peasant Dancer: Come learn the traditional dances of the Renaissance times.

The Amazing Gibil: this magican of the Adventure’s Gibil will delight you with amazing tricks with various items from clubs to boxes of knives.

Hope to see you there!

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Historic Smithivlle’s Childrens Fesitval

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Tracy Walsh

This year’s Children’s festival at Historic Smithville is Saturday, May 11 2013. Just one of the many free weekend events.

All these fun events, our over 60 shoppes and 7 eateries and of course the carousel, train and paddle boats, this is sure to be a fun time for everyone!

This is the schedule for the day! Please check back as I am sure we will be adding more events as the day draws closer.

12:30                     Cape May Zoo-2-U… ‘Fur, Feathers, Scales, Slime’

1:30                        The Asian Dance troop

2:30                        Cape May Zoo-2-U… ‘Animal Kingdom’

3:30                        Dance Forum South

4:00                        Irish Sack Races

ALL DAY

  • Face Painting
  • AC Aquarium
  • Balloon and Sand Art
  • Bash the Trash
  • Children’s Activities

This is a great free New Jersey Event!!

Is there an event that you would like to see at Historic Smithville ? If so let us know!!

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The Story of Fred & Ethel Noyes: The Saviors of the Smithville Inn and a South Jersey Power Couple

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Tracy Walsh

Mr. & Mrs. Fred W. Noyes, Jr. are best known as the developers of The Historic Smithville Inn and the surrounding Towne of Historic Smithville. In 1951, Fred and Ethel Noyes on a walk through the woods found the original structure of The Smithville Inn, purchased the property and continued the tradition by restoring the building and serving early American dishes. Over the years Fred and Ethel found and purchased all of the historic buildings from all over South Jersey that you can now see today in the Village. They also created the Ram’s Head Inn in Absecon and were the founders and chief benefactors of The Noyes Museum of Art.

Fred Noyes was born in Philadelphia in 1905. His early education was at the John Marshall School in the Frankfort section of Philadelphia, where he displayed an inborn talent for art and design. He pursued and developed his artistic interest at the Industrial Arts School of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and the Barnes Foundation in Merion, Pennsylvania. His paintings appeared in many one-man gallery shows and one of his paintings is owned by the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Over 200 of his paintings are in the Noyes Museum collection.

He served as chairman of the Galloway Township Tercentennial Committee and on the Board of Directors of the New Jersey Restaurant Association. He was also active in Kiwanis International, the New Jersey Travel and Resort Association, the Southern New Jersey Development Council, the Atlantic County Historical Society, the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce and the Association for the Arts of the New Jersey State Museum.

Ethel Noyes, born Ethel Marie Lingelbach, was raised on an old southern New Jersey farm. She was proud of the fact that her father’s great-great-grandmother was a full-blooded Native American and lived near the Mullica River. Under her father’s guidance, she learned the folklore of the region. From her mother, whose parents lived in Dresden, she acquired her taste for lovely things. At an early age, she began her first collection of primitive American folk art.

Ethel served as Vice President of the New Jersey Restaurant Association, on the Governor’s Commission on the Status of women in New Jersey and on the Board of Governors of the Atlantic City Medical Center. She was a member of the daughters of the American Revolution, the New Jersey Historic Trust, the American Businesswomen’s Association and the Citizens Committee for National Library Week in New Jersey. She was named one of the 10 Top Business Women in New Jersey by the New Jersey Manufacturers’ Association and was given the Good Scout Award by the Boy Scouts of America. In 1996 she was inducted into the Atlantic County Women’s Hall of Fame.

The Noyes’ established the Mr. and Mrs. Fred Winslow Noyes Foundation on June 8, 1973, with the intention of forming a museum that would reflect their interests. Upon the sale of the Towne of Historic Smithville to the American Broadcasting Company in the summer of 1974, the Noyes’ began plans for the museum. Those plans were delayed by Mrs. Noyes’ untimely death in January 1979. Mr. Noyes and the remaining trustees of the foundation saw the completion of the museum building and its inaugural exhibitions in June 1983. Mr. Noyes continued to oversee operation of the museum until his passing in 1987.

Information from The Noyes Museum, http://www.tfaoi.com/aa/6aa/6aa33.htm and The Colonial Inn Website, http://www.colonialinnsmithville.com/history/index.htm.

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Spring Events at Historic Smithville

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Tracy Walsh

 Historic Smithville NJSpring brings wonderful things, including events and festivals at Historic Smithville. With our cobblestone walkways and footbridges to guide you this quaint village is a wonderful back drop for any event.

All of the events listed here are free.

 

Art Walk, April 20

You won’t be seeing  your typical lighthouses and beach scenes…. This  is an opportunity for artists of all types to showcase. It’s will be all genres, from Bob at artwalk 2012lowbrow to traditional. There will be  prints, canvas, all mediums and all genres will be represented. The artist will be setting up with tents and displays in the Village Greene parking lot. This is the side of the village with the train and carousel. The Art Walk is sponsored by Underground, and if you wish to participate you can contact them at …609-652-5200

Rain date April 21

British Car Show, April 20

british car show 2012Enjoy a day strolling the village and our British car show. Local owners of British cars drive on down to Historic Smithville and park their cars in the Village Greene parking lot. They welcome you to stop by and ask questions or just stroll by and enjoy the time and care they have taken with their cars.

Rain date April 21

 

Drum Circle, April 27

drum makers

Like what you see? Purchase hand made drums.

Herban Legend presents A Drum Circle Event on Saturday, April 27! Come prepared to have fun dancing and drumming on The Greene! This family event will be fun-filled and enlightening, so come on out and join IMG_3190us. Bring your favorite percussion instruments and your best energies. Don’t have a drum? We’ve got you covered- there will be vendors with fine handmade drums, crystals, henna body art, tarot card readings, and other Drum Circle essentials.

Rain date, April, 28

 

Renaissance Faire, May 4 – 5

Pickle vendor at fair

Pickle vendor at fair !

Join the players of the New Jersey Renaissance Faire and travel back to the days of  merry olde England as the historic village of Smithville is transformed into the Shire of Smithville in the heart of the English Renaissance.

Fair Maidens

Fair Maidens

The good Duke of Northumberland has decreed merriment for all. Fun for the whole family including comedy, tragedy, sword fighting, dance, song, knight, jesters and so much more. Also stroll amongst the wares of the local vendors and traveling merchants sporting historical gifts and finely crafted items.Visit the website of the New Jersey Renaissance Faire at www.njrenfaire.com.

For more information on the performers go here: more information

 

Children’s Festival, May 11

Historic Smithville host this free and fun event for children. The Cape May Zoo presents two shows with live animals. The Atlantic City Aquarium will be joining in the fun with a touch tank. Plus other childrens activities. For more information and a schedule of events go here: More information

 

Mayfest, May 18 & 19

Smithville’s annual Mayfest is heavily attended, and there is a good reason for that…It’s a whole lot of fun! With over 100 juried crafters, and international food court, live music, kids activities how can you go wrong. The hours of this event are 10am to 5 pm both Saturday and Sunday. Want to read more about this festival check out this great article by the Atlantic City Press…Article

 

Historic Smithville Wlaking Map

Historic Smithville can keep your calendar full with fun for the whole family. All of these events are nestled right in the Village among the 60 shoppes, 7 eateries, carousel, train, arcades and more! Take a look at our walking map to see how much the village has to offer…

Don’t want the fun to end? Stay the night at the Colonial Inn Bed and Breakfast!

 

Smithville’s Event Calendar for “2013″

 

 

 

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Oktoberfest at Historic Smithville,2013

Posted on September 30, 2012 by Tracy Walsh

 

For over 30 years, the Historical Towne of Smithville has hosted a fall  celebration called Oktoberfst, it is not a Germany inspired event but an age long tradition here at Smithville. This years festival is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday October 5 & 6 2013  from 10am to 5pm. Octoberfest involves 100 crafters and vendors that are “juried,” which is a system assuring product quality. It also includes an international food court, childrens activities, non profit organizations and live music. All of this fun is set into play in our quaint village of over 60 shoppes and 7 eateries. This event is our most heavily attended and once you experience the Oktoberfest, you’ll know why!

I hate to admit it but the food court is my favorite part of this day! I get a gyro and a funnel cake and I am in heaven.

Yummy Food Court !!

There is so much to choose from, fried, on a stick, smothered in butter or covered in sugar!

The festival includes childrens activities, there is face painting, carousel rides, bounce houses, crafts , and more. The best part is they are scattered throughout the Village so there is something new for the kids at every turn.

If you’re not spending the night at the Colonial Inn for the festival, which guarantees you a quite retreat and no waiting in long bathroom lines:o)…I have a little insider tip for you about Octoberfest… the festival is scheduled to start at 10am however if you get here at 9:30 all the crafters are ready to go. You can take your time with small crowd and see everything. By the time your getting hungry say 11 or 11:30 the food vendors don’t have any lines so you just step right up to one or two or like me three different food vendors and order away. By the time the Village starts to get really busy you have done most of the activities and you can sit back and people watch. No lines, no waiting to park, trust me this is the way to do Oktoberfest!!

So what is your favorite part of Oktoberfest? I love sitting on one of the Colonial Inn’s porches, with my funnel cake of course, and watch the people strolling buying and having fun.

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With Kids, Itinerary

Posted on July 13, 2012 by Tracy Walsh

What to do with Kids, Itinerary

When staying at the The Barn, our Country Inn, there are plenty of fun things to do, right here in Historic Smithville! The Train, Carousel and Paddle Boats! Ice cream, pizza, and bakeries. The antique arcades, remote control cars and boats and old fashion shooting gallery. If you are staying with us for a couple of days and want to wonder away from the village, here are a few good suggestions…

Storybook Land

StoryBook Land

You pay-one-price admission includes unlimited rides with access to all storybook attractions! For over 50 years, since its founding in 1955, Storybook Land has been keeping the spirit of childhood alive in an entertaining and educational atmosphere. They have over 14 amusements and different story book houses to explore. • Price $22.95 per person.
• Web site
• Phone # 609-641-7847
• Address: 6415 Black Horse Pike
Route 40 , Egg Harbor NJ 08234

Lucy the Elephant

Climb the world’s largest elephant! Lucy is National Historic Landmark! This elephant stands six stories high and from the howdah on her back you can see a spectacular 360 degree view of the surrounding shore area. There is a guided tour and picnic area.

• Price: Adults: $7.00 Children under 12: $4, Children under 2: Free
• Website:
• Phone # 609-823-6473
• Address: Lucy the Margate Elephant
9200 Atlantic Avenue
Margate, NJ 08402-2449

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Through the Looking Glass

Posted on June 8, 2012 by Tracy Walsh

 

Whimsical book store and tea bar located in Historic Smithville.Get ready to jump down the rabbit hole…

 

 

“Through The Looking Glass” Offers over 40 wonderful Fair trade or hand blended, loose leaf teas at the most competitive prices to be found. All teas steeped by order whether you like it hot or iced, quality is their first concern. 

Tea is not all that can be found at, ”Through the Looking Glass”, they also carry an abundance of eco-friendly, sustainable, fair trade handcrafted treasures that surround you in a whimsical atmosphere.

So stop in grab your tea and treats and  head on up the staircase where you will find yet another hidden treasure… A  book store filled with many local works as well as the classics. This area has been specialty crafted to be a relaxing haven so that you feel right at home while casually browsing.

Trust me you’ve never been in a Wonderland like this.

Number #93 on the walking Map

Visit their web-site

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Little Egg Harbor Soap Shop

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Tracy Walsh

 

Little Egg Harbor Soap Company is a small but mighty group who is passionate about all-natural soap, skincare and bath products. Founded by Kathy Notaro in 1997, the mission of LEH soap has remained constant. “We aim to create the best in all-natural, handmade soap and skincare products while educating our customers on the importance of caring for the skin naturally”. At our headquarters in Marmora, NJ we lovingly hand make, cut and wrap 800 lbs of soap each week, one small batch at a time. Over time we have expanded our product line to include all-natural lotions, body butters, sugar scrubs, bath salts, body balms and fizzies. With a staff that is both knowledgeable and friendly we welcome your skin care questions and look forward to introducing you to our unique line of skin care products.

# 62 on Smithville’s walking map
Visit our web site

 

 

 

 

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Smithville Car Show

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Tracy Walsh

Cars, Cars, Cars!:

Car Shows and Car Cruises

A car cruise is a gathering of folks, of the same interest…cars. Whether your someone who owns a new hot rod, someone who refurbished an older car or someone who just has a passion for cars, this is the event for you. We have anywhere from 20 to 50 cars drive on down to Smithville and park near the red covered bridge. These car enthusiast set up their chairs and have a seat, they hang around discussing cars and checking things out. We supply some fun music and a great back drop for an interesting night.

Here are the dates of our car cruises this year…

  • May 10th and 24th
  • June 14th & 28th
  • July 12th & 26th
  • August 9th & 23rd
  • September 13th & 27th

 

Just drive to the side parking lot of the Village Greene and near the red covered bridge, you will see orange cones set up . Move a cone and park your baby(car) between the hours of 5:00 and 8:00.

Smithville’s Car Shows are a little different and cars must preregister. There are any where  from 75 to 150 cars showing off their stuff for each the GM and Corvette show. It’s a fun day that starts around 10 and ends at the awards cermony at 4pm.

Here are the Dates for Smithvilles car shows:

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Biking and hiking near the Colonial Inn

Posted on February 10, 2012 by Tracy Walsh

 

Wharton State Forest is just a little under 20 minutes from Historic Smithville and the Colonial Inn. Wharton is New Jersey’s largest expanse of state forest, the granddaddy of the Garden State’s wilderness experience, with hiking, canoeing, camping, recreation areas, and historic sites. For hikers, Wharton contains 37 miles of the 50-mile Batona Trail, an undisturbed footpath that passes through some of the Pine Barrens’ most tranquil areas, connecting Wharton, Brendan T. Byrne, and Bass River State forests. But be forewarned: A trail map is essential and easy to get lost, so stick to major known sand roads and trails that will support your bike. Best riding is actually on warm winter days when sand roads are harder. Bugs are a problem from spring to fall. Effective insect repellent is must. Ride on Sundays during the fall hunting season (hunting not allowed).

This map can be found at  http://www.bikekinetix.com/t_nj/nj_state/wharton_sf.php along with a lot of other great information…check it out.

 These off road bicycle specific trails originate at the northwest corner of the Batsto Village parking lot and offer bicyclists several distance options.

Trail maps are available at the Batsto Visitor Center.
Batsto Office: 609-561-0024
 

All Terrain Firetower Bicycle Loop Trail : 5.5 miles. Blazed with green circles. Beginners will enjoy following the green markers for a fun easy six mile ride.  (motorized vehicles and equestrians not permitted on singletrack sections)

Huckleberry Trail:This fun swoopy three mile trail is marked with blue circles and bisects the Penn Branch Trail to provide riders with an approx. eight mile loop from/to the parking lot.
Oak Hill Trail:This approx. two mile long trail is marked with white circles and gives riders another north/south option.
Teaberry Trail: Gives riders a 3/4 mile long connector trail between the Oak Hill and Huckleberry Trails. Marked with red circles.

Batsto Penn Creek Branch Bicycle Trail: This is the big 19 miles marked  with Orange circles. The trail runs in conjunction with and extends the Firetower trail to a 19 mile epic mountain bike ride through diverse pine barren habitat. Because of it’s length, it is recommended that experienced riders in good physical condition attempt the entire loop.Note: If you go the distance be prepared with plenty of water, snacks for energy and time it so you don’t get caught unexpectedly after dark. Let someone know where you are planning to ride.

Hiking:

Batono Trail: This 50-mile trail connects Wharton, Brendan T. Byrne and Bass River State forests. The Pink trail is the longest blazed hiking trail in southern New Jersey.

This portion of the Batona Trail is maintained by the NJ State Park Service and the Batona Hiking Club. This is a link to the N.J. State Parks Brochure of the Batono trails http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/docs/batona14web.pdf

Directions from the Colonial Inn to Wharton State Park…http://g.co/maps/9sqpk

 Canoe or Kayak ?:

 Micks Pine Barrens
Canoe and Kayak Rental
3107 Route 563
Chatsworth, NJ 08019
800.281.1380
609.726.1380
Fax: 609.726.0717

After choosing a canoe, single kayak or double kayak , you board a bus that takes you to your drop off point. You can choose from 3 hour trips or 5 hour trips, and there are plenty of fun stops along the way. When you arrive at the end of your trip, they are there to pick you up.

Whatever your outdoor adventure, Wharton State Forest has it. 

 

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