Johnston County ~ Smithfield???

Okay, so we totally can't make up our minds what to do...LOL  IT was between, Wilmington or Asheboro to the zoo...so far the hotels are riduculous for the weekend.  Expensive AND booked up :( SOoooo we were thinking maybe just hopping in the car and driving to where it takes us..LOL  I know that Smithfield has the Outlets, is there anything else exciting or entertaining to do in that vicinity?? We really don't get out much, but need to start exploring our awesome state!!  But shopping is always good, but we need something else for the kids maybe!
THANKS SOOOO MUCH for all the Wilmington replies, i definately made some notes and we look forward to visiting down there in the off season :)  We  could do the beach, but living close to the beach, i know that this weekend is NOT the weekend to go for the locals...not until the tourists are gone!!
Any suggestions or recommendations would be much appreciated!! JAMI

There's an *awesome* garden center / gift shop that has Christmas ornaments 365 days a year up stairs.  I try to make it a point to go there everytime I head down to shop at the outlets.

Called DeWaynes.

On 95 in the Smithfiled area is the Ava Gardner museum I am a huge old time movie star fan LOL I thought it was neat!! good luck to you

Selma, right next door to Smithfield has a lot of antique shops downtown.  The train station has a small museum.  Also there is the Rudy Theater http://www.amjubilee.com/

Jami---dont' know if you like hiking or not, but there's this place I'd have to ask my DH the name, but I went there and it was pretty decent......various skills of trails...I'll let you know in the AM

Cant wait to see ya'!

Nancy