The Neuse River is the life blood of Kinston–always has been. This steady stream has carried gun boats, floated kayaks, and led many fish to the evening grill. Today, the mighty Neuse is still drawing visitors to its banks. Flowing through town, it is a draw year-round to those looking to enjoy time fishing, boating, or just taking a walk along its banks on their way to play at the park or shop in a local gallery.
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Fishing
The first stop for any fisherperson in Kinston is the Neuse Sport Shop. Passing through a local fruit and vegetable stand by the main doors, enter and see an alluring forest of fishing gear on the left. Shiny rods and reels of all colors make for an impressive gallery as you walk between the displays. The knowledgeable staff will set you up for any kind of angling. Sport fishing, deep sea fishing, fly fishing–you name it, they’ve got it. All kinds of lures. Live bait. Tackle and tackle boxes, hooks, and gear. Once you’ve found what you’re looking for, be sure to check out the rest of the store which carries clothes, coolers, beach supplies, and pretty much anything you might need for an outing.
There are many banks in Kinston where a person might cast a line, but it’s a short 5-minute drive from the River Neuse Sport Shop to the Neuseway Nature Park. This 55-acre park along the river has sandy banks perfect for setting up a camp chair and casting your line. The river is calm here, and the bank is a good 10-feet up from your perch on the shoreline. Looking across the river, you’ll see the opposing bank, lush green in the summertime, and feel far from the city, though Kinston’s downtown is just a few blocks away. Other fisher folks on the banks will tell you they’ve caught crappie, largemouth bass, sunfish, American shad, and striped bass in this fishing spot. The park also has two fishing ponds.
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Boating
The Neuseway Nature Park has a fleet of canoes and kayaks they will lend you for free. You will do your own lifting to get them from their perch in the barn behind the Planetarium, but it’s just a short walk down to the riverbank and then the river is yours to explore. The staff at the Nature Center recommend that you paddle up-river first and float your way back to the Park. The river is fairly calm and lake-like in this stretch, so it’s an easy paddle upstream. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife including owls, muskrats, and fish, of course.
Have your own kayak or canoe? Try a relaxing two-mile paddling trip. Put in at the Highway 70 Boat Ramp and leave a car at your take out point at the Kinston Boating Access Area, also known as Wetherington Landing. This 5-acre site has parking for 11 vehicles and 31 trailers, two launch ramps, and a floating dock. It’s a pretty spot to end your paddle trip, and not a bad place for a picnic.
Before venturing out on the river, stop by the Queen Street Deli to pick up picnic supplies: salads, sandwiches, and sides like pimento cheese and broccoli salad by the pound, pint, or quart. Don’t forget the sweets. Cakes of all your favorite flavors come by the slice for $5.
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Walking
The river is a constant presence in Kinston. Visitors are often drawn to the Pearson Park Trail river walk to watch the water carry kayakers down stream, catch a glimpse of someone reeling in the next fish story, or simply to take in its beauty. Just shy of a half-mile long, the trail that takes you along the west edge of downtown. Along the way there is a chance to enjoy a little food, play, learn some history, and partake in imaginative shopping and spirits…all done with a kick of Southern…Kinston style.
Pick up the paved Pearson Park Trail by the Walk of Honor Memorial. Just shy of a half-mile long, it follows the river and takes you by the Lenoir County Farmers Market (Tuesdays and Saturdays). Local farmers showcase their seasonal goods here–in the summer plump, purple heirloom tomatoes, juicy blueberries, sweet cantaloupe, verdant string beans, yellow and white corn on the cob, among all your other favorites. Year-round you can find fresh farm eggs, Eastern North Carolina honey, preserves of all flavors, baked goods like mile-high cakes, and handmade crafts.
Next walk to the CSS Neuse Ironclad Gunboat Replica. The 158-foot-long boat rests a short distance from the "cat hole" in the Neuse River where the original ironclad was fitted with iron plating and hardware. During the tour (Saturdays), you’ll get to see what living and working on one of these steam-powered warships was like. Its steam-powered engine kept the boat at a constant temperature of 130 degrees. Emerging from the tour, you’ll swear the breeze never felt so welcome.
Back on the trail, stroll through Pearson Park, where you may encounter a fitness class holding a plank or a local musician performing on the stage. A short path leads you to the Loch Neuse Dragon Playground. Conquer the 14-foot Loch Neuse Dragon, scale the rope ladder, whiz down slides, soar on the swings, and then decide which obstacle to tackle next at this inventive playground.
Hop off the trail at the playground and walk up one block to either The Mad Hatter for all-American grub or Sugar Hill Pizzeria for New York-style pizza. There’s something tasty for everyone at both these restaurants. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, save some room for the Bananas in Wonderland (fried banana roll with cinnamon and sugar) at the Mad Hatter.
After lunch, hop back on the trail, which doubles as the Art River Walk once you’re past the park. It takes you by the river and through Kinston’s Arts and Cultural District, a 12-block residential area where long-term artists-in-residence live side-by-side.. View the map and look for blue yard signs that signal open invites to artists’ studios, housed in colorful, renovated mill houses in this river-side neighborhood. Kinston is a big draw for artists of all mediums, including potters, painters, photographers, and sculptors. Don’t miss the Arts and Cultural District’s public art installations, including Thomas Sayre’s tobacco barn inspired earthworks Flue.
End your tour a few blocks off the river at Mother Earth Brewing. Walk in the tap room and be transported to a 1970s Miami vibe. You’ll need a beer as you take in the trippy pirate mural, retro furniture, and funky lighting. The massive bay doors leading to the beer garden will make you want to stay a while. Try the Endless River Kolsch, and give a nod to the Neuse River that made this charming town possible.