Eastfield is a 435-acre mixed-use development in Selma, NC  

This represents a unique combination of manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and both single and multi-family residential properties. 

I felt this project deserved a feature this week after observing it last week, and I was in awe of the development and the occupants already there. I know the video is over a year old, but I hope you can imagine the complexity of this project through the developer's eyes.

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Interesting Facts

5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Clayton & Johnston County

Clayton and the surrounding Johnston County region hold some fascinating historical and geographical surprises that even longtime residents may not know.

1. A Town Shaped by the Railroad

Clayton existed as a small community before the railroad arrived, but the railroad dramatically changed its future. Originally known as Stallings' Station, the community became a stop on the North Carolina Railroad in the 1850s. The name Clayton was adopted before the town was officially incorporated in 1869. After the Civil War, expanding rail connections helped attract businesses, agriculture and commerce, turning the small community into a growing town.

2. Tobacco's Hidden Legacy

Tobacco once played an enormous role in Johnston County's economy. Although cotton dominated much of the county's earlier agricultural history, tobacco later became an important commercial crop and helped shape communities throughout the region. Reminders of that agricultural era can still be seen in old tobacco barns and farm buildings scattered across the Johnston County countryside.

3. North Carolina's Longest "Home-Grown" River

The Neuse River runs through Johnston County and is generally recognized as the longest river located entirely within North Carolina. Stretching roughly 275 miles, it is formed near Durham by the Eno and Flat rivers and eventually empties into Pamlico Sound. Long before today's highways, the Neuse was an important transportation and trade route for communities such as Smithfield.

4. Clayton's Remarkable Growth Story

Clayton has undergone an extraordinary transformation in just a few decades. The town had 16,116 residents in the 2010 Census. By 2020, that number had climbed to 26,307 — an increase of more than 63% in only ten years. The Census Bureau's 2025 estimate puts Clayton at approximately 32,633 residents, meaning the town has roughly doubled in population since 2010.

Clayton's location near Raleigh and major transportation routes has helped transform what was once a small agricultural community into one of Johnston County's largest and fastest-growing population centers.

5. One of the Civil War's Last Major Battles Happened in Johnston County

Johnston County played an important role during the closing weeks of the Civil War. The Battle of Bentonville, fought March 19–21, 1865, was the largest Civil War battle fought in North Carolina and one of the final major battles of the war.

The fighting occurred only weeks before Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston surrendered the largest remaining Confederate field army to Union General William T. Sherman at Bennett Place near Durham. Johnston County therefore witnessed firsthand one of the Civil War's final chapters.

Clayton and Johnston County may be growing rapidly today, but beneath all that new development is a history stretching from colonial roads and river trade to railroads, tobacco farms and one of the final great battles of the Civil War.

The Town of Clayton is marking the 25th anniversary of September 11th by inviting community members to share their personal memories and reflections.

Selected stories may be featured at the upcoming 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony and in other town communications, honoring the lives forever changed by that day.

No matter your experience—whether it's about service, kindness, or simply where you were—your story contributes to preserving history and showing how communities, including Clayton, were shaped by 9/11's impact.

Help honor this important anniversary by sharing what that day meant to you.

Discover the Clayton Farm & Community Market, where local farmers and artisans bring fresh produce, meats, coffee, and crafts to the heart of Clayton, North Carolina. Open every Saturday year-round on East Main Street, it's your spot to find homegrown goods and support the community.

Downtown Clayton's Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library and Boulevard West are joining forces for "A Novel Blend," a creative campaign that lets the community vote on which book-inspired drink should be featured at BLVD throughout September.

With contenders ranging from Narnia-inspired concoctions to peach lemonade, the event celebrates Library Card Sign-Up Month and encourages residents to discover new favorites—at both the library and BLVD. Cast your vote by August 24!

Looking for something to do in Clayton, NC this August? The local library has a packed week of activities for everyone—from a fossil embroidery workshop and a fiber arts crafting meetup for adults, to engaging book clubs for seniors and teens.

Little ones can join story sessions, build with blocks, or get hands-on in the Early Explorers Lab. There are also creative art classes and a colorful suncatcher craft for elementary kids. Registration is required for some events.

PLUS Dueling Pianos brings their high-energy, interactive show to Town Hall in Clayton, NC, on August 28, 2026. Enjoy a mix of comedy, audience participation, and live music where guests help shape the night’s setlist. Prepare for a fun-filled evening where everyone becomes part of the action!

A blues-filled evening with Marty Manous and his band on September 18th. And on November 14th, Linda Davis Evening in the Round w/ Lang Scott & Bill Whyte

Stay tuned for more upcoming events and enjoy unforgettable performances in the heart of the community.

North Carolina is heading home with a championship. Johnston County Little League (Clayton, N.C.) captured the 2026 Little League Softball World Series title Sunday, shutting out Kentucky 2-0 at Stallings Stadium in Greenville, N.C.

The star of the tournament was right-hander Anna-Lynn Clark, who followed up a 109-pitch shutout on Saturday with a 93-pitch gem in the finale — finishing with a jaw-dropping 41 strikeouts across the event.

Defense stole the show on both sides, with highlight-reel catches and a key outfield assist keeping the scoreboard nearly silent. A single RBI by Belle Cox and a later unearned run were all North Carolina needed.

It's the state's fourth Little League Softball World Series title, cementing its place among the sport's elite programs.

Bulldog Harley-Davidson is hosting a Bulldogs & Backpacks School Supply Drive to benefit Johnston County students on Saturday, August 22, from 11 AM to 4 PM.

Bring new school supplies to help fill backpacks for local kids and make a difference this school year. Enjoy live music and grab a bite from the All American Mobile Café between 11 AM and 3 PM as you support a great cause.

Your local library has something for everyone — and the calendar proves it. PLJCS offers a packed lineup of programs spanning all ages, from storytimes for the littlest readers to workshops, book discussions, and community events for teens and adults.

Programs are color-coded by age group, making it easy to find what fits your family. Whether you're looking to pick up a new hobby, meet neighbors, or simply enjoy a good book alongside others, the library is ready to welcome you.

Questions about children's events? Reach out to Ashley. For everything else, Skye is your go-to contact at PLJCS.

The Smithfield Recreation and Aquatics Center (SRAC) is your local hub for fitness, family fun, and community activities in Smithfield, North Carolina. Open seven days a week, SRAC offers a wide range of amenities including a pool, splash park, fitness room, aerobics classes, pottery studios, indoor track, racquetball courts, and more.

With programs for all ages—such as youth camps, pottery classes, and water fitness—plus rental spaces for parties and gatherings, SRAC is the go-to spot for recreation. Check current hours and program details before planning your visit as schedules may change seasonally.

GAME NIGHT

Location: Smithfield Recreation & Aquatic Center (600 M Durwood Stephenson Pkwy)   

2nd Tuesday Each Month (Sept. 8th, Oct. 13th, Nov. 10th, Dec. 8th)

Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm    Cost: Residents FREE  Non-Residents $3  Pizza Included

Games are provided or you can bring your own

FALL FRIDAY'S ON FRONT STREET

North Tower Band is taking the stage in Downtown Selma, North Carolina, as part of the Rockin' On Raiford Concert Series — a free outdoor event on Raiford Street made possible by a grant from the Johnston County Visitors Bureau.

With 40 years of delivering Beach, Motown, Disco, Funk, and Rock, North Tower Band has earned its reputation as the Party Band of the South.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and grab a drink from nearby spots like The Alley, Quantum Toad, or The Vault. Food trucks and Hahvad Yahd Cafe will also be on-site — just leave the coolers at home.

The Kenly Area Parks and Recreation Center (KAPARC) in Johnston County offers a variety of facilities, including baseball fields, a multipurpose field, batting cages, a disc golf course, picnic shelters, and a historic gym. Outdoor lighting ensures evening activities, and a half-mile paved walking trail is available for visitors.

During summer, KAPARC hosts major baseball and softball tournaments, making it a local sports hub. While the park features ADA-compliant restrooms, paved access is limited, and the gym and playgrounds are not fully accessible. Recent updates highlight challenges with parking and access during rainy weather.

Kenly Public Library in Kenly, North Carolina is your neighborhood hub for reading, learning, and community connection. Open six days a week, the library welcomes visitors of all ages — including little ones who can explore the dedicated Discovery Corner whenever the doors are open.

Adults can join the Book Club (ages 18 and up), and staff are happy to order titles on request. Free library cards are available through any Johnston County Public Library — just bring a photo ID and a piece of mail showing your current address.

Public computers with internet access are also on hand, and Library Board meetings are open to the community on the first Tuesday of each month.

Camp Flintlock's Annual Colonial Faire is opening its gates to the public in Four Oaks, North Carolina — and it's packed with hands-on history.

Visitors can try tomahawk throwing, quill-and-ink writing, and Native American necklace making, while live Fife and Drum music and period firearms demonstrations set the scene.

A Children's Parade at noon adds to the festivities, and authentic 18th-century dishes cooked over an open fire are available for purchase — $10 for adults, $7 for kids — between 11 AM and 1 PM.

Head to the Camp Flintlock Campsite at 218 Hickory Grove Church Rd for a colonial experience the whole family can enjoy.

Market on Main is returning to Four Oaks, NC in 2026, with events planned for August, October, and November at Barbours Grove Park and Main Street. Markets run from morning into afternoon or evening, depending on the date.

Organizers are seeking vintage vendors, crafters, farm and produce sellers, food trucks, churches, and fundraiser groups — and vendor spots are free to register.

Looking to welcome a new furry friend into your home? Johnston County Animal Services has a variety of pets available for adoption, and you can meet them by appointment during weekday afternoons.

Anyone 18 or older with government-issued ID is eligible to adopt, and you don’t need to be a county resident. All adopted pets are required to be spayed or neutered, with a $100 voucher toward those services provided. Fees are typically around $110 to $125, making now the perfect time to find your next companion.

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Score Locally Grown Produce Before It Hits the Farmers Market

Here's something most newcomers to the Clayton area never figure out: several small farms along Buffalo Road and the Hwy 42 corridor quietly run "porch stand" sales Thursday mornings — a day or two before the official Clayton Farmers Market weekend rush. These aren't advertised online. Instead, locals simply watch for hand-lettered cardboard signs staked near mailboxes, usually reading something like "Tomatoes — Honor System." Slow down when you're driving rural routes mid-week and you'll spot them.

The insider move is to keep a small cooler and cash in your car during late spring through October. Prices run noticeably lower than market weekend rates because farmers would rather move surplus early than haul it back. Some regulars have quietly built relationships this way and get text alerts directly from farm families when a big harvest is coming in — something no app or social group will ever replicate.