After enjoying our outing to Morehead City we decided to take another day trip. This time we drove about an hour and half west and north to New Bern NC.

An historic marker about the creator of Pepsi

It was a beautiful day for a long drive and just being in “civilization” was a treat. Our daughter in love Eve had given us a little booklet all about New Bern NC and it really looked charming. Which is exactly the impression Brian and Eve had when they visited there a few months ago. And since we always trust their recommendations we knew we couldn’t go wrong.

Lunch at Captain Ratty’s

Enjoying lunch at Captain Ratty’s in New Bern NC

By the time we arrived it was lunchtime so eating was our first priority. Well, let’s face it. Eating is always our first priority. After driving around for a few minutes to get a feel for the area, we chose a cute little place with outdoor seating called Captain Ratty’s Seafood and Steakhouse. The staff was friendly and very conscientious about sanitizing everything to keep everyone as safe as humanly possible from Covid-19. Though we had chosen Captain Ratty’s randomly, we felt confident that it was the right choice.

The great thing about sitting outside is you get to enjoy delightful scenery. And the people watching is too shabby either. It added to the pleasure of enjoying a delicious lunch! The menu at Captain Ratty’s in New Bern NC had so many interesting options that it was really hard to decide on what to order. But after much deliberation Steve ordered the Fried Green Tomato BLT and I got The Chicago.

Fried Green Tomato BLT – Bacon, lettuce, Swiss and fried green tomato with basil pesto aioli served with crispy sweet potato fries

The Chicago – My burger which was covered in melted cheddar cheese, smokey Applewood bacon, crispy onion strings and BBQ sauce with a side of sweet potato fries

When our server brought us our lunch we knew we had made great choices. Steve’s Fried Green Tomato BLT was grilled on wheat bread with fried green tomatoes, bacon, lettuce, gooey Swiss cheese and basil pesto aioli sandwiched between the bread slices. Mine was The Chicago, a perfectly cooked juicy burger, smokey Applewood bacon, lettuce, tomato and crispy onion straws topped off with sweet and tangy barbecue sauce on a toasted bun. Both of us opted for the luscious sweet potato fries as our included sides. By the time we were done eating our plates were quite clean and our bellies very full.

Right next door to Captain Ratty’s was an adorable pet shop that sold fabulous handmade treats along with leashes and all sorts of other goodies for fur babies. Of course we had to go in and buy some yummy treats for Hershi. Knowing that he loves anything with peanut butter we bough every peanut butter option they offered.

New Bern waterfront park

Birds and ducks galore at New Bern’s waterfront park

Next we drove to the park on the waterfront and enjoyed the scenery and the cooling breeze off the water. We had eaten, but the myriad of birds and ducks looked hungry. So we bought some of the food that would be healthful for them from a dispenser and offered them a feast. It was so much fun watching them hustle to get a little morsel. We love seeing such a variety of species. I guess it’s true. Birds of a feather do flock together.

Birthplace of Pepsi

The birthplace of Pepsi

We couldn’t leave without visiting the main attraction that New Bern NC is best known for. It is the birthplace of Pepsi! Caleb Bradham, a pharmacist and native North Carolinian, invented Pepsi-Cola in hopes of improving people’s health. Bradham invented Pepsi-Cola in his New Bern pharmacy. Bradham’s Pharmacy is now the Pepsi Store and a popular tourist attraction.

An ad for Pepsi from eons ago!

In 1898, Bradham invented Pepsi-Cola out of a concern to keep patrons and to improve their health. Wanting to have a different soft drink–one without the narcotics so frequently used in others during the time—the druggist experimented with various combinations of juices, spices, and syrups. His customers most liked the taste of his vanilla, rare oils, and kola nut extract-combination. Bradham believed his product aided digestion and had no harmful effects (then it had no caffeine). New Bern residents requested frequently what they soon nicknamed “Brad’s Drink.”

An antique ice chest still being used in its original location!

It was really fun learning about the origins of Pepsi. When you enter the store you are taking a walk back in time. Everywhere you look there is awesome memorabilia interspersed with branded merchandise for sale. Of course Steve just had to buy a nice cold Pepsi. But sadly it is way more that the 5 cents it once sold for.

It was Christmas in July!

Driving back to the RV at Cedar Island Resort in NC we realized that even if we don’t love the park we are staying in, we can always find something to make our stay worthwhile. Or as the saying goes “turn lemons into lemonade”!!!