SECTION SIX
Know Your Local Destination
In this section, you’ll discover everything Johnston County has to offer visitors! You’ll get a snapshot of the county’s rich history and learn where visitors can eat, stay, shop, attend events, and explore local attractions.
Johnston County History
Established on June 28, 1746, Johnston County was formed from Craven County and named in honor of Gabriel Johnston, North Carolina’s colonial governor.
Things to Do
Johnston County offers a diverse array of attractions and activities for visitors. Here's a brief overview of what you can explore:
- Museums & Heritage Sites: Explore Johnston County’s rich history at the Ava Gardner Museum, Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site, and Tobacco Farm Life Museum.
- Agritourism: Experience farm life with corn mazes, hayrides, and U-pick seasons at local farms. The Tobacco Farm Life Museum also offers educational programs and heritage demonstrations.
- Recreation & Nature: Enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and kayaking along the Neuse River or at scenic spots like Howell Woods and Clemmons Educational State Forest.
- Arts & Entertainment: Get creative at Pottery Camp or enjoy live performances at The Rudy Theatre and The Clayton Center.
- Games & Activities: Have family fun with bowling at Rainbow Lanes, movies at Smithfield Cinemas, escape rooms like Ready-Set-Escape or Conundrum Escapes, and arcades such as Mulligans or Fare Game.
- Motorsports: Feel the thrill of high-speed action at GALOT Motorsports Park in Benson, with events held year-round featuring exciting races and revving engines.
Festivals and Events
Johnston County hosts over 400 events each year. Festivals and performing arts show attract visitors from neighboring counties as well as from across the state. Annual highlights such as Benson Mule Days, the Bentonville Battlefield Reenactment, Clayton Harvest Festival, and the Ava Gardner Festival draw attendees from beyond North Carolina, including international visitors.
Shopping
Outlet shopping at Carolina Premium Outlets in Smithfield is one of the top reason’s visitors choose Johnston County. Our official Visitors Guide is packed with information on local downtown boutiques, unique Johnston County products, farmers’ markets, antique stores, specialty shops, and more. The more time visitors spend exploring and shopping, the more likely they are to plan a return visit—or even stay overnight!
Dining
Johnston County is a must-visit destination for fans of Eastern North Carolina–style barbecue, known for its tangy vinegar-based sauce. While we won’t weigh in on who has the best BBQ in the county—we love it all! —there’s plenty to satisfy every appetite. With over 360 restaurants, local food products, and unique sweet treats like Hills of Snow Snowballs, Johnston County also offers culinary curiosities you won’t want to miss, like the famous Red-Hot Dog!
Meetings & Wedding Venues
People meet for business, parties, weddings, sports tournaments and family reunions. Johnston County is an emerging destination for meetings with lots of venue options. Weddings are big business and Johnston County offers many historic homes, farms, and unique venues for brides.
Transportation Services
While most visitors arrive by car, some may need additional travel assistance or vehicle services during their stay. Johnston County offers a wide range of transportation options, including taxis, limousines, airport information, buses, car rentals, Amtrak, travel agents, and repair services.
Interesting Fact: Johnston County is home to the largest truck stop on the East Coast, Kenly 95 Petro, located in Kenly, featuring a 1/3 scale replica of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse—you can’t miss it!
THANK YOU!
Once you complete the Hospitality Hero Quiz, your prize and certificate will be mailed directly to you.
