June Newcomers Club Away Day Trip
Summer Fun Day at Fort Macon/Atlantic Beach
June 17, 2023
On Saturday 17 June, several Newcomers Club Day Trippers enjoyed a beautiful day in the Fort Macon/Atlantic Beach area.Many of us took in some of the artillery firing demonstrations at the Fort while others enjoyed hiking around the park.There was a fabulous breeze on the beach and the fellowship and sunshine had everyone experiencing that "Summertime, and the livin' is easy" vibe!
June Newcomers Club Day Trips Local Event
Coastal Cycle Share Semi-Guided Tour of New Bern, Tuesday, June 6, 2023
On Tuesday June 6, 2023, a small but enthusiastic group of Day Trippers, led by our fearless President, participated in a Coastal Cycle Share semi-guided tour of downtown New Bern. During our sightseeing ride, our friendly guide Stephen led us to several historic homes, churches, cemeteries, and of course the always beautiful Tryon Palace, providing relevant commentary along the way.I plan to keep this activity in mind for future visits from family and friends!
Lunch and Tour of Duplin Winery, Thursday, 18 May 2023
On Thursday 18 May, 14 Newcomers Club Day Trippers enjoyed a beautiful day at the Duplin Winery in Rose Hill. We started the afternoon with a delicious lunch at the Bistro restaurant (which included their signature homemade salsa dip and crackers) followed by a very informative tour of the winery’s large and complex processing facility. Several of us capped off the afternoon with a tasting (and later purchase!) of many of their most popular offerings.
A Walk in the New Bern Woods, Saturday, 22 April 2023
On Saturday 22 April, 11 hardy Newcomers Day Trippers/Outdoor Adventurers braved the threat of impending thunderstorms and poor air quality for an afternoon of learning about Eastern NC/New Bern-area native shrubs and trees. Craven County Extension Director, Horticulture Agent Thomas Glasgow led us on an information-filled walk along the Latham-Whitehurst Nature Park trails where we learned among many other things, Aralia Spinosa (Devil’s Walking Stick), good; Lonicera Japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle), bad! A few brave souls discovered even more of the park’s distinctive local flora via the geocaching app on their smartphones.
Pinecone Home and Garden Center, March 25
On Saturday, 25 March Wendy Graveman of Pinecone Home & Garden Center provided a stellar presentation on lawn and garden flowers, shrubs, trees, and veggies that are New Bern-area friendly. She passed along tips on landscaping with native species and answered MANY questions from about 20 curious Newcomers who braved the initial monsoon downpour to attend. We learned everything from the best types of grass to plant, to preferred fertilizers and pest control options, and even plantings to encourage butterflies! Afterwards, several of us enjoyed a casual and convivial dinner at nearby Paula's restaurant.
Aurora Fossil Museum, March 16
On Thursday 16 March, a small but enthusiastic group of Newcomers Club Day Trippers enjoyed a leisurely day exploring the Aurora Fossil Museum and flexing their archaeological muscles digging for marine fossils. While no exotic Miocene or Pliocene items were discovered, the group of junior paleontologists had much fun rediscovering their inner child while digging in the sand under a warm, early spring sun. We later enjoyed a well-deserved lunch at the nearby Frank & Shirley’s Restaurant.
Formal Tea at The Infusion Cafe, 24 February 2023
On Friday 24 February, a group of Newcomers Club Day Trippers enjoyed a delightful afternoon of Tea, Talk, and Tasty Treats at the Infusion Café in Morehead City. The weather was beautiful and the company and conversation outstanding. ‘Nuff said!
Super Bowl Watch Party, 12 February 2023
On Sunday 12 February, a group of lively Newcomers enjoyed a fun evening of football, food, and fellowship at our Super Bowl Watch Party! Besides enjoying the Big Game and half-time show, we also indulged in a little friendly competition, complete with prizes, via Football Bingo and Football Squares games. The Super Bowl was great and the evening spent with friends…outstanding. Score a win for the Newcomers Club!
Guided Tour of the C.S.S. Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center, Lunch at King’s BBQ Restaurant, and Guided Kinston Battlefield Bus Tour - Thursday, January 19, 2023
On Thursday, January 19, 15 Newcomers Club Day Trippers enjoyed a gorgeous mild winter day in Kinston exploring the C.S.S. Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center and Wyse Fork battlefield locations via guided museum and bus tours. Our tour guides Matt Young and Dennis Harper were fonts of information and our group enjoyed soaking up the area’s rich history. The afternoon also included a delicious lunch at King’s BBQ. Also, a shout out to the Kinston-Lenoir County Visitors Center for graciously providing the bus and our intrepid driver Melvin!
Trivia Night at Blackbeard's Triple Play Restaurant - January 10, 2023
On Tuesday 10 January, 12 brave and brainy Newcomer Day trippers descended on Blackbeard’s restaurant for a night of camaraderie and a little friendly competition. We divided into two teams, one of which tied for second place! Sadly, our other team finished a bit lower in the standings (ok a LOT lower), but fun was had by all. We’re already practicing for a future rematch—and maybe we’ll remember to take some pictures next time!
Mike’s Farm Meal, Ho! Ho! Christmas Variety Show, and Festival of Lights Hayride! - 14 December, 2022
On Wednesday 14 December, 12 Newcomers Club Day Trippers enjoyed a joyous afternoon and evening of holiday fun at Mike’s Farm! The afternoon began with a famous southern style all you can eat buffet, followed by a musical variety show of Christmas classics with a touch of comedy, and then closed with an amazing evening Festival of Lights Hayride. The event certainly got us all in the Holiday Spirit!
Local Day Trip on the Historic New Bern Trolley Tour and Lunch at Lawson’s on the Creek - 17 November
On Thursday, 17 November several Day Trippers kicked off a beautiful fall day with a leisurely lunch at Lawson’s on the Creek before embarking on the 90-minute New Bern Trolley Tour. Our Tour Guide Tom was both extremely knowledgeable and humorous and we all learned and laughed a lot--we love this town!
Morehead City Mistletoe Magic Holiday Gift Show and Breakfast at The Country Biscuit - 12 November
On Saturday, 12 November, several Newcomers Day Trippers fortified themselves with food and fellowship at The Country Biscuit and then got into the Holiday Spirit with a visit to the annual Morehead City Mistletoe Magic Holiday Gift Show. Handmade treasures galore were on display and many of them went home with our experienced shoppers!
New Bern Historical Society's Annual Ghostwalk - October 2022
Activities included:
♦ Spirit sites, including 5 at Cedar Grove Cemetery and 6 on downtown porches.
♦ Spirited Storytellers on Attmore-Oliver House back porch.
♦ Veri-Good Bakery & TapSnap free photo booth behind Attmore-Oliver House.
♦ New Bern Civic Theatre - special improv show
♦ A “thrilling” musical happening at New Bern Academy Green
♦ Broad Street Christian Church - Chili, cornbread, dessert, tea: $8
♦ Centenary Methodist Church - “The Catacombs at Centenary” Pasta w/sauce, salad, bread, dessert
♦ Temple B’nai Sholem - Roasted chestnuts, cookies, hot cider
♦ Old St. Paul Catholic Church - Tours available
Simply Natural Creamery Dairy Farm - October 6
Twelve of us enjoyed a beautiful fall day touring the Simply Natural Creamery and Farm. We had loads of fun during a guided wagon ride, quality petting time with the CUTEST calves, and learned all about life on a dairy farm. And who didn’t love ending the day with some yummy ice cream?!
Sylvan Heights Bird Park - September 13
The day trippers spent a wonderful afternoon at Sylvan Heights Bird Park on September 13. Following a picnic lunch, we saw all sorts of birds from around the world—from parakeets to an emu—and enjoyed the good weather.
Search for Beaufort’s Wildlife on a Horse & Dolphin Cruise - May 13, 2022
It was pouring rain Friday morning, May 13, but by the time our intrepid day trippers reached Beaufort, the sun appeared and it turned out to be the perfect day for a cruise. Our group boarded the Crystal Coast Lady for a 1.5 hour scenic cruise that explores wildlife as well as the bustling waterfront and Morehead City Port. We got a glimpse of wild horses in the distance, and were lucky enough to see a mother dolphin and her calf swimming by. Afterward, we enjoyed getting to know each other further over a late lunch on the patio at the Black Sheep restaurant. We’re so glad we didn’t let the weather scare us away!
Walton’s Distillery Tour - Jacksonville - April 26, 2022
Fortified by lunch at Mission BBQ, about 20 Newcomer Day Trippers visited Walton Distillery in Jacksonville for a tour and tasting. We learned a lot about the distilling process (and the many regulations surrounding it), as well as the difference between moonshine and bourbon. After the tour, we had the opportunity to taste the range of Walton products—including moonshine, corn whiskey, and bourbon, plus a variety of flavored moonshine ranging from salted caramel, to peach, to apple pie. Several participants were seen leaving with souvenirs like shot glasses and mugs along with additional product to continue sampling
at home.
NC Aquarium - Pine Knoll Shores - March 24, 2022
Our small but mighty group of day trippers braved the rain to visit the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores on 24 March. We especially loved watching the otters!
Spice Bouquet - Kinston - February 22, 2022
New Bern Fireman’s Museum - January 20, 2022
Approximately 25 newcomers toured the New Bern Firemen’s Museum on 20 January. We not only learned about firefighting in New Bern, but also heard many stories about the history of our newly-adopted town.
Sylvan Bird Center - April 16, 2021
Newcomers headed to the Sylvan Bird Center in Scotland Neck. One of our first day trips since the start of the Pandemic. Everyone had a great time and the birds were lovely.
CIVIC THEATER - BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR -JANUARY 16, 2020
A really fun day trip to the Civic Theater, where we learned what goes on behind the scenes. All of our participants should now be able to answer the questions: What color is the green room? What color is the writing on the wall?
LADY SWAN SUNSET TOUR - MAY 12, 2018
Capt Tim and Firstmate Jane sailed us out of Swansboro and timed our sunset perfectly. Everyone enjoyed relaxing, the scenery and friends!
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE - MARCH 27, 2018
Everyone enjoyed a very informative trip. Special thanks to SSGT Charles of the base PR department for the tour!
WHIRLIGIG PARK - MARCH 19, 2018
DayTrip to Whirligig Park, Wilson,NC Unique park with many creative wind-powered sculptures,created by Vollis Simpson. Lunch was at the famous Parker’s BBQ. A fun and informative day.
