Smithfield North Carolina has some pretty star-studded roots. It was the one time home and final resting place of renowned actress Ava Gardner. Ava Gardner was born on December 24th, 1992 in the community of “Grabtown” located just 7 miles from Smithfield. During young Ava’s childhood she and her family spent much time in Smithfield.
It wasn’t until that fateful 1939 summer Ava spent in New York City with her sister that she first caught the eye of the big movie studio executives. That summer a becoming photo taken of Ava by her sister’s boyfriend, then aspiring photographer Larry Tarr, landed in a 5th Avenue store window.
Historians say that it was that photo that helped to launch Ava Gardner’s career so it is only fitting that visitors to Smithfield. NC can learn more about Ava and satisfy their desire for designer clothing and accessories all within the town.
Ava Gardner Museum
Visitors to this gem of a museum will surely get a thrill from the 20,000 pieces of Ava Gardner memorabilia ranging from the mundane house hold items to the truly special.
It is here that Ava Gardner fans can look in amazement at the 1960’s engraved Lucien Piccard watch that Ava gave her third husband “Chairman of the Board” Frank Sinatra.
In addition to Sinatra’s watch there are remarkably preserved couture worn by Ava Gardner during some of her more famous leading lady roles such as the black dress from “The Great Sinner” that accentuated Ava’s renowned 18 inch waist line and the cape and shoes from “The Barefoot Contessa.”
Recordings of personal interviews from those closest to Ava Gardner round out the displays and leave visitors with a new-found understanding into the life and loves of this remarkable star of the silver screen.
As of 2010 admission to the “Ava Gardner Museum” ranged from $4.00 for children up to $6.00 for adults. The “Ava Gardner Museum” is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am until 5 pm and on Sunday’s from 2 pm until 5 pm. The museum does close for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Thanksgiving and Easter Sunday.
Ava Gardner Museum
325 East Market Street
Smithfield, NC 27577
919-934-5830
Carolina Premium Outlets
"Carolina Premium Outlets" is the premier destination for whom high fashion creates frenzy. Here the couture conscious can bask in the glow of over 80 ultra elite designer stores and brand names such as “Tommy Hilfiger”, “Eddie Bauer” and “Harry and David” all available for sale at deeply discounted prices.
For those visitors that do not mind a 35 minute drive, the “Sheraton Raleigh Hotel” in nearby Raleigh has an overnight “Shop and Stay” Package for the truly serious shopper. After a hard day of scooping up sales at the “Carolina Premium Outlets” visitors can relax and take advantage of the hotel’s numerous luxuries. For information on the “Sheraton Raleigh Hotel” call 919-834-9900 or follow the link off of the “Carolina Premium Outlets” website.
The “Carolina Premium Outlets” is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am until 9 pm and on Sundays from 11 am until 7 pm. They often feature special events and sales days, which are listed well in advance on the “Carolina Premium Outlet” website.
Carolina Premium Outlets
1025 Industrial Park Drive #905
Smithfield, NC 27577
912-989-8757
Additional information about Smithfield, NC and the the surrounding area can be found on the Johnson County tourism website.
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