September 22, 2022
Smithfield, North Carolina is located just off I-95, Exit 95 only six and a half hours from the Philadelphia area. It’s a perfect long weekend getaway or a great stop-over on your way further south. Smithfield is situated along the Neuse River, with great connections to history, entertainment, dining, lodging, and outlet shopping. Explore a variety of attractions, attend local festivals, discover unique boutique shops, meet some interesting people, and savor even better BBQ - served with sweet tea and a generous helping of true southern hospitality.
The Ava Gardner Museum hosts an annual festival in honor of the legendary actress, fashion icon, and humanitarian Ava Gardner, a North Carolina native who grew up just 7-miles east of Smithfield, NC. This year’s festival, scheduled for October 7-9, kicks off Ava’s 100th Centennial Celebration and will include a multitude of exciting events, as the museum unveils new exhibits, hosts special film and video presentations, and more. One of the can’t-miss events at this year’s festival is the musical experience dedicated to Ava, opening the festival weekend on October 7th!
Ava Gardner Museum
Travelers to Smithfield will find plentiful shopping opportunities thanks to Carolina Premium Outlets where 80 national brand stores offer 25-65% off retail prices daily. For eclectic shopping and browsing visit Downtown Smithfield to walk and discover locally owned retail offering everything from boutique clothing, handmade goods, vintage decor, and fine jewelry. New to Downtown Smithfield is The Dragonfly Boutique and The Twisted Willow.
Don’t forget DeWayne’s, just a few minutes away in nearby Selma; locally owned and operated, this shopping experience was curated over multiple decades from a small seasonal produce stand into a destination in Eastern NC. DeWayne’s is a home and garden store with thousands of square feet of shopping. From themed boutiques for men, women, and children to specific sections for brands like Yeti and Pandora, DeWayne’s also has a Christmas Land department open seasonally for holiday décor and gifting. There is also an ice cream and fudge store inside if you need a snack to help you keep shopping.
Take a walk, or a bike ride, along the Mountains to the Sea Trail which curves along the banks of the Neuse River in Downtown Smithfield - known as Buffalo Creek Greenway. The Mountains to Sea Trail network links this greenway to trails that run from the Blue Ridge Mountain to the coast of Carolina. Smithfield also offers a self-guided Historic Downtown Walking Tour which takes visitors past historic buildings and outdoor art. The downtown area is home to a growing number of murals and sculptures, many of which have historical significance or local themes.
Eat in one of several locally-owned restaurants in Downtown Smithfield, including the new coffee shop The Gilded Pear & Brew House. Grab lunch at a real New York Deli, Gotham’s offers the sort of fare you’d find in the Big Apple. There’s also SoDoSoPa, a smoked meats concept, and Simple Twist, a chef-owned restaurant. For lunch or dinner visit Selma’s brand new Old North State Food Hall. With 10 regional, unique vendors in one space, a variety of cuisine, and a full bar, the Old North State Food Hall is the nation’s first roadside food hall right off I-95’s Exit 97.
Old North State Food Hall
Smithfield and its surrounding towns are located in Johnston County (JoCo), one of NC’s largest counties land-wise. Johnston County has a rich history in farming and agriculture. Get out of the downtown area to visit local farms taking full advantage of the agritourism trend inviting visitors to come experience farm life. Purchase pumpkins, enjoy corn mazes and hayrides, plus special Fall events and activities are being offered at area farms throughout the season. Visit Sonlight Farms in nearby Kenly to let the kids run out some of their energy. Or, for older kids and adults, visit the Clayton Fear Farm - an evening experience that is the areas premiere “scream” park.
Ashlan Meadows Apple Cider
