Old North State Food Hall

Old North State Food Hall, located in Selma, NC, it is the nation’s first roadside food hall offering an alternative to the usual fast food options with a mix of regional and international cuisines. From Cuban & Indian street foods, authentic Neapolitan pizza, quintessential American hamburgers, and more from the kitchens of local and regional talent. Seriously, something for everyone in your group.

Clayton Steakhouse

Clayton Steakhouse is a casual, family-friendly restaurant that sits among the charming shops and eateries on Main Street in Clayton, North Carolina. Full bar, homemade desserts and, of course, great steaks!

Hinnant Winery

Hinnant Winery is the biggest producer of Muscadine Wine in North Carolina. They have a long history of crafting this wine and, if you love sweet wine, you will enjoy a glass of Muscadine. Be sure to take a tour of the winery and spend some time enjoying the vineyard views.

Double Barley

Go for the beer, stay for the food. Double Barley offers a great selection of hand crafted beer that pairs well with the menu items. The pizza with balsamic vinegar was my favorite of all that we tried, but, honestly, there wasn’t a bad slice in the house. I liked the lighter beers. I really enjoyed the taste of the Revelation Pale Ale and the name and story behind FFF Holiday Ale.

Deep River

Located in downtown Clayton you’ll find Deep River Brewery, Johnston County’s first legal brewery. Opened in the Spring of 2013 and going strong ever since Deep River should be on your must visit list just to try the Mango Tango FoxTrot. They seriously need to ship this beer to Michigan so I can enjoy it this summer. It’s so incredibly good. Deep River doesn’t serve food, but you can bring food in and once a week they have food trucks at the brewery.

Gregory Winery

Gregory Winery is so much more than just wine. You’ll find some of the most welcoming and personable owners and employees as well as some North Carolina moonshine. If you are hungry during your visit you’re in luck because Gregory Winery is also home to Lane’s Seafood & Steak House. Gregory Winery creates their line of wines from Muscadine grapes and offers both white and red varieties. They also offer wine slushies to enjoy during your visit<<—highly recommend on a hot summer day.

Simple Twist

Looking for a great place to have lunch? Look no further than Simple Twist Cafe. They honestly have so many great menu items that you should take some friends and plan on sharing so you can each try a bit of everything. I really liked the Fried Green Tomatoes, Twisted Guac and Short Ribs.

Traveling around the state? Here is where to eat in Onslow County, NC

Learn more about a North Carolina Culinary Adventure and touring Johnston County here.

Jeremy shared a brief history with us about how Broadslab began. You can watch the video or continue past to read the recap. It’s a fascinating story of facing adversity and making something new and profitable out of it.

The distillery is located on the family farm where, originally, a living was made selling fruit via an honor system at a roadside stand. That business model sustained the family for years, but then interstate 40 was built and the business dried up.

Jeremy’s granddaddy went to the still at age 5, started distilling at 13 and bootlegged up until 1950’s when he quit, but he shared dozen of distilling and bootlegging stories with Jeremy which peaked his interest. By the time Jeremy was in high school he was making wine and distilling whiskey. No one thought twice about a teenager making his own spirits. The area has a rich history of whiskey making and if your family is from the area you have ties to the tradition.

When people quit coming to the farm and the produce business died Jeremy’s granddad gave him the idea of starting a moonshine museum and putting in a still. At the time Jeremy didn’t have the capital to make the investment, but after he got up a bit in age he purchased 60 acres of the farm property and tended it. After two years he realized that you can’t farm small in America and make a living so in 2007, he decided to run with his granddad’s idea.

In 2008 he built the distilling barn and still from scratch. It took him four years to put together the entire infrastructure for the business, was licensed in 2011 and went to market on August 1st, 2012. From there, Broadslab has quickly become one of the best distillers in the state.

After our tour we headed back to his granddaddy’s house, which has been converted into a tasting room and gift shop, to try what Broadslab has been crafting. For our group Jeremy invited Jordan, mixologist at Chef and the Farmer, to mix up any cocktails of our choice.

Of course, my first choice is always an old fashioned. Jordan gladly mixed one up for me and even added a little flare to top it off.

Broadslab whiskey bourbon is good, but the AppleShine was, hands down, my favorite!

The next time you find yourself in the moonshine capital of North Carolina be sure to stop by Broadslab Distillery for a cocktail and a tour.

Also be sure to swing by the Ava Gardner museum while you’re in the area.

I know there are so many great reasons to visit the Tar Heel State from sandy beaches, gorgeous mountains, to Krispy Kreme donuts, NASCAR, and moonshine.

However, they also have a rich culinary history with many “trails” to showcase the goodness and one of my favorites is the Moravian Cookie Trail in Winston-Salem.

The Moravians settled in this part of North Carolina more than 250 years ago when they left Eastern Europe and more specifically the Czech Republic. Fortunately for us they brought their rich cultural and food heritage with them.

Moravian cookies are the world’s thinnest cookie, packed with flavor and have become quite popular. The local bakeries roll out and sell more than a million pounds each and every year. 

My faves are the Moravian spice cookies, usually labeled gingerbread.

I’m pretty sure this could be the thinnest cookie on the market, yet the amount of flavor in each bite is fantastically impressive.

There are four bakeries along the Moravian Cookie Trail for you to taste and buy these delightful treats.

Here’s a fun fact about the cookies. In 2023 a bill was put forward to the state make the Moravian Cookie the North Carolina State Cookie. I’m so glad I live in a world where there are state cookies!!

Explore The Moravian Trail in Winston-Salem, NC

Winkler Bakery In Old Salem

More than 200 years old the Winkler Bakery, located in the historic district, features the original wood-fired dome oven that has been baking up treats since 1800. Living history interpreters in period costumes welcome visitors, offer samples (YAY!), and explain baking techniques.

The Winkler cookie recipe is adapted and updated from historic versions originally baked in the wood-fired oven. 

Since the popularity of the Moravian Cookies has exploded they’ve had to move baking operations to a larger bakery down the road, but all the cookies and other baked goods are available at the location in Old Salem. 

Dewey’s Bakery

Baking cookies since 1930, Dewey’s is a popular locals bakery. Dewey’s Bakery is a household name, especially around holidays. Throughout the year you can find an array of confections and cookies, including Moravian cookies.

There are two bakeries located in Winston-Salem, but in November and December multiple locations pop up across the state each offering an array of Moravian cookies, sugar cakes, and cheese straws.

Dewey’s offers a key lime and meyer lemon tin that has my name all over it.

Mrs. Hanes’ Moravian Cookies

Mrs. Hanes Moravian Cookies is located a short drive from Winston-Salem. Public tours of this family-owned business give you a look behind the curtain and let’s you see the company in action. Nicknamed “Artists in Apron”, employees hand roll, hand cut, and hand package more than 110,000 pounds of dough each year.

I’m just saying, that’s a lot of cookie dough!

The basic dough is transformed into six flavors: sugar, lemon (Mr. Hanes’ favorite), black walnut, chocolate, butterscotch, and traditional Moravian ginger (my favorite)

If that wan’t enough to make you want to have a case shipped to your house, it was named one of Oprah Winfrey’s “favorites” in 2010.

Love and care goes into each cookie and it shows.

This family owned business was started by a husband and wife team, today, their daughter and son work to keep the tradition alive.

Wilkerson Moravian Bakery

Wilkerson Bakery has been rolling out cookies since 1925 and finally opened a brick-and-mortar Moravian bakery in 2021.

I love that there is another retail location to add to the Moravian Cookie Trail.

The store front location has traditional Moravian Sugar Cake and cookies available in six inspired flavors, including orange brandy (uh, yes, please!) and butter rum.

You’ll definitely want to add these to your list of cookies to try. All in the name of research, of course.

Salem Kitchen

If you don’t have time to make the drive to Mrs. Hanes you can still delight your tastebuds with her cookies when you visit the Salem Kitchen.

This store is packed with all kinds of delicious gourmet foods and is a great place to stop and pack a picnic before heading out to a park.

Mast General Store

I’d be remiss if I didn’t recommend a stop at Mast General Store. Of course, they have Moravian Cookies, but Mast is so much more.

They have anything and everything you may possibly want. From outdoor gear to women’s clothing to bulk candies and toys for kids.

A stop at Mast General Store happens every time we are near one. Honestly, one of our favorite stores in the south.

If you haven’t been to the original and first store in Valle Crucis it’s worth a trip to this rural community to visit it.

More Things To Do In Winston-Salem

Since you’re headed to Winston-Salem for the cookie trail you might as well stay a while and we are here to help!

Great Girlfriend Getaway To Winston Salem, NC – All the fun, culture, arts, and food you’ll want to experience in the city.

A Stay At The Historic Brookstown Inn – The place to stay if you like historic hotels. Plus, for my spooky friends, there are rumors that it’s haunted. Sadly, I didn’t experience anything during my stay.

And, as always, our friends over at Visit Winston-Salem, have the deets on all things Winston-Salem!

Not only do we have a great destination and attractions, the culture of this city is just what you need to feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

The City of Winston Salem: Great Girlfriend Getaway

Visit Old Salem Historic District: The city of Winston Salem holds amazing history.  You will find Southern culture at its best in Old Salem historic district.  With many events and educational areas offered, this is ideal for spending a day of exploration with your girlfriends.  

There are workshops, music events, farmers markets, and more year round.  Learn about the local community history, and how this city shaped the South.

Moravian Cookie Trail:  Every foodie I know would love this ultimate culinary experience.  The Moravian Cookie Trail is a great way to eat your way through the Moravian influence in the region.  From pastries to delicious chicken pie, you’ll find something to whet your appetite on all three paths of this fun foodie experience.

Visit Historic Bethabara Park:  Step back in time to visit this park tha once was a small religious village the Moravians started over 250 years ago.  It’s a great look into their religious history, and a time centuries before that can help you appreciate modern conveniences as well as the beauty of the region.

Reynolda House Museum of American Art:  This historic mansion was restored and turned into a beautiful place to display American art and history.  With beautiful collections and exhibitions rotating through the museum, you are sure to find something new and beautiful on each visit.

Enjoy a Segway Tour:  Check out options with Triad ECO Adventures for a local Segway tour.  This is a super fun way to get around the community and learn more about the city of Winston Salem and the culture of the area from a fun ride.

Enjoy local wineries and vineyards:  This region is rich in wine culture and history.  Check out one of many wineries and vineyards offering tastings and a delicious foodie experience within a short drive from the city of Winston Salem.

Take In A Race At Bowman Gary Stadium:  Even if racing isn’t your favorite pastime, you’ll love the adrenaline pulsing races offered here.  Everyone has fun watching cars spin around the track.  Grab a beer, and enjoy a fun girls night out watching the races.

This list of fun things to do in the city of Winston Salem with your best girlfriends is just the beginning.  Check out local shops, amazing foodie destinations, and more int his great southern town.

WHERE TO STAY IN WINSTON-SALEM

I really like staying at the Historic Brookstown Inn. It’s close to town and a fun Inn that is perfect for girlfriend getaways. Request a room with a sitting area so that you have a common area for everyone to get together.

More Girlfriend Getaway Destinations:

• Charlottesville Girlfriend Getaway
• Girlfriend Getaway To Homewood, IL
• Girlfriend Getaway To Madison, WI
• Girlfriend Escape To Palm Springs, CA
• Girlfriend Escape To Marble Falls, TX

Pin Winston Salem To Pinterest

Things To Do in Duplin County, NC

WORLD’S LARGEST FRYING PAN

FISHING AND BOATING

WHERE TO CAMP IN DUPLIN COUNTY, NC

A BIT OF HISTORY AT COWAN MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND SCIENCE

COWAN BROWN BOTANICAL GARDEN

TARKIL BRANCH FARM’S HOMESTEAD MUSEUM

Pin Things To Do In Duplin County NC To Pinterest

At first glance, it looks like there isn’t much to do there.

Main Street is just a couple of blocks long and all appears pretty calm and quiet.

As with most things, looks can be deceiving and you might just be surprised by what you discover in Swansboro.

Let me set the scene.

Swansboro is a bit of a peninsula surrounded by the White Oak River and the Intercoastal Waterway with the Atlantic Ocean a short jaunt away. 

Busy Highway 24 cuts through the area and my guess is most people just fly by in their rush to get where ever they are going never taking the opportunity to stop and check it out the area. 

Honestly, unless you’re in the know you might not think there is a reason to delay your travels.

But, I’m going to encourage you to not only stop here but to make Swansboro, NC your next vacation destination.

Yes, the ever-popular North Topsail Island is nearby with its high rise condos and oceanfront location which is lovely. 

However, Swansboro offers incredible restaurants and outdoor activities all within a short walk of your vacation rental. 

How To Make The Most Out Of Your Vacation To Swansboro NC

Swansboro, NC is the perfect 2-night getaway for families, couples, or friends. There is something for everyone within a few short blocks. 

Location, Location, Location

The location, which is mostly surrounded by water, is perfect with lovely water views of the White Oak River and Intercoastal Waterway.

No, you won’t have the crashing waves of the ocean, which is very close by, but the water views are lovely none the less.

If you’re lucky, you’ll still get to watch dolphin frolic and play in the water. In my opinion, that is one of the best things when visiting the coast. 

Even though there isn’t a beach in historic Swansboro you can still spend time at the water. A boardwalk goes along the water and under Highway 24 to Bicentennial Park.

If you’re looking for beach time keep reading because there is the perfect way to make this happen.

At the park, watch fishermen pull in their daily catch, launch your kayak or sit outside and enjoy a cup of coffee while watching the world go by.

The park offers benches, restrooms, and fishing dock.

A short walk away is Riverside Park with elevated boardwalks along with White Oak River and impressive views of Jones Island which you can kayak to and explore.

Interpretive signage about the coastal environment is along the walkways. it’s a great place to let the kids run and play.

For my geocaching friends, there is a geocache located at this park. It’s a nice sized, well-maintained cache and fairly easy to find.

Stroll Main Street

Stroll along Main Street and you’ll find a number of boutique shops for fashion, home decor, souvenirs, and the popular Candy Edventure. 

There are also a number of photo opps available along the street.

Pretend you’re a mermaid.

Hang out with Elvis.

Look for unique features on buildings like this fish head fountain feature.

Only In Onslow – Bartley House Privvy 

Only in Onslow will you find a building that has been a conversation piece for decades.

There is a number of opinions if this was used as an outhouse, post office, or milk house.

Regardless, its a pretty interesting piece of history that has stood the test of time and hurricanes.

When you’re in Swansboro take the time to check out this building and make your own decision on what it may have been used as.

From the Swansboro Historic Site:

“The Bartley House Privy sits on the west side of Moore Street near the corner of Elm, on what may have been the edge of James Thomas Bartley’s property–a stones throw away from his old “spring house.”

According to the Swansboro Historical Association brochure, “Older residents suggest that the building once served as a post office and was located on Front Street. An architectural historian remarked on its similarity to milkhouses.

Note the guilded-age ‘vents.’ Privy, post office or milkhouse, this building is a Swansboro conversation piece.”

Historic Walking Tour

If you’re interested in visiting more historic sites be sure to take the self-guided Swansboro Historic Walking Tour.

There are 29 stops on the tour and most of the buildings on the tour are marked with a sign. 

Outdoor Fun On The Water

If you love being on the water Swansboro is THE place to be.

From kayaking and paddleboarding to beachcombing to taking a sunset cruise it can all be found here.

You can launch kayaks from Pogies, they have a lovely kayak launch system that makes it super easy to get on and off the water.

Pogies will supply the kayaks, and guide and or maps depending on your level of experience and adventure.

Kayak through marshes or over to Jones Island where you can get out and explore.  

A block away is a city dock where you can hop aboard Captain Darryl’s Marsh Cruises skiff for a one of a kind adventure to look for seashells, sand dollars and sharks teeth. 

This is also a great way to spend time at the beach.

Marsh Cruises takes you to Bear Island that is a sandy white beach.

Since the tours are customized you can make arrangements to spend more time at Bear Island.

The cruises last 3-4 hours and have a max capacity of 6 people which is perfect for finding treasures from the sea. 

The Lady Swan offers up sunset tours from the same dock which is a lovely way to watch the day turn to night as the sun sinks below the horizon in a blaze of amazing colors. 

The best thing is after any of your water adventures your vacation rental is a very short walk away to freshen up for dinner and a night of live music. 

There is an entire article that goes into much more detail about Onslow County Outdoor Adventures!

Festivals by the Sea

Swansboro hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year including the Mullett Festival, Swansboro Christmas, Christmas Flotilla, 4th of July Celebration and Arts by the Sea.

Where To Eat in Swansboro

From breakfast and brunch to amazing dinner places you’ll easily find a place to dine in Swansboro.

For breakfast check out Yanna’s 

If you’re there on a weekend enjoy brunch at the Boro. 

Dinner at the Saltwater Grille or Swansboro Food & Beverage.

Many establishments have live music in the evening.

Simply walk down Main Street and follow the sound of music, pull up a chair and enjoy the evening.

I share more details on where to eat in Onslow County here.

Where to Stay in Swansboro

We stayed at a vacation home, the Downtown Boro, that was a block from Main Street and all the fun things to do.

As an added bonus, the Bartley House Privy is in the side yard making it an extra cool place to stay!

The house offers up 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms and comes complete with everything you need to make your stay enjoyable. 

The house sleeps 8 making it a perfect fit for family, friends, or small groups.

The front porch and 2nd story balcony were my favorite “rooms.”

They both offer incredible sunrise views and the perfect place to enjoy your morning cup of coffee or evening glass of wine.

View from the balcony looks across the busy highway to the river.

This is just a little slice of what you can do in Swansboro on your next vacation getaway. So much more awaits you in this charming little town by the sea. 

Pin How To Make The Most Out Of Your Vacation To Swansboro NC to Pinterest

But this is an eclectic county and, sprawling out from Interstate 40, it offers visitors much more to see and do.

Whether as the inland highlight of a trip to the nearby Atlantic beaches or as part of a southeastern wine tour, a visit to Duplin is an introduction to real North Carolina culture.

North Carolina Culture

This is not the stick-out-your-pinkie kind of culture.

This is a place that appreciates its past, celebrates its traditions and enjoys good times with friends.

And if you spend some time here tasting the wines, exploring the shops and markets and savoring the North Carolina barbecue, you will be a friend.

Small towns dot the map here and locally owned businesses fueled by Southern hospitality are the norm.

Small Towns and Southern Charms

WALLACE and WARSAW, NC

In Wallace, visitors find a classic Southern small town with streets lined with local boutiques, shops and restaurants.

In Warsaw, the streets are home to the oldest consecutively running Veterans’ Day Parade in the country as well as the Duplin County Veterans Museum.

For nearly 100 years, heroes have been celebrated here. Liberty Hall, is a historic landmark and the ancestral home of the Kenan Family, some of the earliest founders and leaders of Duplin County and the State.

It is also the location of the “wedding of the century” where William Flagler, founder of Standard Oil, married Mary Lily Kenan back in 1901.

KENANSVILLE, NC

Kenansville is also home to Country Squire Winery, a landmark for more than 50 years.

Its winery, tasting room, restaurant and inn combine the tastes of muscadine wines, with grapes native to the Southeastern and South-Central United States and the country charm and heritage of Scotland, from where the owners hail.

ROSE HILL, NC

Just down the road in Rose Hill, the world-famous Duplin Winery is the largest winery in the south and the largest producer of muscadine wine in the country.

Tours, tastings and special events make this stop a highlight for many.

BEULAVILLE and CHINQUAPIN, NC

As travelers explore this beautiful county, the rural areas are filled with tastes and treasures to discover, as well.

Local markets such as The Country Barn in Beulaville and The Tipsy Bee in Chinquapin welcome visitors and share local products including breads, cookies, jams, jellies, cheeses, wines and more.

There are antique barns filled with riches from the past and flea markets bursting at the seams with one-of-a-kind gems.

NORTH CAROLINA BBQ

Of course, along the way everyone is lured in by the irresistible flavor of Eastern North Carolina barbecue. Not only is it a source of local pride, it’s finger-licking good!

Whether in one of the local downtown or roadside restaurants, the barbecue, and a host of other Southern specialties, are served in heaping helpings with a side of Southern hospitality.

Small towns, family businesses and beautiful North Carolina countryside are all a part of the charm of Duplin County.

This is authentic North Carolina and it’s the perfect place to explore or, as the locals say, uncork, unwind and unplug.

Pin To Pinterest:

• Duplin County is the filming location for some well-known Hollywood movies: Nicholas Sparks’ The Longest Ride,” “Iron Man 3” and “Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood.”

• Liberty Hall Plantation (409 S. Main St, Kenansville, NC 28349), the ancestral home of the Kenan family, is said to be the finest restored Southern plantation home in the state. Henry Flagler, the founder of Standard Oil Company, was married to Mary Lilly Kenan in its parlor in 1901.

• In the 1890s, pharmacist Caleb Davis Bradham created a new beverage first called Brad’s Drink. It was later renamed Pepsi Cola. Mr. Bradham, who started what is now a multi-billion-dollar international business, was born and raised in the Duplin community of Chinquapin.

Duplin Winery

Beyond BBQ

Mad Boar Restaurant 

The Country Squire

Beulaville Country Barn

Pin Dupin County, NC to Pinterest

In my mind, I’m picturing lots of sand, surf, beach scrub and wild horses for the landscape. What I found pleasantly surprised me and made me realize that there are still very isolated places along the coast worth staying.

Loading into the 15-passenger truck, Brad, our tour guide, gives us an overview of the tour and what we should expect. As we are buckling in a car pulls up and ask if there is room on our tour, there is, so we add two more to our small group.

A few minutes later another car arrives asking the same and our group of 9 expands into a group of thirteen. Most are from NC, but there are two gals from Texas and we represented the great state of Michigan.

Before the tour is over we would be like a group of old friends out for a day of fun.

The first thing to always remember is to buckle up snug. Highway NC12 goes from pavement to sand/beachfront just north of Corolla and you’ll want to be buckled in so you don’t bounce out of the open air truck.

The first couple miles we drive along the surf. Off in the distance, I start to see houses and I’m wondering how in the world people access the homes.

Before long we find that there are indeed, two communities in this rugged part of the island and the only way to get to those houses is to have a 4×4 and drive the beach. Mind. Blown.

We exit the beach and drive through the first community of Swan Beach. The roads are sand dunes and street signs are not there. I’m thinking it goes something like “take a left at the second sand dune, go past the first three houses and hang a right.”

It would make life interesting living this far out and have limited access to amenities. There is no making a quick trip to the store to pick up milk.

Brad tells us a bit about those living in Swan Beach and life this far north of Corolla. Shortly after we leave Swan Beach and continue our way north toward the Virgina border. A few miles later we arrive in Corova. 

Here is where we will start our search for the elusive Colonial Spanish Mustangs of Corolla. (Learn more about the horses here.)

Before we begin our search in earnest we make a much-needed pit stop at a picnic area. Once everyone is all set we head off into the areas the horses are most known to frequent. Now, Brad warned us that March is a tough time of year to spot the horses.

Their food supply is very limited at this time of year and they tend to be in areas that are deep in the maritime forest looking for green grass.

During the summer months, they are much easier to spot as they work their way closer to the beach and sometimes are even spotted on the beach.

We drive up and down the sandy roads searching for mustangs. We spot lots of evidence (i.e. hoof prints and poop, or as Brad likes to call it, “Amish exhaust”), but forty minutes of driving around nets exactly zero horses.

It’s a bit of a bummer, but they are wild animals so like any wild animal tour you take a chance on actually spotting them. However, all is not lost, Brad is a great guide and entertains us with stories along the way and even found a couple big seashells for the kids.

I would definitely recommend Corolla Outback Adventures for seeing the wild horses but maybe go a little later in the year so your chances of spotting them are higher. We still had a great time.

What is there not to love? There was beach driving, exploring new communities, and finding our next vacation rental as soon as I get lessons on how to drive on the beach!

Watch our Corolla Outback Adventures video!

disclaimer: Thanks to Currituck CVB for hosting our tour with Corolla Outback Adventures.

Pin Corolla Outback Adventures To Pinterest:

(c)AvaGarnderMuseum

Ava was born in 1922 and raised barefoot and carefree on a small dot-on-the-map town in North Carolina. The youngest of seven children she spent her youth traipsing around the family farm.

Hollywood discovered her, quite by accident or serendipity, depending on how you look at it, when her portrait was spotted in her brother-in-laws photo studio window in New York City.

(c)AvaGardnerMuseum

It wasn’t long before she had signed a contract with MGM, packed her bags and moved to Hollywood. Her beginning roles were one liners here and there, but she truly came into her own with the movie The Killers. The rest, as they say, is history.

Ava Gardner was Hollywood’s bright and shining star during the 1940’s and 1950’s. Capturing the attention of famous men like Frank Sinatra, Artie Shaw and Mickey Rooney, all of whom she would end up marrying and divorcing.

(c)AvaGardnerMuseum

Living in Hollywood after three failed marriages no longer appealed to Ava so in 1955 she left the United States for Spain where she lived for over ten years and then eventually moved to London.

She remained in London the rest of her life only returning to the states for short visits.

All of these stories, beautifully displayed exhibits, and memorabilia are on display at the Ava Gardner museum. Located on Market Street the museum is a must stop for movie lovers.

(c)AvaGardnerMuseum

Start your visit by watching a short film about Ava. The film will give you a better understanding of who she was and what you’ll see in the museum. Afterwards, browse the exhibits and be sure to read the stories.

Exhibits are rotated out making the museum a new adventure for previous visitors. A new exhibit will be revealed sometime this fall.

I’ll admit I have never watched an Ava Gardner movie, but after my visit to the museum there will be a movie marathon happening very soon.

Ava Gardner Museum
325 E. Market St.
Smithfield, NC 27577
919-934-5830

Monday –Friday: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm
Sundays: 12 pm – 5 pm
Closed Easter Sunday,Thanksgiving and Dec 24-25.

Note: All admission goes directly to support the museum as a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization.