Smithfield founded
The official visitors bureau notes Smithfield’s founding year in its downtown walking-tour overview.
New local stories every week from across the Triangle
EASTERN TRIANGLE · STARTER GUIDE
Johnston County,
Heritage, farms,
and fast growth.
JoCo rewards a wider view: downtowns, battlefield history, agricultural traditions, greenways, local food, and a calendar spread across distinct towns.
FACTS VERIFIED AUGUST 11, 2026Bentonville to Ava Gardner
The county’s visitor guide connects Bentonville Battlefield with Smithfield’s Ava Gardner Museum.
parks, farms & forests
Official visitor resources highlight greenways, Howell Woods, Clemmons Educational State Forest, and agritourism.
START HERE
Three useful first stops.
Open the original source for operating hours, closures, registration, maps, and details that may change.
Things to Do in JoCo
Browse official outdoor, heritage, food, arts, and family-trip starting points.
Official source · Visit Johnston County ↗Smithfield
Start with downtown, the Ava Gardner Museum, Buffalo Creek Greenway, dining, and shopping.
Official source · Visit Johnston County ↗Johnston County Events
Check the countywide calendar for current festivals, performances, and community events.
Official source · Visit Johnston County ↗NEXT LAYER
Raleigh Unpacked is going into the field.
Local businesses, on-camera conversations, neighborhood routes, practical parking notes, and original video will be added as each place is unpacked firsthand.
Suggest a stop ↗