Clayton is a satellite town of Raleigh, located in Johnston County, North Carolina. In 2017, the town's population was estimated at 21,405. As Clayton is located near the Research Triangle area and major highways, it is a prime location for those looking to relocate. Clayton has a tight-knit community, making it one of the safest towns in North Carolina to reside. Over the past couple of decades, the city has transformed from country roads and farms to a blossoming place full of new opportunities.
History
The origin of Clayton can be traced back to the early 1770s when Governor Tryon's troops cut a road as they marched north from New Bern to Hillsborough. Nearly a century later, the community was named Stallings' Station. This name lasted three years before it was officially changed to Clayton in 1869. Because of the Civil War, the town experienced many difficulties, causing locals to move away to other towns and cities. After the war, the town improved with the help of new businesses, including Ashley Home's farming and merchandising business, which became a top manufacturer in North Carolina. Other companies included cotton mills, lumber plants, tobacco warehouses, etc. A couple of decades later, Clayton became a significant market for cotton, tobacco, and watermelons. However, this period of prosperity was cut short by the Great Depression in the 1930s. Later, in the 1970s, Clayton started shifting to a more trade and service-based economy as industrialization began to shape the Raleigh area. Over the next few decades, the population continued to expand as more families started relocating to Clayton.
Demographics
As of the 2010 census, Clayton estimated 5,944 households in the area with a population density of approximately 1,193 inhabitants per square mile. Out of these households, 50% were married couples residing together, and 44% had children under 18. The town's median age was 34.9 years old, and females made up 52.2% of the population, while men made up 47.5% of the population, according to the census.
Local Restaurants
Top restaurants in Clayton that locals and visitors like to frequent range from American to Mexican cuisines. Manning's Restaurant serves American cuisine and is vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free friendly. Caribbean Delight is known for its delicious Latin-inspired dishes; they also have vegetarian and vegan options. Kainat Halal Cuisine serves a variety of dishes from India, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Mediterranean. Clayton Steakhouse is a leading restaurant staple in our town, accommodating large groups of patrons. For Mexican food, visitors like to dine at La Cocina, Festejos Mexican Bar n Grill and Fiesta Mexicana. There are also great Italian restaurants to visit, such as Anthony's and Venero's Pizza.
Places to Visit
The Clayton Food Tour is our most beloved food tour in town, providing visitors with an opportunity to try some of Clayton's well-known restaurants and gourmet food-shops while participating in an interactive walking food tour. The tour includes food and beverage tastings as well as take-home menus and a discount passport that includes a one-time discount for each restaurant from the food tour.
In addition to the Clayton Food Tour, visitors should check out the Riverwood Golf Club, the Main St. Community Garden and the East Clayton Park. Along the Neuse River, the Riverwood Golf Club is one of the best courses in North Carolina with 27 holes, serving both professional and rookie golfers with a series of golf tournaments and championships.
The Main St. Community Garden is in downtown Clayton, providing the perfect garden location. They host special programs, shows and entertainment at the garden, inviting all of the Clayton community to attend. One of the latest additions to the area is East Clayton Park, including a picnic pavilion, a baseball field, some soccer fields, and a great walking trail.
After going on our food tour and taking a stroll along Main St. Community Garden's trail, it may leave you wanting your own beautiful garden so you can grow fresh vegetables and fruits or entertain guests. Perhaps, you already have your own garden, but you are too busy to upkeep it. If you want your garden to look as beautiful as the other Clayton gardens, Lawn Love will exceed your expectations and transform your backyard right before your own eyes.
