Location: Smithfield
Top Things to do in Smithfield
10 Things to do in Smithfield That You Shouldn't Miss
Smithfield is a town in Johnston County, North Carolina, United States. In 2016, the estimated population was 12,266. It is the county seat of Johnston County. Smithfield is home to the Ava Gardner Museum and is situated along the Neuse River, where visitors enjoy the annual Smithfield Ham and Yam Festival, walks along the Buffalo Creek Greenway and the historic downtown district. The town is located in North Carolina's famed Research Triangle and is approximately 29 mi (47 km) southeast of downtown Raleigh. The Raleigh-Durham-Cary Combined Statistical area has a population of over 2 million residents.
Restaurants in Smithfield
1. Double Barley Brewing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 47 reviews
We offer 12 Double Barley tap brews, kitchen with fresh local ingredients, cider, wine and more. We have a 75 seat taproom with a large beer garden where animals are welcome. Various events spaces are available. Free tours are offered every Saturday at 2 pm. We pride ourselves with our southern hospitality!!!
Reviewed By 759lyndseyt - Hendersonville, United States
Delicious, fight series thrilla in vanilla was Wonderful, peppermint! Great service, great beer. Its better on draft than in bottles, like most beer. The steakcake stout was awesome as a nitro! Staff was friendly and entertaining. A great stop!
2. Little Brown Jug
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
3. Cindale Beads
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
4. Ready-Set-Escape
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Escape rooms are fun, physical adventures in which a group of players is locked into a room and must use clues and solve puzzles to unlock the next step of the game. Solving these puzzles will eventually lead to a clue that will provide a key or combination allowing the door to be unlocked and the group to escape. The tricky part is there's a time limit and the players only have 60 minutes! Ready Set Escape has three exciting rooms with different themes - Monopoly Mania, Pirate’s Plunder and Hollywood Heist. We offer rooms from beginner to expert level players.
Reviewed By AlisonT569 - Kenly, United States
My husband and I love doing escape rooms, and after trying the Hollywood Heist at Ready Set Escape, we couldn't wait to do another room there. Tonight, we played their Monopoly Mania game and had a blast! The puzzles helped tell the story of the room and were a lot of fun to figure out! There are lots of puzzles in that room, though, may want to bring an extra person or two, but it was definitely doable and lots of fun! The owners are super friendly and a delight to talk to, and they obviously love what they do! Get your team ready and head to Ready Set Escape!
5. Ava Gardner Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
The Ava Gardner Museum, one of North Carolina’s most remarkable attractions, honors the life, loves, and legacy of Ava Gardner, who was born and raised in Johnston County. She became one of Hollywood’s most glamorous leading ladies and visitors to the museum enjoy an introductory film on her life, 16 permanent exhibits from her humble beginnings, her discovery story, a variety of movie posters, movie memorabilia, personal clothing and movie costumes and much more. New exhibits are rotated in the museum on an annual basis to continue to share Ava's incredible story and share with the world "the real Ava", who was down to earth, loving, direct and very approachable for one of Hollywood's most famous stars from the Golden Era. Visit the museum in Historic Downtown Smithfield any time, or make special plans to attend the Ava Gardner Festival held in May each year.
Reviewed By HMS-Sock - Raleigh, United States
I took my husband’s family visiting from the UK here before some outlet shopping. While the teen boys in the group opted out, they regretted it later as we talked about Ava’s adventurous life, movies, Howard Huges & Frank Sinatra - as well as the very unique paintings of Ava. We appreciated Miss Sarah’s passion for Ava & thought the musuem was well done - jewelry, clothing, movie artifacts, and personal items. We were also fortunate to have a Board member, Melissa, share stories & give us insights. I would like to see more of the items in storage!
6. Johnston County Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
7. Shadowhawk
8. Neuse Little Theatre
9. Howell Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
The Howell Theatre provides the community with the entertainment that they want to see, while keeping the prices at a price point that any family can afford, making The Howell the Best Entertainment Value in Smithfield since 1935.
Reviewed By zOfficialWinner - Smithfield, United States
I've been coming here since I was a child and have always loved the Nostalgia of this place. It's downtown Smithfield right on the corner, the prices are cheap, and the food is awesome!
10. Carolina Premium Outlets
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 240 reviews
Carolina Premium Outlets features an impressive collection of the finest brands for you, your family and your home. Include a shopping stop during your next trip to the area. Located directly off I-95, near Raleigh, North Carolina, you're sure to find impressive savings of 25% to 65% all year round. Local Shop & Stay packages are available.
Reviewed By courtneyp475
Plenty of parking near strip malls, as well as close enough proximity to stay in your choice of numerous hotels, restaurants and movie theatre. Worth the drive.
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