Best Things to Do in Eastern NC on a Rainy Day

North Carolina Maritime Museum

The museum at Beaufort is one of the best places to visit when it rains and you are in Eastern North Carolina. You will experience the area’s maritime heritage at its best. The museum has a lot of natural history and a gorgeous coastal environment.

The exhibit displays include:

• Ship equipment

• Shipwrecks

• Fish models

• Warcraft

The museum showcases different tools that were used in maritime culture. Some of this equipment was used in hunting waterfowl, harvesting oysters, and hunting venomous snakes. You will enjoy small aquariums that are set up to show the local marine life.

There are historical exhibits at the museum as well. These include information about various institutions that were established in history. They include:

• United States Life-Saving Service

• United States Lighthouse Service

• Steamboat Inspection Service

• Revenue Cutter Service

• United States Coast Guard

You can also visit the Boat Shed while at the museum. It has a collection of traditional working watercraft. While there, you can also go to the Watercraft Center. It is located across from the museum. The center repairs and conserves various types of water vessels. There are courses offered in the boat building at the center.

Restaurants

Since many visitors flock to the region, eastern North Carolina has a lot of great restaurants. Seafood is the main menu for a lot of them, but you can find different cuisines. A lot of these restaurants have amazing views to go with your meals. They overlook the water, docks, and natural beauty of North Carolina. Some of the restaurants worth mentioning include:

• The Beefmastor Inn: This is an American steakhouse in Wilson. It offers American cuisine. There is adequate seating and parking available.

• Chef and the Farmer: This is in Kinston. The restaurant uses local ingredients to create amazing menu options.

• The Hen and the Hog: This is in Halifax. The food is southern-inspired and promises a dining experience to remember.

• On the Square: This is in Tarboro. It is an intimate and quaint American bistro. The restaurant is famous for its ever-changing menu. It has seasonal options and an incredible wine list.

Eastern North Carolina is known for incredible views, great food and lots of fun. There are a lot of activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Cameron Art Museum

This museum was previously known as St. John’s Museum of Art. The Cameron Art Museum was established in 1962. It was located at the 1804 Masonic Lodge Building in downtown Wilmington. The museum was relocated to new facilities. It is now located at the intersection of Independence and 17th Streets. The relocation came with a new name. It also allowed for the exhibits to be expanded. The new facilities included a lecture and reception hall together with three exhibition areas. There is also space for a clay studio, new outdoor exhibits, and an arts education center.

When you visit the museum, you will enjoy various exciting exhibits. The displays are shown on a rotating basis since there is a lot to see. It is advised to visit the museum at different times to enjoy different displays.

Each exhibit has a contemporary and historical aspect. They are educational and very entertaining.

Noni Bacca Winery

This is obviously not a kid-friendly activity. As an adult, you are sure to enjoy it to the fullest with fellow grown-ups. If you’re looking for a more grown-up activity, the Noni Bacca Winery is perfect.

The winery is owned by Toni and Ken Incorvaia. The couple relocated to Wilmington from New York. Their families are of European descent, which influences their wine-making skills. The winery was established in 2007. It has quickly become one of Eastern North Carolina’s secret gems.

You will find about 60 different wines produced. The winery has earned more than 150 international medals, the first in 2009. You will find different kinds of wines to enjoy, including:

• Old and New World Red wine

• White wine

• Fruit wine

• Delectable Dessert Wine

Wilmington Railroad Museum

The Wilmington Railroad Museum holds a rich historical and educational value. You can visit the museum with children to get them interested in trains.

The location is family-friendly and features artifacts from regional railroads since the 1840s. You will find a lot of information about the history of the region. The museum has various exhibits. These show how the railroad system functioned from before it was established. The information is comprehensive and follows the rail, workers, and everyone that was involved.

You will find one of the best interactive model railroad layouts in North Carolina. A full-size steam locomotive, caboose, and boxcar are also in the exhibit. The exhibits are sure to interest children and anyone interested in trains.

You can visit the museum to learn more about the impact of railroads on local and national history.

Author: ENC Explorer

After getting accepted to ECU, I started looking for things to do in and around Greenville, NC. However, my searches kept taking me to places in South Carolina! There must be things to do around ECU, so I started asking other students. They kept telling me to graduate and move away! This inspired me to begin exploring eastern North Carolina and build this website as a showcase of the places to go, sights to see, and things to do all over eastern NC. I have fallen in love with this region and started taking up roots here. After graduating, I didn't move away - I bought a house here and continue to explore eastern North Carolina.