10 Best Things To Do In Smithfield, North Carolina

1. Witness a live stage performance at Neuse Little Theatre

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Neuse Little Theatre is a community theater in a riverfront log cabin that hosts dramas, comedies, and musicals. Founded in 1974, it has become a part of the cultural heritage in Smithfield as it continuously strives to delight the tastes of the young and old audiences.

Its home is the former American Legion Log Cabin which has been repurposed to work as a live performance space. The cabin, overlooking the Neuse River, is now affectionately known as The Hut and provides an intimate theatrical experience with its 100 seating capacity. It welcomes everyone to come and audition, work behind the scenes, and enjoy the shows.

Neuse Little Theatre

Address: 104 S Front St, Smithfield, NC 27577

Website: Neuse Little Theatre

2. Revisit the wild west era in Shadowhawk

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Movie fanatics would love to visit Shadowhawk, a replica of a Wild West town built by the late Hollywood actor William “Bill” Drake in his backyard in Smithfield. The actor who appeared in numerous movies including How The West Was Lost built this complex in 1997. Shadowhawk is a Smithfield attraction that consists of a saloon, kitchen, Sheriff’s office, jail, hotel, bank, barbershop, post office, stable, hotel, and church. With movie-set replicas and a general store where people can buy t-shirts, books, and movies, it has become a hot destination in town.

Drake passed away in 2017; Shadowhawk had to close for some time but it has reopened in the spring of 2022.

Shadowhawk

Address: 494 Bonnie Ave, Smithfield, NC 27577

Website: Shadowhawk

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Sun)

3. Shop at Carolina Pottery located at Carolina Premium Outlets

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Carolina Pottery is a favorite home store among locals and visitors in Smithfield. It is located in Carolina Premium Outlets and is one of the best things you can do while in Smithfield. You can buy their indoor and outdoor products at affordable prices and add a splash of color to you home, you can also buy items here to complete your home decoration project or totally re-do your home with their splendid collection of brand new dinnerwares and their glasswares. So shop your heart out here and pick up some stuff that will have sweet memories for you for generations to come.

Carolina Pottery

Address: Carolina Premium Outlets, Smithfield, NC

Website: Carolina Pottery

4. Enjoy yourself at Double Barley Brewing

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This popular family operated craft brewery is located in Smithfield, NC. It is owned by Cheryl and Larry and started when Cheryl gave Larry a home brew kit on his 40th birthday. Larry discovered he could brew great beer and Cheryl was good at sampling, so then they launched Double Barley Brewing. It has an awesome taproom and beer garden and also conducts weekly tours. It is highly popular among locals and visitors and families regualarly gather here to have a good time together.

Double Barley Brewing

Address: 3174 US Hwy 70W, Smithfield, NC 27577

Website: Double Barley Brewing

5. Catch a movie at the Smithfield Cinemas

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This iconic cinema is located in Smithfield and is the favorite of the locals and also those visiting Smithfield on holiday. It has fantastic features like 10 wall to wall screens, all stadium seating, the seats are high-back rocker seats, the retractable armrests with cupholders are comfy, there’s digital sound, and it is wheelchair accessible as well.

You can book the tickets online, they also have advanced ticketing, and there are discount tickets before 6 pm. Locals love to catch a movie here with their family and friends as the cinema is an iconic place that is great for kids’ activity in Smithfield.

Smithfield Cinemas

Address: 175 S Equity Dr, Smithfield, NC

Website: Smithfield Cinemas

6. Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q

From the last 30 years, Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q has created an enjoyable dining experience for its customers. Its nostalgic decor and music helps its guests enjoy the food; their staff is very hospitable and delivers tasty, hot and fresh food at your table, refills your drinks and even discards your trash for you. They have their restaurant at 36 locations from the NC coast right to Piedmont and guests can dine in, take home or simply go through the drive thru. This place has been a popular place for locals to catch up with each other on drinks and food and also is a favourite among tourists in Smithfield.

Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q

Address: 924 Brightleaf Blvd. Smithfield, NC 27577

7. Visit the iconic Ava Gardner Museum

The Ava Gardner Museum is located in historic downtown Smithfield. It pays tribute to Hollywood star and one of Smithfield’s daughters Ava Gardner. It has an extensive collection of art and artifacts from Ava’s career and private life and documents her rise from a local country girl to Hollywood’s film goddess. This museum is a tribute by the locals to Ava who was a daughter of Smithfield, when you visit Smithfield be sure to visit this place as it will give you insights into Ava’s life especially if you are her fan!

Ava Gardner Museum

Address: 325 E Market St, Smithfield, North Carolina

Website: Ava Gardner Museum

8. Brightleaf Flea Market

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Getting more cuious about the other what to dos in Smithfield? Try visiting unique local markets, Brightleaf Flea Market for example. This gigantic market in Smithfield has stuff that is not available at other flea markets. It has a lot of outdoor space and shelters and has a paved parking lot. It has a Farmers Market which has fresh vegetables & fruits, clean restrooms, yummy food, games and also has Sunday School from 8:15 am-9 am.

Brightleaf Flea Market

Address: 2320 S. Brightleaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC

Website: Brightleaf Flea Market

9. GALOT Motorsports Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

GALOT Motorsports Park is a first class racing facility located in Dunn in NC, and is certified as having the world’s flattest racing track. Mr. Earl Wells bought it with a mission to build a world class race track that would maximize the experience. The facility has stadium seating for about 9,000 spectators and has 2 LED video boards, indoor concession and a souvenir stand, and 2 climate controlled tower suites.

GALOT Motorsports Park

Address: 4129 NC HWY 242, South Dunn, NC 28335

Website: GALOT Motorsports Park

10. Shopping at Carolina Premium Outlets

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Carolina Premium Outlets is one of North Carolina’s premier shopping destinations, and it has over 80 stores. It has upscale stores like Adidas, Carolina Pottery, Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach, Nike, Reebok, Under Armour, Tommy Hilfiger and much more. It is an easy to navigate outdoor shopping experience and includes quick dining options like Nestle Toll House Cafe by Chip and Red Mango, Dairy Queen Grill & Chill and Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels.

Carolina Premium Outlets

Address: 1025 Outlet Center Dr, Smithfield, NC 27577

Website: Carolina Premium Outlets

Smithfield, the land of Ava Gardner and a real shoppers' paradise

The land that produced Hollywood’s darling actress Ava Gardner is such an interesting and awesome place that you would love to come here again and again. You must visit the Ava Gardner Museum here to learn more about Ava’s life. It also has the best barbecue restaurants and entertainment in the whole of North Carolina, so you have to come here to experience it all!