Have you discovered the charm of Smithfield’s historic downtown? This walkable area is filled with history and unique spots that make it perfect for a family day out. It’s a fun way to spend time together while also learning more about the rich heritage of Johnston County.
Gilded Pear Brew House
📍234 E. Market Street
Start the morning with a cozy caffeine boost for the grownups and pastries for the kids at Gilded Pear Brew House. The welcoming space often features local art and plenty of room to settle in before your adventure begins.
⏱️Hours: M-F 7am-4pm, Weekends 8am-4pm
Dive right in to the history of Johnston County with a trip to a couple historical spots:
Johnston County Museum
📍329 E. Market Street
This free admission museum is dedicated to preserving the area’s rich history and culture by offering engaging exhibits and educational programs. Inside its 5,000-square-foot space, visitors can explore rotating displays and visit the gift shop. It's a great way for children to get a glimpse of the antique tools and devices that were used in bygone years.
⏱️Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm
Johnston County Heritage Center
📍241 E. Market Street
Located in what used to be the home office of First Citizens Bank, the free admission Heritage Center offers visitors a look at historical artifacts and exhibits. They are well known for their extensive Johnston County Room which is a "collection of local history and genealogy that was previously housed in the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield" (their website). Be sure to check out the gift shop, and if there's something there that catches your eye, use this 10% off coupon (can just show on your phone!).
While at the Heritage Center, you can pick up the self-guided Historic Walking Tour Brochure to explore the Downtown area and its rich history, or download it here. They also have an option to schedule a guided group tour! Fill out the form (here), scan it, then email it to heritagecenter@johnstonnc.com.
⏱️Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm
🥪🛝🚶♀️By now, young children might be getting restless! Grab lunch to go from Gotham's Deli (224 E Market Street)- a NYC-style deli serving sandwiches on homemade bread, plus salads, hot dogs & bagels- and take a short walk to the Bob Wallace Jaycee Kiddie Park (306 S. Second Street) where you'll find picnic areas to eat at and a small playground for kids to run and play. The park is the southernmost trailhead of the Neuse Riverwalk and Buffalo Creek Greenway, which is a 3 mile paved path to walk and enjoy the fall colors! [You can find more information about the trail on my recent guide to Trails for Fall Foliage].
🎞️📽️For families who have a love for cinema, be sure to check out one more museum!
Ava Gardner Museum
📍325 E. Market Street
This museum is all things Ava Gardner! Visitors will enjoy photos, personal effects, original scripts, and costumes from the life of the Hollywood Golden Age actress. Born near Smithfield, there are other self guided stops you can make in the area on the 'Ava Gardner Heritage Trail.' Click here to see the points of interest. (If you have a group of 10 or more and your own transportation, you can pay a little extra for the museum to provide a step-on guide service of the trail.) The Ava Gardner festival is coming up on October 10-12 and will offer an engaging celebration of the iconic actress with activities, exhibits, and film screenings.
*To make this museum more interesting to children, I'd recommend watching a family-friendly film starring Ava Gardner beforehand!
Museum admission per person: $12 adults; $10 seniors, military, teens; $8 children ages 6-12; Under 6 - Free. Special group rate of $10/person for 10 or more.
⏱️Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9:30am-4:30pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm
🛍️If you and the kids have any steam left, pop into Boutique 12/20 (129 N 2nd St.) and The Twisted Willow (119 S 3rd St.) for some small business shopping! Boutique 12/20 has fashionable women's clothing, jewelry, gifts, and accessories. The Twisted Willow offers upcycled antiques, beautiful vintage furniture, unique gifts and decor, and more!
📚And last but not least, there's the Public Library of Johnston County & Smithfield (305 E Market St.). The library offers a children’s section filled with books, puzzles, toys, and often seasonal activities or storytime events (check out our events calendar to see if there's anything going on today!) The library is the perfect, mellow ending to your outing!
Note: they are closed on Sundays, and close early at 1pm on Saturdays so if visiting on the weekend, plan accordingly- perhaps it can be the mellow start to your outing instead!
