Yes, I drove an hour round trip to take a picture of a sign but this one is special. It denotes the…read moretime that the United States bombed North Carolina, nearly a hundred years after the end of the Civil War. The marker reads, "Nuclear Mishap. B-52 transporting two nuclear bombs crashed, Jan. 1961. Widespread disaster averted; three crewmen died 3 miles south." Okay, all kidding aside. Three Air Force crew died and in the process, prevented what would have been an unspeakable tragedy. It is a serious matter. During the height of the Cold War, the United States had a policy of keeping armed aircraft in the air at all times in the event of a conflict. Nuclear deterrence and all that. Well, this B-52G Stratofortress took some structural damage during an air refueling and while preparing to land at nearby Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, it experienced a major failure of the right wing. The plane broke up and exploded at 8000 feet. "As a result of the breakup of the plane, two MK39 nuclear weapons were released at a height of between 10,000 and 2,000 feet. Seven of eight arming, fusing, and firing switches and devices in one bomb automatically actuated. Only a crew-controlled switch prevented a nuclear detonation. Since its parachute deployed, one bomb had only minor damage when it fell about a mile from the crash site. The second bomb fell free, without its parachute deploying, and broke apart on impact." "Components of the bomb were sought for several weeks. The decision was made to leave remaining portions of the weapon containing uranium, believed to have entered the water table, in the ground. As a precaution, the government purchased part of the site and still maintains an easement in order to prevent digging in the vicinity. Periodic groundwater tests, still conducted by the state, have revealed no contamination." As the sign mentions, the actual crash is three miles away and the grounds are secured. Here in downtown Eureka, there isn't much. A small sandwich shop is near the sign if you're hungry. [Review 15486 overall, 990 of 2021, number 3029 in North Carolina.]

The TM-61C was the second version of the surface-to-surface U.S. Air Force Matador cruise missile…read more Built by Martin, it carried a nuclear warhead, flew at subsonic speeds at an altitude of up to 13 kilometers (8 miles), and had a range of 1,000 kilometers (620 miles). After being boosted during its launch by a short-firing solid-fuel rocket engine, a jet engine then powered the missile the rest of the way to the target. Ground-based microwave emitters assisted the missile in finding its target. The TM-61C was deployed at various sites in Europe and Asia from 1957 to 1962 and was replaced by the more advanced Mace cruise missile. Now sitting in the parking lot of a church the location used to be a local airport (Big Daddy's Airport) and was originally painted red and used as signage for the first location of the Big Daddy's restaurant chain. There is no caption near the missile, which is completely approachable. I was unable to discern how this obsolete nuclear warhead came to be here. [Review 15488 overall, 992 of 2021, number 3031 in North Carolina.]

Located on the Neuse and Little Rivers this nonprofit historic park is located on the site of the…read moreformer town of Waynesborough, the original seat of Wayne County from 1787 until 1847. Run by the Old Waynesborough Commission. The park consists of a village featuring nine historic buildings brought from across the county. These buildings, including a school, lawyer's office, and Quaker meeting house, date from the 1860's to the 1920s. The Visitors Center is open on weekends only. 9-5 Friday and Saturday 1-5 on Sundays. In addition to the village there are 150 acres along the Neuse and Little Rivers with over four miles of walking trails through open spaces, forest, and cypress swamp. This area is also on the NC Birding Trail. There is a family cemetery from the 1800s accessible by walking trail. Facilities are available for weddings, reunions, and other special events. Popular area for photo shoots. The hiking trails, especially bridges need repair and maintenance desperately to be safe. While there are trash cans, much more trash is littering the grounds.

For just $2 you can have a guided tour from a seasoned employee. Leigh Strickland did an excellent…read morejob giving us the history of this site and the buildings, which are locked unless you are on a guided tour. To visit the Site and Visitors' Center is free of charge. The Center has rest rooms, a chronological display of exhibits from Governor Aycock's boyhood and political and law careers. His greatest accomplishment was his agenda for universal (free public) education for all--African Americans and Whites, despite having run on a platform of white supremacy. A new school house was built in NC for every day he was in office! There is also a dated film available for free viewing on demand in the visitors center. Outside visitors can enjoy a picnic shelter, looking into building windows, visiting with sheep and chickens, and touring the cemetery. We will return when a special event is taking place to see volunteers reenacting life on the farm.

I saw a historical marker sign for The Governor Charles B. Aycock Birthplace on my way to be…read morevaccinated so I decided to stop on the drive home as this seemed like a museum off the beaten path. I had no idea what to expect when I arrived at a long dirt driveway. But when I arrived there was a museum inside and quite impressive. A video was offered with an introduction about Governor Aycock. I had no idea who he was or what he accomplished. The exhibits were great and more than I expected. Governor Aycock valued public education and opened over 4000 schools in the state one for everyday he was in office including Sundays. White Supremacy is sugar coated and I do hope that more is done to address the ugly history of the state. I did not get an opportunity to explore the buildings outside but will be returning to check out the one room schoolhouse, barn and stables. On my return I will be better educated on Governor Aycock.

Levi Wise was absolutely amazing in the situation i needed help with last week. He was very…read moreprofessional and friendly. Amazing officer you guys have,

Cliffs of the Neuse State Park is located in Seven Springs, NC. The park is named for the 90-foot…read morecliffs that overlook the Neuse River. I first stopped at the Visitor Center. I like visiting these as they are like a little museum in each state park. This visitor center was very interactive and had bright colors with the storyboards. I like that they covered the local ecology, the history of the river and also how we can help make better choices to keep the water safe. In the lobby, there are some taxidermies; you will see a black bear, an owl, a fox and a bobcat that lived in the area. When the fault formed, the water created the cliffs. The cliffs are unique in the layers formed. The white and yellow layers of sand and gravel are remnants of ancient beaches. The Atlantic Ocean once covered the area. Then the dark gray and black layers were made of clay likely deposited by ancient marshes. Between these layers are marine life, seashells, shale, and gravel. These got left behind as the sea levels rose and fell. These formations are 90 feet high and 200 feet underground. Native Americans gathered here, the Tuscarora and Saponi tribes. The river acted as a transportation route and a source of food. They used canoes to go from the coast to the inland forest. The high ground served as a lookout point, allowing them to see anyone approaching. They hunted deer and turkey. The museum has stone tools and other artifacts that were found in the area. During the Civil War, in the Battle of Whitehall (now Seven Springs), the Union soldiers used the higher ground to fight the Confederates. The Confederates were building an ironclad ship (the CSS Neuse). They thought being upriver would keep them safe from the Union ships. They had hoped to retake New Bern with it. The ship survived the battle with only minor damage and was moved to Kinston to have an engine and heavy iron armor added. (The ship can be seen at the CSS Interpretive Museum in Kinston, NC) I liked the phones available for a glimpse into the past from people who were part of the park, and the viewer glasses. The building is air-conditioned, and restrooms are available. There is a small gift shop too. The staff were friendly as they were expecting campers. There is an Overlook for a beautiful view. It is just steps away from the parking lot. The view was stunning. The signs make it easy to find from the visitor center. There are some trails to follow as well if you want to explore more.

Love this park!! In the summer you're able to swim and kayak. Trails aren't that hard and scenery…read moreis nice.

This was the worse experience I have ever had with this bowling alley ever. First thing was, it was…read moreno air conditioning, and then they would not offer a cup of ice not even for sale to go with water. They clam the ice cups are only for soda. The manager even came and said no ice for water. It was terrible for my farther to be denied ice water because they said it was a regulation. So, my family will not be returning there again. Don't let me forget, on our way out the lady that refused to give us ice did not want to check us out. She wanted the male cashier to check us out because at this point, she had an attitude.

I didn't know what to expect after seeing the Yelp reviews but I wanted to take my nephew to have…read moresome fun. Though we might have showed up as soon as they opened they were not ready for business right away, the kitchen was not started, the lanes were not available... we had to wait about half hour to be able to use one of the lanes as they were cleaning and waxing them. They got the kitchen running meanwhile and were able to make us some burgers on the spot, not bad but certainly not outstanding neither. The girls in charge were kind. After everything got situated the place got full with dedicated bowlers and it look like a fun spot, not bad for an older venue but things are certainly outdated. The prices can be a bit tricky, just be careful as they might confuse you with cheap prices that end up adding up to a bigger bill than expected. A much needed retouch on this place and you got yourself the place to be!

Another wonderful art opening. Invictus. First Friday means you will find something to do at the…read moreArts Council of Wayne County in their beautiful new location on Walnut Street in happening downtown Goldsboro. Featuring local artist Maximilian Mozingo. Congratulations!

The Arts Council of Wayne County is a great place to stop if you are in Goldsboro. When you arrive,…read moreyou are greeted my a colorful pig at the purple door. Masks are required inside and there was hand sanitizer available a few steps after I walked in. The building is two stories and has an elevator if needed. I went up the elevator and down the stairs to admire the art work on the stairway walls. The ceiling does get low but I am short so no issues for me. I loved the old ceiling as it adds so much character. The Art Market has a variety of items for you to browse but you will likely leave with something as the items are unique and the prices are reasonable. They even let you round up your total to donate to the Arts Council. If you cannot make it to the Council in person you can order from their website shop. Upstairs had studios for the artists to work and some had products for sale. It looked like pre-covid that there were rooms for classes too. This was a great find and somewhere I will return.

This marker is located along a relatively quite road that follows the Neuse River. It points out a…read moreCivil War battle that took place nearby. The marker is on the side of the road and there is room to stop if you wish to read. It says, "On December 15-16, 1862, on a raid at Whitehall, Union troops led by Gen. J. G. Foster damaged the Confederate Ram "Neuse."" Online, there is more information. "The engagement between Federal and Confederate forces at Whitehall (today known as Seven Springs) took place during Union General John G. Foster's raid from New Bern to Goldsboro in late 1862. On December 15, Foster's contingent of three companies of cavalry and several pieces of artillery entered Whitehall, which is located on the south bank of the Neuse River several miles above Kinston, hoping to capture or destroy the railroad bridge and confirm suspicions of Confederate ironclad construction on the river. Upon their arrival, they found the bridge burned by the Confederates in order to protect the ironclad and the opposite bank of the river occupied by several regiments of Confederate troops under the command of Brigadier General B. H. Robertson. During the ensuing battle, which lasted through December 16, the Federal artillery bombarded Confederate positions with such a barrage that the dense woods along the bank were cut down for a quarter of a mile back from the river and construction materials for the ironclad were damaged or destroyed." This is marker number F-44 and some of the letters could use a repainting. [Review 286 of 2024 - 3543 in North Carolina - 21321 overall.]