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Clayton grew up along the North Carolina Railroad in the 1850s, when a depot here was known as Stallings Station. The community soon took the name Clayton and was incorporated in 1869, becoming a market town for the cotton and tobacco farms of western Johnston County. Brick stores, banks and warehouses rose along Main Street, and many of them still stand in the Clayton Historic District.
In recent decades Clayton has become one of the fastest-growing towns in the Triangle, just 16 miles southeast of downtown Raleigh, with large life science plants making medicines for the world. Even so, it keeps a friendly small-town heart: the restored 1920s school auditorium beside Town Hall is now the Clayton Center, a performing arts venue, and downtown hosts concerts, markets and the yearly Harvest Festival.
The Neuse River runs along the northern edge of town, and the Clayton River Walk follows it as part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, while Legend Park offers some of the area's favorite mountain bike trails. Nearby Smithfield adds the Ava Gardner Museum and outlet shopping, and Howell Woods protects thousands of acres of forest and wetland to the south.
A performing arts center in downtown Clayton, set in a restored 1920s school building, with an auditorium that hosts touring concerts, comedy, theater and community performances. It also holds town offices. Check the season schedule online, and pair a show with dinner at one of the downtown restaurants.
Clayton's downtown along Main Street has historic brick buildings with restaurants, breweries, cafes and shops, and it hosts concerts and festivals through the year. It has grown into a lively small-town center as the area has expanded. It is easy to walk, and free parking is available nearby.
A fall festival held in downtown Clayton with arts and crafts vendors, local food, live music, a car show and children's activities. It is one of the town's biggest community events. It is free to attend; arrive early for easier parking and to browse vendors before the afternoon crowds.
A paved trail along the Neuse River on Clayton's north side that forms part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, with boardwalks, river views and connections toward Raleigh. It is flat and good for walking, running and cycling. Parking is available at trailheads; some sections can flood after heavy rain.
A state forest just north of Clayton designed for learning, with short trails, exhibits about forest life, a talking tree trail for children and picnic areas. It is free and good for families with young kids. Hours are seasonal and it may close on some days, so check before you visit.
A town park in Clayton with wooded mountain biking and walking trails, a disc golf course and picnic areas. The bike trails are popular with local riders of different skill levels. Trails close after heavy rain to prevent damage, so check the trail status before you go.
A paved greenway in Clayton that follows Sam's Branch through wooded areas, connecting neighborhoods with parks and the Neuse River trail. It is mostly flat and suits walking, jogging and biking. Bring water on warm days, and watch for wildlife along the creek in the early morning.
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North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
Photo: Indy beetle, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Indy beetle, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Indy beetle, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Dougtone, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Dougtone, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: LikeGrantTookRichmond, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ken Thomas, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Doug Kerr from Albany, NY, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: LikeGrantTookRichmond, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: LikeGrantTookRichmond, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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