Barbecue to Boutiques: Best Things to Do in Johnston County, NC
There’s no place quite like Johnston County, North Carolina – and while there are many aspects that make it so unique, there are some that rise to the top of the list. From barbecue to boutiques and moonshine to museums, this county is one of a kind. Here’s a roundup of the best things to do in Johnston County, NC.
In This Article
Barbecue
North Carolina is famous for its barbecue, and for good reason. Restaurants throughout the state offer their take on seasoning and preparing the meats, and some of the best can be found right here in Johnston County. In Smithfield, White Swan BBQ espouses the traditional Eastern North Carolina approach, slow-cooking pork shoulders and butts to maximize flavor and texture. If you don’t have time to sit down and eat, take some ‘cue to go at Smithfield’s Chicken ’N Bar-B-Q, which has turned barbecue into fast food, allowing patrons to dine in, carry out or even drive through.
Boutiques
Nothing quite beats a Southern boutique – the hands-on hospitality, the welcoming atmosphere, the easy conversation that flows with strangers while shopping. Johnston County has its fair share of beloved boutiques that beckon shoppers, including Crossroads Boutique and Gifts in Clayton. It’s the perfect spot to go when shopping for others, thanks to its wide selection of giftable items. For those embarking on a much bigger journey, Carolina Bridal World in Smithfield provides that same signature warmth, offering an expansive yet intimate setting to find the perfect gown.
Moonshine
There is a rich history of moonshine and bootleggers in North Carolina, especially in Johnston County. After rejoining the union once the Civil War was over, folks in North Carolina didn’t want to pay the required tax on their liquor, and so the production of illegal spirits began to grow – a phenomenon which was exacerbated by the passing of Prohibition in 1920. Today, that legacy and love of liquor is celebrated with the county’s Beer, Wine and Shine Trail: a curated list of local distilleries, wineries and breweries to explore and experience firsthand.
Museums
Local history takes center stage in Johnston County, where it is showcased at places like the Johnston County Museum and the Ava Gardner Museum. The Ava Gardner Museum is especially popular, no doubt due to the iconic actress’ fame during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Gardner was born and raised in North Carolina, and the museum details those early years of her life, as well as her many accomplishments and accolades in the years that followed. The museum exhibits photographs, outfits and more, painting a picture of this incredible woman that originally hailed from the great state of North Carolina.
Get to Know the Triangle East
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