Eastern North Carolina barbecue is perfection. Is your mouth watering yet?

Let me begin by saying I love North Carolina barbecue. I mean, I really, really love it. I grew up on this pork perfection (don’t even get me started that some actually think beef) all the way from my small hometown near Tampa, Florida. Every summer when my family would travel to see grandparents, aunts and uncles to Goldsboro, Wilson and family reunions, I would overindulge on this delicacy of Eastern Carolina. Recently, I took a road trip down the street and up north in search of the best barbecue.

Cue Quest #1 – New Bern

We have a fantastic option right here in our hometown with Smithfield’s Chicken ‘n BBQ. Since the focus of this story is of swine origin, I passed on the chicken and went straight for the pork sandwich and fries. I was pleasantly surprised at just how good this sandwich was, and the coleslaw on top made for another reason for a return visit, soon and often. Perfection score: 7, however the convenience factor gives it a bonus half point to total 7.5.

Cue Quest #2 – Ayden

If you have yet to visit this charming town just 35 miles from West New Bern, add it to your to-do list. Ayden has been called the “Capital of ‘Cue,” and it is home to Skylight Inn Barbecue, run by founder Pete Jones’ grandson, Sam Jones. Once you arrive (you will know you are in the right place if you see the replica of the U.S. Capitol building on the roof), go ahead and order the large plate, as it is only a dollar more than the small serving. Perfection score: 7.5, plus an extra point for being a restaurant where five generations of the same family have worked; total of 8.5.

Cue Quest #3 – Greenville

I had to include Parker’s Barbecue on this list, as it is what I grew up on when visiting the original location in Wilson as a youngster. Greenville, just 40 miles up the road from West New Bern, is home to three stores, so you can enjoy a satisfying meal no matter what part of town you live in or coming from. Whether you decide on the small or large plate (seriously, get the large plate), hushpuppies and coleslaw are included, along with two more sides. Perfection score: 9.5, due to overall yumminess of the ‘cue and the hushpuppies.

All three establishments are worth the calories and the miles. However, I am not done yet. So many more barbecue restaurants to try!

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A Whirlwind of Creativity

The Whirligig Park in Wilson is one of the coolest outdoor places I have ever seen!

“You must go experience the Whirligig Park.” The whirly what? Everywhere I stopped, a friendly local told me it was on the must-see list in Wilson. So off I went. It’s a tad hard to put into words, so let me start by saying the locals were right. Colorful iron and steel structures (I think there are 30 of them) tower above you. For those of you over 50, think part Wheel-O, part pinwheel meets iron sculpture. The park was born from Vollis Simpson’s creativity when he began making metal sculptures from old equipment pieces on his farm. When Simpson could no longer maintain the pieces, the community rallied to establish the park for all to enjoy. Read more about this amazing initiative here.

Gardens Galore and More

Wilson has several outdoor sights for the young and young-at-heart beyond the ‘Gig. Whether you want to take the family out for a picnic, go fishing or hike trails, Wilson has it. One place I had heard about was the Wilson Rose Garden. Thank goodness I had the opportunity to see the beauties in bloom, as the season is nearing its end. The garden is a spectacular display of over a thousand rose bushes in breathtaking colors. It is beauty in its purest form!

Dine Before Dash

In my opinion, Carolina’s best barbecue can be found at Parker’s.

Before I could end the day in Wilson, there was an important stop to make. You have read before how much I love Parker’s Barbecue, so there was no way I would miss the opportunity to indulge at the original location. I went early enough to avoid the crowd, so I got right in. Trust me, the line can get very long, yet it is worth the wait.

Now that I had my fill of delicious barbecue, it was time to head back to New Bern. It was perfect to see Wilson still possesses the charm and friendliness I remembered. Only now, it’s even better!

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Walton’s Distillery includes a fantastic gift shop for unique finds.

Red in the Face

Walton’s Distillery makes moonshine, whiskey and bourbon. It is a working, small-batch facility with mashing, fermentation, distillation and bottling of spirits. Daily tours (except Sunday) showcase the process and experience of seeing a functioning moonshine still. Better yet, the owners have incorporated practices from generations of local makers and married it with techniques used by modern American distilleries. During my tour, I drummed up the courage to try Junior Walton’s Authentic Carolina Moonshine. Suffice it to say, I will not soon forget that taste. Or my red face. The whiskey is pretty good, though!

Delicious Bites

I needed some nourishment before setting out on my next stop.  I asked the folks at Walton’s for a lunch spot recommendation. The Kettle Diner (c’mon, that is a classic name) did not disappoint, as the ambiance was pure old-fashioned diner. I indulged in the Kettle Melt, smothered in mushrooms and provolone. I love that they have daily fruit offerings in addition to their daily soups. Pure Americana.

Blue is for Freedom

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial includes a listing of all fallen service members.

The Lejeune Memorial Gardens was the perfect way to spend this sunny afternoon. These gardens are a striking example of the beauty of patriotism. It served as a reminder of the amazing freedoms we have because of the men and women who serve our country. There are several amazing monuments, with two having a resounding effect on me. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is dedicated to those who served during the Vietnam War. The memorial is second in size only to the national Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., and it is one of only a few that lists all the names of the fallen. The other monument is an actual remainder piece of the September 11 tragedy. The 9/11 Memorial Beam from the World Trade Center instantly takes you to the day that forever changed American history.

It was time to head back to New Bern. Like the other cities and towns I have visited nearby, Jacksonville is a wonderful place to experience America at its best!

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