Kathy Pearsall

About Kathy Pearsall

Posts by Kathy Pearsall:

New Bern, NC

I grew up in North Carolina and visited New Bern as a child. But it was my weekend visit with my sister and mom as an adult that made me appreciate all it has to offer. New Bern is a charming town with several claims to fame: it was the state’s first capital, it is the home of Tryon Palace, and it is the birthplace of Pepsi. It is also a waterfront town, situated where the Trent and Neuse rivers meet, and its trees drip with moss. Downtown New Bern is quaint, pedestrian friendly, vibrant, and full of history.

Here is a great itinerary for a fun-filled, two-day trip:

Day 1:

We started the fun by checking into the Courtyard by Marriott New Bern, on the water in the downtown historic district. It’s a great location, within walking distance to Union Point Park. The park is super popular, touching both the Neuse and Trent Rivers. You can walk the boardwalk along the waterfront, have a picnic in the grassy areas, or sit under the gazebo at the end of the pier and enjoy the water views.

Mom, sister, and I at the Courtyard by Marriott New Bern, N.C. Riverfront!

We toured Tryon Palace our first day. Tryon Palace is the first, colonial, capitol of North Carolina, built in 1770 by Governor William Tryon. We booked our tour for 12:30, as reservations are required. We got there in time to enjoy lunch before the tour at the U.S History center, which also has a great café overlooking the water. You can check in for your tour at the U.S. History Center, buy some souvenirs, and have lunch. It’s a short walk to the gates of Tryon Palace.

Tryon Palace

Mom, sister, and I starting our tour at Tryon Palace.

Sunflowers were in season in the gardens of Tryon Palace.

Beautiful walkway in the gardens of Tryon Palace.

Gardens of Tryon Palace

This is a delightful guided tour. Costumed docents talk about the palace and its fascinating history, and demonstrate many of the domestic arts of the colonial period, when literally everything was handmade. It makes you appreciate hot running water, electricity, and your favorite boutique. The tour itself takes about an hour, and then we walked around the palace’s several gardens, which was my favorite part. The sunflowers were in season when we were there! We rounded out the afternoon walking around the downtown, taking in the great shops, bars and restaurants.

We finished the day off with dinner at Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant, which is next door to the Courtyard by Marriott New Bern, so easy walking distance. They offer indoor and outdoor seating in a lovely casual setting.

Day 2:

We started the morning with breakfast at Bakers Kitchen Restaurant and Bakery, on Middle Street in downtown. It’s a locals (and visitors’) favorite. You can have breakfast all day (until 2:30 when they close). We got there early to avoid the weekend crowd, but It’s well worth the wait if you choose to sleep in a little. And be sure to get a pastry to go. After breakfast, we took the trolley tour, which is 1 and ½ hours long. We enjoyed learning more about New Bern’s history, which includes fascinating stories from Colonial days, the Civil War, and into the 20^th century. (New Bern has its share of ghost stories, too.) One of the best things about the tour, though, is the chance to see all the lovely historic homes, many that face the riverfront.

After the tour we spent some time in the Pepsi Museum. You can have a Pepsi and fresh popped popcorn, shop unique Pepsi collectibles, tees and memorabilia, and learn all about the beginnings of one of America’s favorite soft drink companies.

Check out the Pepsi truck from 1920! Such a great stop in New Bern! You don’t want to miss it.

Another wonderful place to stay while in New Bern is the Doubletree By Hilton Hotel New Bern Riverfront, offering marina views overlooking the Trent River. Riverfront rooms feature private balconies, an outdoor pool, and signature warm chocolate chip cookies when you arrive. The Trolley Tour picks up at their front door.

Our trip to New Bern was relaxing, casual and fun. We hope to get back and check out a few other restaurants and shops, and maybe take in a ghost tour in the fall. Have you been?

Travel Tips:

Buy your tickets to Tryon Palace in advance online. Tour hours are Monday – Saturday 10:a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday Noon – 5:00 p.m.

The Trolley Tour does not operate in January and February. (We were there in July). Your hotel can help you get that set up when you check in.

Book your stay to New Bern:

Courtyard by Marriott New Bern

Doubletree by Hilton Hotel New Bern Riverfront

Best things to do in downtown Wilmington, N.C.

Southern US, Travel Tips, US

I’m a big fan of Wilmington, N.C. I attended college there and fell in love. Not hard to do considering my love of the beach. Now my husband and I visit downtown Wilmington often, which is located on the Cape Fear River. The downtown waterfront boasts a lovely pedestrian-friendly Riverwalk full of shops, outdoor cafes, rooftop bars, and the Port City Marina. If you are flying into Wilmington International Airport (ILM), it’s only about an 8 minute drive to get to downtown. Once you arrive in downtown Wilmington, you can walk everywhere. There are so many things to do, see, eat, and great places to stay! Here’s just a few of my favorites.

What to do:

Walk the Riverwalk – a great start to any morning is to stroll along the Riverwalk. It’s the city’s #1 tourist attraction and has been extended in recent years to nearly 2 miles of scenic walkway. You will find art galleries, tours,bars,shopping, and plenty of great eats. If you are there at Christmas time, be sure to get a photo in front of the outdoor Christmas tree!

What to eat:

We start our day with a breakfast bagel/sandwich at Bagels on Pointe Downtown, formerly known as Tugboat Tony’s Bagel Café located at 106 N. Water Street. It’s a family owned café on the riverfront downtown. We grab a coffee and sandwich and start our walk.

The Copper Penny is our go-to location always. Great affordable food in a relaxed setting with nightly food and drink specials located at 109 Chestnut Street, downtown Wilmington. They have also been featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Front Street Brewery located two blocks from the riverfront is another one of our go to places. It has been downtown since 1995. Great food, craft beer, and on the list of best bourbon bars in America for 2022. Be sure to try the featured bourbon flight of 3 half pours for the bourbons of the month!

Ice cream at Kilwins – A visit to downtown Wilmington would not be complete without a stop for ice cream at Kilwin’s Ice Cream and Candy Store located on 16 Market Street downtown Wilmington. They make fudge, chocolate, and waffle cones in house. The aroma will entice your senses the minute you walk in!

Where to stay:

The NEW Aloft Wilmington Hotel at Coastline Center has become our most recent favorite place to stay. Opening in November 2021, as a boutique hotel in the Marriott Chain. It’s the perfect location to walk everywhere downtown. Be sure to visit the open air rooftop with with view, appropriately named, aView, featuring tapas and shareable plates.

Good friends and good times at Aloft Wilmington Hotel at Coastline Center

Try the Purple Heart drink – a lovely combination of shimmery pomegranate juice, lime juice, elderflower liqueur, Ketel One vodka, and dry ice!

Just down from the Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center, is the Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront. It is located next to the Convention Center. A great location and property with or without a convention overlooking the Cape Fear River and the Battleship North Carolina. They also boast amazing views of the Cape River at their 9th Floor Rooftop bar, Cloud 9. It’s a covered but open rooftop bar, so hours are seasonal and based on weather. It’s a must-do item when in town.

We have also stayed many times at The Courtyard by Marriott Downtown/Historic District located at the corner of Grace and Second Streets. As a matter of fact, staying here is how we “discovered” The Copper Penny. We walked out the back door to the hotel and around the block, and we arrived at the Copper Penny!

Across the block from the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown/Historic District is the Hampton Inn Downtown Wilmington at 225 Grace Street. This is another prime location for walking and exploring the Riverfront.

There are so many great places to stay, restaurants to enjoy, and things to do in downtown Wilmington. You’ll need to keep going back, like we do.

What are you waiting for?

Must-have tailgating supplies for game day

Gifts, Sports

Fall is my favorite time of the year. With that comes cool weather, everything pumpkin, fire pits, football and TAILGATING.

During COVID we learned how to tailgate at home, or “home gating.” Either way, I tend to enjoy “snacking” even more than football. What matters with tailgating is getting your friends and family together to hang out and enjoy some good fellowship. If I am not traveling, there is no place I’d rather be than home having fun with friends and family.

Are you a college sports fan? Or NFL sports fan? You can find anything you need for any sports fan at Fanatics. Fanatics is the “world’s largest collection of officially licensed fan gear from all the leagues, teams and players you love.” I married into a Pittsburgh Steelers family, so of course we are all things from the Burgh. We follow college football, too.

These are few of my favorite must-have tailgating essentials:

A canopy tent with your team logo sets the tone for getting your tailgating party started. You’ll have shade and a gathering spot. Something about a tent with a team logo just draws people over even if it is in your backyard.

You’ll need some tables and chairs.

You’ll need some nice grill tongs, a grill glove, and apron. Can’t have a tailgate party without some kind of grilling.

Tailgate cups for the gang. You can get a pack of 16.

And plenty of your favorite team apparel – t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and socks from your favorite team.

If you really want to show your team spirit, you can get a fire pit with your team logo. These are pretty cool looking. Have you tried the smokeless portable fire pits? They really do create less smoke.

Blankets and throws. You can never have too many sports team blankets and throws!

You are going to need some fun games, like cornhole, ring toss, darts, or yard dice.

Can you ever have too many coolers? Nope. Check out this Florida Gators Collapsible 3- in- 1 Cooler. You can use it as a cooler, wastebasket, or a laundry hamper! Look for these in your team’s colors.

Don’t forget your garden flag. Gotta let the neighbors know where you stand on the important things.

I have teamed up with FANATICS to connect my readers with the best tailgating essentials and fan gear out there. I receive a small commission from these products if you make a purchase from these links. These links are at no additional cost to you. Happy Tailgating! Go Steelers.