Foodie Blogs

We write a lot of stories and a lot of those are about food. Visitors LOVE to try local foods, find new chef-driven restaurants, and explore what's super cool and culinary about a destination.

Enjoy here several of our foodie blogs and get out and explore our food scene in Johnston County, NC.

Hand Picked Nursery is a veteran-owned, family-operated business that offers a wide selection of plants and flowers. Now located on 25 acres in the McGee Crossroads community near Benson, I sat down…

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The weather is warming and there are so many fun events to attend outside around the county in the coming weeks. Beyond that, we wanted to share a round-up of things to do in JoCo during the Spring.

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When moving to the South, you may find the cuisine to be rather different. Different, however, does not mean bad! In this case, it actually means quite good. Through my two years of living in North…

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Walking into Quantum Toad in Downtown Selma is like stepping into a cool, sun dappled pond. It presents as both a historic speakeasy and a futuristic lounge; I imagine it’s the sort of vibe you might…

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North Carolina’s restaurant industry leaders and local food enthusiasts from across the state gathered at Bay 7 in Durham on Monday, August 26 for the eighth annual Grand Finale of NCRLA’s Chef…

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With a growing craft beverage scene in Johnston County, the VisitJoCo Team has been hard at work over the last 6 months reimagining how to package and promote the Beer, Wine, & Shine Trail. The trail…

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The History: Not One, Not Two, But Three Companies Raleigh Brewing was founded March 9th, 2013 by Patrick and Kristie Nystedt. They opened a 20 barrel production facility and taproom off of Neil…

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Hatchet Brewing is coming to Downtown Selma! The Vault by Hatchet Brewing will open later this month with a grand opening planned for April 6th and we are excited to add them to the Beer, Wine, &…

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As part of a 2024 partner marketing initiative, the NC Craft Brewers Guild, in conjunction with the creators of FlavorNC, is debuting a new video series – BrewShots! The BrewShots series spotlights…

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As a native of Johnston County, I can say with conviction that what matters most to locals around the holidays is food. It always seemed particularly cruel to me that the Grinch not only took…

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Old North State Food Hall is officially kicking off the holiday season with Blitzen’s Tavern, a holiday pop-up bar. From November through early January, look for festive holiday décor from floor to…

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When the leaves start to change and the slow heat of summer takes its sweet time clearing the air and making way for a brisk fall breeze, that's the time of year I love the most. In the South, the…

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In the southern part of JoCo, just off I-95, is Benson-based Broadslab Distillery; which has been offering ‘shine products, tours, and tastings since 2015. Master Distillery Jeremy Norris is what…

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The Old North State Food Hall opened their doors with 10 fantastic restaurants on August 26, 2022. To celebrate the one-year anniversary the Old North State is hosting a variety of events, including…

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With a growing culinary and craft beverage scene in the county, the Johnston County Visitors Bureau (JCVB) works to promote our unique Beer, Wine, and Shine Trail (BWST). Visitors, and residents, can…

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Is it Butter Pea-Can or Butter Pea-Con? Whichever way you pronounce butter pecan, is it your favorite ice cream flavor? Are you, like us, a connoisseur of ice cream no matter what flavor? Visit…

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We’ve done a few blog series before: Meet the Makers, JoCo Has Talent, recipes, and others. But, with the opening of the Old North State Food Hall (ONSFH), the county welcomed 10 new “mini”…

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The Ava Gardner Trust and Legacy Talent and Entertainment, in collaboration with Breakfast at Dominique’s, are thrilled to announce the debut of the Officially Licensed Ava Gardner Signature Coffee…

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The Johnston County Beer, Wine, & Shine Trail has expanded over the years to 8 craft beverage partners. In January of this year JoCo Brewing joined the trail, opening a brewhouse and taproom in the…

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Selma NC's much anticipated Old North State Food Hall is now open! ONSFH will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Sunday through Thursday, 7AM to 9PM, and Friday and Saturday, 7AM to 10PM.

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