I spent 2 weeks in Eastern North Carolina, I guess you could also say North Eastern Carolina. it was a nice trip and I stayed in the Raleigh Durham area and visited the coast on the weekend, traveling through Wilmington for the Battleship North Carolina and the River-fest Street festival, and Emerald Isle and Morehead for the Seafood festival.I did the usual web searches and asked people where the best places to go were.
I had the weekend off so I ventured out to see the WWII Battleship NC in Wilmington. On the tour I learned it was nicknamed the Showboat because it was paraded through New York a lot during its early Years. It was used in most of the major battles of the Pacific in WWII.
While I was there I thought I was going to the farmers Market which is on Saturdays downtown but I found out it was River-fest weekend which is a big street festival with food and crafts. I also had a nice $5.99 chicken nacho lunch at Front St Brewery River River Festival Video
After that I drove up to Emerald Isle and went out on the fishing pier. It was free to walk on the pier and I talked to some locals on there who said this is the last pier in the area open to the public because the others had been replaced with high rise condos. It was nice to see a lot of locals using the pier for fishing.
Then I was off the the NC Seafood Festival. It was crowded but I found some good food and had a great time. The shrimp burger was the best only $3 or 2 for $5. I didn't care for the Crabby Pattie $6, There was also about 8 wineries that had free tastings! video here Seafood Festival
During the Week I searched for German food and found the BAVARIAN BRATHAUS of Cary, NC. I believe this was the best meal of the trip. I had a fine plate with 2 brats one reg and one cheese and some German beer.
I also had a nice visit with my Niece who lives in Cary.NC I got to see her son eat with Chopsticks. I also tried the new Item at Pei Wei the Thai River Noodles which I found to be quite good.
I went to the State Farmers market in Raleigh and the Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham and enjoyed both of those. here is a video of the Farmers market
Also of note is the Guglhupf Bakery in Durham, it;s a very unique building near Duke Univ with a lote of fresh ingredients. I had the farmers omelet with fruit.
