OPEN All Year!

JOHNSTON COUNTY – Johnston County was created in 1746 and named after Gabriel Johnston, North Carolina’s colonial Governor. Small towns sprang up with the arrival of the railroad in the 1850s – 1880s. At 795 square miles, this county ranks tenth in size among North Carolina’s 100 counties; one of the fastest growing regions in the state. It is the number one producer of sweet potatoes in the nation! Full of history, farming, shopping, restaurants and attractions, this area is a great place to visit and explore. HOWELL WOODS ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER – Connect with nature at this 2,800 acre preserve developed as an outdoor classroom! Enjoy hiking, canoeing, fishing, bird watching and much more. There is an exhibit hall, amphitheater, natural resources library and an extensive list of programs to participate in. Open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. There are some fees. Located in Four Oaks; eight miles south of Smithfield. JOHNSTON COUNTY HERITAGE CENTER – Housed in a former bank building, this center includes a museum with rotating exhibits featuring local history and one of the best equipped facilities in the country for studying history and genealogy. Enjoy the extensive collections of public records, manuscripts, family histories, photos, vintage newspapers and artifacts! Open Monday – Saturday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Free admission. Located in Smithfield. CAROLINA PREMIUM OUTLETS – Experience “Pure Shopping Bliss” at this impressive collection of the finest brands at discounted prices! Find designer fashions, shoes, luggage, jewelry, gifts, house wares and much more at 80 stores, including Adidas, Anne Klein, Eddie Bauer, Ralph Lauren and Coach. Open year round; Monday - Saturday, 10:00 am - 9:00 pm; Sunday, 11:00 am - 7:00 pm. Located in Smithfield. BENTONVILLE CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD – View artifacts from the March 19-21, 1865 battle of Bentonville, the largest Civil War battle fought on North Carolina soil. Walk the fields on which 80,000 Union and Confederate soldiers fought. Tour Harper House which served as a makeshift hospital and visit the cemetery. Open April 1 – October 31, Monday – Saturday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm; Sunday, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm and November 1 – March 31, Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm; Sunday, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Free admission. Wheelchair accessible. Located in Four Oaks; eight miles south of Smithfield. SELMA UNION STATION – This 1924 railroad station was saved from demolition and completely restored in 2002, complete with vintage lighting fixtures. Enjoy the exhibits of memorabilia on rail history and the town of Selma. Now serving four Amtrak trains daily. Located in Selma; five miles north of Smithfield. THE RUDY THEATRE – Enjoy the American Music Jubilee! “An evening of Southern hospitality, great American music and side-splitting comedy.” Watch a Branson-style production of music from 50s rock ‘n roll to classic and contemporary country, gospel and a stirring patriotic tribute. Call 919-202-9927 for show times. Admission is charged. Located in Selma; five miles north of Smithfield.

ATKINSON MILL – Enjoy a tour of the only water-powered grist mill operating in a four county area and the dam and millpond. Built in 1757 while North Carolina was still a British colony, this family-owned mill has been making stone-ground cornmeal and other products for over 248 years! Call 919-965-3547 for hours. Located in Selma; five miles north of Smithfield. TOBACCO FARM LIFE MUSEUM – Learn about the area’s history at this museum with artifacts from all aspects of farm life, a hands-on children’s exhibit, musical instruments, clothing, tools and more. Tour a restored farmstead with main house, detached kitchen, smokehouse, tobacco barn and outhouse! Open Monday – Saturday, 9:30 am – 5:00pm; Sunday, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Admission is charged. Located in Kenly; 15 miles northeast of Smithfield. HINNANT FAMILY VINEYARDS – Tour this picturesque vineyard in a serene setting, learn the process of winemaking, enjoy wine tasting and browse the gift shop. Known for their warm hospitality and muscadine grapes, this is a treat not to be missed! Open Monday– Friday, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm; Saturday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; Sunday, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Located in Pine Level; five miles east of Smithfield. NORTH CAROLINA STATE CAPITOL – This National Historic Landmark, completed in 1840, is one of the best-preserved examples of civic buildings in the Greek Revival style of architecture! Tour the monuments, rotunda, legislative chambers and state library. There are guided tours available on weekends. Open Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; Saturday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm; Sunday, 1:00 pm– 4:00 pm. Free admission. Located in Raleigh; 20 miles northwest of Smithfield. SOUTHERN NATIONAL RACEWAY PARK – Put a little excitement into your trip with a visit to the racetrack! Home to NASCAR events, car shows, stock car races, thunder car races and more, this 4/10 mile track with 17 degree turns is sure to amaze you! Call 919-284-1114 for race schedules. Admission is charged. Located in Kenly; 15 miles northeast of Smithfield. HOWELL THEATRE – Watch a movie in the same theatre that Ava Gardner saw her first movie! This historic movie house was built in 1935 and has hardwood floors in all of the auditoriums. Enjoy first-run movies; call 919-934-8202 for movie times. Located in Smithfield. AVA GARDNER MUSEUM – Ava Gardner, star of over 60 films in her 44 year career, was born, raised and buried in the Smithfield area. The museum is home to an incredible collection of original scripts, photos, costumes and personal belongings! Open Monday– Saturday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm; Sunday, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Admission is charged. Located in Smithfield.