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Looking to spend a weekend in Kinston, North Carolina? Kinston is becoming more and more of a weekend travel destination for East Coast residents. It is a perfect stop for Raleigh and Durham residents traveling to the Crystal Coast. Located just under an hour from I-95, Kinston is also a great stopping point for travelers between north and south on this busy corridor. Is it worth the extra time and distance? A resounding yes – and here are things to do in Kinston, NC during your weekend getaway.
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Where to Stay in Kinston
If you want to be downtown during your weekend in Kinston, which is generally my preference, you’ll have two primary options for hotels: the O’Neil Hotel and its’ sister location, the Mother Earth Motor Lodge. Do keep in mind that Kinston is one of many small Eastern North Carolina towns that were on the edge of disappearing when tobacco went away. However, the downtown revitalization efforts, spearheaded by Vivian Howard and Mother Earth Brewing, have placed Kinston back on the map of must-visit places, especially for foodies and romantic getaways.
Reminiscent of the 70’s motel that could be found up and down the highways of America, the Mother Earth Motor Lodge gives a 70’s Miami vibe with its bright colors and modernist decor. A variety of rooms accommodate travelers from couples to families to even those whose pooch accompanies them everywhere. Owned by the same owners as Mother Earth Brewing, guests should enjoy some locally crafted beers while staying here.
If you prefer a more intimate setting for your weekend in Kinston, book a room at the O’Neil Hotel. This converted bank building is now a boutique hotel with seven guest rooms, each uniquely decorated. The vault in the lobby has been converted into a refreshment area for guests. The building features the oldest functioning elevator in North Carolina. Guest amenities at this hotel will fulfill your every need. Both hotels are within easy walking distance of other downtown sites.
Where to Eat in Kinston
Fans of PBS’ “A Chef’s Life” will be familiar with Vivian Howard. Dinner reservations at her flagship restaurant, Chef and the Farmer, need to be made three months in advance, making a perfect stop during your weekend in Kinston. The dimly lit restaurant creates a romantic ambiance. The food was some of the best quality we have tasted and yet it was affordable. Ask to be seated at the counter where you can see the kitchen at work. The food was amazing, which certainly explains the
Things to Do in Kinston
You’ll want options for things to do during your weekend in Kinston. Spend the afternoon or evening touring artistic exhibits at the Community Council for the Arts featuring local artists. Part of Kinston’s revitalization efforts has been to attract local artists. Housing and supplies are provided during their residency to encourage their freedom to express themselves. You’ll see local art exhibited in several places, which should be enjoyed if you like art.
Tour Mother Earth Brewing where, in addition to brewing amazing beer, they also distill rum, whiskey, and gin. Enjoy a flight of beer or a glass of wine. Experience a free brewery tour, offered several times a day on the weekend. You’ll get to experience all the environmentally friendly adaptations they have adopted and encouraged.
Interested in keeping the night going? Visit The Red Room where bands and live acts perform every weekend. Seating around the room is plentiful. The red lighting inside adds to the Red Room effect.
Need to walk off all of that food? Stop by the Neuseway Nature Park. Stroll on paths that follow the Neuse River. Or visit the free Ellis Planetarium. These are great ways to explore the city. Small, locally-owned coffee shops and restaurants dot the downtown streets.
A history buff? Visit the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center. Featuring the Ironclad (the ship), displays showcase North Carolina’s largest historic artifact from the era. This small museum is worth the visit to learn more about this time in our history. It is a perfect way to spend some time in town while waiting for your dinner reservation.
We visited in the fall, but during the summer, a waterpark attracts visitors, especially families with children.
Kinston, North Carolina is the perfect underrated romantic getaway as a small town experiencing a revival. Whether you’re traveling through on your way to the beaches of eastern North Carolina or whether you’re specifically visiting Kinston for its uniqueness, you’ll have a memorable weekend in Kinston with your loved one.
More reading for your Kinston weekend:
If you’d like to explore nearby Goldsboro:
- Things to do in Goldsboro
- Things to do in Goldsboro at night
- Visiting Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
Happy travels!
Annick, The Common Traveler
I really love the decor of the hotel you stayed at! I really enjoy places with character. I had never considered visiting Kinston before but it looks nice! The Red Room sounds like a fun way to end the night
The food looks really delicious. Will keep this in mind if we’re headed to Kinston. Happy to know that they’re affordable. I am so craving for oysters right now.
Haven’t been to the States yet, but Kinston in North Carolina looks like a lovely place to spend the weekend in. With all the yummy looking food, brewery tours, and such amazing accommodation options – what more could any one ask for 🤪
You have definitely shown that there is plenty to do in Kinston. I think I would do the brewery tour as it’s looks like a fun activity. It seems like a great place for food and drinks – sounds like my kind of place to visit!
I haven’t spent that much time on the East Coast, and admittedly haven’t heard of Kinston. It sounds like a fun town and I can see why it’s becoming a more popular weekend getaway destination. The Mother Earth Motor Lodge looks so rad! And you’re right – 70s Miami vibe for sure!
The converted bank building looks so cool! I would stop in for a drink, even if I wasn’t staying there. Kinston sounds like a great place for a road trip. What a fun east coast stop.
This surely seems like a memorable trip. I especially loved the O neill Hotels dm the display of art by local artists is a nice touch. Add a dash of history in the mix and no wonder it’s a great place for a weekend.
Wow..Kinston, North Carolina is exactly the kind of place I would love to spend the weekend. The Mother Earth Motor Lodge looks absolutely inviting and I am a big fan of heritage and old converted hotels. I see why Chef and the Farmer required advance booking. I am completely sold on this destination. Perfect weekend gateways for people like me. Thanks for introducing me to this destination.
I have never been to North Carolina and therefore Weekend trip to Kinston looks worth. I loved your 70’s hotel stay and especially that painting which shows local scene. Date at Red Room looks hot and romantic. I would love to go for a date night with my husband. Thanks for tipping us that we have to book Chef and Farmer restaurant in advance.
Well I had never heard about Kinston but it looks like a worthy getaway or a stop-over. I hear there is lot of history for me too. I like hotels with a theme and both O’Neil Hotel and Mother Earth Motor Lodge look cozy and inviting. Intimate settings and modernist looks are meant to woo travelers like me. And the amazingly fresh food from the farm. I would love to stroll around and find out more about Neuseway Nature Park, Neuse River and CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center.
Wow of wow, this your hotel is like a combination of the old and the new. I am feeling sold just seeing your gorgeous fluffy bed and those charming furniture. You are right, having a weekend in Kinston is such a treat – oh boy if only I am just few km. away!
I like how the small towns revitalized themselves all around the US, including Kinston. I’ve never been here, but your description and pictures tells a lot about the city. The room in O’Neil Hotel looks so beautiful and cozy. The bed is so inviting! I love seafood, so a stop at Vivian Howard’s with its fresh seafood I think is a must for every traveler visiting Kinston.
I haven’t travelled much in the US but North Carolina has been on our travel list for ages. I can now add Kinston to that list as well. I haven’t seen the show A Chef’s Life – it has not made it to Australia yet but I am keen to see it and also visit The Chef and The Farmer Restaurant – the food looked excellent.
what an amazing fun-filled weekend getawat in Kinston nc. I love the motel and the retro style of it. I would love to check out the historic CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center.
I do remember passing through North Carolina but I don’t think we stopped in Kinston on our trip. The revitalisation of the town makes it a lovely stop. I love the look of both the O’Neil Hotel and the Mother Earth Motor Lodge. I do enjoy seeing the work of local artists and I appreciate historic attractions too.
Kinston looks so classic. The hotel has such a vintage charm to it. Indeed a perfect, romantic, weekend getaway. I have friends staying in NC Uni. Will let them know about this place!