The Civil War history in Johnston County is centered on Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site, the largest battle fought in North Carolina and the last major offensive of the war. In addition to this site visitors interested in Civil War heritage will discover a drive along the Carolina Campaign Driving Tour which includes stops at the Historic Hastings House, Johnston County Courthouse featuring several military statues and monuments, Civil War Trail Markers, Selma Historic Train Station and downtown Clayton.
The county offers several heritage museums including the Johnston County Heritage Center, Benson Museum of Local History and the Tobacco Farm Life Museum. All are showcasing the history of rural Johnston County and its people.
To learn more about our heritage in the county, click on our town websites:
Agritourism Venues
Johnston County has the largest number of working farms in North Carolina, and continues to lead the nation in production of cash crops, including sweet potatoes.· For several years, area farmers have expanded their operations to sustain the family farm, offering agri-tainment, farm markets, on-farm tours and promoting local products.
Arts & Entertainment
For enjoying the performing arts in Johnston County we encourage you to frequently check our calendar of events to see what local, regional or national acts may be in town at either the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium or Neuse Little Theatre in Smithfield, The Clayton Center in historic downtown Clayton or the W. J. Barefoot Auditorium in Benson.·
Dining
Dining out in the county can be fast if need be, home-cooking Southern style or national chains offering steaks, seafood, and American cuisine giving even your "picky" eater something to choose from.· For true Eastern style bar-be-cue, visitors to the area will find several well known BBQ restaurants are serving up chopped pork with a vinegar based sauce.
Golf
The game of golf can prove challenging and Johnston County offers six courses to test your skill on the links!· Golfers can play nearly all year round in our mild climates, but ultimately the best times of the year are from March to November to tee up for a round.
Museums & Heritage Sites
The Civil War history in Johnston County is centered on Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site, the largest battle fought in North Carolina and the last major offensive of the war.
Nature & Recreation
If your ambitions while on vacation include getting close to the land and enjoying the great outdoors, Johnston County has many options to consider.
Shopping New & Old
Visitors from far and wide have heard Johnston County is home to eastern North Carolina’s largest selection of outlet shopping. While visiting the area shop for bargains at Carolina Premium Outlets where national name brand retail stores offer 25-65% in savings every day.
Spas
Relax, rejuvenate, and restore your mind and body at one of Johnston County's spas --- even if just for the day!· The following day spas offer a variety of services, facials, botanicals, and special events for you and your friends!
Wine Trail
Johnston County and our neighboring Wake County features four award-winning wineries and tasting rooms, and they have joined together to form the Muscadine Heritage Wine Trail. Experience the trail along our rural roads past tobacco fields, cotton, corn or stop at a local farmer's market and take home fresh locally grown produce.
Towns & Crossroads
Gain new insight into an authentic slice of Americana in Johnston County...with our rural communities and crossroads which tell our history.·Before there were street names and addresses, residents of the county associated with their local crossroads named for prominant farmers in the area or maybe the local school.
