BaseLocal

Johnston County’s Favorite Newsletter

Johnston County news, events, and recommendations delivered free every morning.

Johnston County, NC
10Events this week
2Free things to do
88New spots
91New stories

● Checked Friday, September 11, before the 6 AM send.

This week in Johnston County

Five picks from this week's calendar. See all 10 events, day by day →

First NFL Sunday Funday of the 2026 Season!

Sunday 10am · McKinley's Restaurant & Pub

3 hour e-bike tour: Tacos, Margaritas, & History

Sunday 12pm · Horne Square

Sit and Stitch

Monday 5pm · Princeton Public Library

Band of Oz

Thursday 5:30pm · Town of Selma

Vibe Central Events Pop-Up Series

Thursday 5:30pm · Vibe Central Events · Free

New in Johnston County

Places that opened, reopened, or earned a mention this month — the ones we'd go back to.

Johnston County Country Club

Entertainment

Links-style local escape: Johnston County Country Club brings a true links vibe with an Ellis Maples-designed 18-hole course that’s open to the public and known for brisk, 3.5-hour rounds.

ccjohnstoncounty.com ↗

Barley and Burger Smashed

Restaurants

Smash-burger fix, anyone? Barley and Burger Smashed in Smithfield is the local go-to for crispy-edged smash burgers, classic hot dogs, and sides that actually matter, like onion rings and proper fries.

barleyandburgersmashed.com ↗

Just Dog People

Pets

Treat your dog right: Just Dog People is a locally owned, dog-only shop stocked with premium food, tasty treats, toys and travel gear, plus a 5-bay self-serve dog wash with raised tubs and grooming tools.

justdogpeople.com ↗

Johnston County’s best businesses

Every spot worth knowing, in one place.

The restaurants, shops, and services the newsletter recommends, all in one place — every listing checked, and paid pins marked every time.

Browse Johnston County’s best →

Most read in Johnston County

The five stories Johnston County readers clicked most this month, from the daily editions.

  1. Dunn Seat Belt Stop Explodes Into 105-MPH Chase, Loaded Gun Found

    Anton D'Andre Langston, a 40-year-old Fayetteville man, was arrested following a routine seat belt check in Dunn, North Carolina, where he allegedly sped off and sped away at over 105 mph over the legal limit, leading to a 105-MPH chase.

    Full story at hoodline.com ↗

  2. Johnston County deputies investigating after 50 vehicles targeted in Flowers community

    The Johnston County Sheriff's Office is investigating after about 50 vehicles were targeted in the Flowers community early Thursday morning.

    Full story at wral.com ↗

  3. Six-Month Drug Probe Leads To Search Warrants, Arrests Outside County Jail

    A six-month undercover investigation by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division led to multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal drugs and firearms, including a stolen gun.

    Full story at jocoreport.com ↗

  4. Travelers Drive Hours To Eat At This Tiny North Carolina Restaurant—And They All Order The Waffles

    Waffee Station, a restaurant in the small town of Micro, North Carolina, serves up waffles that are well worth the trip.

    Full story at southernliving.com ↗

  5. Three Arrested Following Princeton-Area Drug Investigation

    Three people have been arrested following a three-month undercover narcotics investigation led by Johnston County Sheriff’s Office agents outside Princeton, North Carolina.

    Full story at jocoreport.com ↗

Explore Johnston County

The rest of what BaseLocal keeps current for the city.

Johnston County eventsAll 10 events this week, day by dayThis weekend in Johnston CountyThe 2 things worth your weekendRead the latest editionSee exactly what lands in your inboxGarner17 miles away — nearby on BaseLocalRaleigh21 miles away — nearby on BaseLocalFuquay-Varina23 miles away — nearby on BaseLocalGoldsboro25 miles away — nearby on BaseLocal