Grantsboro North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Grantsboro, North Carolina.
1. Pamlico County History Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Pamlico County History Museum is rich with exhibits showcasing the area's history from early Native Americans to the fishermen and farmers who earned their living on the land and water. Visitors can explore artifacts and displays that tell the story of Pamlico County's development through the years. The museum provides an educational experience for history enthusiasts of all ages.
2. Pamlico Co Heritage Center
CULTURAL HISTORY HUB
Pamlico Co Heritage Center offers visitors a chance to study exhibits that highlight the cultural heritage of the region. The center showcases the rich history of Pamlico County through various displays and artifacts. Guests can immerse themselves in the stories and traditions that have shaped this coastal Carolina community.
3. Pamlico Packing Company
FRESH SEAFOOD MARKET
Pamlico Packing Company is a local seafood market where visitors can purchase fresh catches from the nearby waters. The market specializes in locally sourced seafood including shrimp sized by count per pound. This establishment offers a taste of authentic coastal Carolina cuisine with products harvested from the surrounding waterways.
4. County Opry
LIVE MUSIC VENUE
County Opry presents live performances and theater experiences for locals and visitors to Grantsboro. The venue hosts musical shows that celebrate the regional culture and artistic traditions. Audiences can enjoy entertainment in an intimate setting that showcases local talent and touring performers.
5. Kennel Beach
RELAXING SHORELINE RETREAT
Kennel Beach offers visitors a chance to enjoy a lazy afternoon along the shoreline near Grantsboro. The beach provides a peaceful setting for relaxation, swimming, and taking in coastal views. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the unspoiled beauty of this local waterfront destination.
6. Tryon Palace
HISTORIC GOVERNOR'S MANSION
Tryon Palace was the first permanent capitol of North Carolina and home to the royal governor William Tryon. The meticulously restored palace and gardens transport visitors back to the colonial period with period furnishings and costumed interpreters. This living history museum offers tours, educational programs, and seasonal events that bring North Carolina's colonial past to life.
7. North Carolina History Center
INTERACTIVE HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE
The North Carolina History Center at Tryon Palace offers interactive exhibits that tell the story of North Carolina's coastal region. Visitors can explore the state's rich history through multimedia presentations, artifacts, and hands-on activities. The center serves as a gateway to understanding the cultural and natural heritage of eastern North Carolina.
8. New Bern Firemen's Museum
FIREFIGHTING HERITAGE DISPLAY
The New Bern Firemen's Museum preserves the history of firefighting in one of America's oldest communities with a fire department. The museum houses vintage equipment, including the 1928 American LaFrance fire truck and the famous fire horse Fred, who served the city for 17 years. Visitors can learn about the Great Fire of 1922 that destroyed over 1,000 buildings in New Bern and the brave firefighters who battled it.
9. Aurora Fossil Museum
PREHISTORIC TREASURE TROVE
The Aurora Fossil Museum showcases an impressive collection of fossils from the Miocene and Pliocene epochs, many found in the nearby phosphate mine. Visitors can dig through fossil material in the museum's outdoor fossil pits to find their own prehistoric treasures including shark teeth and marine fossils. The museum offers educational programs and exhibits that explore the ancient history of coastal North Carolina when the area was submerged beneath a shallow sea.
10. Pepsi Museum
BIRTHPLACE OF PEPSI-COLA
The Pepsi Museum is located at the site where pharmacist Caleb Bradham first created the popular soft drink in 1898. Visitors can see the recreated pharmacy where Pepsi was invented and browse through memorabilia spanning the company's history. The museum also features a gift shop where guests can purchase unique Pepsi merchandise and enjoy a fountain drink at the source of the global beverage phenomenon.
11. Union Point Park
SCENIC WATERFRONT RECREATION
Union Point Park offers beautiful views where the Neuse and Trent Rivers meet in downtown New Bern. The waterfront park features a gazebo, playground, picnic areas, and a fishing pier for visitors to enjoy. Events are frequently held in this scenic location, making it a community gathering spot and tourist destination throughout the year.
12. Croatan National Forest
NATURAL WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
Croatan National Forest encompasses over 160,000 acres of diverse ecosystems including saltwater estuaries, bogs, and pine forests. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing throughout the forest's extensive trail system. The forest is home to rare carnivorous plants like the Venus flytrap and pitcher plant, making it a unique destination for nature lovers.
13. New Bern Grand Marina
PREMIER BOATING DESTINATION
New Bern Grand Marina provides a premier docking facility for boaters traveling along the Intracoastal Waterway. The marina offers full-service amenities including fuel, power, water, and convenient access to downtown New Bern. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the waterfront and easy access to shops, restaurants, and attractions in the historic district.
14. New Bern Riverfront Convention Center
WATERSIDE EVENT VENUE
The New Bern Riverfront Convention Center hosts conferences, exhibitions, weddings, and special events with picturesque views of the Trent River. The modern facility offers over 45,000 square feet of flexible event space for gatherings of all sizes. Visitors attending events at the center can appreciate its convenient downtown location and proximity to hotels, restaurants, and historic attractions.
15. Pamlico Sound
COASTAL AQUATIC PLAYGROUND
Pamlico Sound is one of the largest lagoons on the East Coast, offering excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and watersports. The vast estuary is protected by the Outer Banks, creating calm waters ideal for kayaking, sailing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can observe diverse marine life and birds while experiencing the natural beauty that has shaped the culture and economy of coastal North Carolina.