The BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN Clayton, NC, are not just in the city. The town is full of history and has a lot of interesting places to see. It is located in Johnston County and is considered a satellite town of Raleigh. According to the 2010 census, Clayton had a population of 16,116. However, it is estimated that the population will increase to 24,887 by the year 2019.
Pilot Mountain State Park
Located on a plateau in the Piedmont, Pilot Mountain State Park is a beautiful destination for outdoor enthusiasts. This park is home to over twenty miles of hiking trails, a river for paddling, and equestrian routes. It also offers an educational program and hosts events. The park also boasts a summit that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Piedmont area.
There is no fee to enter the park. The only fees you may have to pay are for the shuttle to the summit, certain event permits, and facility reservations. The park also allows pets at its campsites, inside buildings, and on the shuttle. In addition to its scenic beauty, Pilot Mountain State Park offers educational programs and events for people of all ages.
The park has a history of exploring the local environment. The area’s longleaf pine forest is home to a number of protected and endangered species, including the red-cockaded woodpecker. If you’re in the mood for hiking, consider exploring the 7-mile Ledge Springs trail. The park has interactive exhibits that educate visitors about the region’s geology.
Visitors can take kayaking tours, paddleboard and canoe rentals at the park. You can also learn about the natural history of the area at the park’s visitor center. There’s even a park for children. If you’re looking for a family outing, this is the place to go.
The city of Clayton is also home to a four-mile paved trail along the Neuse River. The trail starts at the Wake/Johnston County line and parallels the Neuse River under Covered Bridge Road. Another popular trail is the Buffalo Creek Greenway, which is three miles long and abuts the Neuse River in some parts. These paved trails are popular amongst locals and visitors alike.
The Neuse River Trail
If you enjoy outdoor activities, the Neuse River Trail is one of the premier places to visit in Clayton NC. The trail is a paved, 33-mile greenway along the Neuse River. It offers scenic views, boardwalk areas through wetlands, historical sites, interpretive signs, and agricultural fields. There are also several river crossings along the trail. The trailhead parking lot is at the intersection of the Neuse River and Covere Bridge Road.
Another great place to visit in Clayton is Sam’s Branch Greenway. This paved trail features artworks created by local schoolchildren. This is a great spot for a romantic evening out with your loved one. Another great place for a drink in Clayton is the Revival 1869 cocktail bar. They serve a variety of whiskey types, seasonal cocktails, and bites.
The Neuse River Trail offers scenic stretches of the Neuse River. The trail is open to the public from dawn to dusk and features interpretive signs and historic sights. It’s a great place to walk off a few pounds, and you can also rent a paddleboat for longer trips.
Clayton has plenty of outdoor activities. The city offers a variety of trails and greenways. There are many farms, different wineries, and an 800-acre state forest that is available to the public. Besides being one of the best places to visit in Clayton NC, it also offers a unique and enticing sense of community.
In Clayton NC, you’ll also want to check out some of the surrounding neighborhoods. There are many beautiful homes and communities here. The Tuscany neighborhood, for example, has large homes and is close to downtown Raleigh. It also has access to a community pool, fitness center, and pro shop.
The Clayton Center
The Clayton Center is an arts and conference center located in Clayton, North Carolina. It is operated by the Town of Clayton and is housed in the same complex as the Town Hall. If you love the arts, the Clayton Center is a great place to go.
You can enjoy the beautiful gardens and enjoy the entertainment in the Clayton Center. It also has weekly concerts. There are also special events and contests throughout the year. It has 12,000 square feet of event space. For families with children, the Clayton Center has a children’s area with a play area, playground, and other fun activities.
While visiting Clayton, you should also go to the local pub house. You can enjoy a few drinks in this establishment. It has over two dozen taps of local craft beer and dozens of wines and bourbons. It also has rustic picnic tables and a covered front porch with aidrondack chairs. In addition, the pub offers flatbreads and homemade dips.
The Clayton Center is one of the best places in Clayton to enjoy live performances and other events. The Center is located in Downtown Clayton and is also an ideal venue for weddings and other events. Visitors can book tickets online and get more information about upcoming shows. The Clayton Center also offers meeting space, wedding venues, and more.
Clayton is known for its craft beer scene. Breweries are popping up all over the town, and the Downtown area is bringing people together through delicious brews. Deep River Brewing Company has been making beer in Clayton since 2013, and offers seasonal favorites. Another brewery is Double Barley Brewing, which is just off US 70.
Local coffee shops
Clayton, NC is a small town with big-city amenities, just 20 minutes from downtown Raleigh. This town is home to an award-winning school system and a vibrant local economy. Its many local businesses have a local flavor, including Boulevard Coffee, which serves specialty coffees and fresh-brewed coffee, as well as homemade muffins and granola bars. Boulevard Coffee also offers a selection of fine wines and local brews.
If you love Italian food, then you’ll love the delis in Clayton. These delis are popular among visitors, and there are three locations in the area. You’ll find a wide selection of sandwiches, pizza, salads, and pasta. Clayton is also known for its affordable food, and the delis here are a great option. You can also try the Buffalo Wing Pie, which has a fiery pizza flavor. It’s perfect for sharing.
Clayton’s Downtown is home to several unique shops and restaurants. The downtown area boasts many antique stores, as well as galleries and shops that showcase local art and craft vendors. The downtown area is home to the Jones Cafe, which is famous for its hot dogs. Downtown, you can also find Manning’s Restaurant, a southern-inspired restaurant.
Pigtrain Coffee Company offers two locations, one in Union Station and one in Wynkoop Plaza. Guests can sit indoors or out on a patio overlooking a beautiful fountain. The area is also home to a bustling farmers’ market, which makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely morning or afternoon.
Locals and tourists alike will enjoy the local food and beverage options. Tavern 42 is an ideal place to catch live music and watch sporting events. This Clayton coffee shop also offers a daily cocktail bar happy hour. The restaurant is locally owned and supports other local businesses by hosting Free The Mic open mic night twice a month. It also has more than 50 works of art by local artists and features a vegetarian menu and vegan options.
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
If you’re interested in the geology of North Carolina, you should visit the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. There, you can view exhibits on fossil collections and learn about the region’s geology. The museum also features 3D films and live animal programs.
Located on two city blocks, the museum is divided into two separate buildings. Each building is connected to the other via a pedestrian bridge. Inside, visitors will find live animals and life-size skeletons. The museum also features an exhibit exploring the history of extinct animals and plants native to North Carolina. Other exhibits include the Coastal North Carolina Overlook, which features whale skeletons, and the Mountains to Sea exhibit, which showcases life-like exhibits.
Another popular attraction in Clayton is the Clayton Perfect Garden. Visitors can enjoy the city’s beautiful gardens and enjoy free entertainment at special events. A nearby multi-purpose trail is also a great place to walk with your partner. The garden is also an excellent venue for special events and charity work. The garden donates its produce to the local community.
Clayton offers affordable housing ranging from starter homes to luxurious properties. Several new developments are also popping up throughout Clayton. With a population of almost 20,000, Clayton is one of the most desirable places to live in North Carolina. This small city has a rich culture and friendly people.
For students, the NC Museum of Natural Sciences is a must-see. Its aquarium is the largest in the state and is full of interactive exhibits. It also features a three-story theater with a 42-foot-tall screen featuring natural science information. The museum also hosts special lectures and scientists from its research labs. Another great reason to visit the museum is the opportunity to see Stumpy the Right Whale’s bones. The discovery of his remains led to new laws in protecting our oceans.