Local Legends Featuring Johnston County

Old North State Food Hall * Historic Rudy Theatre * Ava Gardner Museum

Join us for a wonderful day as we celebrate the sights and sounds of Johnston County. We’ll make our way to Selma, NC, a railroad town incorporated in 1867 that played a significant role in the development of North Carolina’s transportation infrastructure. Our first stop is the Old North State Food Hall whose claim to fame is that it's the nation’s first roadside food hall. Strategically located almost exactly half way between Maine and Miami off I-95, you’ll find multiple restaurants offering freshly prepared global cuisine all under one roof. For a unique experience, try the Longleaf Tavern - built inside the walls of an old cigar humidor. Use your voucher towards lunch at any of the restaurants in the Hall. If ethnic food isn’t your thing, you’ll find pizza, burgers or good old BBQ. After lunch, we’ll make our way to the historic Rudy Theatre to see the Throwback Sounds of Summer Show. The  cast will delight you with musical memories that bring back your favorite days on the beach. Favorites like V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N, Blue Bayou, See You In September, Superstition and many more ‘sing along’ songs of summer. During intermission you are welcome to meet the cast and have them sign autographs if you like. The concession stand and friendly staff have cold drinks, candy and popcorn. After the show the cast assembles out front to extend to you the hand of fellowship and bid you goodbye. This is a family-friendly show, so bring your children, grandchildren and friends. After the performance, we will visit the Ava Gardner Museum. Ava was born and raised right here in North Carolina. A highly successful actress during the Golden Age of Hollywood, she was nominated for several awards for her performances, and in 1999, the American Film Institute ranked Gardner No.25 on its greatest female screen legends list. The museum features an 18-minute film and several exhibits from her days in Hollywood. Returning home after a fabulous day in Johnston County, arriving back approximately 7:30 PM. (L)