Smithfield, Virginia, is a quaint town filled with surprises and beauty! We have walked the Windsor Castle trail several times. We discovered the Park-to-Park Trail and Nike Park for our E-bikes. We visited the town of Smithfield first to stop by Yummaries Bakery and purchase holiday treats for upcoming parties. We brought a cooler to store the items while we rode our bikes. We parked in the parking lot across from Smithfield Station on S. Church Street, then entered our phone’s GPS bike directions to Nike Park, avoiding main roads. Other than the bridge, you will cross the path through the neighborhoods and the ultimate trail to Nike Park, and we felt safe. One side of the bridge features a wide space for pedestrians and bicycles. Use this. From the lot, you will cover about 10 miles.

There are numerous wonderful things to do in Smithfield, including a Saturday farmer’s market. The stores are unique and as clever as any small town with lots of creativity and art. The variety will keep you guessing at “what next?!”, and we love eating at Smithfield Station on the water. We’ve stayed in Smithfield at the Station many times, and even had the adventure of staying in the lighthouse!

This is an easy day trip from Richmond!

My husband gave me an early Christmas present that truly warmed my heart: a pair of biking gloves for winter riding, which are perfect for keeping my hands snug and comfortable during our outdoor adventures, and a cozy, warm hat designed to fit perfectly under my helmet. This hat even has little holes for my glasses, ensuring that I can enjoy our rides without any fuss.

Just before we got on our bikes, he presented me with these thoughtful gifts, and I was genuinely surprised at how much they meant to me. It was a simple act, yet it resonated deeply within me. In that moment, I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me, which gradually transformed into something even more profound—an enduring love for the journey we are on together as a couple.

With each ride we take, it feels like not just a leisurely escape but a celebration of our shared adventures and the small yet significant gestures that remind us of our love. This moment also symbolized the love and thoughtfulness that exists in our relationship, reinforcing my appreciation for the beautiful life we are building together.

A funny backdrop to this day is meeting a couple who were interested in our bikes. We also ended up in the same restaurant and near each other, which added to the serendipity of the day. It’s only natural to hear the conversations of those around you, and it was apparent that they were newly dating each other, filled with nervous laughter and playful banter. The sweet awkwardness of their interaction reminded me of how comfortable you feel when you’ve been married for almost 40 years, where every glance and gentle touch carries years of shared memories. We talked about our awkward dating days, reminiscing about all the cringe-worthy moments that eventually led us to find true love and give love a chance. It made me wonder how many times couples dating today expect too much from those first dates, putting so much pressure on themselves to create instant connections rather than allowing relationships to evolve naturally over time. It’s a funny paradox, really; the desire for perfection in romance often overshadows the beauty of genuine connection that comes from simply being your authentic self, awkwardness and all.

I recall a discussion that likened marriage to navigating both shallow and deep waters. In the shallow waters of marriage, we often find comfort and security, enjoying the simplicity and ease of our early days together. However, as we venture into the deeper waters, we encounter more significant challenges and revelations that require us to explore a deeper understanding of our partnership. This metaphor beautifully captures the essence of marital growth. It encourages us to embrace both the tranquility of the shallows and the complexities of the depths, reminding us that true connection often lies in the deep waters of our faith, which fosters our marriage by putting God first.