We have a plan for your next group tour
Getting the itinerary just right with times, length of stay, addresses, photos, and just the right fun-packed theme your group will love takes a lot of planning! We have taken some time to create several suggested itineraries to consider for your next outing to Johnston County. They of course, may be adjusted for your particular arrival time and our Sales Team will be glad to work with your group, just give us a call at 1-800-441-7829.
Ava and Outlets Tour
Shop for bargains, locally produced products like Johnston County Hams, and more in the Smithfield/Selma area. With more than 80 outlets at Carolina Premium Outlets, unique shopping venues like DeWayne’s, and Selma’s Antiques District, you will need to bring your comfortable shoes! Get inspiration from the fashion of legendary Hollywood star Ava Gardner at the museum that honors her Cinderella-like story in downtown Smithfield.
Farm to Table Tour
Tour area farms for strawberry or pumpkin picking, learn how corn is ground into meal at Atkinson’s Grist Mill, tour area wineries like Hinnant Vineyards and learn of our moonshine heritage at Broadslab Distillery. Several local restaurants in the area are on the NC BBQ trail or source locally grown produce. For youth groups, plan an agri-tourism visit to Lazy O Farm -- learn where and how our food is grown.
History Lesson in a Day!
On this tour your group will get a “hands on” experience along the Carolina Campaign Civil War Driving Tour and visit the largest battlefield in North Carolina, Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site. For some local history you can tour the Benson Museum of Local History and the Johnston County Heritage Center - both with fascinating collections. For our farming heritage, a trip to the Tobacco Farm Life Museum in Kenly is in order. They offer school age children several hands-on programs and special Heritage Day events every Saturday.
Sweet Sounds of Christmas Tour
Christmas is a magical time and a very busy shopping season here at Carolina Premium Outlets. A very popular day trip includes a tour of the Ava Gardner Museum, a stop by Smithfield’s Ham Shop, some shopping time at the outlets, or DeWayne’s Christmas Store and an afternoon matinée at the American Music Jubilee Christmas Show. For those groups wanting an overnight trip, stay for the light shows at Meadow Lights in Benson or the Lights on the Neuse at Boyette Farms in Clayton. So much to choose from, we suggest making plans in July!
Beer, Wine, Shine and Dine Tour
Join us on the Beer, Wine, Shine & Dine tour where you will meet local vintners, brew masters, and a master distiller. This tour is perfect for culinary enthusiasts who enjoy craft beverages. Each stop along the trail offers opportunities for tours and tastings, as well as the chance to dine at locally owned farm-to-table restaurants. Johnston County is home to two family owned wineries, two craft breweries, and a legal moonshine distillery. Once you have finished the Beer, Wine, Shine & Dine tour, wrap up the afternoon shopping at Carolina Premium Outlets in Smithfield, plan a visit to the Ava Gardner Museum or the country music variety show, American Music Jubilee in Downtown Selma, home to many antique stores and shops.
