A Toast! To JoCo’s Social Districts

Back in 2022, Selma was the first town in Johnston County to adopt a social district. Not long after, Benson and Clayton followed suit, embracing the concept as a way to bring new energy and vibrancy to their downtown areas. As of this year, Smithfield has joined the growing list by officially establishing its own social district and further expanding this exciting trend across the county.

A social district allows visitors to enjoy alcoholic beverages within clearly designated outdoor areas, creating a more relaxed and engaging atmosphere that encourages the exploration of the downtown area. Visitors and residents can sip and stroll in and out of shops, bars, and restaurants within the district. In Johnston County, these districts have become a tool for strengthening the vitality of our main streets and encouraging community interaction. 

Participating bars, restaurants, and other vendors benefit from the increased foot traffic as visitors stroll through town, drinks in hand, discovering shops, art installations, and other hidden gems along the way. This not only enhances the overall downtown experience but also opens the door for creative new events and collaborations between local businesses. One example is the Clayton Farm & Community Market’s popular Night Market every Last Friday of the month (pictured below). Social districts give outdoor festivals, live music, and pop-up markets more freedom to extend their reach, which could turn a typical afternoon or evening into a dynamic, town-wide event.



It’s helpful to check out local maps and guidelines for each town’s district. Find information on which signs to look for and where the district boundaries begin and end to explore confidently and responsibly. We have provided as much information as we can below, with links where available on each town's social district. 

Benson’s Social District
Town Map, Guidelines, and Hours
Participating Businesses:
Salvaged Heirlooms 
Fainting Goat Brewing Company 

Clayton’s Social District
Town Map, Guidelines, and Hours
Participating Businesses:
Clayton Steakhouse 
Clayton School of Creative Arts 
Church Cocktails and Spirits 
Fare Game
First Street Tavern 
LaDiDa Wine Bar 
Manning's Restaurant
Main St. Wine & Beer 
The Market at Three Little Birds



Selma's Social District
Includes S Webb and S Raiford St. from E Oak St. to E Railroad St.
Social District Hours: Monday to Sunday, Noon to Midnight
Participating Businesses: 
Hatchet Brewing Company, The Vault 
Quantum Toad 

Smithfield's Social District
From Front St. to 4th St. along Market St., and Market St. down 3rd St. only to Johnston St.
Social District Hours: Wednesday to Friday, 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and Saturday, Noon to 10:00 pm.
Participating Businesses: 
Little Brown Jug (to purchase and leave)
The Gilded Pear (to purchase and leave)
Sami's Pizza & Pasta (to purchase and leave)
Tandoori Trail (to purchase and leave)
The Twisted Willow (to purchase and leave)
The Dragonfly Boutique
Gotham's Deli
Evans Jewelers
Boutique Social
The Ava Gardner Museum
Good Vibes



Social districts operate under the guidelines set by the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission. Establishments within the district that hold ABC licenses can sell “to-go” alcoholic beverages in specially labeled containers. Customers are then allowed to carry their drinks outside or into other participating locations that display the appropriate signage, ensuring a safe and well-managed experience for everyone involved.

With Selma, Benson, Clayton, and now Smithfield on board, Johnston County continues to evolve into a destination where small-town charm meets creative placemaking. Whether you're grabbing a drink with friends, attending a community event, or simply enjoying a weekend stroll, social districts offer a fresh and welcoming way to experience all that JoCo towns have to offer.