Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Johnston County, NC Musts | do, eat, stay, play
16
items Discover the best of Johnston County with our ultimate guide to must-see attractions, delicious dining spots, cozy accommodations, and fun activities. From exploring charming small towns and scenic outdoor adventures to savoring mouthwatering local c...
Sections
4
Explore JoCo | Family-Friendly Things to Do in Johnston County
Eat Local | Family-Owned Restaurants & Coffee Shops in Johnston County
JoCo Stays | Local Inns, Farmhouse Rentals & Country Comfort
Enjoy JoCo | Parks, Festivals & Family-Friendly Fun
Explore JoCo | Family-Friendly Things to Do in Johnston County
Discover the heart of Johnston County with local experiences that blend southern charm, small-town hospitality, and outdoor adventure. From touring family-owned distilleries like Broadslab to visiting local nurseries, farms, and markets, Benson offer...
If you’re looking for a local plant nursery in Johnston County that’s rooted in family values and community, Hand Picked Nursery is a must-visit. This family-owned garden center offers a beautiful selection of native plants, flowers, shrubs, and tree...
Hand Picked Plant Nursery & so much more | Veteran & Family Owned
A true Johnston County original, Broadslab Distillery is a family-owned, farm-to-bottle distillery crafting authentic, small-batch spirits with deep North Carolina roots. Known for their handmade moonshine, bourbon, and rum, everything here is grown,...
Broadslab Distillery | An Absolute Must
A beloved family-owned nursery and farmers market nestled in Benson, North Carolina, Smith’s Nursery is a local favorite for fresh produce, seasonal plants, and family-friendly activities. From u-pick strawberries and blueberries in spring to the pum...
Smith's Nursery and Smith's Farm Market | Family Friendly Fun For All Ages
A staple of Johnston County’s craft beer scene, Fainting Goat Brewing Company is a small-town brewery with big flavor and community heart. Family-owned and locally loved, this Benson, NC brewery serves up handcrafted beers in a warm, laid-back atmosp...
Fainting Goat Brewing Company | Downtown Benson Fun
I love Penny’s Produce in Benson because it’s a charming local produce stand with a friendly, small-town vibe and a wonderful pick-your-own strawberry patch. This hidden gem in Benson, NC, offers fresh, hand-picked strawberries straight from the fiel...
Penny's Produce Roadside Stand | Pick Your Own
Eat Local | Family-Owned Restaurants & Coffee Shops in Johnston County
Benson is full of local restaurants, coffee shops, and family-owned eateries that serve up comfort and community in every bite. Whether you’re grabbing an iced Blueberry Cobbler coffee from Awake Coffee Co., enjoying a farm-fresh breakfast, or relaxi...
I absolutely love Manning’s Restaurant in Clayton, especially their crab dip paired with the Old Bay pita chips, it’s a seafood lover’s dream come true. The creamy crab dip with a hint of Old Bay seasoning is the perfect match for those crispy, flavo...
Mannings Restaurant | If You Don't Go Anywhere Else While In Town, Go Here
Skyline’s Cafe in Clayton, NC, is a local favorite known for serving fresh, flavorful dishes, and their amazing salmon is truly a highlight. The salmon is cooked to perfection, tender, flaky, and seasoned just right, making it a must-try for seafood ...
Skylines Cafe | A Great Quick Bite
When it comes to steakhouses in Clayton, NC, Clayton Steakhouse stands out as the premier spot for mouthwatering steaks and outstanding service. Their menu features perfectly grilled ribeye, filet mignon, and New York strip steaks, cooked exactly how...
Clayton Steakhouse | Best Steakhouse
Redneck BBQ Lab in Benson, NC is hands-down one of my favorite local spots for mouthwatering, award-winning barbecue. I love how they take true Eastern North Carolina BBQ tradition and elevate it with competition-level flavor. From their juicy pulled...
Redneck BBQ Lab | Award Winning BBQ With Top Notch Jalapeno Mac&Cheese
I love Lane’s Seafood and Steak House in Benson, it offers consistently fresh, flavorful seafood and perfectly cooked steaks in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The quality of their locally sourced fish and hand-cut steaks makes every meal feel special ...
Lane's Seafood & Steak House | Craving Cozy & Crispy
A local favorite that fills your cup with both Coffee & Jesus. I love that this family-owned business stands firmly on faith — their nod to Psalm 34:8, “Taste and see that the Lord is good” couldn’t be more fitting. The vibe is friendly, the peop...
Awaken Coffee & Culture | One of My Favorite Local Spots
JoCo Stays | Local Inns, Farmhouse Rentals & Country Comfort
Experience true southern hospitality when you stay in Benson, North Carolina. From cozy local inns and boutique stays to family-friendly rentals near downtown, there’s something for everyone looking to unwind and enjoy a slower pace. Stay close to Be...
Magnolia Inn in Clayton, NC, is the perfect charming and cozy getaway for visitors looking for comfortable accommodations with Southern hospitality. This inviting inn offers clean, well-appointed rooms that provide a relaxing atmosphere ideal for bot...
Magnolia Inn
Forget your worries in this spacious and serene space. Enjoy time in the relaxing living room while watching TV or getting some work done. Great location and easy access to I40. Minutes from downtown Raleigh.
Loft in Clayton | Spacious & Serene
This is a beautiful and unique 2 bedroom apartment located on top of a horse stable! Peaceful setting in the center of a 8oo acre horse property/community. 10-15 miles of walking trails that meander to the Neuse river. Apartment has full kitchen. Sur...
Farm stay in Clayton | A Horse Stable Turned Apartment
Enjoy JoCo | Parks, Festivals & Family-Friendly Fun
Benson is packed with family-friendly fun and local entertainment for all ages. Enjoy seasonal festivals, live music, playgrounds, and parks, or visit Smith’s Nursery & Farmers Market for u-pick fruit and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon outdoors or a night out with friends, Benson offers plenty of ways to play, connect, and make memories.
Kick off the holiday season in style in Downtown Benson where the streets and shops are decorated like a Hallmark movie!
Christmas On Main in Benson
This space, inside Benson’s Social District, is on the same block as Cornerstone Cafe, and Fainting Goat Brewing Company. A great place to have a beer, read a book, host a meeting, take a shopping break, have lunch, take photos, etc.
Town of Benson Social District | A Cozy Alleyway Nook