Clayton, North Carolina is one of the fastest growing areas in the U.S. and offers a variety of attractions for the visitor to enjoy. One of the most popular attractions that people enjoy is the Clayton Museum of Art. Clayton is the second largest community in Johnston County and is considered a part of the Raleigh metro area. Clayton is home to more than thirty museums including the Clayton Museum of Art. As of 2020, the population of Clayton was nearly 16,000, up from approximately 6,971 in the last census. In its first year, the Clayton Museum of Art experienced over two million visitors, and it continues to gain recognition as one of the premier art museums in the U.S.
Another popular attraction in Clayton is the tourism industry. Tourism is the largest industry in the area, contributing $4.3 million a year to the economy. Clayton offers a wide variety of attractions for tourists including the Clayton Lake State Park, the Clayton Convention Center, and the Clayton-White County Park, among others. Because of the increase in tourism, Clayton has developed into a much more upscale area, with many beautiful homes and commercial properties being built on a more modest scale than in the past.
In addition to these attractions, Clayton also has a thriving nightlife. The Clayton-White County Park is the official town club of the area. The Club Lounge and the Clayton County Farmers’ Market are two of the top nightspots in Clayton. There are also a variety of night clubs and bars that offer live music to residents and visitors alike. Clayton has developed into a much more upscale community and attracts a variety of visitors. Clayton, North Carolina offers a unique lifestyle for residents and visitors alike, making it one of the leading North Carolina cities in terms of popularity.