Featured
Smithfield, N.C. Area Golf Courses Are Way Above Par
Golf courses in Smithfield and the surrounding Johnston County area keep golfers on their tees, with several good public and private venues to choose from. Here is a sampling:
Country Club of Johnston County
This is the only golf course physically in Smithfield. The 18-hole, 6,630-yard layout opened in 1967 and is known for its well-manicured bermuda grass fairways and greens. Fees are $30 on weekdays, $42 on weekends and holidays, and $25 for seniors during the week. Country Club of Johnston... Read More »
Johnston County, NC Has Many Arts and Cultural Attractions
There are many sites - and sights - to see in Johnston County, especially if you like arts and culture.
Johnston County Arts Council
The Council promotes the importance of art and culture through dance, music, theater, storytelling, literary arts, visual arts, folk arts and its Artists-in-the-Schools program. JCAC was founded in 1972 and today secures grants to provide financial assistance and services to local artists and nonprofit arts and service organizations.
Festivals and Celebrations... Read More »
Smithfield, NC Area Recreation Overview
Recreation destination is a fitting label for Johnston County, with several attractions and activities to choose from. Here is a sampling:
Smithfield Recreation & Aquatics Center A joint venture between the Town of Smithfield and Johnston County Schools, the community center has an eight-lane swimming pool, children's play pool, walking track, two racquetball courts, strength training room and aquatics programs. The SRAC is an annual membership-based facility with affordable rates.... Read More »
Smithfield and Johnston County Residents Enjoy a Wealth of Recreational Activities
While lounging in a rocker on the front porch may be a Southern tradition, Johnston County residents and visitors also enjoy ready access to a wide range of recreational areas and activities that contribute to an active lifestyle.
Pick your favorite sport and there’s likely a league or organization ready to welcome you, whether you’re five or 55. And if you’re a fan, the nearby Triangle area offers a year-round menu of college and professional sports.
Activities for all Ages... Read More »
Bike at Legend Park near Smithfield, NC
Up for a challenge? If you're in Smithfield, NC, then test your skills at Legend Park in nearby Clayton. The 8-mile trail is suitable for almost all skill levels, but the elevated practice area is perfect for anyone with a trick or two up their sleeve. Distance: 8 miles Difficulty: Moderate to hard Don't Miss: The elevated skills areaWant to make a weekend of it? See the outdoors in Smithfield, NC. Read More »
Horseback Riding Is Popular Hobby In Smithfield, Johnston County
Thanks to an abundance of horse farms and riding schools‚ horseback riding has become a popular hobby among Johnston County residents.
Promise Land Farms LLC in Smithfield has been offering riding lessons for seven years on a 134-acre farm with a 22-stall barn and indoor riding arena. Owner Natalie Killebrew is certified by the American Riding Instructors Association and has been training horses since the age of 14.
“I grew up loving horses and children‚ so I decided to put them to gether and... Read More »
Johnston County Boasts Two Active Community Theaters
The bright lights of Broadway are only a hop‚ skip and a jump away for Smithfield, NC and Johnston County residents‚ thanks to two local community theaters committed to keeping theater alive.
Established as an offshoot of the Benson Foundation for the Arts in 1999‚ Benson Little Theatre is housed in the W.J. Barefoot Auditorium of the Benson Municipal Building. BLT produces two shows each year and draws audiences from about a 35-mile radius.
“It truly is a community theater that exists for the... Read More »
Johnston County Is Great for Canine Camping and Pet Facilities
Excellent veterinary care and dog-friendly campsites and hotels ensure that Johnston County resident and visiting pets are healthy and happy. Pets have their grooming, boarding and medical needs met by Willowrun Veterinary Hospital, Johnston Animal Hospital PC and Clayton Animal Hospital.
Owners of pets with special medical needs have only a short drive between Smithfield and the advanced care of the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
When Spot gets tired of... Read More »
Fun Things To Do in Johnston County, NC
Having fun is easy in Johnston County, NC; what's not so easy is deciding what do to first. From shopping to hiking to theatrical performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
1. Hunt for finds at the Selma Antique District; the area offers more than 100,000 square feet of antique shops and malls.
2. Grab your clubs and play a round at one of the many courses in Johnston County, such as Pine Hollow Golf Club, Riverwood Golf Club and Neuse Golf Club.
3. Go for a swim,... Read More »
Johnston County Museums Tell of Civil War, Tobacco, Textiles
Although it’s a very forward-looking place, Johnston County also treasures its past, displaying and honoring traditions and history so rich that visitors come from around the world to experience them.
Battle of Bentonville Site Recalls Civil War EraLeading the charge, literally, is the Battle of Bentonville. From March 19-21, 1865, the Confederate Army mounted what would be its last full-scale, tactical offensive in the largest battle fought in North Carolina. While the Confederates... Read More »
Local Food Products Put Smithfield, Johnston County on the Map
Smithfield and the surrounding Johnston County area have a diverse and delicious food culture – and even if you don't live here, you can get a taste. A number of local entrepreneurs manufacture food products that are distributed and sold nationwide.
The Pound Cake Co.
It took Jan Matthews-Hodges 12 years to develop the perfect pound cake recipe‚ but her efforts were worth the wait. Today her Pound Cake Co., located in Benson, has been featured in magazines including Southern Living... Read More »
Hinnant Family Vineyards & Winery
Just five minutes from Smithfield is a peaceful afternoon getaway for local wine lovers.
Hinnant Family Vineyards & Winery in Pine Level planted its first vines in 1971 and began producing wine commercially in 2002. Since then the family-run winery has been racking up the accolades.
The vineyard's muscadine blush wine has won numerous awards, including competitions in New York City and Florida.
Hinnant has the largest muscadine vineyard in North Carolina but produces wines from many kinds... Read More »
Johnston County, NC Home to Thriving Agriculture Scene
Agriculture keeps Johnston County's economy thriving, and keeps residents and visitors enjoying delicious eats throughout the year. In addition to being a haven for food manufacturers, the area is well-stocked with fresh produce and several can't-miss wineries and vineyards.
Year-round Opportunities for Produce
During most warm months, the pick-your-own industry is bustling here. Beasley’s Berriesoffers strawberries from mid-April through mid-June; Hill’s Peach and Berry Farm... Read More »
Johnston County Offers Six Courses for Golfers
Some counties have zero or one golf course, but Johnston County is lucky enough to be graced with six quality facilities from tee to green.
Clayton is home to three top venues – Pine Hollow Golf Club, Riverwood Golf & Athletic Club and The Neuse Golf Club. Meanwhile, Reedy Creek Golf Course is located in Four Oaks, Cardinal Country Club is situated in Pine Level, and Smithfield is home to the Country Club of Johnston County.
Pine Hollow Golf Club in Clayton, on the Johnston and Wake county... Read More »
Shopping in Smithfield, NC
Smithfield, N.C. gives visitors and residents plenty to explore with several retail centers, a large outlet mall and flea markets that not only give you great prices, but also enable you to have fun shopping. Many of the retail centers are anchored by larger chain businesses, however the city also features a number of Johnston County Products and dozens of specialty shops.
Carolina Premium Outlets
Save big at the Carolina Premium Outlets, which includes 80 outlet stores aligned in an outdoor... Read More »
