New Bern, North Carolina

New Bern, North Carolina

During our trip to N.C., we visited New Bern; this was a 40 minute drive from Atlantic Beach.

When we got to New Bern we planned on visiting three destinations; Tyron Palace, The birthplace of Pepsi, and the New Bern Fireman’s Museum, and leaving more time for more if we found anything.

Tryon Palace was the governor house for N.C. Built between 1767 and 1770. During 1798, a fire destroyed the palace, includes the palace.  It was rebuilt 150 years later on the same site. A tour on the Palace, includes the palace, the kitchen (great cooking demonstrations), also the Stanley House, Dixon House and the Hay House. I highly recommend visiting the Palace.

In the N.C. History Center, where you go to get your admission for the Palace, there are great activities to do, after or before the Palace. If you have children please set aside an hour to see the place and learn in the Pepsi Family Center. This experience takes you back in a virtual time machine to 1835; we were escorted back in time.  When we arrived back in 1835 we scanned our cards and were given a position and job on the “Snapdragon” ship. My job on the ship was the cook and I had to get the rats so I played a whack-a-rat game for 2 ½ minutes. My youngest son was the captain; he had to keep us on course. From there we went to The Turpentine still, then the Kitchen, and the store. The kids really enjoyed all the play. They had great and amazing staff to help you around. Please visit Tryon Palace for times and more information.

                After Tryon Palace, we visited Caleb Bradham pharmacy, where he invented Brad’s drink which was later patented as Pepsi-Cola. One half of the pharmacy is an old fashioned soda fountain where you can enjoy a Pepsi. The other half is a gift shop with everything Pepsi products. This was my oldest daughter favorite place to visit.

                A short walk away is the New Bern Fireman’s Museum. This small museum is the way New Bern has kept all there old equipment together. Where they are hoping to soon move into a larger location, the old firehouse within the next year. A great place for your little fire people.

                If you get a chance also visit the Havelock Tourism Center. They have 5 restored aircrafts from the Navy and the Marines. With lots of history from Cherry Point Marine Corps Base.

                I highly recommend visiting New Bern if you are in North Carolina. They have a little bit of everything.

Jockey Ridge State Park NC

Jockey Ridge State Park

On our recent and first trip to the Outer Banks in North Carolina.                                      

If you are in the area, make sure to stop at Jockey Ridge State Park. Here you will find naturalformed sand dunes. The day we visited Jockey Ridge, the temperature topped 95 degrees we stilled braved the dunes. You feel like you are in the desert. They are beautiful and when you reach the top of the dunes you are greeted with the beautiful views of the bay. You can look down the Outer Banks.  You can even hang glide.

Seawall Artifacts Store

Seawall Artifacts

 This store on Long Beach Island is a great place for great gifts for you, hostess gifts, wedding gifts for everyone that loves the summer and the beach.

There is jewelry, lamps, pillows, wall hanging décor, serving trays, picture frames, etc.

Give the website a check out or go to store when you visit Long Beach. Steve Fritz and his employees are very helpful in picking out great gift. Like them on Facebook to get updates on new product in the store and on line.