Best bets

'Tombs' about to close

Forget walking like an Egyptian, you might want to run. The 'Temples and Tombs' exhibit at the N.C. Museum of Art ends Sunday. The exhibit includes a guide geared toward families that points out objects from ancient Egypt and makes connections with modern objects used today. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $8 for students and seniors. Children 6 and younger are admitted free. Strollers are not permitted. It's best to get tickets in advance. 715-5923 or go to www.ncartmuseum.org.

Sounds of Smithfield

Some folks have other things in mind when they talk about "afternoon delight." But we're not talking about that. So get your mind out of the gutter, and consider the lunchtime appearance of the North Carolina String Trio in Smithfield's First Presbyterian Church. The show is part of the Johnston County Arts Council Music for the Lunch Bunch series of summer concerts every Wednesday at 12:15 pm. Free, but donations accepted. 215 S. Third St., 934-0988.

Enter the dragonflies

We've just learned some disturbing news. Dragonflies are carnivores. That's it for us and dragonflies. But if you would like to learn more about identifying them, get your bug spray and hiking boots ready (and watch your back!) and head to William B. Umstead State Park. The event starts at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Visitors Center, 8801 Glenwood Ave., and lasts between an hour and 90 minutes. Bring binoculars and hiking shoes or boots. Reservations are required, so call the park at 571-4170.