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

10:30…    Opening Ceremony (Gazebo Stage)

11:00…    Shakespeare, the Bard of Avon (Gazebo Stage)

11:30…    Four Pieces of Eight (Lakeside Stage)

12:00…    Adamo Ignis  (Gazebo Stage)

12:30…   That Magic Guy (Lakeside Stage)

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

1:30…     Four Pieces of Eight (Lakeside Stage)

2:00…     That Magic Guy (Gazebo Stage)

2:30…      Peasant Dance (Gazebo Stage)

2:30…    The Amazing Gibil (Lakeside Stage)

3:30…    Shakespeare, the Band of Avon (Lakeside Stage)  

4:00…    Adamo Ignis (Gazebo Stage)

4:30…    The Amazing Gibil (Lakeside Stage)

5:00…    The Lords of Adventure (Gazebo Stage)

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! …(rain date May 13th)

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 any where from 20 to 50 cars drive on down to Smithville, park near the red covered bridge.the owners set out their chairs and hang around till about 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 11th and 12th
• June 8th & 22nd
• July 13th & 27
• August 10th & 24th
• September 14th & 28th

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 Showsare a little different. The shows are organized and you must preregister your car. We have any where  from 75 to 150 cars show up for the GM and Corvette show. It’s a fun day that starts around 10 and ends at 4:00, when the many awards are given out.

Here are the Dates for Smithvilles car shows:

• June 9- GM Auto Show (rain date 10th)
• October 21 Corvette show (rain dae 28th)

Kizoa slideshow: Smithville Car show – Slideshow

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. 

Mid-Week Getaway Package

The Colonial Inn is a elegant 18th-century-style bed and breakfast that is within walking distance of all that Historic Smithville has to offer. The over 60 shops, 7 eateries can easily fill your days and nights. We would like to offer you an exciting mid week special including our Premier King room where you will be pampered with fine linens, Colonial decor, double soaking tub and steam shower for two wonderful nights.

 On the evening of the 18th, you will stroll over our charming bridge and follow the cobble stone walk way to the Smithville Inn where a decadent five course gourmet meal with specially selected wine pairing will be awaiting your dinning pleasure.

 There is limited space for this special and the dates that apply are:                          January 17 & 18 or 18 & 19. The special includes….

• 2 Night stay in a King Room
• Dinner for 2 with wine pairing at Smithville Inn
• Free bar of homemade soap from Little Egg Harbor Soap Shop.
• Discounts in many of the shops is Smithville

The Smithville Inn is one of South Jersey’s premiere Restaurants.
Minutes away from Atlantic City, in the Historic Towne of Smithville.
Serving sophisticated comfort food in a warm environment.
A tradition of hospitality that has been carried on since 1787.

The menu for the evening of Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Reception:  
Antipasto, Cured Meats &  Assorted Cheese

1st Course:
Roasted Chestnut & Sweet Potato
 
2nd Course:
 Duck Leg Confit  
over greens with crispy pancetta, toasted nuts and warm vinaigrette
 
3rd Course:
Braised Short Ribs
over celeriac puree, roasted baby carrots & pearl onions   
 
Dessert Course:
Nutella Wonton
blood orange gelato, dark chocolate dipped candied orange peel

Reservations for the 2 night stay package call the Colonial Inn and ask for the winter wine pairing special… 609-748-8999

 Don’t have 2 nights to get away but you would still like to enjoy this fine meal at the  Smithville Inn, call 609-652-7777

Below please find the shop and number as listed on the walking map…

• # 96 The Colonial Inn: will be hosting Bruce Townsend and Friends, Live music and a raffle for an overnight stay at the Inn.
• # 50 Crafting Cellar: 10% off and gift with purchase
• #57 Two Chicks Couture: Live music, piano and female singer
• #58 Toys and Sports: Sandwich Tray
• # 59 Bumble Beads: 10% off all finished jewelry, free gift with purchase and Hot Cider and Donuts
• #60 TuTu Posh: 10% off purchase of %25.00 or and every purchase enters you to Win a Christmas TuTu
• # 62  Little Egg Harbor Soap Shop: Refreshments and 10% off holiday soaps
• #63  Jewelry Box: Snacks and Storewide sale
• #64 Magnifico Says Cheese: Wine and cheese sampling
• #75 Tomasello Winery: Hot Muller Spiced Wine
• #81 Shell We: Snacks and storewide Sale
• #82 Santé Fe East: Store Wide Sale
• #86 Trendie Treasures: Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries.
• #89 Ireland and Old Lace: Refreshment and gift with purchase
• #93 Through the Looking Glass: Tea & bag samples(why supplies last), sipping tea samples,  raffel and certificate for 10% off next visit.

• #2 The Candle Shoppe: Scented Kringle Votive with purchase
• #3 The Christmas Shop: Smithville Ornament with purchase
• #4 Chic Shoppe: 15% with coupon from the current
• #5b Smithville Zoo: Discount, 20% off
• #8a Butterflies and Friends: 15% off with coupon from the Current
• #9 Evermore Herb Co.: Mulled Cider & Lavendar cookies, Gift Certificate special…buy $50.00 in G.C. get $10.00 free
• #10 Angel Oasis: Free gift on any purchase over $20.00
• #19 Gryst Mill Gifts: Snowman theme-free candy canes
• #21 Honey Pot: Homemade cookies
• #22 Out of Ireland: Tea & Scones
• #23 Two Country Ducks: Cookies
• #29 Razzel Dazzel:20% Off and receive an additional 10% if you show a dinner receipt  from any of the 4 restaurants between 4pm & 8pm
• #33 Earth-n-Lace Pottery and more: Free gift wrapping with purchase, Raffle and refreshments
• #35 Village Sweet Shoppe:10% off booked holiday baskets
• #36 The pink Corset: Cookies
• #37 The Smithville Jeweler: 10% off Chamile Charms and 20% Lori Bon Bracelets

There will be strolling Christmas Carolers and the restaurants will be offering drink and bar special. I have also heard rumors of horse and carriage rides….you’ll just have to stop out and see!

 Mrs. Claus reading stories to the children… Many children get a little scared of Santa, this large robust man with a beard and red coat.  Smithville decided to bring you the softer side of the family. Mrs. Claus is a simple elderly German woman with grey hair and a breathtaking, handmade red dress. She has taken a little time away from helping Santa to make her very own public appearance right here in Historic Smithville. We have transformed the antique arcade (#65 on the Walking Map) into a Christmas area fitting for Mrs. Claus. Between the hours of 1:30 and 4:30 she will sit and read stories to the children, take pictures and chat with you and your children about the upcoming holiday.

Magic Talking tree near the Smithville Train

The Magic Talking Christmas Tree… If you are having trouble locating Mrs. Claus, you can always ask the Magic Tree. You heard me right!! Next to the Smithville Train Station an over sized Christmas tree is brought in from Santa’s private forest. This beautifully decorated Christmas tree awakens every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5:00 to talk with you and your children about the upcoming holidays and, well, anything you might want. Right next to the Magic Talking Tree the Smithville Train has decorated it’s tracks for the Holiday’s. For $2.00 per person you take a 6 1/2 minute ride on the outskirts of Smithville on this fun, whimsical train. Both the train and carousel are open village hours weather permitting throughout the month of December.

Light Show on the Lake… Over 120 Christmas Trees constructed from over 50,000 Christmas lights, magically float on Lake Meone in the center of Historic Smithville. The moment darkness falls, an orchestrated show of lights and music is played out across the lake. The lights seem to dance and chase each other to the music all the while reflecting of the water’s surface. This show can be seen from either side of the village as well as the bridge.

As if all of that is not enough to put you in the holiday mood, each of the stores located in Historic Smithville is outlined in white twinkle lights. You would imagine that Santa himself would live here… it is a winter wonderland of unique shops, enjoyable eateries, and holiday merriment. We hope to see you and your family in the village this holiday season! If you have any questions about any of these events feel free to call us at the Colonial Inn any time, we are right in the middle of all the excitement and will be happy to answer any of your questions. 609-748-8999

Store Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: 10am – 6pm
                      Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 10am – 8pm
                                                        Sunday: 11am – 6pm

• The Shamrock and Thistle Pipes and Drums will start the day with “the Parade of Colors”, which starts at the covered bridge at 11am, followed by an opening invocation by Deacon Liam O’Clisham

JAMIE AND THE QUITE MEN
they played at last years festival and we have some video, check them out….. .

The Irish festival also includes…

• AN IRISH MARKET, with lots of vendors, located right outside the Colonial Inn bed and Breakfast, in the Village Greene parking lot.
 
• CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
• FOOD COURT
• MIST OF IRELAND DANCERS, will be performing throughout the day.

 
So mark you’re calendars…October 8th !!

I hope to see you at the Village and don’t forget to wear your kilt!! If you can’t find yours Ireland and Old Lace rents them out!!

 

 

If you would like to be a general vendor, food vendor, children’s activity vendor, or a non profit please click here for an application

Historic Smithville Italian Festival, October 15 (rain date Oct 22.)

What’s going on :

• · Live Music and Entertainment

Known as “The Voice” and “The Singing Lifeguard”, Jim Craine and his big band show named, (*what else?) “The Jim Craine Show”, has entertained from Atlantic City casinos (his home turf) to cruise ships and major nightclubs up and down the East Coast and Canada. Jim has opened for headliners: The Platters, Frank Sinatra Jr., Della Reese and most recently Connie Stevens. He has also worked with Sammy Davis Jr., Bob Hope, and Red Skelton.

•  Fine New Jersey Wine Tasting

                 Balic Winery will be sponsoring the wine garden.

•  Great Food and Deserts

                 Would you like to be a food vendor? You can find an application HERE.

• Artisan Vendors

                  Would you like to be a vendor? You can find an application HERE.

• · Bocce Ball Free (must register)                                                                               

Bocce Ball will be played at the Village Green, next to the Gazebo, to register contact John Demarco at  Marcojohndema@us.ibm.com

To brush up on your Bocce Ball rules and how to  Click here

• · Fun for the Children…Face painting, Sand Man. air rides, ect…

• · Italian Classic Cars

As you can see it promises to be a fun filled day! Hope to see you there.

The Story of Pine Barrens Diamonds™

By Paul Evans Pedersen, Jr., Glass Artist

From deep within the beautiful World Famous Pine Barrens of Southern New Jersey come this exquisite, hand-made jewelry featuring the “Pine Barren Diamonds™”.

“Pine Barren Diamonds™” are cut, shaped and expertly polished pieces of early 19th Century Glass that was abandoned from several World-famous Glass Works, including The Crowleytown Works, Isabella Works, The Tansboro Works, The Coffin and Hay Works, and The Bulltown Works that were once the mainstay and usually the only way of life for South Jersey industry and workers: Glassblowing!

At secret “Pine Barren Diamond™” fields and mines throughout South Jersey, I carefully dig, probe, excavate and unearth pieces of glass that for a variety of reasons, were unused and discarded.  At my South Jersey “Pine Barren Diamonds™” shop, I select the finest pieces, rough cut them into their optimum size, then shape, grind, re-fire and polish the glass to a beautiful finish.  I then take the polished “Pine Barren Diamonds™” and assemble and set them into a variety of fine jewelry.  In the FUSED DICHROIC JEWELRY, I add dust from the diamonds to the glass as its being fired.  We are the only shop in the world that uses this process!  The result is a beautiful piece of Historically Significant, custom-made jewelry.  The “Pine Barren Diamond™” is a unique, one of a kind artistic piece, nearly 200 years old, hand crafted and hand-tooled.  A historical Artifact from days of long ago and a true Heirloom from South Jersey, it takes over 700 hours, from mine to finished jewelry, to create each piece!