Clayton

Attractions & Entertainment

You don’t have to head to Raleigh to find all the fun and excitement you need. Instead, explore Downtown Clayton, where you can enjoy a wealth of local shops, businesses, and of course, delicious restaurants, like Clayton Steakhouse or Mannings. Also downtown, you can catch live performances and events at The Clayton Center performing arts center, as well as live music and nightlife at The Flipside, First Street Tavern, or Wine on Main.

Other popular nightlife and entertainment spots throughout town? Downtime Sports Bar & Grill, the Cleveland Draft House, or The Comedy Zone.

Community Events

There’s always something fun happening in Clayton! Enjoy outstanding events, like the Clayton Food Tour, Clayton Harvest Festival, Cleveland Strawberry Festival, International Food Festival, July 4th Celebration, Christmas Village, or the hugely-popular Mondo Roots Cultural Arts & Music Festival. There are also plenty of regular and recurring events and activities, like the Clayton Farm & Community Market or the Town Square Concert Series.

Parks & Recreation

Get outside and explore the beautiful countryside community of Clayton! Visit all of its outstanding parks, which offer amenities like walking and biking paths, ball fields, tennis and basketball courts, volleyball courts, bocce courts, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and even a dog park. Explore the Clemmons Educational State Forest, where you can find beautiful natural preserve, hiking trails, picnic areas, and even educational programs. Take a walk on the Clayton River Walk on the Neuse, a 4-mile trail along the Neuse River that connects to the larger Neuse Trail and is part of the 1,000 mile Mountains-to-Sea Trail stretching across North Carolina. You can even find kayaking on the Neuse, fishing on local ponds, and outstanding mountain biking for all skill levels at Legend Park.

Looking for more recreational activities and fitness? Head to Clayton Community Center, where you’ll find a gym, walking track, fitness room, pottery room, and a fine arts studio—along with plenty of classes, fitness programs, events, and more.

Shopping & Dining

Looking for grocery shopping, big-box retailers, or other services? Clayton’s got plenty of options! You’ll find everything you need right here in town at Clayton Village Shopping Center, Cayton Corners, or nearby at the 40/42 Exchange. For even more options, take a short drive to Garner to explore the White Oak Crossing shopping center.

Public Education

Clayton students are served by fast-growing Johnston County Public Schools, which was ranked the #38 Best Public School District in North Carolina by Niche.com. Along with eleven elementary schools, students are currently zoned to Archer Lodge Middle, Clayton Middle, and Cleveland Middle (which ranked among the Top 100 Best Middle Schools in North Carolina), Clayton High, Corinth Holders High, and Cleveland High (also ranked among the Top 100), and Johnston County Early College Academy, which placed in the Top 75.