Unearth The Voyage
Some places don’t feel like a quick stop. They feel like a small escape.
You show up for one thing, and somehow you’re still wandering an hour later with a treat in hand. That’s exactly the kind of detour you’ll find just outside the usual rush in South Jersey.
Historic Smithville brings charming walkways, a calm lake view, and rows of small shops that make it way too easy to say, “Just one more.” From handmade goods to candy worth taking home, it’s built for slow browsing and surprise finds. If you’re craving a low-effort day out with plenty to explore, this spot delivers more than you’d guess at first glance.
1. Start with the Lake Meone loop
Walking around Lake Meone is like hitting the reset button on your entire day. The path wraps around the water in a gentle loop, giving you views that change with every turn.
You’ll cross wooden bridges that beg for a pause, and if you’re lucky, ducks might paddle by like they own the place.
I made the mistake once of skipping this walk and heading straight to the shops. Big error.
The lake sets the whole vibe for Smithville, it’s the opening act that makes everything else feel more magical.
Take your time here. Let the reflections on the water do their thing.
Notice how the village buildings peek through the trees. This isn’t just a walk; it’s the warm-up that gets you in the mood to actually enjoy the rest of your visit.
By the time you complete the loop, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. And honestly, that’s exactly the point.
The lake doesn’t rush you, and neither should you.
2. Wander the cobblestone walkways like you’ve got nowhere to be
Smithville’s cobblestones have a way of slowing you down, and that’s the whole idea. These aren’t your average sidewalks, they’re part of the charm, designed to make you meander instead of march.
Every shop window pulls you in a different direction, and before you know it, you’ve spent an hour just exploring.
The layout feels intentional, like someone planned it specifically for people who love to browse without a map. One minute you’re admiring a handmade candle display, the next you’re reading a chalkboard sign about homemade fudge.
It’s shopping without the pressure, strolling without the schedule.
I’ve watched people try to speed-walk through Smithville, and it never works. The village has this sneaky way of making you stop, look around, and actually enjoy the moment.
The cobblestones help with that, they’re bumpy enough to remind you that rushing isn’t the move here.
So leave your hurry at home. Let the walkways guide you wherever they want.
That’s how you find the best stuff anyway.
3. Go boutique-hopping through 50+ specialty shoppes
Fifty shops sounds like a lot until you’re actually there, and then it feels like you need more time. Smithville’s specialty boutiques cover everything from home decor to vintage finds, handmade crafts to quirky gifts.
Each one has its own personality, so you’re never bored.
Some shops lean into the nostalgic vibe with antique-style displays. Others go full modern-artisan with locally made goods.
Either way, you’ll find something you didn’t know you needed until you saw it on a shelf.
The beauty of having this many stores is that you can actually make a full day out of it. No need to rush through or pick just three stops.
You can zigzag from one end of the village to the other, pop into whatever catches your eye, and still have places left to explore.
Bring a tote bag. You’ll need it.
Because even if you go in with zero shopping intentions, you’ll leave with at least one candle, a jar of something homemade, and probably a wooden sign that says something about coffee or wine.
4. Smithville Bakery
If you’re going to eat your feelings anywhere in Smithville, start here. The bakery hits you with that fresh-baked smell the second you walk in, and suddenly you’re ordering three things you hadn’t planned on.
Donuts, pastries, cookies, pies, cakes—it’s all there, and it’s all dangerous.
They also serve breakfast in a 50-seat restaurant attached to the bakery, which is clutch if you’re arriving hungry. Think buttery croissants, warm muffins, and coffee that actually tastes good.
It’s the kind of spot where locals know to show up early before the best stuff disappears.
I once tried to “just look” at the pastry case and ended up walking out with a cinnamon roll the size of my head. No regrets.
The bakers here don’t mess around, they know what they’re doing, and your taste buds will thank you.
Pro tip: grab something to go for later in the day. You’ll be walking a lot, and a cookie in your bag is never a bad idea.
Trust me on this one.
5. Smithville Peanut Butter Company
Peanut butter lovers, this is your shrine. Smithville Peanut Butter Company isn’t playing around—they’ve got peanut butter candies, peanut butter brittle, and a whole lineup of nut butters and jams that’ll make you rethink your entire pantry situation.
It’s sweet, it’s crunchy, it’s everything.
The brittle is what gets most people hooked. It’s that perfect combo of salty and sweet, with just enough crunch to keep things interesting.
Pair it with one of their flavored spreads, and you’ve got yourself a gift basket that’ll make you the hero of any gathering.
Even if you’re not a peanut butter fanatic, the shop itself is worth a visit. The setup is charming, the samples are generous, and the staff actually knows their stuff.
They’ll walk you through flavor profiles like you’re at a wine tasting, except it’s way more delicious.
I left with three jars and a bag of brittle, and I regret nothing. This place is proof that sometimes the quirkiest shops end up being the most memorable.
6. Village Sweet Shoppe
Located right across from the Smithville Inn, the Village Sweet Shoppe is basically a sugar wonderland. Jars of candy line the shelves, lollipops stand at attention, and the smell of chocolate hangs in the air like a delicious threat to your self-control.
Kids lose their minds here, and honestly, so do adults.
The setup is classic candy-shop vibes, think nostalgic treats mixed with modern sweets. You’ll find everything from old-school penny candy to gourmet chocolates, all displayed in a way that makes you want to try one of everything.
Spoiler: you probably will.
What makes this place special is the location. After a big meal at the inn or a long stroll around the village, stopping here feels like the perfect reward.
It’s not just a candy store; it’s a tradition, a pit stop, a reason to smile for no good reason except sugar.
Grab a bag, fill it with whatever looks good, and don’t overthink it. Life’s short.
Eat the gummy bears. Buy the chocolate.
Enjoy the moment.
7. Smithville Pickle Company
Yes, there’s a pickle shop, and yes, it’s exactly as fun as it sounds. Smithville Pickle Company embraces the quirky energy that makes this village so entertaining.
Jars of pickles in every flavor you can imagine line the walls, from classic dill to spicy garlic to things you didn’t know could be pickled.
It’s not just pickles, though they’ve got relishes, sauces, and condiments that’ll upgrade your next cookout or sandwich situation. The staff is friendly, the vibe is playful, and you’ll probably end up trying samples you never thought you’d be into.
Plot twist: you’ll like them.
This is the kind of shop that reminds you why Smithville works so well. It’s unexpected, a little weird, and totally charming.
You don’t need a pickle shop in your life until you’re standing in one, and then suddenly it makes perfect sense.
I walked out with three jars and zero shame. One went straight into a charcuterie board, and it was the star of the show.
Pickles deserve more credit, and this place gives it to them.
8. LEH Soap
Handmade soap might not sound thrilling until you’re standing in LEH Soap surrounded by colors, scents, and textures that make you want to redesign your entire bathroom. This shop nails the “just one more browse” energy, you think you’re popping in for a quick look, and twenty minutes later you’re sniffing every bar on the shelf.
The soaps are crafted with care, and you can tell. Each one feels like a little work of art, from the swirls of color to the essential oil blends that actually smell natural.
It’s the kind of place where you start buying gifts for other people and end up treating yourself too.
Smithville’s throwback village vibe makes shops like this even better. LEH Soap fits right into the aesthetic small, charming, and full of personality.
It’s not a big-box store; it’s a spot where someone clearly loves what they do, and that shows in the product.
I bought lavender soap thinking it’d be a nice touch for the guest bathroom. Ended up keeping it for myself.
Worth it. Sometimes self-care is just really good soap.
9. The Smiling Llama
The Smiling Llama is one of those shops that feels good to support. Fair-trade goods, artisan crafts, and alpaca-fiber items fill the space, giving you that warm fuzzy feeling that comes from knowing your purchase actually helps someone somewhere.
Plus, the stuff is genuinely beautiful.
Alpaca scarves, handwoven textiles, and unique home decor make this a go-to for gifts that don’t feel generic. Everything has a story, and the shop does a great job of highlighting the artisans behind the products.
It’s shopping with a conscience, minus the preachy vibe.
The name alone makes it memorable, but the quality keeps people coming back. Whether you’re looking for something cozy to wear or a one-of-a-kind piece to display at home, The Smiling Llama delivers.
And honestly, who doesn’t love a shop named after a smiling llama?
I picked up an alpaca throw that now lives permanently on my couch. It’s soft, it’s warm, and every time I use it, I think about how much better it is than the synthetic stuff I used to buy.
Upgrade complete.
10. Tomasello Winery & Gifts at the Village Greene
Wine and gifts in one stop? Smithville gets it.
Tomasello Winery & Gifts brings the vineyard vibe right into the village, offering bottles from a respected New Jersey winery along with a curated selection of gift items. It’s the perfect place to grab something that isn’t another candle—though let’s be honest, candles are still great.
The wine selection covers reds, whites, and specialty blends, so whether you’re a casual sipper or a serious enthusiast, you’ll find something worth taking home. And if wine isn’t your thing, the gift section has plenty of other options, from gourmet snacks to locally made goods.
What I love about this spot is that it feels elevated without being pretentious. You can browse at your own pace, ask questions without judgment, and leave with a bottle that’ll impress your dinner guests.
Or just yourself on a Tuesday night. No shame in that game.
I grabbed a red blend and a jar of wine jelly, both of which disappeared faster than I’d like to admit. Tomasello knows what they’re doing, and this shop makes it easy to enjoy their work.
11. Fred and Ethel’s Lantern Light Tavern
After hours of walking and shopping, Fred and Ethel’s Lantern Light Tavern is where you collapse into a chair and let someone else do the work. This village staple serves up hearty meals in a setting that feels like stepping into an old-timey pub—wood beams, warm lighting, and a menu that doesn’t mess around.
The food is classic American comfort: burgers, sandwiches, seafood, and entrees that hit the spot after all that strolling. It’s the kind of place where you can relax, refuel, and plan which shops you’re hitting next.
Or just sit there and enjoy not being on your feet for a minute.
What makes Fred and Ethel’s special is the atmosphere. It’s not trying to be fancy or trendy—it’s just good food in a cozy space that fits the Smithville vibe perfectly.
Locals love it, visitors love it, and after one meal, you’ll get why.
I ordered the fish and chips and ate every single bite, including the fries I swore I’d save for later. Sometimes you just need a solid meal in a solid spot, and this tavern delivers every time.
12. Paddle boats on the water
When the weather’s warm, Lake Meone turns into your personal playground. Smithville offers 30-minute paddle boat rentals, and it’s one of those simple joys that makes the whole visit feel extra special.
You’re out on the water, pedaling at your own pace, taking in views you can’t get from the shore.
The boats are easy to operate, so don’t stress if you’ve never done it before. Kids love it, couples find it romantic, and solo adventurers enjoy the peaceful break from the crowds.
It’s just you, the water, and maybe a few ducks following you around hoping for snacks.
Rentals are seasonal and weather-dependent, so check ahead if this is a must-do on your list. But if the stars align and you get out there, it’s worth every minute.
The lake looks different from the middle—quieter, prettier, more magical.
I took a paddle boat out on a sunny afternoon and spent the entire time grinning like an idiot. Sometimes the best moments are the simplest ones, and this is proof.
Don’t skip it if you get the chance.
