We invite you to discover and explore our destinations along the I-95 and I-40 corridors in Johnston County, North Carolina.

A Growing Food Scene: Two Food Halls and a James Beard Chef

Though there was a momentary halt, remodeling continues on the old JR Outlet building in Selma (Exit 97 off I-95) converting it into the Old North State Food Hall, slated to open in the spring of 2022. The food hall will include a full bar called the NC Craft House run by local brewery Double Barley, and will feature NC craft beer, cider, wine, and spirits! In addition, JoCo will get a second food hall in April of 2022 thanks to Craften, coming to the Clayton area. This mixed model sit-down restaurant and food hall concept will be a food hall of a different kind. Speaking of Clayton, Crawford Cookshop, which opened in December on Main Street, is James Beard award-winning chef Scott Crawford's fi rst casual concept. Crawford has brought his signature “superstar” style to an approachable menu at the Cookshop, off ering simple and delicious “Americana'' style cooking from a wood fired grill. 

A Centennial to Celebrate: Ava Gardner Turns 100 in 2022

The Ava Gardner museum in Downtown Smithfi eld NC is kicking off Ava's Centennial year with the Ava Gardner Festival, October 7-9, 2022. This southern starlet will be celebrating her 100th birthday on Christmas Eve of 2022 and the museum dedicated to preserving her legacy plans to make the entire year all about marking the occasion. There are many long-term plans in place that will culminate in 2022 including new exhibits, new collection items, and even Ava products that the museum can't wait to announce. The Ava Gardner Museum is home to an incredible collection including original scripts, photos, costumes, and personal eff ects of screen legend Ava Gardner—a true Hollywood “Cinderella” story. Experience her rise to fame from a local country girl to one of Hollywood's fi lm goddesses. Born near Smithfi eld, Ava's husbands included Mickey Rooney, Artie Shaw, and Frank Sinatra. She starred in movies with several fi lm icons, such as Clark Gable, Grace Kelly and Gregory Peck. The museum features her relationships with other stars with artifacts from Sinatra, Kelly, Peck, John Huston and others. More information will be made available at avagardner.org

Get Outside the City: Outdoor Adventure and More in JoCo

Camping, biking, hiking, fi shing and so much more! Venture off the highway and fi nd new paths and activities in JoCo. Stroll along the Smithfi eld or Clayton greenways to say you've hiked sections of NC's Mountains to Sea Trail. Venture to Clemmons State Forest in Clayton for hiking and forest
education. Visit Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center in Four Oaks for hiking, biking, birding, camping, and even cabins to rent that will fit multiple families. Howell Woods also has activities for kids, a reptile exhibit, both a lake and a pond, as well as river activities like kayaking and canoeing. Stay at Raleigh Oaks Campground, a locally-owned RV oasis right off of I-95. It is a great stopping point on any east coast road trip with pull-in spots for all types of RVs as well as full cottage rentals. There are also 2 pools, a hot tub, a movie room, 3 dog parks, free wifi, a fitness center, 2 laundry facilities, and a putt-putt course. They off er short-term and long-term stay options.

Find more information on johnstoncountync.org.