Art 105 Studios is open to the public and the artists have working studios. The studio offers…read moreclasses as well as offering art work for sale. A variety of artwork can be seen here from oils to acrylics to acrylic pours to mixed media to pottery to watercolor to photography. The studio is a great place to see all the creativity around us and support some local artists.

This is a really interesting thing to take a look at. I think I recommend looking at it both…read morebefore, and after, going to the near-by interpretive center. This lets you see what the ironclads would have looked like when they were all together. It's a really interesting thing to see, but the real history is in the building next door.

If you are in Kinston on a Saturday, make sure to stop by and walk around this massive boat. They…read morebuilt the replica to the design of the original so it is really neat to walk around and feel like what it was like to live and work on the boat. The volunteers can answer your questions and provide extra tidbits. The CCC Neuse II is open on Saturdays from 10am to 4pm as it is run by volunteers. There is no cost to view the replica boat though but they do appreciate donations. There is a large parking lot across the street from the replica. This attraction does require walking up stairs to get to the second level. Then other stairs to go below deck.

As I've seen a few Confederate things here and there lately including Beauvior (Jefferson Davis's…read moreretreat) in Biloxi https://www.yelp.com/biz/beauvoir-the-jefferson-davis-home-and-presidential-library-biloxi?hrid=BWsZt2A-u_ExRjKPtx8scQ and the Confederate Memorial Hall in New Orleans https://www.yelp.com/biz/confederate-memorial-hall-museum-new-orleans?hrid=8Yw80LszilMVhINuwhjdkw this was an interesting addition to the story of the Confederacy. You might not have known that the CSA had a brown water navy but they did. The Neuse (and two other ironclad ships) defended the rivers of the South from Union ships. The display here starts off with a ten to fifteen minute movie that tells the tale of the Neuse. And to be honest, if they hadn't hit a sandbar on the way to the battle of New Bern, they might have been able to have some affect on the Civil War. After the movie, you'll get to see what remains of this ship. And the first time i saw it, I was impressed with the size. I had no idea that it was this large! While all that remains is the below-the-waterline pieces, it is surrounded by memorabilia that tells the tale of the Southern side of the Civil War as well as what life was like on board the ship. Quite interesting and well worth the $5 entry fee. [Review 15477 overall, 981 of 2021, number 3020 in North Carolina.]

If you're interested in the history of the Lenoir county area - and especially the Civil War, this…read moreis a must see. Very interesting museum focusing on the history of Kinston area in the Civil War, with the CSS Neuse as the center piece. The relic of the old CSS Neuse is very interesting, but the museum is about more than the ship. Overall the museum has done a great job of making the history interesting and coming alive.

Antiques, antiques, antiques. It's not my thing, but some folks like it. This old tobacco warehouse…read moreis now an antique store, and my buddy wanted to stop by today and take a look-see at their antique farm equipment. They have a little bit of everything in this massive warehouse - old books and records, antique china and dinnerware, and the such-like. Like I said, it's not my thing, but it might be yours. According to the sign, they're only open on Saturday, so plan accordingly.

It was a bit of drive and the front wasn't very alluring with a few old cutouts to take pictures…read moreof, but the staff was very friendly, the prices very rea, and the mums were gorgeous (only yellow)! Also check out the hertiage pumpkins and gourds. They were so unique and perfect for decorating your porch. If you have kiddos, the pillow jump is fun, the shade kind of sits low (hits your head if you're tall) but at least there's shade. Watch out for the ants, they're in the sand box and by the fence if you want to look at the goats. Definitely get a mining bag. They have a fun water tower to sift your dirt and find some fun gems. I'd skip the ice cream shop but take a look at the flowers and the pumpkins. Bought both of those and they didn't break the bank. The corn maze should be open by now so that's probably fun. The place wasn't too busy and luckily not too hot. They have two restrooms available and plenty of parking.

We came by on a Sunday morning right when they opened at 10 with our 1 year old and bounced around…read morethis little farm (but like actually bounced... on the huge in ground inflatable jumper, $5 per kid, parents jump for free). There were two goats, plants for sale, and veggies/fruit for sale as well as homemade ice cream. They do strawberry picking in the summer and pumpkin picking in the fall. Worth checking out if you're in the area!

The Casewell No 1 Fire Station Museum is open on Saturdays in Downtown Kinston. It is run by…read morevolunteers. It is a small museum but full of history for the fire truck to various hoses and nozzles to safety gear. It is a neat museum to check out the history of firefighting and see how it has changed and improved over the years.

I LOVED THIS PLACE! Great historical significance to Kinston and amazing hospitality displayed by…read moreMr. Basden, whom took the time to talk not only about the Kinston Fire Department but also local attractions. Being an emergency services worker from the West Coast, we were able to share stories and interest as well as learn from one another's experiences in the fire service. I would highly recommend this museum to anyone in town and I'll definitely be back to share more stories and contribute to the brotherhood that is the fire service.

This was absolutely the most amazing museum I have ever been to. It's vast and expensive and the…read moremuseum itself was fascinating. We were there for four hours and did not get to see everything so good reason to go back five star experience.

Located in the almost empty Vernon Park Mall. It's the only place left where you can get a soft…read moredrink and a snack. It also has a variety of Christian books and church supplies, such as Sunday School and (in season) Vacation Bible School materials. It;s not a heavily stocked as a Lifeway Store would be, but had a moderately good selection. I found a Christian themed tee shirt that was 1/2 price that I purchased for a friend. The ladies operating the business were polite.