Road trip, anyone? Away football game and we decided to pack up and go! Greenville, NC, here we come...in 15 hours. Cue the "Are we there yets!" Wait, we left the kids so just us to struggle with our back and leg pains from the drive...haha!!
"Jeeves" drove us the whole way it was a pretty and uneventful drive. We were looking to see the leaves change for the fall season that is nonexistent at home. Well, looks like it was too early for that this trip :( It wasn't too early for some nice sights though. Although New Bern, NC was hit by Hurricane Florence about a month ago, they said they were open for business so we headed over. What a gorgeous town!
The town has a ton of bears that were donated to them from their sister city in New Bern. Bern means bear so what more of a fitting mascot for the town. Each is painted uniquely to the area that it is placed in. I wish I had the Flag Bearer.
We visited the Pepsi museum. My favorite source of caffeine, Pepsi! Pepsi was born in New Bern. Disappointing they demolished the first Pepsi plant so the museum had to do.
We decided it was be easiest to learn about New Bern with a guide so we hopped on the trolley for about a 2 hour tour. It was very interesting and informative. The trolley didn't go to some usual spots so we went in our car later. It was so sad to see the destruction from Hrricane Florence. They had done a lot of cleanup already but still so much to do and so much loss! It hurt your heart :(
I wish we had time to visit Tryon Palace but that will have to be on the next trip. I also hope one day to meet Nocholas Sparks who writes about New Bern and sparked my interest to visit there. We missed him by 3 days for his new book signing. One day!
We ate at a wonderful bakery for lunch! Baker's Kitchen Restaurant & Kitchen.If you are looking for some good country food....go here! Yumminess! If you see the baked goods you want upon entering...scoop then up...they go quickly!
After lunch we headed to Mitchell's Hardware it was a hardware store and so much more. Love small town, country stores. They have the neatest things you absolutely need ;) Check it out if you are ever in New Bern.
I learned that cotton is grown in NC. How did I not know this? I don't think I have seen it growing since I was in the 3rd grade so it was really cool to see it and to see it bundled in big "marshmallows".
Now that we got our tourist fix on...off to the UCF football game for another victory! 20-0...Undefeated!
Until next time, New Bern!
Our crew
Birthplace of Pepsi
National Champions love Pepsi
We wanted to see the leaves changing for fall. This was about what we got but we will take it with the beautiful weather.
The original USA flag
So pretty
Our trolley
We learned these tables are over graves so family can come after church to gather and eat with their loved ones. I think I would pass on this.
Such pretty homes
Loved this house and the curved windows.
See the bear coming out at the top?
Such a pretty church.
Handpainted...not stained glass.
Just one example of the hurricane destruction.
Tryon Palace
"Marshmallows"
We had a "cotton pickin" good time.
Maybe my team will be headed to the Cotton Bowl?
