Fall Festivals in Full Swing Soon

Get dates and details for JoCo's upcoming big autumn events. More Info

From Our Farms to Your Fork

Agritourism may be a new term for travelers, but Johnston County has celebrated our farming heritage for over 70 years beginning with the Annual Benson Mule Days Festival. This history asserts itself anew in the growing number of chef-owned restaurants in the county serving up fresh and local ingredients in delightful dishes. Our newest addition we are excited to have is Crawford Cookshop in Downtown Clayton, which sources locally from area farms for their scratch-made dinners.

Another great example of this is Colleen Roby from Simple Twist. As Colleen puts it, "we have close relationships with farmers in the area that have brought us all kinds of locally grown produce. We only serve Certified Angus Beef, the best kind of beef you can get. We use high quality ingredients to create delicious meals." Dig In! Afterwards, be sure to visit the farmers who grew the food you just ate... like a true foodie. Simple Twist works with Smith's Nursery which offers on-the-farm experiences for most of the year.

Where to find these local restaurants and farmers:Picking tomatoes

Simple Twist
21 Technology Dr., Garner, NC
919-661-5566
www.simpletwistnc.com

Crawford Cookshop
401 E. Main St., Clayton, NC
919-585-6055
www.crawfordcookshop.com

Smith's Nursery and Strawberry Farm

Smith's is open year-round and the pick-your-own seasons for strawberries, blueberries and blackberries, bring families and visitors for fresh produce and fruits, also enjoy hayrides, a millet maze, bounce hours, special events for Mother's Day and Fall Harvest, and try a little fishing in the pond.  

443 Sanders Rd., Benson, NC 27504
919-934-1700
www.smithsnurseryinc.com

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