The Renston Homestead is located in southern Pitt County in the heart of a thriving farm community. This farm is included in 1600 acres of the Renston community that is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The McLawhorn family began farming the Renston Homestead in the early 1900s. At this time, tobacco, corn, soybeans, and cotton were the prevalent crops. The sharecroppers and tenants that lived here experienced a simple life that evolved around farming. The pack house, wash house, commissary, and outdoor icehouse that were used in this era are still standing.

From the 1950s to the 1990s, the McLawhorns were involved in the dairy business, egg production, and beef cattle industry. The farm quickly became one of the largest dairy and egg productions facilities in eastern NC. The milking parlor, silos, feedlots, egg grading and storage facilities are still a novelty to many visitors.

A commercial herd of 60 Black angus cattle still roams the farm. When visiting the farm, chances are a cow will greet visitors with a baby calf tagging along.

In 2000, Steve McLawhorn and Mike Skinner began farming strawberries and produce at the Renston Homestead. They currently cultivate over 25 different varieties of fruit and vegetables, along with several varieties of cut flowers and plants.  The fruits of their labor are available to consumers at the roadside stand at Renston Homestead, and at the Pitt County Farmer's Market on Saturdays and Sundays during open season.