Overview
Smithfield and Selma are a pair of adjacent towns in Johnston County, North Carolina.
3 sights · 3 things to do · 1 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Smithfield-Selma
Ava Gardner Museum
A museum dedicated to the Hollywood actress, who spent her childhood in Smithfield.
Johnston County Heritage Center
A museum of local history and genealogy, housed in a former bank.
Max G. Creech Historical Museum
Howell Theatre
The Rudy - American Jubilee
American Music Jubilee is a two-hour extravaganza that will have you singing along with your favorite songs, laughing out loud, and feeling pride from deep within your soul!
Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center
Here you could visit some little forest friends or take a walk in the woods.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 91°F; winter lows dip to about 32°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Sep and Jul. (climate data from nearby Raleigh)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- RDU Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Raleigh/Durham — 36 mi away (major hub). Directions
- FAY Fayetteville Regional Airport - Grannis Field, Fayetteville — 47 mi away. Directions
Interstate 95, U.S. Highways 70 and 301.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Ava Gardner Museum, Johnston County Heritage Center
- Lunch Don Beto's Tacos
- Afternoon Howell Theatre, Max G. Creech Historical Museum
Day 2
- Morning Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center
- Afternoon The Rudy - American Jubilee
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
Interstate 95, U.S. Highways 70 and 301.
By train
By bus
Greyhound buses stop in Smithfield on the route between Raleigh and New Bern, with connections from many other cities. Buses stop at 2104 S. Brightleaf Blvd on the outskirts of town.
See
Do
Buy
Eat
Eat Don Beto's Tacos
Casual Mexican restaurant. There's a drive-thru window, but the menu is much more limited than what is offered for diners inside.
Sleep
Nearby
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Wilson
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Apex
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My experience
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