If you're looking for things to do close to Raleigh, you've got a lot more to explore than you might expect.
Hey there, Woody here!
Just southeast of Raleigh is Johnston County, North Carolina, a growing community and I'm obligated to appreciate good growth, I'm a flower after all. With historic downtowns, locally owned restaurants, antique stores, museums, coffee shops, there are plenty of places that make an easy day trip or weekend getaway from Raleigh.
It's also becoming an increasingly popular area for people who are moving to the Raleigh, NC area, but want to live outside the city.
So whether you're considering moving to Johnston County, NC, looking for places to live near Raleigh, or simply searching for somewhere new to explore this weekend, I'm taking you through three Johnston County towns worth getting to know, and most only about 20 - 30 minutes away:
Clayton, Smithfield, and Selma, NC.
Let's roll.
Where Is Johnston County, NC?
Johnston County is located southeast of Raleigh and is part of the greater Research Triangle region of North Carolina.
The county includes towns and communities such as Clayton, Smithfield, Selma, Archer Lodge, Benson, Four Oaks, and Princeton, along with growing residential areas throughout the county.
Its location gives residents relatively convenient access to Raleigh while offering a mix of suburban neighborhoods, historic downtowns, new construction communities, and more rural areas.
That combination is one reason more people researching towns near Raleigh, NC are taking a closer look at Johnston County.
Things to Do in Clayton, NC
If you're researching things to do in Clayton, NC, start downtown.
Clayton has seen significant growth over the years. Downtown Clayton offers locally owned restaurants, shops, events, and historic character that gives the town its own identity.
For people considering moving to Clayton, NC, spending an afternoon downtown is also one of the easiest ways to get a feel for the community beyond its neighborhoods and new construction.
Explore The Station in Downtown Clayton, NC
The Station is one of the more unique places to visit in Downtown Clayton.
Located inside a historic building that previously served several community functions, The Station has been transformed into a collection of restaurants, shops, and local businesses.
It's a great example of the kind of redevelopment happening throughout many of the small towns near Raleigh, NC: preserving local history while creating something new.
Where to Eat and Drink in Clayton, NC
Inside The Station, visitors can grab a meal at Crescendo, stop for coffee and cinnamon rolls at Roast & Roll Café, browse local products at The Station Market, or make their own candle at Wisp Candle Studio.
If you're looking for restaurants and coffee shops in Downtown Clayton, it's an easy place to knock out several stops without moving the car. Which, as a moving company, is one kind of move I'm perfectly happy to discourage.
Things to Do in Smithfield, NC
Next up is Smithfield, the county seat of Johnston County.
If you're searching for things to do in Smithfield, NC, you'll find a combination of local history, restaurants, museums, and one of the area's most famous connections to Hollywood.
Visit the Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield, NC
One of the best-known attractions in Johnston County is the Ava Gardner Museum in Downtown Smithfield.
Ava Gardner was born in Johnston County before becoming one of Hollywood's most recognizable stars.
Today, the museum preserves her story through exhibits, costumes, memorabilia, personal items, and pieces from her film career.
For anyone interested in North Carolina history, Hollywood history, or things to do near Raleigh, it's a stop worth putting on the list.
Restaurants and Local Spots in Smithfield, NC
Smithfield also has plenty of places to eat and grab a drink.
Little Brown Jug offers a casual local atmosphere near the Neuse River. They're known for having the coldest beer in town, and… it lives up to it.
Low and Slow Smokehouse provides one of the more unusual restaurant settings in the area: overlooking the runway at Johnston Regional Airport.
Dinner with airplanes…not exactly your average Tuesday night, but in Smithfield it is!
Things to Do in Selma, NC
Selma is another Johnston County town that's worth exploring, especially if you enjoy antiques, vintage shopping, quirky local businesses, and historic downtowns.
For anyone looking for things to do in Selma, NC, Downtown Selma is an easy place to spend several hours.
Downtown Selma, NC Shopping and Restaurants
Start with lunch at Hahvahd Yahd Café before walking through Downtown Selma's collection of antique stores, vintage shops, and independent businesses.
Hahvahd Yahd Café is one of those local spots that gives the downtown area a little extra personality. First things first: the name.
Hahvahd Yahd is a playful take on how "Harvard Yard" sounds with a Boston accent, and that Boston-inspired personality carries into the café itself.
Go ahead.
Say it out loud.
It's impossible not to commit to the accent.
The menu includes everything from hot and cold sandwiches and grinders to paninis, flatbreads, salads, soups, specialty drinks, coffee, desserts, and more. So whether you're exploring Downtown Selma in the morning, stopping in for lunch, or looking for somewhere casual to grab dinner, it's an easy addition to your day.
Stops like The Southern Bostonian, Hidden Temple Toys, and Retrograde Vintage give Downtown Selma a personality that's very different from a typical suburban shopping center.
And that's part of what makes exploring the smaller towns surrounding Raleigh so much fun.
Visit DeWayne's in Selma, NC
Another popular stop in Selma is DeWayne's, a longtime family-owned shopping destination offering plants, garden supplies, clothing, gifts, home décor, and seasonal merchandise.
It's also home to Christmas Land, a large year-round Christmas shopping experience.
Yes, that means you can walk into Christmas in July. North Carolina summers may disagree with the concept, but I certainly don't.
Is Johnston County, NC a Good Place to Live?
If you're researching living in Johnston County, NC, one of the biggest draws is variety.
People moving to Johnston County can choose between growing suburban communities, established neighborhoods, new construction, historic towns, and more rural areas with additional space.
You're also within reach of Raleigh while living in communities that still maintain their own downtowns, local businesses, festivals, restaurants, and more.
That makes Johnston County especially appealing to people searching for:
- Affordable places to live near Raleigh, NC
- Suburbs southeast of Raleigh
- Small towns near Raleigh, NC
- New construction homes near Raleigh
- Communities with easy access to Raleigh
- Places to live outside Raleigh, NC
Of course, the right community depends heavily on your commute, budget, lifestyle, and what you want from your neighborhood.
But if Johnston County is already on your list, it's worth spending some actual time here before making a decision.
Once you've found the right place, Dogwood Moving Co. can handle the heavy lifting.
Dogwood Moving Co. is a locally owned Raleigh-area moving company serving the surrounding Triangle communities.
We're local movers who know the Raleigh area, and we believe moving should feel a whole lot less stressful than trying to get a sectional sofa through a doorway that is very clearly half an inch too small.
So explore Johnston County. Find the town that feels right. And when it's time to move? You know who to call.
Until next time,
Woody