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More and more people are calling Johnston County home - and more people are visiting. In 2005, visitor spending in Johnston County was $145.6 million; which was over an 8% increase from 2004. Johnston County ranks as the third largest visitor destination along the I-95 corridor, behind Cumberland and Nash Counties.
Visitors aren't just pulling off the highway to shop at the Carolina Premium Outlets in Smithfield - they are enjoying their stay by purchasing lodging in many of our area hotels. Hotel revenues for 2005 were up 12% from 2004 - a very healthy increase. While the figures for 2006 are not complete, the Johnston County Visitors Bureau is excited about the growth and continued patronage of visitors. The increase in visitors has also increased the jobs that tourism provides in the County - over 4,500 currently.
We encourage you to explore what Johnston has to offer. Whether you want to discover nature at its finest, learn about our history, or just have some fun; we're sure Johnston County has something for you!
You can find a complete listing of local activities and unique places to explore at the Johnston County Visitor Bureau. Be sure to check out these unique experiences:
Ava Gardner Museum
325 E. Market St, Smithfield
934-5830
http://www.avagardner.org/
An incredible collection of scripts, photos, costumes, and personal belongings of screen legend Ava Gardner, star of more than 59 films.
Banks Miniature Horse Farm
2667 Peele Road, Clayton
553-7216
http://www.banksminiaturehorsefarm.com/home.html
Family owned and operated by Pam and Bill Banks, who began hand selecting the herd in 2001. Over 50 acres of lush pastures for horses and visitors to roam.
Bentonville Battleground - NC Historic Site
Four Oaks
910-594-0789
http://www.bentonvillebattlefield.nchistoricsites.org/
Walk the fields on which 80,000 Union and Confederate solders fought. Tour the nearby Harper House, museum and cemetery.
Carolina High Hot Air Balloon Company
1730 Allen's Crossroads Rd, Four Oaks
894-5893
http://www.flycarolinahigh.com
See our beautiful County from a different view point!
Clemmons Educational State Forest
2411 Old US 70 W, Clayton
553-5651
http://www.ncesf.org/CESF/home.htm
Clemmons offers a wonderful environment for children to learn about our natural vegetation. The Talking Forest is a must-see, and the trails are gentle to novice hikers.
Neuse Adventures Canoe & Kayak Rentals
2975 Covered Bridge Rd, Clayton
553-3295
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Canoe trips at 9am and 1pm or rent the canoe for an entire day.
Howell Woods
6601 Devil's Racetrack Road, Four Oaks
938-0115
http://www.johnstoncc.edu/howellwoods
A 2,856 acre "outdoor" classroom. Bird feeding demonstration area, bluebird box trail, and nearly 25 miles of unpaved roads and trails.
Flower Hill
Kenly, NC
833-3662
Unique natural area, one hundred foot mountain with plant-life and rhododendron blooming in May, Triangle Land Conservancy.
Tobacco Farm Life Museum
Kenly, NC
284-3431
http://www.tobaccofarmlifemuseum.org/
Museum displays of farm life include, a hands-on Children's exhibit, household goods, musical instruments, clothing and agricultural tools. Also tour a restored farmstead, with main house, detached kitchen, smoke house, tobacco barn and pack house.
Hinnant Family Vineyard & Winery
826 Pine Level-Micro Rd, Pine Level
965-3350
http://www.hinnantvineyards.com/
The largest Muscadine vineyard in North Carolina!
Johnston County Heritage Center
Smithfield
934-8054
Numerous artifacts allow scholars and amateur historians to study the history and culture of Johnston County.
Tucker Lake
Benson
894-6090
http://www.tuckerslake.com/
Enjoy swimming, waterslides, rope, swings, picnic area, volleyball. Admission charged. Open from Memorial Day - Labor Day
Langdon's Fishing
664 Cornwallis Road, Cleveland Township
772-4122
Two ponds available for fishing. $2.00 per day per person. Children under 10 Free with adult.
Reedy Creek Golf
585 Reedy Creek Rd, Four Oaks
934-7502
http://www.reedycreekgolf.com
Annually recognized as one of Golf Digest's "Places to Play