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Whether you are a New Jersey resident or an out of state tourist, visiting Historic Smithville shops on the Village Greene offers a whimsical, wonderful shopping adventure that could become one of your new favorite day trips from Atlantic City. Historic Smithville, only 30 minutes from Atlantic City, has some four dozen shops offering everything from A (art, angels, antiques) to Z (the Smithville Zoo is a pet emporium), so you are sure to find a little something for everyone you know.
These Smithville, New Jersey shops aren’t big box stores and national chains, but rather dozens of cute little boutiques nestled in an historic Village of buildings reminiscent of the 1800s.
At first you may be greeted by ducks and perhaps a rooster wandering the streets, then drawn into to the tune of the vintage carousel or the whistle of the miniature train.
Smithville NJ Shops
Cook or foodie in the family? Whet their culinary appetite with gourmet cheeses, jams and jellies, tea and coffee, wine tastings, chocolate and sugar-free confections to satisfy any sweet tooth, baking mixes and grits, imported Italian specialty foods, herbs and spices, raw and natural honey, kitchen accessories, cookie jars and tea pots, and linens and table decorations – for home or garden.
Art aficionados will appreciate the unique crafts, signed prints and original works of art from local artists, designer vinyl art toys, Native American artifacts, South and Central American arts and crafts, and framed art. The Village photographer sells area landscapes but specializes in preserving your special events.
Prefer not to shop at malls and big “box” stores? You’ll be pleased to find several socially-conscious boutiques that carry Earth-friendly and fair trade items – clothing, jewelry, paper. From designer handbags, sleepware and lingerie to one-of-a-kind clothing fashioned from recycled fabrics, there is also funky, punk rock apparel and vintage clothing.
Welcome to the Village Greene
The Village Greene is small enough you might like a map, but you won’t need a guide. Perhaps you sometimes feel like you have an Angel guiding you.
Want one? Angel Oasis offers peace, love, serenity and inspiration along with a host of angel and fairy figurines in all sorts of colors, sizes and types. Browse the books, cards, garden items, jewelry, music and religious items – and be sure to ask for your Angel’s message when you visit.
If you’re a fan of all things Irish – and not just on St. Patrick’s Day – you’re in luck! Say Hello or “Dia dhuit” (JEE-uh Gwitch) to Kathleen, Vincent and Christina, owners of Out of Ireland.
They grew up in Ireland where their parents did weaving and hand knitting, so they recognize and appreciate quality hand-crafted goods. Find Belleek china, crystal, music, novelty items, stained glass, Tara’s Diary handcrafted jewelry and other fine jewelry, wall hangings and a variety of wedding products, plus clothing for men, women and children, from Aran knitwear and christening sets to tweed caps.
Now that it’s no longer the top o’ the morning, come down the rabbit hole for a spot of tea. Through the Looking Glass, said to be the largest retailer of Alice in Wonderland items in South Jersey, is a whimsical tea “bar” and bookstore. Not only does it brew fair-trade and handcrafted teas, pastries and treats, it also sells tea accessories, UK food products and eco-friendly, sustainable treasures from Wales, Scotland, Ireland and England. You’ll also find new and used books, so come on in to sip – and sit a spell.
Lisa Marie (not a Presley) doesn’t cast spells, but the Village Psychic reads tarot cards, palms and faces, energy and auras. Make an appointment to find out what the future may hold for you.
Your immediate future is guaranteed to be calm and relaxing when you visit Bliss Day Spa. Nestled between a beauty shop and nail salon, Bliss also offers facials and make up treatments as well as hot stone, Swedish and therapeutic massage.
Kids of all ages will want to hop on the train, ride the carousel, paddle a boat, play arcade games and watch the ducks and roosters wander about town. They may also enjoy finding new, primitive and vintage toys, dolls, children’s clothing and sports apparel, and visiting two pet emporiums, two candy stores, a bakery, bookstore, and an all-Christmas all-the-time store.
The shoppes at Historic Smithville make for great shopping day trips from Atlantic City in a quaint village atmosphere. Click here for a map of Historic Smithville.
