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    The Pepsi Store

    4.0 (72 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

    The Pepsi Store Photos

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    Betsy S.

    Who knew this was the town where Pepsi started! You can go and read the history and have a Pepsi and some popcorn too! Then have sweatshirts, glasses and more with Pepsi on it! Give it a whirl!

    Pepsi store
    Jessica H.

    Tiny shop with Pepsi paraphernalia. I guess I expected something more like the World of Coca Cola in Atlanta, so my expectations were way too high. I don't feel like I learned anything about the history or anything. Want a Mountain Dew branded shot glass? They'll hook you up.

    Chris K.

    I've wanted to come here for years! If you're a Pepsi lover you could spend a fortune on all the branded merchandise. They have items in all price ranges and even a penny machine to stamp a penny for just fifty cents. We got a couple t shirts and a few other small things. Then we ordered up a couple cold Pepsi's and sat down to enjoy them at one of the cute tables. The drinks tasted so good! We lucked out as there was a regatta happening down by the waterfront and it was packed down there. So even tho the shop stayed busy, it could have been crazy on a Saturday. All in all a fun experience and definitely worth a stop if you're a fan of Pepsi products.

    The Pepsi Store, New Bern
    Bruce K.

    I'm not a Pepsi drinker but I can certainly appreciate the popularity and the culture that follows the brand. And I'm certainly not going to miss the opportunity to visit the birthplace of Pepsi. Yes, Caleb Bradham created and sold "Brad's Drink" in 1893 at his downtown drugstore, which at the time was known as the New Bern Drug Store. Five years later, he changed the name of the beverage to "Pepsi-Cola," referring to the pepsin and kola nut components that were purported to aid in digestion. The Pepsi-Cola corporation was formally established in North Carolina in 1902, and by the following year, Bradham had filed for trademark registration and was marketing the beverage from both his pharmacy and an adjacent warehouse that operated as a bottling plant. Over 24 states had Pepsi-Cola franchises by 1905, when the beverage was being offered in glass 6 ounce bottles. Unfortunately, Bradham lost the majority of his wealth in a poor business decision (he overbought sugar, and the price fell soon after), which led to his filing for bankruptcy. Bradham returned to running his drug store in New Bern while selling the business to Craven Holding Company for $35,000. Pepsi has unquestionably become the most popular cola in New Bern and is still the second-most popular cola brand in the world, as is clear from its international success. All of this is here in New Bern along with tons of Pepsi memorabilia for sale. Post cards, shot glasses, coasters, drinking glasses and more. If you're a Pepsi fan, you can't miss out on this. [Review 18890 overall - 3375 in North Carolina - 2413 of 2022.]

    Ashley S.

    Stopped in here again on our latest trip since we left our bottle opener at our last house. Always grab a Pepsi and usually their popcorn but we came in too close to closing and they cleaned it already.

    Robbie C.

    This store is the birthplace of Brad's drink, the beginning of Pepsi. Opened as a drug store in 1893, he renamed it to Pepsi-Cola in 1898 as a healthy cola which he believed it aided in digestion. The name was derived from dyspepsia, which means indigestion. Located on the corner of Middle St and Pollock St in the very quaint and historic town of New Bern. They sell bottles of Pepsi, Diet Pepsi and Mountain Dew. Part of the store is filled with souvenirs and the other part has a fountain and tables and chairs. Cool place to visit.

    Merchandise
    Maritza R.

    First and foremost I just want to say I LOVE Pepsi. So when my husband told me that there is a little town called New Bern and it had the original birth of Pepsi I said we need to go. So we took the three hour trip from Virginia Beach to see this little place. It isn't anything huge and it isn't a museum. It is a small little store that sells Pepsi merchandise on one side and has a little area on the other side to drink an original Pepsi and have some popcorn. My husband had a Pepsi float and I had an original Pepsi. Now I have to say there is something about that original Pepsi taste I did not like. It tasted flat like it needed more carbonation but I understand that's how it was made there. (Side note I went to another restaurant and the Pepsi tasted the same so I am thinking that is how it's just made in this area.) To let everyone know, it is not a big factory tour like you would see at the Jelly Belly factory. Remember this was a pharmacy from the 1800s. If you keep that in mind and everything I said above you will enjoy yourself. They did have a tv playing some history of Pepsi and there was information all over to look at. It was pretty neat and I enjoyed myself.

    Display
    Jill M.

    This unique Pepsi themed gift shop doubles as a museum of sorts. Well worth a ten-minute stop if you are in the neighborhood of the historic downtown New Bern. I wouldn't make a trip just to see this. It's interesting that the cartoon artwork from days past show "a big big bottle 12 ozs." Now that would be considered small. I don't see Pepsi being promoted as a digestive aid anymore. If you are in the birthplace of Pepsi stop by and learn a little about this soda pop. Also of you are a Mountain Dew lover there is plenty of Dew themed merchandise available too, especially if nostalgia is your thing.

    Living history
    Steve F.

    We had only 20 minutes to check out the downtown area of New Bern on our first visit to the city before a kayak outing and literally stumbled upon this place having no idea it existed. It was a very fun trip down memory lane to learn of the origin and growth of Pepsi Cola from humble beginnings. There were a lot of historic photos and stories along with too many souvenirs. They were serving Pepsi and Mountain Dew but I wish they did more to create an old fashioned soda fountain atmosphere. Still, a very worthwhile visit.

    Surprised my kiddo
    Sookia S.

    My son loves all things soda. I wanted to give him a surprise on our recent day trip and this was perfect. His face lit up when he saw the store. The store was decorated with all things Pepsi and for Christmas. There is some Mountain Dew stuff if you are a fan. It's a storefront on Main Street and so cute the registry had people visiting from all over the USA. Really cool.

    Exterior of the Store
    Michael L.

    When planning your trip to New Bern, make sure to stop by where Pepsi started! Quick history....Back in 1893 in this building, which was a pharmacy at the time, Caleb Bradham invented "Brad's Drink." Five years later, in 1898, the name of the beverage was changed to Pepsi-Cola. When you enter the Pepsi Store you are met with the smell of popcorn and a few "throw back" coolers with bottled Pepsi & Mountain Dew. They have also have a soda fountain, however I recommend ALL to enjoy a Bottled Pepsi and/or Mountain Dew while you are enjoying the gift shop. Note- they occasionally have ice cream floats, which are very good! You are able to see the history of Pepsi, various memorabilia from all over the globe, merchandise to purchase and a very nice staff to assist at any time. Definitely a must see during your visit to Eastern NC!

    Charlie F.

    If you visit this area, a stop at the "Birthplace of Pepsi" is a perfect place to spend a few minutes. History folks will like the displays of Pepsi history, along with a video from the 100th anniversary of Pepsi. It's nice to visit the soda fountain, where you can get a cup of Pepsi or Mountain Dew or popcorn. It's also nice to see the big variety of souvenirs available for purchase. Employees are friendly and very knowledgeable on Pepsi history, and will gladly chat with you and make the visit to the Pepsi store more enjoyable.

    Michelle D.

    Anyone that knows me knows Pepsi is my favorite soda! I've been drinking it since I was younger, back when you used to by the six pack of bottles LOL. I was so excited to see the sign on the way into New Bern stating this was the birthplace of Pepsi. On one side you could purchase a fountain soda and even a Pepsi ice cream float. There were so many cool relics from back in the day when Pepsi first started being sold. Such as the old soda holder that look like a floor model freezer. There is history on the walls so you can read and learn about the history of Pepsi. Caleb Bradshaw invented Pepsi in 1878 in a pharmacy in New Bern. On the other side of the store there are many Pepsi items for sale. I purchased a koozie, magnet, shot glass and a t-shirt. I purchased all these items for under $30. Not bad! You will also find cute blue benches on the corner outside of the store with the words Pepsi Cola written on the back rests. I couldn't have asked for a better place to spend the last day of my birthday weekend!

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    7 years ago

    Very cool but it's always the same.. I always bring visitors but never go for just myself. Should do more to draw more locals in.

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    10 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Ohhh the people that work here are so kind hearted and welcoming!!! Such a cute spot for some history and a pepsi float! Yum

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    6 years ago

    A must-visit in New Bern! It has a very historic charm and very good service! The Pepsi floats are amazing!

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    13 years ago

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    10 years ago

    The staff sucks...the lady the was checking me out had no customer service skills at all.

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    14 years ago

    The location is small as well as the selection. Not overwhelming in the least and the staff is friendly.

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    13 years ago

    I did the cliche thing and had a Pepsi here over ten years ago. It is something touristy but it doesn't offer that much.

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    10 years ago

    Great local shop. Awesome location while downtown, to go inside, get a cold Pepsi and look around the little shop they have there.

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    12 years ago

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    Page 2 of 2

    Ask the Community - The Pepsi Store

    Are there tours- or not really as it is just a store?

    It's a gift shop with some signage educating visitors, but no guided tours.

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    Review Highlights - The Pepsi Store

    Caleb Bradham's original pharmacy was a wooden building that burned down before he died in the 1930s.

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    North Carolina Estuarium

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    What great place to tour and staff was so nice.. once we paid and started tour the gentleman put a…read moreball up a tube that went into this cool artistic display of how a rain drop forms and the lifecycle.. it went into a cloud around room which simulated atmosphere and into rivers and big bodies of water it was cool. Then we sat in on 12 min film on estuaries.. then self guided tour .. for $5 it's worth price of admission . Lots of rooms to go thru.. live animals like snake , crab, alligator to see.. and you can walk outside on the deck see beauty of the waterfront area. Enjoyed my visit and highly recommend to anyone in area.

    The North Carolina Estuarium is located in Downtown Washington, NC. It is the first estuarium in…read morethe world and focuses on the environment. The NC Estuarium offers ferry rides on the Tar and Pamlico Rivers at various times during the year. I really enjoy the rides as you might see some wildlife besides the plant life. The captain provide fun facts along the way too. The museum is 12,500 square foot and serves as an education center. It provides a great overview of the estuaries and coastal rivers which are an important part of the ecosystem where fresh water and salt water mix. 90% of NC seafood comes from estuaries. We need to keep these waterways clean. In the lobby the display is large and shows the different parts of North Carolina. The NC Esturium is part museum and part aquarium. The aquarium focuses just on estuary species. It has over 200 exhibits and a lot are hands on. The part about the hurricanes was informative and showed the damage done from the rising sea levels. I highly recommend visiting this unique museum.

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    North Carolina Estuarium
    North Carolina Estuarium
    North Carolina Estuarium

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    New Bern Firemen's Museum

    New Bern Firemen's Museum

    3.9
    (7 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    The New Bern Firemen's Museum is a great place to stop to learn about New Bern's history and also…read morefirefighting history. Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for children. The museum is two stories and you get a guided tour. My tour lasted about 75 minutes but that could vary depending on interest level. There are vintage fire trucks so you can see how firefighting evolved. There are steamers; wagons; ladder trucks. I was impressed with how intricate these vehicles were for their time. The hoses also varied and some needed to hang to dry. The Atlantic and the Button Companies occupied the same space in the fire station. They each were given half the space and their own pole. The rivalry between the two stemmed from their competitions and equipment. New Bern had a devastating fire in two neighborhoods that destroyed a third of the city in 1922. Those that lost their homes lived in tent city at the cemetery. There is an exhibit of the town with different colors to mark the areas destroyed by the fires. I highly recommend visiting this museum if in the New Bern area.

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    New Bern Firemen's Museum
    New Bern Firemen's Museum
    New Bern Firemen's Museum

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    The Country Doctor Museum

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    5.0
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    76.6 mi

    What a charming history museum, complete with multiple air conditioned buildings, including the…read morecarriage house (with an iron lung) and a delightful medicinal garden. The educational and interesting guided tours begin on the hour and are lead by a professional guide. The museum is very well done--thank you East Carolina University. While it is called the Country Doctor Museum, a good portion of it is a tribute to the work and impact of nurses as well. Learn about the apothecary and unique stories about various artifacts in the museum. There are no opportunities for hands-on experiences and small children may not be the best guests. Seniors (over 55) get a discount. The gift shop has an variety of themed gifts for purchase. I took visitors from Illinois and they loved it. I'll bring other guests who visit Eastern NC.

    The Country Doctor Museum has been updated since my prior visits. Admission is $8 and your tour…read morestarts in the gift shop building which also has a library and some medical artifacts. Guided tours run on the hour and you will get to see the building that was a country doctor's office, a medicinal herb garden is behind this building, then the last building is where the carriages, old vehicles and the iron lung are located. You will see how medicines were made with herbs and how the pills were cut. They used what was available. There is a room with surgery tools and prosthetics. The tools used changed over the years and they learned that hot water prevented some infections from developing. The newest addition is a sick room. This room shows what it was like if you were sick and isolated. The room also has a lot to read and see of how health care has evolved. Vaccines are much more recents that I realized. The last building showcases the carriages and some Ford vehicles. There are some doctors bags to see as well. The iron lung gives a visual to imagine what that would have been like to be inside. Even though I have visited this museum a few times, I learn something new every time. They also keep updating the museum and adding new artifacts. The gift shop is also a great place to find some unique gifts.

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    The Country Doctor Museum
    IL visitors in the medicinal garden.
    IL visitors in the medicinal garden.
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    The Pepsi Store - museums - Updated June 2026

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