JCVB Blog

Flower’s Give Back in Many Ways!

May 9

Posted by jcvbblog in Agri-tourism, Events/Festivals, Johnston County Food/Products | No Comments

Tuberose on Melrose's Farm

Last year, the staff of the Johnston County Visitors Bureau began working with and getting to know local farmer, Melrose Haas.

Melrose is not a tobacco farmer or cash crop farmer…she grows flowers in the Brogden Community on Melrose’s Farm, 4 miles east of Smithfield  (near Ava’s birthplace).  In a very short time, Melrose has realized a dream to grow the flowers she loves and see the joy of many residents, brides and visitors from around the state that want to utilize locally grown products.

We love all things local in Johnston County…from strawberries in the spring, flowers all summer, blueberry picking, and a fall season full of sweet potatoes or pumpkins.  Farming is our heritage and more and more visitors are discovering why we love our land, the simple joys and sometime heartaches of farming and the bountiful fruits of our labors.

Melrose, like so many of our agri-tourism friends in the county, summed up our corporate philosophy so simply we wanted to share it:

“Many thanks for embracing my passion for the farm, and supporting my efforts.  I am busy, tired, and excited all in the same moment, which is a bit much even for me.  I’m just thrilled to have ya’ll on my team.  Makes me smile…so much thanks for all you do.”

Below are the news bits from Melrose’s newsletter…so we thought we would share what’s happening on the farm with our online community.  Don’t miss the opportunity to meet the wonderful farmers and local food product companies here in Johnston County.  This is the first blog in a series so you can meet the farmer’s we love in Johnston County!

Melrose’s Farm:  Bucket Club Subscription

During 2011, my first season, I offered a bucket club subscription to a few businesses, and personal friends of the farm.  It was a way to get my flowers out in the public, and get valuable feedback.  From the favorable reports of 2011, I am expanding my bucket club subscriptions for 2012.

Here are the details:  I will deliver to your office or home (within 10 miles of farm, or on flower route schedule) a bucket of fresh cut flowers approximately every two weeks during the months of June-October.  The price range of the flowers will be $22-$40 depending on varieties, and quantities.  It will be plenty for a huge arrangement or several small bouquets.  You supply the vases, and I will put the arrangement together, or deliver and leave them in your bucket for you to arrange.  I have found that many customers enjoy placing the flowers in their new home.  And that businesses like for me to arrange for them.  Of course, you can add or make adjustments, depending on availability, and calling/emailing me ahead of time.  And of course you can come out to the farm, and buy direct.  It is best to call me to make sure I am at the farm.  I am often out making deliveries, or selling to local florists.  I am hoping to have 20 bucket club subscriptions for the 2012 season, and appreciate all the positive encouragement I received during 2011.  I think the best comments from 2011 included:  “long lasting flowers, so fresh and fragrant, thanks for showing the farm in operation.”

Payment Options:

-If you pre-pay for the season, I will add “extra” flowers, and the fee is $280 for the season.  This should be 2 deliveries per month, for 5 months, at an average of $28 per bucket of flowers.

-You can pay bi-weekly or monthly, from the invoice left on previous delivery.

Farm News 2012:

WOW!  What an exciting start for 2012.  With the warm winter, and the additional flowers I have added this season, I am eagerly awaiting a generous offering of flowers this year.  I have added snap dragons, dahlias, new hydrangeas, more tuberose, tons of lilies, plus others.  I have been cutting a few stems of larkspur, and dianthus, and peonies.  Every day, I see more showing signs of blooms.  Soon, we will have glads, dahlias, lilies, and more lilies, and lots of sunflowers.  We plant a bed of sunflowers every week.  We have 6 beds already started.

  • I am selling to most of our local florists, and appreciate customers asking for my flowers with their florists.  Word of mouth advertising has been the best source of growth at the farm.
  • The farm is open, and I am away at times making deliveries, and sales.  This year I am officially opening the farm on Thursdays (beginning June) from 4pm till dark.  This is an opportunity to come out and buy direct from the farm.  Please bring your bucket to transport your flowers, or I can wrap them for you.  And you can always call or email me ahead of time, and pick up your flowers any day of the week.
  • I have several weddings already booked, and like the DIY bride.  I am a better grower, than designer, and I like to work with designers, and local florists.

Flowers In June:

I am having Shane Smith from The Vine and Branch in Four Oaks out to the farm for a flower arranging event.  You are invited to bring out your favorite vase(s), pick your flowers (value $20, or add on and make it bigger) out of the cooler and/or fields, and work with Shane to make an arrangement to take home.  The price is $25 and up, depending on the size of the vase.  It is an evening of fun at the farm.  Date is set for June 12, 2012, from 6pm till everyone is full of flowers, information, and education.  There is a limited number if slots for people to come, so call me to confirm your reservation for this event.

Summer Solstice Event

June 20th, 2012   5pm till dark.  This is an annual event here at the farm.  Come out, take a walk around, enjoy a cool beverage, and bring all your friends.  This is for anyone interested in seeing a flower farm in operation, and for anyone who loves flowers.

Evening with Tuberose

In July, we will have an Evening with Tuberose. The date is set for 7/17/2012, a Tuesday evening.  They are the most fragrant at dusk, and can be intoxicating.  I will leave a bed of these flowers for us to enjoy the blooms, and you can take some home, to share with those you love, or bring them with you.  Price not set yet.

We have been busy getting ready, and planting, and weeding, and working on a new field.  Thanks for the support.  Please share this with flower lovers.

Melrose Edwards Haas
Melrose@amhaas.com

919-632-0212
3299 Brogden Road
Smithfield, NC  27577

Facebook: melrosefarms

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The Clayton Center Adds SMART-er Technology To Conference Center

Mar 29

Posted by jcvbblog in Johnston County Visitors Bureau | No Comments

JCVB staffer Amanda Astoske demonstrates the Smart Board at The Clayton Center.

CLAYTON— The Clayton Center’s meeting facility has completed an audio-visual upgrade to offer progressive and interactive technology to its business clients.

The latest addition to the Center’s amenities, a SMART Board® 885ix interactive whiteboard system, was recently installed in the Center’s Four Oaks Meeting Room on the second floor of the conference center.

SMART Board technology allows users to project images from their laptop onto an interactive whiteboard.  Presenters may use a touch system to draw directly on the whiteboard with digital ink to update and make notes on the projected images of documents such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.  Documents updated on the whiteboard may be saved in pdf or PowerPoint files for distribution during or after the meeting.

“I am excited to be able to offer the SMART Board technology to our clientele at The Clayton Center,” Martha Vandergriff, conference center coordinator, said. “Meetings here can be transformed from passive presentations into interactive and engaging work sessions.”

The Clayton Center Auditorium and Conference Center is located in historic downtown Clayton, just a quick drive from Raleigh. The Center, which features more than 12,000 square feet diverse meeting and event space, hosts an average of three events daily, ranging from corporate meetings, expos and social events to church services and wedding receptions.

For additional information about renting space at The Clayton Center, contact Martha Vandergriff at 919-553-3152, mvandergriff@townofclaytonnc.org or visit theclaytoncenter.com.

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Clayton Piano Festival This February

Feb 3

Posted by jcvbblog in Events/Festivals | No Comments

Clayton Piano Festival

The Clayton Center

The Clayton Center will host the Clayton Piano Festival  February 10-17. The four-concert series features music by Jonathan Levin, Angelo Rondello, Christian McLeer, and Matthew Harrison.

Clayton Piano Festival: Romantic Fantasies by Jonathan Levin Fri, February 10, 7:30pm – 10:00pm

Kicking off the festival is Jonathan Levin, who will explore the genre of the Fantasy as envisioned by three titans of the Romantic era and reveal some of the hidden meanings behind them. The centerpiece of the program is Schumann’s Fantasy in C Major, one of the most intensely personal works of the 19th century, of which the composer himself admitted he had never written anything so passionate. Following this will be the F Minor Fantasy of Chopin with its marches, both martial and solemn, and intimations of the transcendent. Music of Franz Liszt will close the program with his fantasy based on Dante’s Inferno from the Divine Comedy – music that takes you from hell to heaven – and back!

Clayton Piano Festival: Tales, Fables & Poetry Mon, February 13, 7:30pm – 10:00pm

Tales, Fables & Poetry featuring Angelo Rondello takes listeners from the stormy Greek tale of the two ill-fated lovers Hero & Leander, depicted in Liszt’s grand Ballade in b minor, to Alkan’s brilliant and humorous setting of the Aesop fables, and Schubert’s masterful handling of Göethe’s Erlkönig and Gretchen am Spinnrade. The final work on the program is Poulenc’s highly unique Histoire de Babar, le Petit Elephant (The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant), in which the pianist narrates the timeless children’s story of Babar while playing the colorful setting Poulenc devised around it.

Clayton Piano Festival: A Night At The Theater Thu, February 16, 7:30pm – 10:00pm

Matthew Harrison explores the dramatic impulses behind three unique sonatas spanning over a century. The journey begins with Beethoven’s enigmatic Tempest sonata, a work which has captivated audiences since its inception with its often violent contrasts between stormy intensity and lyrical introspection. Then we are treated to a look at another side of the American composer Aaron Copland, most beloved for his Appalachian Spring and Rodeo. The Piano Sonata by Copland was a favorite work of Leonard Bernstein and possesses a uniquely American sound. The program concludes with the milestone work by Liszt, the Sonata in B Minor, a testament to the range and expressive scope of the piano.

Clayton Piano Festival: Piano Music Of The 21st Century Fri, February 17, 7:30pm – 10:00pm

Praised for his “richness of ideas” and “charming and expressive musical panorama” by the New York Times, Christian McLeer will close out the final concert of Clayton Piano Festival. Comprised entirely of his own original compositions for the piano, some selections which will be premieres commissioned especially for the festival. The diverse range of selections include music for piano and electronics and his song, Meaningful from G Train: The Musical.

For tickets visit the website:  www.theclaytoncenter.com

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Johnston County Tourism Authority Appoints Members of the Sports Council

Jan 23

Posted by jcvbblog in Johnston County Visitors Bureau, Sports/Golf | No Comments

(Smithfield, NC) – The board of the Johnston County Visitors Bureau met in early January and considered applications for the Johnston County Sports Council.  Ten positions were appointed to represent the area Parks & Recreation Departments and at-large members of the community interested in sports marketing, development and event promotion.

The following members were appointed for initial terms:  Tim Johnson, Smithfield Parks & Recreation, Joe Carter, Selma Parks & Recreation, Matt Smith, Benson Parks & Recreation, Tim Narron, Kenly Parks & Recreation and Jonathan Allen, Clayton Parks & Recreation.  The five at-large appointees were: Rick Bartholomew – Princeton, Mickey Glenn Bridgers – Four Oaks, Philip W. Daniels – Willow Springs, Charlie Metz – Clayton, and Ed Perfetto – McGee’s/Willow Springs.

Completing the Sports Council committee are Donna Bailey-Taylor, Executive Director of the Johnston County Visitors Bureau, Jim Godfrey, JCTA Board Member and Executive Director of the Clayton Chamber of Commerce, and Tony Braswell, Johnston County Commissioner.

“We are excited have a more formal committee to work county-wide on our established goals for sports marketing, and the committee has representation from around the county which is an important component as we collaborate on sport tournaments and events”, stated Donna Bailey-Taylor.

The newly formed Sports Council is a committee of the Johnston County Tourism Authority and the group will meet every other month, beginning February 13th at the bureau offices, 235-A East Market Street, Smithfield, at 10am.  Meetings are subject to open meeting laws, with minutes and actions submitted to local media for publication.  The meeting schedule for 2012 will be:  Feb 13, April 16, June 18, August 20, October 15 and December 17.

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DSDC Receives First Canvas Giclée of the Historic Hastings House

Dec 12

Posted by jcvbblog in History/Heritage, Uncategorized | No Comments

New Painting of the Historic Hastings House by local artist, Leslie Macon.

SMITHFIELD, NC – The Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation (DSDC) is pleased to announce its partnership with famed regional artist, Leslie Macon, to promote the historically significant roles played by the historic Hastings House and the Town of Smithfield during the War Between the States.

Through this collaboration, a series of limited edition canvas and linen giclées chronicling the historic accounts and connections of the area will be available for purchase.   Titled “Dispatch from General Lee-Headquarters Hastings House March 1865,” the painting depicts General Joseph E. Johnston standing on the porch of the Hastings House addressing his Confederate officers prior to the Battle of Bentonville. Fifty 20″ x 30″ canvas giclées will be produced and sell for $350. One hundred 16″ x 24″ premium cotton rag paper giclees will be made available at a cost of $150. Each giclée is signed, numbered and packaged in an acrylic bag with a certificate of authenticity. Proceeds from the sale of the limited edition pieces will be used to preserve the historic Hastings House in Downtown Smithfield, as well as, promote the General Joseph E. Johnston statue at the Bentonville Battlefield.

“Leslie is a remarkable artist, with unbelievable talent. She has gone to great lengths to research General Johnston, the Battle of Bentonville, and the War Between the States in order to ensure that her work is authentic as possible,” states Dr. John Booker, Commander of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans – Camp 1466 and Chairman of the Joseph E. Johnston Statue committee. “This art will not only be appreciated and treasured locally, but by collectors and history enthusiasts across the country.”

Macon lives in Archer Lodge, North Carolina and has painted professionally since 1994. Her art career began as a wood carver in 1984 when she began carving duck decoys. As an apprenticed under a world class Cajun decoy carver, Macon began painting with oils. Since that time, she has competed in national and international competitions as a wildlife artist, winning awards and selling her works in art galleries. Her work has been recognized by Spectator Magazine and published in the North Carolina Wildlife Calendar. Earlier this year, her work was shown at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knolls Shore.

Although the Town of Smithfield and the Bentonville Battlefield will celebrate the sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary of the War Between the States in March 2015, the DSDC has already seen an increase in visitors to the Hastings House, many of whom are traveling along the Civil War Trail, as sesquicentennial celebrations are already underway in areas that saw earlier action.   Open to the public, the Hastings House retains much of its original architecture and finishes including decorative molding, windows, and pine floors. A donation from Mrs. Jean Jones allows visitors to view eight giclées by artist John Paul Strain that depict various Civil War era scenes. The DSDC hopes to amass a collection of artifacts and antiques and promote the Hastings House as a regional and national destination of Civil War history.

The DSDC plans to build its collection through temporary exhibit loans from other museums and private collectors and through the donation of artifacts which will become part of a permanent collection. Of special interest are artifacts that can be attributed to individual soldiers and items with a connection to this area.   “We have a tremendous economic asset right here in our own backyard,” states Chris Johnson, Executive Director of the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation. “We are extremely fortunate to have Ms. Macon select the Historic Hastings House for her first work of this nature, which we hope she will build upon.”

To learn more about purchasing the limited edition giclée, the historic Hastings House, the Joseph E. Johnston Statue or the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation, individuals may call Chris Johnson at 919-934-0887 or visit them on the web at www.downtownsmithfield.com.   ###

Attached Photo – L/R Dr. John Booker, Leslie Macon, Chris Johnson

Chris Johnson
Executive Director
Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation
200 South Front Street
Smithfield, NC 27577
919-934-0887 phone
919-989-6202 fax
919-915-6202 cell

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Black Friday Shopping Begins on “Turkey-Day”

Nov 18

Posted by jcvbblog in Uncategorized | No Comments

(Smithfield, NC)  — Pretty soon the After-Thanksgiving sales will be a 24/7 event in Smithfield, with stores at Carolina Premium Outlets opening earlier and earlier each year.  In past years stores opened at Midnight just hours after the turkey leftovers were put away, this year nearly 40 stores will open at 9pm on Thursday November 24th.

While football games keep many families in front of the television set on Thursday, November 24th, thousands of diehard shoppers will travel to Smithfield for the “deals upon deals” offered at Carolina Premium Outlets.  Shoppers have been lining up hours before the official “midnight” hour for this annual event, which has pushed many stores to open their doors at 9pm.

“We know the outlets will be the center of activity in Smithfield on Thanksgiving Weekend and we love that our stores will be packed,” said Donna Bailey-Taylor, Executive Director, Johnston County Visitors Bureau, “we know and embrace the fact that outlet shopping is our number one attraction in Johnston County.”

The After-Thanksgiving Weekend Sale featuring Midnight Madness extended shopping hours are Fri, Nov 25: Midnight-10pm,  Sat, Nov 26: 8am-10pm and Sun, Nov 27: 10am-8pm.  Shoppers will enjoy exceptional holiday savings and extended shopping hours, plus, they will experience the biggest shopping event of the year.

Select Stores will be opening Thu, Nov 24 at 9pm: Aeropostale, Ann Taylor, Bass, Book Warehouse, Calvin Klein Men’s, Carter’s, Champion, Chico’s, The Children’s Place, Claire’s Accessories, Ecko Unltd., Eddie Bauer, Hanes Bali Playtex, Izod, J.Crew, Jones New York, Journeys, Kasper, Levi’s, Loft Outlet, Merrell, Nautica, OshKosh B’gosh, PacSun, Pepperidge Farm, Perfumania, Rack Room Shoes, Rue21, Strasburg Children, Sunglass Hut, Talbots, Timberland, Tommy Hilfiger, Uniform Destination, Van Heusen, Yankee Candle, Wilsons Leather

And additional stores opening at 10pm on November 24: Brooks Brothers, Polo Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren Children, Stride Rite Keds Sperry, Time Factory Watch Outlet

For the most up-to-date information, visit the center’s website, to check on store openings and special offers: www.premiumoutlets.com/carolina.  For hotel deals and places to rejuvenate and have a bite to eat, visit the official visitor website for Smithfield, www.visitsmithfield.org

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Unique Christmas Gift — Order Yours Today!

Nov 9

Posted by jcvbblog in Attractions, Shopping/Outlets | No Comments

2012 Ava Gardner Calendar

If you were wondering what to get your uncle or that friend that loves the movies, here’s a thought. The Ava Gardner Museum has published its 2012 calendar. The 13-month calendar features 13 rare photos of Hollywood legend Ava Gardner, a Johnston County native.

A number of the calendar’s black-and-white photos have been selected from the archives of the Ava Gardner Collection and they have rarely been seen or published for nearly half a century.  The calendar contains red-letter dates and facts of Ava’s early life as well as highlights of her Hollywood career. Designed by John Mark Ivey of Smithfield, this is the Museum’s fifteenth annual calendar.

Founded in 1982 by Dr. Tom Banks, the Ava Gardner Museum opened its doors at a permanent site in Downtown Smithfield in October 2000 and has continued to draw worldwide attention with approximately 12,000 visitors each year.

The calendar is available exclusively through the Ava Gardner Museum gift shop. To purchase, stop by the Museum in Downtown Smithfield, call 919-934-5830, or order online. http://ow.ly/7lckN

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Small Business Saturday – November 26th

Nov 4

Posted by jcvbblog in Johnston County Visitors Bureau, Shopping/Outlets | No Comments

Four Season's Interiors - Benson

Shop for Holiday Gifts at Four Seasons Interiors - Benson

You’ve probably heard of Black Friday or maybe our own Midnight Madness at Carolina Premium Outlets, which is the day after Thanksgiving, and Cyber Monday, which is three days later, but crammed in-between is Small Business Saturday. The Saturday after Thanksgiving and after Black Friday has come to be known as Small Business Saturday to promote shopping during the holidays at the local smaller mom-and-pop shops across the nation.

Created by American Express’ small business unit in 2010, the second annual Small Business Saturday is November 26 to coincide with one of the busiest shopping periods of the season. While Black Friday favors big-box retailers and Cyber Monday is a mainstay for e-commerce websites, Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize the smaller, independently-owned, brick and mortar businesses in their area.

American Express is giving rebates to new customers to promote the event. Many local politicians and small business groups across the country issue proclamations to help spread the word about Small Business Saturday.

The Town of Clayton and the Clayton Chamber of Commerce have embraced a new campaign to encourage shopping local all year round,  Think Clayton, Shop Local which offers merchants several benefits and promotes small business owners in the area.  Similar efforts are part of the Main Street Programs in the Town of Benson and the Town of  Smithfield.

Make a point to shop the small businesses in Johnston County on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year. They’re one of the many things that give Johnston County its unique character.  Visit the downtown shopping districts in Benson, Clayton, Four Oaks, Kenly, Selma and Smithfield and discover local shops and products.

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Howell Woodstock Event, November 12th

Nov 1

Posted by jcvbblog in Events/Festivals, Recreation, Uncategorized | No Comments

You don’t have to be a child to enjoy the Fourth Annual Howell Woodstock. Come out Saturday, November 12 to Johnston Community College’s Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center for a day full of outdoor fun. And it’s free too.

From guided nature walks to making s’mores around a bonfire, there are activities for the entire family. Enjoy hayrides and mule team wagon rides as well as daytime (solar) and nighttime (lunar) observing. Howell Woodstock begins at 12 pm Saturday, November 12.

Also this year’s event will feature local food vendors and an earthenware fair with handmade goods for sale. Howell Woodstock is fast becoming one of Johnston County’s premier events. If you’ve never visited Howell Woods, then there’s no better time to experience the site’s beautiful landscape.

From the live animal exhibits to the awesome nature trails, Howell Woods is located on 2,800 acres on Devil’s Racetrack Road in the Bentonville community of southeastern Johnston County.

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SE Agri-tourism Association Tours Johnston County

Oct 20

Posted by jcvbblog in Agri-tourism, Johnston County Food/Products, Johnston County Visitors Bureau | No Comments

Johnston County Wineries

Wineries Serve SE Agri-tourism Association Members

The Southeastern Agritourism Association hosted the 2011 Fall Agri-tourism Tour in Johnston County on October 19th.  The group of 30 members were hosted by Amie Newsome, NC Cooperative Extension Agent in Johnston County.

The day included a visit to Lazy O Farm, where owner Tami Thompson gave the group a tour and explained the educational events she hosts year-round on her family farm.  Following this first stop the group traveled to Gregory Winery for wine-tastings and presentations by the four wineries on the Muscadine Heritage Wine Trail, and the Johnston County Visitors Bureau.  Each winery spoke on the history of their farm and winery, what events and festivals they host, and the benefits of the newly formed wine trail.

Following the lunch, which was provided by Enoch Winery, the group visited Smith’s Nursery and Boyette Farm, home to the Clayton Fear Farm and Lights on the Neuse events.

The Johnston County Visitors Bureau has supported and actively pursued development of Agri-tourism Venues in the county to help preserve our heritage and sustain family farms by finding new revenue sources like corn mazes, special events, and now wineries.  Boyette Farms most likely will become the fourth winery in the county to open for business in the next 12 months.

For more information on agri-tourism venues in Johnston County, visit our website links.

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