If your local social group, home-school class or church group is looking for a day trip to the Four Oaks Area, below is our suggested itinerary.  For additional planning assistance, please contact the Johnston County Visitors Bureau, Amanda Astoske, Group Tour Sales Manager, 1-800-441-7829 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Four Oaks Environmental Visit

11am Austin General Store
107 N. Main St.
Four Oaks, NC 27524
919-963-2160

Shop at Austin’s for local honey and other products from Shamrock’s Buzzy Bee. http://www.shamrocksbuzzybee.com/Home.aspx

12noon Mill Creek Café
873 Stricklands Crossroads Rd.
Four Oaks, NC 27542
919-934-6564

Enjoy a homemade lunch at this eatery.  Dine in or carry-out for a picnic lunch at Howell Woods.

1pm Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center
6601 Devil's Racetrack Rd.
Four Oaks, NC  27524
919-938-0115
Hours: Mon - Fri 8am-5pm. Trails and facilities are still accessible during weekends and most holidays. No fees or reservations are required for hiking or picnicking. Fees are charged and reservations required for use of class/meeting room, large group use of picnic shelter, campgrounds, fishing access, horseback riding, educational programs and hunting activities.

A 2,856 acre outdoor classroom with over 20 miles of trails available for hiking, horseback and bike riding.  Bird watching is a popular activity on the site as the trails are part of the North Carolina Birding Trail.  Numerous fishing areas are available.

5pm King’s Restaurant
200 W. Wellons St.
Four Oaks, NC 27524
919-963-3677
Open: Mon-Sat 6am-9pm, Sun 6am-2pm

Enjoy supper at one of these local restaurants.  Daily specials available.

From Civil War History to Aerial Views

10am Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site
5466 Harper House Rd.
Four Oaks, NC 27524
910-594-0789
Free admission.
Bentonville Battlefield, a National Historic Landmark, was the site of the largest Civil War Battlefield in the state of North Carolina, fought on March 19-21, 1865.  Tour The Harper House (c.1850’s) which functioned as a Union Field Hospital during the battle.  Visitors may drive throughout the rural area and stop at several Civil War Trail driving pull-offs, and walk the confederate cemetary and union earthworks trails. The museum and visitor center offers displays and interprets many artifacts from the three-day battle. Gift shop on site featuring t-shirts, extensive book collection and various items.

12noon Mill Creek Café
873 Stricklands Crossroads Rd.
Four Oaks, NC 27542
919-934-6564

Enjoy a homemade lunch at this local eatery.

1pm Carolina Hot Air Balloon Company
1730 Allen's Crossroads Rd.
Four Oaks, NC  27524
919-894-5893

Float gently above the countryside in the hot air balloon "SPELLBOUND SPIRIT".  For, all occasions, birthdays, anniversary, marriage proposal, employee recognition or just for the thrill of flying.

5pm King’s Restaurant
200 W. Wellons St.
Four Oaks, NC 27524
919-963-3677
Open: Mon-Sat 6am-9pm, Sun 6am-2pm
Enjoy supper at one of these local restaurants.  Daily specials available.