For Nature, Hiking, and Paddling
Getting off the big roads (interstates I-95 and I-40) into the scenic farmlands of Johnston County, you will find bird watching, fishing, hiking, biking and more to satisfy your craving to get out of the city and enjoy a relaxed nature vacation. There are no mountains to climb but we believe you will love the evergreens, magnolias, and azaleas, the colors of the south found here in NC. With 48 hours to explore the outdoors, here's a taste of the forests, rivers, and farms to enjoy.
If you want to stay on site in a cabin with the family, head to Howell Woods, a unique 2,800-acre natural resource where you can experience a variety of environmental education programs and recreational activities. Go hiking, dog walking, camping, canoeing, bird watching, hunting, fishing, and more! For a bit more education in the state's first managed forest, check out the talking rocks and trees at Clemmons Educational State Forest. Enjoy 800 acres featuring self-guided trails and exhibits, as well as Ranger-conducted classes; the forest offers a wealth of experiences for the senses and the mind. The Neuse River runs through the middle of the county offering paddling by canoe or kayak, fishing along the banks, or hiking trails for a scenic stroll.
Farms throughout the county are open to visitors including pick-your-own markets for strawberries, blueberries, pumpkins, special events, and more. Our rolling farm lands are truly our masterpieces, make some lasting memories here on our farms.
For a detailed suggested itinerary for getting outdoors in JoCo.
Shopping Fun and Savings
Braking for great deals at the outlets in Smithfield is a favorite attraction for shopping far and wide. We suggest using some unique mathematical equations so you can spend twice as much when you shop at Carolina Premium Outlets. Shop at 80 national brand stores like Kate Spade, Coach, Brooks Brothers, Ann Taylor, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and many others with savings of 25-65% off every day. If you can plan a 48 hour shopping excursion with your girlfriends or the family, we have some suggestions that will make the trip worth it and fun for everyone.
New to the area are the shops at Eastfield Common, just a country mile from the outlets.The new Eastfield Common shopping center offers ten national brand stores like Hobby Lobby, Academy Sports, Ulta and more. At DeWayne's, also in Selma, shop at their award-winning, nationally-recognized garden center and the gift shop is a large and unique shopping experience offering multiple brands! The Boutique at DeWayne's features designer fashions, footwear, handbags and accessories. Be sure to grab some delicious fudge or an ice cream treat at the Sweet Shop while you browse.
Throughout our small towns in Johnston County, the unique shops you will find in our Downtowns, are worth the drive to explore local boutiques, antique shops, and home furnishing stores. Stroll the charming streets of Benson, Four Oaks, Clayton, Smithfield and Selma for even more shopping fun.
We have placed everything you need in this shopping bag of fun to come shop in JoCo.
Craft Beverages And Culinary Adventures
If you are a foodie, you may agree with us that curiosity is the spice best used while on a road trip. Try something new or go where the locals go, but watch out for red pepper flakes on our pulled pork! And you may find your favorite local eatery in a gas station in JoCo -- especially a great BBQ sandwich, hamburger on the flat top, or red hotdog (another local favorite). The joints aren't fancy, but the food is the real deal!
Throughout the county discover eastern-style BBQ, some award-winning competition barbecue at Redneck BBQ Lab, prepared by Food Network Chopped Chef Jerry Stephenson, and you might want to stop by White Swan to meet the "Barnyard Chef", Linwood Parker to see what he's up to.
If exploring wineries, breweries and even local distilleries is your cup of tea -- here in Johnston County, we have all three. We have created a trail to taste and tour, as well as, win prizes along the way. the Beer, Wine, and Shine Trail has nine stops that will take you to around the county and we definitely suggest a weekend trip to discover all of them. Learn more and sign up here to join in the fun.
Bring all your foodie friends for a culinary adventure in JoCo.
Art & Entertainment Fun
You might not know right away what art and entertainment gems we offer here in Johnston County -- but finding the unexpected while on a road trip is a delightful way to travel. Visitors to the Ava Gardner Museum located in Historic Downtown Smithfield are surprised to find this beautiful, and well curated museum just one mile off of I-95. Ava Gardner, a nationally and internationally acclaimed actress from the Golden Age of Hollywood was born and raised just seven miles east of Smithfield; the museum pays tribute to her life and career with permanent and rotating exhibits on her life and career.
Throughout the county, visitors will find entertainment at several venues bringing renown performers to the stage. When planning a visit to the area, check the calendars of The Clayton Center, the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium, the Neuse Little Theater and the W. J. Barefoot Auditorium. You may catch a show you didn't expect. The Live @ Rudy Theatre in Downtown Selma has four Branson-style music variety shows during the year: Easter Jubilee (March-April), Throwback Sounds Summer (May-July), Classic Country Jubilee (August-October), and the Christmas Jubilee Show (November-December). The shows are family friendly and groups are welcome.
If you love public art, we have several trails in the county featuring murals and sculptures and that makes another fun way to discover what lies beyond the highway.
Click on this link to find art and entertainment in our small towns in JoCo.
Diving into History Fun
Preserving the history of a place, and telling a story through events and the people of the region is something we do very well here in Johnston County. The Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site, located in a rural community east of Four Oaks, has over 2,400 acres of battlefield and seven hiking trails to explore. The Battle of Bentonville was the last major land battle of the American Civil War, fought March 19-21,1865 as General Sherman marched from Atlanta, GA. Today, this historic site offers tours of the Harper House, a Union field hospital, a museum with articles and maps, driving pull-offs, and the site hosts several themed events on the history of the battle, period medical care, living history programs, and more.
History buffs will find more to explore at the Benson Museum of Local History, the Tobacco Farm Life Museum, and the Johnston County Museum, which chronicle the rural heritage and farm life of Johnston County's people. Learning about the history of this corner of North Carolina, can be enlightening, and a fun way to learn is by following one of our history theme trails.
Plan a history themed visit to Johnston County with a helpful 48-hour itinerary.
Dog Friendly Activities in JoCo
More and more travelers bring along their pets these days, and there are 22 hotel properties in Johnston County offering you and your furry friends accommodations. We encourage you to check hotel policies concerning pets and associated nightly fees. Many our of bars and restaurants have outdoor seating as well to offer those traveling with pets. Our towns in JoCo have pet friendly parks and attractions to enjoy as well.
Click through to a dog friendly page for canine activities in our towns.
