This Is The Most Hospitable Town In North Carolina
Clayton, North Carolina, is a suburb of Raleigh, located just 16 miles southeast of the city, and is one of the most hospitable towns in the state. In addition to its proximity to the state capital, Clayton is just two hours from Wilmington and the state's coastal beaches; about a 2.5-hour drive to Charlotte, North Carolina, and Richmond, Virginia; and a 5-hour drive to Washington, DC. While its prime location makes it ideal for traveling to other popular parts of the state and region, Clayton also offers visitors and residents numerous reasons to stay right where they are and enjoy all that the welcoming town has to offer, both indoors and outdoors.
Enjoying the Great Indoors
Temperatures in Clayton range from about 33 degrees F to 89 degrees F, with January and February typically being the coldest months. From mid-October through mid-April, visitors of all ages will find plenty of ways to have fun while staying warm indoors. Take in a live performance at The Clayton Center, or let the kids let off energy climbing and sliding at Happy Feet Planet Clayton. Adults can browse the fine art paintings and one-of-a-kind pieces at Heart2Hands Art Gallery and Studios.
Trails, Greenways, Parks, and Water
As the weather warms up in April and May, get outdoors and enjoy Clemmons Educational State Forest with its rolling terrain and trails suitable for the whole family (dogs welcome!). Designed to be an outdoor classroom, its self-guided trails contain exhibits and displays that educate adults and children about the forest's ecosystems. Check out Sam's Branch Greenway Trail, part of the Clayton Greenway, and the 4-mile Clayton River Walk on the Neuse, which is part of the state's 1,175-mile Mountains to Sea Trail that stretches from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks.
The inclusive Harmony Playground, located at East Clayton Community Park, encourages children of all abilities and their caregivers to play together as they enjoy a variety of play equipment and create music outdoors. Experience relaxation on the water by renting a canoe or kayak from Neuse Adventures for a self-guided 2-hour or 5-hour tour. Clayton also fosters community spirit with events like the annual Harvest Festival in October, featuring midway rides, a BBQ competition, and many more traditions.
Top-Notch Education
Situated in Raleigh's renowned Research Triangle, which is bordered by the University of North Carolina, Duke University, and North Carolina State University, Clayton and the surrounding area attract the brightest students from around the world to study a wide variety of disciplines, ranging from medicine to the arts. Large research facilities such as these offer numerous opportunities to collaborate with like-minded peers, expert researchers, and professors, testing hypotheses, sharing findings, and publishing groundbreaking papers. The Triangle also has three Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and numerous community colleges and technical schools. Many choose to stay and work in the exciting Research Triangle area, while others go on to apply their high-level training in businesses and industries throughout the US and the world.
Talent Fuels a Strong Economy
The large, highly educated talent pool draws businesses to the area and provides a wide range of jobs in medicine, healthcare, biotech, and more. Clayton is the fastest-growing community in Johnston County, which is the fastest-growing county in the state. In spite of its continuing growth, however, Clayton has maintained its reputation for homegrown hospitality. People here have a special way of making both frequent visitors and newcomers feel immediately welcome and right at home.
A Lively, Arty Downtown
From daytime shopping and strolling to dining and nightcaps, downtown Clayton has a lot happening. Long-established, Mom and Pop businesses complement newer boutiques, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. An established Social District is a special area designed for strolling with your favorite beverage, enjoying the outdoors as you sip, socialize, and take in the ambiance. The arts and culture scene continues to flourish in Clayton, with as many ways to enjoy the arts as there are artists.
The Clayton Center offers a huge variety of live performances, from musical concerts to magic shows. Horne Square on E. Main Street hosts the Farm and Community Market on Saturdays, with products from local farmers and area artisans. The town is committed to bringing the community together through art in public spaces like The Sculpture Trail, which exhibits works from North Carolina and national artists and changes annually.
Nearby and Noteworthy
While visiting Clayton, it is easy to explore some of the surrounding towns' offerings. In Smithfield, you will find the Ava Gardner Museum, which gives a unique peek into the life and career of this famous movie star who hailed from rural North Carolina. Civil War buffs will want to explore The Bentonville Battlefield, where the last major Confederate offensive took place. A driving tour with cell phone-activated informational stops highlights the battle's important points. And Raleigh, with all it offers, is just a short few minutes away.
Friendly, Fun, Fantastic
Towns like Clayton, North Carolina, don't just spring up; they offer a wealth of attractions to suit a diverse range of tastes. It takes a collection of committed merchants, residents, and leaders who share a passion for working together to make their town as special as it can be. These individuals understand the importance of the arts in bringing people together and recognize the vital role of showcasing and celebrating the community's eclectic nature. Clayton makes the most of its location near Raleigh, in the Research Triangle, and the rich educational opportunities it provides, building upon that to offer a place to relax, get active, mingle, learn, reflect, and enjoy. Whether you are just passing through, visiting for a day or two, or looking for a new home, you will be welcomed into the community with Clayton's blend of Southern hospitality and a range of lively activities that seem to have no end.
