Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Clinton, NC

  • Published 2022/09/01

Do you enjoy strolling around quaint and charming cities?

If so, Clinton might be the place for you.

This city is the seat of North Carolina‘s Sampson County, named after Richard Clinton.

He was a Brigadier General of the North Carolina militia during the American Revolution.

Incorporated in 1822, Clinton became a city in 1953.

Then, it developed as the county’s main agricultural marketing center.

Today, Clinton brims with shops, restaurants, festivals, and beautifully preserved buildings that add to its character.

From the history of the area to fantastic art and culture, there’s something for everyone visiting Clinton.

While you’re in the area, don’t miss out on these best things to do in Clinton, North Carolina!

See the Exhibits at the Sampson County History Museum

The Sampson County History Museum holds the key to understanding Clinton’s interesting history.

It’s on Lisbon Street and offers a little something for everyone.

Established in 1997, the museum is now a “village” of 11 buildings with different exhibits.

These exhibits showcase aspects of the city’s history, including military, sports, agriculture, and law enforcement.

In the area, you’ll find a restored country store, a farmhouse, log cabins, and modern exhibit halls housing an extensive collection of permanent artifacts.

If you’re around downtown, stop by the Sampson County History Museum for a free tour around Clinton’s rich history.

Scream Your Lungs Out in Hollerin Haunts Hayride

If you’re a fan of horror movies and ghosts and you love being spooked, Hollerin Haunts Hayride is the place for you.

This haunted house stands along Bud Johnson Road.

Hollerin Haunts Hayride offers three attractions: the Haunted Hayride, NC Zombie Hunt, and the Darkness.

Each contains unimaginable terrors that will leave you screaming for the rest of the night.

In addition, they also have special events that only happen once a year, like Friday the 13th Blackout and My Bloody Valentine, which last for more than an hour.

Get ready for a heart-pumping, adrenaline-rushing experience at Hollerin Haunted Hayride.

This place is a must-visit attraction that will give you one of the best experiences of your life.

Explore the Maze at Hubb’s Farm

Located on North US Highway 421, Hubb’s Farm is the home of giant mazes and many activities that will keep you entertained for hours.

The farm opened in 2008, intending to establish a family-friendly agritourism destination in Clinton.

It boasts a ten-acre corn maze, picnic pavilions, hayrides, mini zip lines, a pumpkin patch, and so on.

Hubb’s Farm also offers group field trips, where you can choose from five themes: Pumpkin Power, Nature Trail, Ponder Tour, Farm Trails, and Gem Dandy.

The farm offers plenty of exciting activities and events from spring to winter that families will love.

No matter the time of year, you are always welcome to have fun at Hubb’s Farm.

Meet Local Farmers at the Sampson Farmers’ Market

The Sampson Farmers’ Market is where local farmers and artisans gather to provide goods and services for the community.

If you want to start living a healthier lifestyle, check out this market, which opens seasonally on Lisbon Street.

Grab everything you need for a balanced meal here.

The market offers fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, eggs, plants, honey, and crafts made by local artists.

Stop by the Sampson Farmers’ Market and meet the local farmers who provide fresh produce to the community.

Choose a Fancy Accessory in Baggett’s Jewelry

Since 1948, Baggett’s Jewelry has become the go-to destination for high-quality jewelry and everything fancy.

The store on Sunset Avenue offers an extensive selection of earrings, rings, and watches to suit every shopper’s taste.

They also have a large inventory of gold, silver, and diamond jewelry and the best brands of expensive watches.

Everything you buy from this store is of the highest quality, from elegant engagement rings to simple jewelry designs.

If you’re looking for a gift for your special someone, check out the collections at Baggett’s Jewelry.

Ride a Horse at Foxmoore Farm

Foxmoore Farm is a stable and horse-riding facility along Nathan Dudley Road.

For 30 years, the farm has provided excellent service, exceptional facilities, and lessons to visitors.

The ten-acre greenery sits amid towering trees, ideal for horseback riding.

Likewise, the farm offers general riding lessons, horse leasing, a full range of pasture and boarding services, and Foxhunter Rider training.

You’re welcome to learn how to ride horses and have fun at Foxmoore farm, even if you have zero experience in mounting or riding a horse.

Play with Your Dog at the Go Bark Park

Not all cities have parks dedicated to dogs—but fortunately, Clinton is home to an off-leash dog park, the Go Bark Park.

Located on Fisher Drive, it’s a place where your dog can run freely, exercise, and socialize with other dogs.

The park features a pet waste station, a water spigot, benches, paved walking paths, and several shade trees.

To ensure the safety of your four-legged friends, the dog park has two fenced areas: one for large dogs and another for small ones.

Read the dos and don’ts for dogs and humans at the park’s entrance so everyone can have a fun and safe experience.

Bringing your pet to Go Bark Park has many benefits, so bring your furry family here.

Watch a Live Performance at the Sampson Community Theatre

The Sampson Community Theatre is a non-profit organization that provides quality art programs to Clinton’s community.

You can watch a live show featuring local talents or participate in one of its productions.

The theater has successfully produced fantastic shows such as Shrek: The Musical, Beauty and the Beast, and Legally Blonde.

If you want to contribute your skills, you can join the actors, help construct the set, direct, 0r make the costumes.

You can also become a patron or sponsor a production to support the city’s arts community.

Located on Fayetteville Street, the Sampson Community Theatre showcases the local artists’ extraordinary talent and outstanding performances.

You’ll experience terrific entertainment and help Clinton’s thriving art scene by visiting this community theater.

Taste Authentic Italian Cuisine at Alfredo’s Ristorante Italiano

Grab a taste of Italy without leaving the boundaries of Clinton at Alfredo’s Ristorante Italiano.

This fine dining restaurant in downtown Clinton provides an authentic Italian experience using family recipes from the Italian coast.

It offers appetizers, soups, salads, pizza, pasta, and drinks like beers and wines.

Diners will surely enjoy delicious meals served at this restaurant with a sophisticated atmosphere and friendly service.

The restaurant also provides a “Family Nights Special,” where the restaurant prepares and cooks the food and delivers it to your door.

Alfredo’s Ristorante Italiano is a one-of-a-kind restaurant in the city, so don’t miss it!

Support Local Businesses at Simply NC

Situated on East Main Street, Simply NC is a one-stop destination for everything locally crafted, grown, and produced.

Deborah Thompson founded Simply NC in 2014 after realizing a need for a market where local vendors could display their crafts.

It expanded rapidly, from 22 to 92 vendors, after only a year of operation.

The store features handmade crafts, soaps, books, honey, artwork, and specialty gourmet food products.

If you’re looking for a unique gift, you can check out the gift baskets filled with quality handmade products for someone you love.

Simply NC invites you to sample the best of North Carolina, made by the local community.

Enroll in an Art Class at the Sampson Arts Council

People refer to the Sampson Arts Council as the “Home of the Arts.”

It promotes and supports the artistic community in the county.

Since 1973, it has provided hundreds of activities and opportunities.

The arts council, located on College Street, showcases gallery shows and offers pottery and hand-building classes to people of all ages.

It also supports local artists through the application of grants.

If you want to appreciate the talents of Clinton’s local community, come and visit the Sampson Arts Council.

Book a Tee Time at Timberlake Golf Club

For some people, a perfect day is a day spent on the rolling terrain of Timberlake Golf Club.

Located on Challenge Club Drive, this world-class golf course is the best choice for a round of golf in Clinton.

Everyone is welcome to play and practice on the courses, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned golfer.

This golf facility boasts amenities such as a driving range, clubhouse, and putting greens.

The best part of this golf course is its design.

It follows the classic Scottish tradition with different elevations, waste bunkers, contours, grassy mounds, and pot bunkers.

You can enjoy an exciting and challenging round of golf on the course’s rolling terrain and well-maintained fairways and tees.

After playing, you can hang out with your pals at the clubhouse or have a quick dip in the swimming pool.

If you still don’t think spending time at Timberlake Golf Club is the definition of a perfect day, see for yourself.

Browse the Shelves of Annadale’s Gifts of Clinton

Located on East Main Street, Annadale’s Gifts of Clinton is a shop that has everything you need.

It’s a bridal gift shop and registry that provides many other services.

In this quaint shop, you’ll find something for yourself, from accessories and home decor to holiday gifts.

They have a vast selection of gifts for every occasion, divided into categories based on your budget.

You won’t have to worry about last-minute gift shopping because Annadale’s Gifts of Clinton is here to help you.

Even if you don’t have anything specific in mind, you’ll surely leave this shop with various things.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Aside from the beautiful attractions in Clinton, the surrounding cities also have many exciting places to visit.

If you want to venture outside Clinton, take note of the following destinations you can visit within minutes of Clinton.

Learn about the War at Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site

The grounds of Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site

Vanessa Paradis / Shutterstock.com

Just 30 minutes from Clinton, you can visit the site where the last major battle of the Civil War happened.

This battlefield memorial is in Four Oaks, North Carolina.

Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site comprises the Harper House, trails, monuments, and outdoor exhibits that showcase the area’s history.

You can also find a visitor center, some picnic tables, and a gift shop where you can buy memorabilia.

Harper house at Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site

Nils Skudra, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The site also offers group tours from the morning until the afternoon, starting at the visitor center.

If you want to learn more about the past and the events in the area, drive down to the Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site.

A house at Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site

Vanessa Paradis / Shutterstock.com

Go Back in Time at the Cowan Museum of History and Science

If you’re a history buff, visit the Cowan Museum of History and Science in Kenansville, North Carolina, a half-hour drive from Clinton.

Founded in 1981, the museum was a memorial to the daughter of the Cowan family.

Today, the museum is home to 4,300 artifacts, to which the Cowan family contributed 2,000.

The exhibits feature different items, including gardening and woodworking tools, medical equipment, household items, and others.

You may even encounter unique displays like a 1930s permanent wave machine, hog oiler, and alternative fuel fan.

The Cowan Museum of History and Science is a must-visit destination in North Carolina.

Final Thoughts

Know the history, people, and land of the historic city of Clinton, North Carolina.

Clinton has many recreational opportunities, world-class facilities, museums, historic sites, and other fascinating places awaiting your visit.

Plan your trip today and discover the best things to do in Clinton, North Carolina!

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