Posts by Donna Bailey-Taylor |

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Donna Bailey-Taylor

Donna Bailey-Taylor started as the Director of the Visitors Bureau in August 1996, and continues to love her job and promoting the county. Donna has deep roots in the county as her father's family is from Benson and her mother was born in Clayton. Donna has big dreams for the county in the area of tourism development, hoping the Mountains to the Sea Trail will be completed between Clayton and Smithfield and the new Visitor Center/Museum at Bentonville Battlefield will happen. There are many tourism development projects in the works and it's an exciting time for tourism growth in the county. Keep in touch via Donna's blog!

Picking blueberries at Creekside Farms near Selma, NC.

Blueberry Season Begins

By Donna Bailey-Taylor on Jun. 16, 2022

In terms of U.S. fruit consumption, blueberries rank only second to strawberries in popularity. Blueberries are repeatedly ranked in the U.S. diet as having one of the highest antioxidant capacities…

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Corn on the cob recipes from Johnston County, NC.

Grilled, Steamed, or Creamed Fresh Corn - Yum!

By Donna Bailey-Taylor on Jul. 30, 2021

It may be yellow or it may be white, but we think fresh corn on the cob is tasty in any color. In Johnston County, one of the fastest growing counties in North Carolina, road-side fields with tall…

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Canoes at Howell Woods Lake in Four Oaks, NC.

Explore Howell Woods

By Donna Bailey-Taylor on Jul. 02, 2021

Up-coming Events at Howell Woods Through the Summer We know it is so very hot these days, but we are all eager to get outside our homes safely and in wide open spaces, so opportunities for hiking and…

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Set a beautiful Christmas table with tasty holiday bake goods from Johnston County recipes.

Christmas traditions made easy!

By Donna Bailey-Taylor on Dec. 01, 2020

In the world of destination marketing, trends like being a "Foodie", or becoming a culinary destination really are determined by the story or food experience your town/city can offer. If you have to…

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JoCo Hospitality Association Presentation

COVID Interrupts Marketing, Impacts Tourism

By Donna Bailey-Taylor on Oct. 15, 2020

Governor Roy Cooper announced that in 2019 domestic visitors to Johnston County spent $276.08 million, which is an increase of 7.83% from 2018 data, making two banner years of visitor spending…

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Owl at the birds of pray display at Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center, Four Oaks, NC.

What events are coming up at Howell Woods?

By Donna Bailey-Taylor on Jul. 24, 2020

We know it is so very hot these days, but we are all eager to get outside our homes safely and in wide open spaces, so opportunities for hiking and exploring recreational sites like Howell Woods…

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A variety of tomatoes grown in Johnston County, NC.

Summer Time Inspires Backyard Tomato Farmers

By Donna Bailey-Taylor on Jul. 01, 2020

Home-grown Tomato Sandwich! Johnston County is one of the fastest growing counties in North Carolina, but our roots are still in the soil and our agricultural heritage is strong. Our farmer's are…

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Blueberries & Summer Fun

By Donna Bailey-Taylor on Jun. 26, 2020

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Count On Me NC graphic for preparing tourism businesses for visitors.

Let's Get Prepared for Phase II

By Donna Bailey-Taylor on May. 18, 2020

In 24 years as the Director of Tourism for Johnston County, I have written thousands of words promoting our destinations - I expect more than 100,000 in ad copy, website content, newsletters…

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Butterfly on a flower at Howell Woods in Four Oaks, NC.

What's New at Howell Woods for Spring 2020

By Donna Bailey-Taylor on Mar. 13, 2020

We are ready for Spring, aren't you? We are eager to put away the heavy coats, sweaters, and rain boots and get out of the house! Our winter has been mild but wet, so opportunities for getting out…

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