20+ Great Things to Do in Johnston County (JoCo's Best!)

Published by Christina. Last Updated on November 19, 2024.

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Johnston County (also known as JoCo) was one of our first day trips, and we’ve been hooked ever since. With a lovely mix of small towns, fun attractions, great food (including NC barbecue), and more, we know you’ll have a soft spot for JoCo.

If you’ve never been, we’ve created this guide that features things to do in Johnston County NC, throughout the year, including this weekend. Here’s how we’ve organized the guide:

Where is Johnston County NC?
Johnston County Towns
Where to Stay
Annual Events
Things to Do This Weekend (and Year-Round!)
- Museums
- Outdoor Activities
Where to Eat
Beer, Wine, and Shine
More Things to Do (Additional NC Travel Guides)

Whether you’re a new visitor, a local, or looking for a fun day trip near you, we know this guide will help you.

Where is Johnston County, NC?

Map of North Carolina highlighting Johnston County by David Benbennick Public domain via Wikimedia Commons — **Image Credit:** David Benbennick, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Johnston County is located at the crossroads of I-95 and I-40 in Eastern North Carolina. It is an easy day trip from Raleigh (and Durham!) and the perfect place to stop on your way to North Carolina’s beaches.

JoCo borders 7 NC counties, including the following:

Wake County (Northwest)
Franklin County (North)
Nash County (Northeast)
Wilson County (East)
Wayne County (Southeast)
Sampson County (South)
Harnett County (Southwest)

You can visually plan your trip to Johnson County with our North Carolina Travel Map and our Eastern North Carolina Map.

Johnston County Towns

When considering places to visit in Johnston County, we start with its incredible towns. Overall, there are 11 incorporated towns in Johnston County, followed by nearly 20 townships and 16 unincorporated communities.

The community of Willow Spring partly resides in western Johnston County and southwestern Wake County.

A few of our favorite towns in Johnston County include:

Benson is near the Harnett County line and one of many JoCo towns near I-40 and I-95. Broadslab Distillery in Benson is home to North Carolina’s first spirits that go from farm to distillery, owned by a family that’s steeped in the history of moonshining. You can also learn more about the area at the Benson Museum of Local History, and don’t forget about Mule Days, which we’ll detail in the Annual Events section.
Clayton is the largest town in Johnston County, just southeast of Raleigh. Its downtown has some of the area’s best restaurants (Crawford’s Cookshop) and places to grab a drink (Revival 1869). Clayton is also home to the Clayton Center, and outdoor attractions like Clemmons Educational State Forest and the River Walk on the Neuse Greenway.
Smithfield is the county seat and sits above the I-40/I-95 split. The Ava Gardner Museum is here, as is Carolina Packers, which makes the red Bright Leaf Hot Dog a very famous North Carolina food.

Honorable mentions go out to Selma and Kenly. Honestly, one of our favorite reasons to visit Johnston County is for these towns and all the others throughout the county.

Regardless of your choice, prepare for exceptional local businesses and people.

Where to Stay

Johnston County is full of unique places to stay, from cozy bed and breakfasts (McWade’s Inn in Clayton) to campgrounds (Howell Woods in Four Oaks).

A variety of brand-name hotels await off I-95 in Benson and Selma, if you prefer something closer to the interstate.

Annual Events in Johnston County

If you’re wondering when to visit Johnston County, these are the major events that keep people returning each year.

March: Bentonville Battlefield hosts reenactments every third weekend in March.
May: Smithfield’s Ham and Yam Festival celebrates the best of these culinary delights! It is held annually on the first Saturday in May.
June: The oldest Southern Gospel convention happens every June during the State Annual Singing Convention in Benson.
September: Benson Mule Days is a four-day family festival held each September, with mule competitions, rodeos, carnival rides, and family entertainment. Carl attended one as a kid; it’s just another sign that this place will bring you back for more.
October: Selma Railroad Days in October celebrates the rail heritage of this small town with a 5k, parade, crafts, and food. The Clayton Harvest Festival is one of the largest annual events in Johnston County dating back to 1951. Enjoy midway rides, games, a singing competition, and local performances.
November and December: Benson’s Meadow Lights is the area’s premier Christmas lights display. A great way to enjoy them is via the Old Country Store. For a small fee, you can take a train through the lights, which is something all of us train enthusiasts love.

Read More: The NC Tripping Events Calendar

Johnston County Agritourism

When to Visit: Spring to Fall

Strawberry picking at Smiths — Strawberry Picking at Smith’s Farm Market

Johnston County has a long and proud history of agriculture. Rolling farmland spreads across the county in between the pockets of bustling downtowns.

Pace Family Farms Sunflowers Johnston County2 — Sunflower fields at Pace Family Farms

Pace Family Farms Sunflowers Johnston County1 — Sunflower fields at Pace Family Farms

Whether you are looking for strawberry picking or to frolic in sunflower fields, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to reconnect with the farming roots!

Here are some JoCo farms and producers that we love:

Pace Family Farms in Clayton (Strawberries, Produce, and More!)
Smith’s Nursery and Strawberry Farm in Benson (Strawberries, Pumpkin Patch, Nursery Plants, and More!)
Sonlight Farms in Kenly (Pumpkin Patch, Corn Maze, and More!)

Do you have a favorite farm in Johnston County that we should know about? Let us know in the comments!

Things to Do in Johnston County NC This Weekend

Keep those annual events on your calendar but rest assured that you can enjoy these places in Johnston County pretty much any time of the year. Be sure to call ahead before you visit, as hours and days of operation are subject to change.

Museums

We start JoCo’s museum lineup with one of North Carolina’s best-known museums, dedicated to a local legend.

Ava Gardner Museum
Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site
Tobacco Farm Life Museum

Ava Gardner Museum

Address: 325 E Market St, Smithfield, NC
Website

Hollywood starlet Ava Gardner grew up 7 miles east of Smithfield in rural Grabtown. She would rise to fame in the 1940s and star in movies alongside Gregory Peck, Clark Gable, and Richard Burton.

The Ava Gardner Museum commemorates her five-decade career in film and television, with exhibits including costumes and history.

It is widely regarded as one of the best things to do in Smithfield and Johnston County.

Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site

Address: 5466 Harper House Rd, Four Oaks, NC
Website

The Battle of Bentonville, fought from March 19-21, 1865, was the largest battle ever fought in North Carolina. It was also the last full-scale action of the Civil War and remains a piece of history today.

The Confederate defeat during this battle convinced General Ulysses S. Grant to leave General William T. Sherman in North Carolina and focus on Confederate armies elsewhere.

A visit to Bentonville Battlefield includes a tour of the restored Harper House, which was used as a field hospital. The visitor center has interactive exhibits that focus on the battle.

There are 5 miles of trails that follow along the original trenches built during the battle.

Tobacco Farm Life Museum

Address: 709 Church Street, Kenly, NC
Website

The Tobacco Farm Life Museum in Kenly was founded by volunteers who wanted to preserve the history and culture of Eastern North Carolina farming.

The museum is 6,000 square feet and features exhibits on farm life, southern medicine, and rural social life, and shows you what it is like to raise a family on a tobacco farm.

Outdoor Activities

Those museums offer wonderful learning opportunities about the area’s rich history. Johnston County is also blessed with beautiful natural spots and here are a few of them.

Clemmons State Educational Forest

Address: 2256 Old U.S. Hwy 70, Clayton, NC
Website

Clemmons State Educational Forest is a hidden gem in Johnston County that everyone needs to visit. There are over 800 acres of wooded trails that the North Carolina Forest Service maintains.

Tall pines and gentle hills make this an excellent outdoor experience for families!

Clemmons State Educational Forest Johnston County talking tree trail

We love the Talking Tree trail, which features educational stops along the path that explain the different types of trees and special tidbits about them.

Our kids love the exhibits, and it always leads to interesting discussions as we go from one stop to the next!

Trails and Greenways

Johnston County is also packed with trails and greenways, many of which start from local parks. The Mountains to Sea Trail (from Clingmans Dome to Jockeys Ridge) runs through JoCo, connecting many of these trails and greenways to North Carolina’s massive network of trails.

Here are a few of our favorite Johnston County trails, along with info about where they can be found:

Buffalo Creek Greenway (from Smithfield Community Park)
Clayton River Walk Greenway (2686 Covered Bridge Rd, Clayton, NC)
Sam’s Branch Greenway (pictured above, 1358 N O’Neil St, Clayton, NC)

Where to Eat in Johnston County

With all of these wonderful things to do in Johnston County, fill your belly with some delicious bites at these restaurants and eateries.

Old North State Food Hall
The Redneck BBQ Lab
Revival 1869
SoDoSoPa
White Swan Bar-B-Q

Old North State Food Hall

Address: 67 Jr Rd Suite 300, Selma, NC
Website

10 restaurants under one roof! Old North State Food Hall is located in Selma, only 36 miles from Raleigh. It is America’s first roadside food hall and can be found at exit 97 off of I-95.

There are a mix of cuisines: from smash burgers, Neapolitan pizza, and barbecue to Cuban, Jamaican, and Indian! Sit at your table, scan a QR code, and wait as the food comes to you!

There is also a full-service bar with drink specials and creative cocktails. We sampled food from all the vendors and can attest that there is something for everyone at Old North State Food Hall.

The Redneck BBQ Lab

Address: 12101-B NC Hwy 210 Benson, NC
Website

If you know NC Tripping, then you know that we are giant barbecue fans! And The Redneck BBQ Lab is one of our favorites. Jerry Stephenson and his barbecue scientists carefully smoke meats from brisket to pork to some of the best sausages you’ll ever have.

It’s not North Carolina barbecue that you’ll find, though. Jerry is an accomplished barbecue competition winner, and hungry diners will see everything on his board beyond pork.

We highly recommend The Fat Redneck and plan your visit during burnt ends days! (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday… and yes, we didn’t have to look that up because this information is seared into our brains!)

Want a taste of JoCo closer to the Triangle? Check out Jerry’s second location, The BBQ Lab in North Hills.

Revival 1869

Address: 222 East Main Street Clayton, NC
Website

We aren’t too ashamed to say that Revival 1869 popped up on our radar because of TikTok. Thus, we just knew it was a place in Johnston County that we wanted to highlight.

Located in the heart of downtown Clayton, they are known for their library wall of over 300 whiskies and spirits worldwide. The menu always changes and offers seasonal delights- but they can also make you a mean Old Fashioned!

Enjoy live jazz, shareables and charcuterie, and frequent art pop-ups! Revival is the place to hang with friends over a quality cocktail.

SoDoSoPa

Address: 146 S 3rd St Smithfield, NC
Facebook Page

While looking for where to eat in Smithfield, I came across SoDoSoPa, an elevated barbecue joint with an expansive menu. Everything is smoked and delicious! If you’re wanting a larger meal- go for the ribs!

But I, of course, had to have the smoked pork and really enjoyed the flavor. My top recommendation is to order the Hog Cakes! Think crab cakes but with hushpuppies and pork.

White Swan Bar-B-Q

2 Locations in Smithfield
Website

We are always on the lookout for good barbecue–and Smithfield didn’t disappoint! White Swan is a popular barbecue place that’s been around for a long time, with two very good locations.

They serve homestyle breakfast but the star to us is the lunch and dinner menu. Order a plate of barbecue, fried chicken, and sides and you’ll be hooked.

We certainly are!

Johnston County Beer, Wine, and Shine Trail

The Johnston County Beer, Wine, and Shine Trail takes you to eight makers of fine alcohol. Whether it’s fermenting hops, grapes, or grain, taking a trip on the trail will surely be both delicious and adventurous!

Beer
- Deep River Brewing
- Fainting Goat Brewing Co
- Hatchet Brewing (Selma)
- Raleigh Brewing Dispo
Wine
- Gregory Vineyards
- Hinnant Family Vineyards
Shine
- Broadslab Distillery

Please remember to consume responsibly.

Deep River Brewing

Address: 700 W Main St #102, Clayton, NC
Website

Deep River Brewing is dubbed Johnston County’s first legal brewery, and the setting could not be any better. The history cotton mill is beautiful, with reclaimed wood from a former tobacco shed adorning the walls and bar.

It is family-friendly brewing and often hosts local food trucks and live music.

Gregory Vineyards

Address: 275 Bowling Spring Dr, Angier, NC
Website

Gregory Vineyards started as Lane’s Seafood & Steak House in 1987. But in 2011, the 140-acre farm was bursting with grapes in the heart of Johnston County.

Serving both fortified and unfortified wines, Gregory Vineyards has the entire wine-to-bottle production facility as well as stunning views.

Come for dinner at the restaurant, or stop by for a tasting! This North Carolina winery offers dry and sweet muscadine sips in a beautiful setting.

Hinnant Family Vineyards

Address: 826 Pine Level Micro Rd, Pine Level, NC
Website

Growing muscadine grapes since 1971, Hinnant Family Vineyards is a wonderful place to escape the city and enjoy a glass of wine.

With more than 100 acres and 17 varieties of muscadine grapes, soak up the beautiful views from the back patio! If you prefer a drier wine, Hinnant does produce reds and whites using grapes from Washington State.

Broadslab Distillery

Address: 4834 NC-50, Benson, NC
Website

Boadslab Distillery is one of the only dirt-to-bottle distilleries in North Carolina. When you pull in, you’ll see rows of corn fields, the exact corn that is mashed, distilled, and poured right into your glass!

Owner Jeremy Norris has moonshine in his blood. His grandfather had a still by age 13, and today, Norris has kept the tradition of five generations of whiskey producers alive.

True whiskey drinkers will appreciate the smooth oaky finish with no artificial colors or sweeteners.

Ready to Enjoy Johnston County NC?

As you can see, we really enjoy Johnston County and can’t wait for our next trip that way. If you’ve never been, we’d love to know about where you’re headed first.

We’d also be interested to hear about your favorites if you know this awesome county. Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to share your JoCo adventures in our North Carolina Travel Facebook Group.

More Things to Do in JoCo and Nearby (NC Travel Guides)

We’ve featured many of these Johnston County attractions and nearby places in our massive North Carolina travel guides collection. Here are a few of them.

20+ Great Things to Do in Johnston County (JoCo’s Best Places!)