Fun Things to Do in Smithfield

1. First, get to know the county by visiting the Johnston County Heritage Center to learn about the county’s history and its people at the exhibits on the first floor.

2. Check out what’s biting, relax and fish on the banks of the Neuse River at the Town Commons in Smithfield, the ponds at Howell Woods or Langdon’s Fishing.

3. For 25-65% off national retail brands like Nike, Ralph Lauren Polo, Coach, and Ann Taylor Factory Store, don’t miss a shopping trip to Carolina Premium Outlets in Smithfield with over 80 stores to choose from.

4. Take a 2-hour canoe trip on the river with Neuse Adventures Canoe & Kayak Rentals in Clayton or take your own boat to the Neuse River Boat ramp along the Buffalo Creek Greenway in Downtown Smithfield.

5. Ava Gardner - she was a Hollywood legend during the “Golden Age” and she was born in the Brogden Community east of Smithfield – visit the Ava Gardner Museum and learn about her Cinderella story and rise to stardom.

6. Catch the family fun of youth athletics throughout the year for soccer, baseball, football and basketball…check out schedules with the Smithfield Parks & Recreation Department.

7. Looking for somewhere to launch your boat into the Neuse River? You can do so at the boat ramp at Smithfield Town Commons, the Neuse Bait & Tackle on US 301 and Richardson’s Bridge Boat Ramp in southern Johnston County.

8. Follow the Carolina’s Campaign Civil War Trail in Johnston County that marks the activities of General William T. Sherman as he marched from Atlanta as the war ended in 1865. There are ten markers that begin in the Bentonville community and travel through to Clayton.

9. Conduct research on your family’s genealogical past in Johnston County at the Margaret Lee Reading Room at the Heritage Center in downtown Smithfield.

10. Check out a book or video from one of the eight libraries in the county. (Smithfield, Selma, Benson, Clayton, Cleveland (40/42) Four Oaks, Kenly and Princeton)

11. Do ghost stories intrigue you? Plan on joining the Historical Ghost Walk held in Smithfield each October or read the Ghost Stories of North Carolina book at the library for more stories…including one on Bentonville Battlefield.

12. Taste and compare Holt Lake’s, White Swan’s, Smithfield’s and Stephenson’s BBQ…..determine who is the best? Everyone has their favorite!!!!

13. Walk along the new Buffalo Creek Greenway for vistas of the Neuse River and great exercise. You can start at the Neuse River Walk in Downtown Smithfield or the Community Park at Booker Dairy Rd.

14. Tee it up and golf at the Country Club of Johnston County.

15. For savings at the box office, the historic Howell Theatre in Downtown Smithfield offers all shows for $3.

16. Walk among the pine trees and trails around the Johnston Community College Arboretum in Smithfield and enjoy local garden plants & trees – check their calendar for special sales and events.

17. For hometown talent, visit the Neuse Little Theatre, which hosts several performances each year at Smithfield Town Commons – Legend Hut.

18. All year round, the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium offers entertainment such as the Performing Arts Concert Series, the Country Music Showcase and Johnston County Chorale – buy your season tickets early for the best seat in the house!

19. Johnston County’s new ten-theatre complex offers first run movies with stadium seating – check out the movies at Smithfield Cinemas.

20. Looking to enjoy some art? Try the Frank Creech Art Gallery at Johnston Community College. For more events for the arts, visit the Johnston County Arts Council site, http://www.johnstoncountyarts.org

22. The award winning country hams at Smithfield Ham Shop is only one reason to stop by and shop for unique gifts – also view the “curing room” and learn about this century old method of preserving meats.

23. On a warm day, the Hills of Snow Snowballs on US 301 in Smithfield offers relief from the heat with over 99 flavors.

24. For a special child’s birthday party, book the Splash Pool at the new Smithfield Recreation & Aquatic Center.

25. One of the oldest festivals in Smithfield, the Ham & Yam celebration has grown to include national entertainment, children’s activities, BBQ cook-offs and much more. Get there early on Saturday for Ham Biscuits!

26. For movie buffs, plan to be in Smithfield in November for the annual Ava Gardner Independent Film Festival for a host of films, shorts and documentaries.

27. For some indoor fun, try out the new Tag UR It for inflatables and other fun activities.

28. The Johnston County Livestock Arena hosts 4H shows and sales each spring – learn more about our farming families and how they care for livestock.

29. Lazy O Farms is dedicated to teaching children about farm life and host several events year round at Easter, summer time and Thanksgiving.

30. Orchard House Booksellers offers more than books; also enjoy ice cream, baked goods and Friday night entertainment.

31. If you are brave enough, rent a Harley for the day at Shelton’s Harley-Davidson in Smithfield and hit the country X-roads of Johnston County.

32. Create a family fun craft project collecting your treasures and take them to Memory Lane Frame Studio where Tara will honor your memories with a unique shadowbox.

33. Need to find a sports bar for the big game – remember N& N Sports Bar or Heidi’s Two Wheel Café in Smithfield.

34. Need to refresh and rejuvenate? Try one of the day spas in the area: The Dupree House

You can find all this and more in the official
Johnston County Visitors Guide
and on the web site, www.johnstoncountync.org.

Explore and enjoy all there is to do in Johnston County!!!