One of the easiest ways to understand Johnston County is to get off the main highway and spend time in the communities that give JoCo its personality.

A simple park-hopping day can connect places such as Kenly, Smithfield, Four Oaks, Benson, Archer Lodge and Clayton without requiring an elaborate itinerary.

Choose two or three towns rather than trying to cover the entire county at once.

In Kenly, the Gym and Civic Center area is a natural starting point for local recreation.

Smithfield offers several choices, including Community Park, Town Commons and nearby greenway access.

Four Oaks has community recreation spaces and a small-town setting that makes the drive part of the outing.

Benson adds municipal recreation choices and its recognizable Singing Grove setting.

Archer Lodge Town Park gives residents in northern Johnston County another place to explore.

The fun comes from treating neighboring towns like destinations instead of places you simply drive through.

Between parks, stop for coffee, lunch or a snack at a local business.

Take a short walk through the town center and notice storefronts, public spaces and streets you may never see from the bypass.

Small detours are often where the most memorable local discoveries happen.

Families can look for playgrounds and picnic areas, while active adults may prefer trails, courts or open spaces.

Keep the schedule loose and leave room for an unexpected stop.

Johnston County is large enough that exploring it in small pieces can feel like a series of mini road trips in your own backyard.