In the heart of eastern North Carolina, a love of food, adventure, and community flow as deep and wide as the Neuse River that runs past this town. Throughout the Smithfield area, rich tapestries of landmarks and stories unfold, telling of its understated, yet significant, role in our state’s history and culture. Both famous and under-the-radar culinary delights take your taste buds on their own gastronomic journey, with many surprises in between. Get a close-up look at the area’s picturesque outdoors with a stroll through the parks or vineyard-covered hills, paddle trip down the river, or outdoor entertainment. And don’t miss out on the offbeat, themed trails that showcase the city’s niches, from history to food.
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Historic Downtown Walking Tour: Take a walk along the Neuse River to explore Smithfield’s history and local lore. The tour begins at the Heritage Center and features 19 stops including pre-Civil War buildings, a cemetery dating back to the town’s founding in 1777, and the only remaining Freedmen’s Schoolhouse in the state. A brochure map is available for a self-guided tour or contact the Heritage Center to schedule a tour led by an expert.
Hinnant Family Vineyards: There’s much to love about North Carolina’s oldest and largest commercial muscadine vineyard. Daily wine tastings, tours, local snacks, and rocking chairs on a covered porch overlooking the vineyard make it a haven of relaxation. Live music, food events, wine slushie machines, and dance classes make it a destination for fun. Visit during harvest season in September, when you can purchase fresh native muscadines or pick your own straight from the vineyard.
Pick your own muscadine grapes fresh from Hinnant Family Vineyards. Photography courtesy of Johnston County Visitors Bureau
Ready, Set, Escape: The thrill of story and adventure awaits groups at this popular escape room. Book ahead to experience themes like Hollywood Heist and Pirate’s Plunder and get ready to use your wits, problem-solving skills, imagination, and teamwork to answer clues and riddles and find your way out of each room. Heroes’ discounts are available for first responders, military, and educators.
Watch the Planes at Low and Slow Smokehouse at the Johnston County Airport: Come for the barbecue, stay for the view. This uniquely located restaurant is everything you’d ever want in a respectable barbecue joint but elevated in more ways than one. From their balcony seating, savor locally sourced meats and sides cooked to perfection, while casting your eyes to the skies as various planes take off and land.
Johnston County Museum: This 4,500-square-foot museum houses the stories of Johnston County, from yesteryear to today. In the heart of historic downtown Smithfield, the Johnston County Museum is the perfect pairing to the Ava Gardner Museum just next door.
Spend an hour or two learning about the area’s past with the exhibits inside the Johnston County Museum. Photography courtesy of Johnston County Visitors Bureau
Ava Gardner Museum: Fascinating stories and artifacts from the life of the Hollywood Golden Era actress take centerstage at this museum. Peruse more than a dozen lavish costumes and artifacts from films like Mogambo, when she starred alongside Grace Kelly, and The Night of the Iguana, with co-star Richard Burton, that catapulted her into stardom. Through ever-evolving gallery activities, the museum aims to inspire a new generation of young actors and actresses.
Find artifacts from Smithfield native Ava Gardner’s life inside the museum on East Market Street. Photography courtesy of Johnston County Visitors Bureau
The Rudy: From classic country to moonlight swing and Christian rock, this venue’s variety of year-round entertainment appeals to locals and visitors. Four times a year, Live @ The Rudy’s 11 cast members — plus a band — entertain with skits and comedy appropriate for adults, teens, and children. Mark your calendar for Easter Jubilee, Throwback Sounds of Summer, Classic Country Jubilee, and the Christmas Jubilee Show.
Buffalo Creek Greenway: Stroll along the Spring Branch of the Neuse River on a tree-lined path that is part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Hikers, runners, and bikers will enjoy the 10-foot-wide, paved trail that leads to downtown, Town Commons, and Smithfield Community Park.
Bike or stroll to Smithfield highlights along Buffalo Creek Greenway’s near-three-mile stretch. Photography courtesy of Johnston County Visitors Bureau
Smithfield Community Park: At the north terminus of the Buffalo Creek Greenway, you’ll find a hub for all things recreation. With a playground designed to accommodate all abilities, facilities for more than a dozen different sports and activities, a story walk, and picnic shelters, this is a welcoming place where all ages can find a way to play.
Launch a kayak or paddleboard into the Neuse River at Smithfield Town Commons. Photography courtesy of Johnston County Visitors Bureau
Smithfield Town Commons: Soothe your senses with an idyllic nature escape right at the edge of downtown. Stretching along a bend in the Neuse River, this 4.8-acre park was established in 1777 by the town’s founder, John Smith. Centuries later, it’s the beautiful, beating heart of town, with the Buffalo Creek Greenway running through it, a gazebo for picnics and gatherings, a boat ramp where you can fish or launch your canoe, the Historic Hastings House, and an amphitheater that hosts live events, movies, and concerts.
Gotham’s Deli: Since 2003, Scott and Lisa Gandolph have been giving Johnston County diners a taste of the New York deli experience. Try the Drew, a pastrami, Russian dressing, slaw, and Swiss cheese sandwich, and finish it off with a slice of New York cheesecake.
Tandoori Trail: Here, Indian chef and restauranteur Kundan Lal Gujral follows their home recipes to create authentic preparations of Tandoori chicken, butter chicken, and dal Makhani. You can’t beat the lunch combo, which comes with a samosa, entrée, basmati rice, naan, and dessert.
Smithfield’s Chicken ’N Bar-B-Q: The flagship location for the popular franchise, Smithfield knows how to do barbecue right. Whether you eat in or take out, you’ll get a taste of eastern North Carolina-style barbecue, golden-fried hushpuppies, and your choice of sides, which include potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, fries, and even Brunswick stew.
Old North State Food Hall: With nearly a dozen options ranging from Southern fried chicken and burgers to Cuban and Asian fusion, nobody leaves this food emporium hungry. Want to catch a game? Head to the Longleaf Tavern, which serves craft cocktails, wine, and beer. It’s easily accessible from I-95, and dogs are welcome on the patio.
Gilded Pear Brew House: If you’re having trouble deciding what to order at this beloved coffee shop/brew house, the answer is crepes. From savory (the Crepe Gatsby is filled with chicken, mushrooms, and a tarragon cream sauce) to traditional sweet options, you’ll find a menu item to match your craving. Beyond the tender pancakes, there’s another very good reason to eat here — owners Gloria and Troy Brindle donate 10 percent of sales directly to the Ronald McDonald House.
All ages can find a treat to delight their palate at Gilded Pear Brew House. Photography courtesy of Johnston County Visitors Bureau
Raleigh Brewing Distro: Between Sunday’s Brunch Cocktails, Wednesday’s trivia night, Thursday’s Bar Bingo, and Friday’s live music, entertainment abounds at this brewery on the Beer, Wine, and Shine Trail. Come hungry; with menu items like the Yo Adrian (a pressed Italian sub) and hot Bavarian pretzel sticks, you can sit and stay awhile.
Hills of Snow: Follow your tastebuds to the gigantic blue snow cone on South Brightleaf Boulevard. For 40 years, two generations have perfected the art of delicately shaving and perfectly sweetening this summertime treat.
Chill out with a cup of icy nostalgia at Hills of Snow. Photography courtesy of Johnston County Visitors Bureau
Little Brown Jug: Everybody knows your name — or they will soon — at this locals’ favorite watering hole. It was once a gas station owned by Ava Gardner’s brother Jack. Today, you can watch the Neuse River from your perch on the back deck while enjoying a cold beer and great conversation.
Celtic Creamery: Blending the best of Ireland and North Carolina, this family-owned dessert paradise offers more than 50 flavors of handmade ice cream, freshly made doughnuts, and traditional sundaes — choose from more than 20 fresh toppings.
The Dragonfly Boutique: This women’s clothing boutique aims to build community through a love of fashion. Owner Brittany Lucas’s motto “You can sit with us” speaks to her desire for friendship and inclusion. Lucas hand-picks each item in the store and loves to help her customers create the bespoke bracelets from her charm bar.
Pick up a chic dress or statement piece at The Dragonfly Boutique. Photography courtesy of Johnston County Visitors Bureau
Twisted Willow: If you love the art of pickin’, don’t miss this antiques and vintage store on Smithfield’s South Third Street. The exposed brick walls in the historic building lend a fitting backdrop to a vast selection of coffee tables, armoires, dressers, benches, and bedroom sets. If it needs a touch-up or full-on makeover, grab a can of chalk paint while you’re here.
DeWayne’s: The garden center is just an excuse to visit this Smithfield tradition that started as a pumpkin stand on the front lawn of the outlets. Today, it’s blossomed into DeWayne’s, a massive store complete with plants, fountains, and concrete structures — plus a gift store, men’s and women’s boutique, and sweets shop. When the holidays roll around, knock out all your seasonal decoration shopping with a trip to Christmas Land.
Clayton General Store: From its home in the Carolina Premium Outlets, this throwback to a local country market offers 152 bottled soda flavors and an ice cream/milkshake menu with 48 combinations. Children love searching through rows of baskets to find their favorite old-fashioned candy.
Jewel’s Formals: If you’re looking for a gown that lives up to Miss North Carolina contestant standards, this is the luxurious boutique for you. Not in the market for a pageant dress? Shoppers can also find the perfect cocktail party attire or prom dress.
St. Ann’s International Food Festival: Drive nine minutes north of Smithfield to experience the cuisine of 20 different countries at this annual event organized by St. Ann’s Catholic Church (located in Clayton) during the last weekend in September. In addition to the culinary adventure, the festival includes a silent auction, games for all ages, and performances of international music and dance.
During the Ava Gardner Festival, the museum hosts featured exhibits, such as some of the star’s most iconic costumes from her films. Photography courtesy of Johnston County Visitors Bureau
Ava Gardner Festival: Lovers of cinema, mark your calendar for the first weekend in October. Celebrating its hometown heroine of the silver screen, the Ava Gardner Museum will host tours, exhibits, special events, and film screenings, including a Saturday matinee at The Howell Theatre where Gardner’s childhood love of cinema blossomed. For a romantic Friday night, make plans to attend a dreamy outdoor viewing of the bewitching 1951 fantasy Pandora and the Flying Dutchman at the Neuse River Amphitheatre.
Learn about local lore (if you dare) on the Historic Ghost Walk. Photography courtesy of Johnston County Visitors Bureau
Historic Ghost Walk: There is simply no better way to enjoy Spooky Season than by finding yourself captivated by centuries-old stories and legends while exploring a historical cemetery at night. Every year in late October, the Johnston County Heritage Center hosts this chilling event in Riverside Cemetery.
Ham & Yam Festival: May 2025 marks the 39th year of this celebration of local agriculture. Enjoy food trucks, live music on multiple stages, booths showcasing local arts and crafts, and a “What’s That Yam Thing?” contest, where kids can turn sweet potatoes into works of art.
Enjoy food from local vendors at the annual Ham & Yam Festival. Photography courtesy of Johnston County Visitors Bureau
River Jam Concert Series: The newly renovated Neuse River Amphitheater became home to a new spring and summer music festival in 2024, organized by Smithfield Parks and Recreation. The inaugural series featured six concerts, with performances of country, rock, Latin, R&B, and beach music.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket to Neuse River Amphitheater and kick back to live music as the sun sets. Photography courtesy of Johnston County Visitors Bureau
River Rat Regatta: Held in August, this annual boat race gives “watercraft” a whole new meaning, with vessels made of nothing more than cardboard, tape, glue, and hopes of glory (and buoyancy). Smiles abound as floating feats of art and engineering start at the boat ramp and cruise down the Neuse, paddling toward the finish line at Town Commons. Cheer on the two-person crews as they compete for traditional prizes for speed — or vie for the “Titanic Award,” given for most memorable sinking.
Hot Dog Trail: Home to not one but two producers of the cardinal-red Carolina delicacy, Red Hot Dogs are so beloved by locals and visitors that the Johnston County Visitors Bureau created a trail that maps out every spot you’ll find them served in the county. So when you’re downtown and the craving strikes, use this trail map to guide you to favorite local spots such as Zack’s Char-Grill and The Chicken Barn.
Ava Gardner Heritage Trail: Fans of the iconic starlet and history enthusiasts are in for a captivating experience of history and legend on this nine-stop driving trail. Start with a visit to the Ava Gardner Museum; then venture out to get to know the country girl-turned-film legend. You’ll explore significant settings from Gardner’s life story that are simultaneously dazzling and down-to-earth.
Check off a stop along the Ava Gardner Trail and Johnston County Mural Trail with the mural on the side of the Ava Gardner Museum. Photography courtesy of Johnston County Visitors Bureau
Johnston County Mural Trail: This thoughtfully curated map spans eight towns, allowing you to choose your own adventure as you take in stories of Johnston County’s rich history and culture through 37 vibrant, larger-than-life works of art. Take a colorful journey on this showcase of local legends, historic events, and heartwarming charm. Don’t miss the stunning Ava Gardner Mural and the adorable two-story llama downtown.
Bentonville Battlefield Driving Trail: A trip through history awaits on this 10-mile route that guides you moment-by-moment through the site of the largest Civil War battle in North Carolina. With stops like the historic Harper House and battlefield positions, the trail offers an engaging look into history, complete with informative signs, waysides, and a downloadable audio tour.
For decades, a log cabin in Johnston County was a place to gather and share stories. A local theater company has carried on the legacy of telling tales within its walls.
In 1941, Smithfield native Ava Gardner’s mom told The State about a call with her daughter’s new boyfriend — American box-office star Mickey Rooney.
Get yer red hots! Bright Leafs are so popular in Johnston County that the visitors bureau cooked up the Local Red Hot Dog Trail, with many of the choice spots just a jump off I-95.
This story was published on Sep 26, 2024
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