Grifton

The charming town of Grifton is situated on the banks of the historic Contentnea Creek in southern Pitt County between Greenville and Kinston in neighboring Lenoir County. Grifton prides itself on its history and love of the great outdoors! 

In April Grifton hosts the long-running annual Shad Festival to celebrate the running of the shad up the creek to spawn signalling the return of spring. Learn more about the natural history of the Eastern NC region, kayak on the ponds, and visit the observatory to stargaze at the 400 acre NC Museum of Natural Sciences at A Time for Science’s Grifton Nature Campus. 

In the fall, the town pays homage to the history and heritage of our area during the two-day John Lawson Legacy Days festival honoring the English explorer who was the first to survey and publish a book documenting the geography, flora, and fauna of entire state of North Carolina in 1709, and who ultimately captured and killed near Grifton in 1711 during the Tuscarora War between the colonists and area tribes. More about the history of the area can be found throughout the year at the Grifton Historical Museum & Catechna Indian Village overlooking the banks of Contentnea Creek.

When visiting Grifton, be sure to enjoy one of the area eateries, such local favorite Yoder’s Dutch Pantry for a delicious breakfast and baked treats, and more!