It was time to hit the road for a short trip to Eastern North Carolina. We wanted to revisit New Bern, N.C. where we had been just a year ago. But this time we went purposely to see and visit
Tryon Palace
and its gardens. Yes, it was a little early in the season to see many blooms in the gardens, but the buildings and grounds were worth the time. And, as it turned out, the weather was perfect: sunny and 75°.

When the tulips come up I am sure this is spectacular!
These are images from the stables: loved the light and the beautiful dark wood.
Our ultimate destination was the small town of Kinston and this restaurant:
The Chef & The Farmer
Raise your hand if you know about this famous, fabulous, Southern-with-a-twist restaurant and its owners Vivian Howard and Ben Knight!
Vivian wanted nothing more than to leave the small country town where she grew up…and she did. For a while.
And then she came “home” to open this restaurant and make her life, with her husband, Ben, in Kinston.
Read the story on the website:
Vivian Howard
and settle down to watch the series,
A Chef’s Life on PBS
The food? Well, it was wonderful. I have some specific suggestions.. have the “Flash Fried Collards” to begin (and share..). You thought collard greens were boring? These are out of this world crisp and salty. I had the Speckled Trout (local N.C., of course) and then….for dessert the Rice Pudding. We love rice puddding in almost any form at all, but this was just plain outrageous. Served with paper thin cinnamon apple slices and bit of oranges and crispy nuts. I think it’s worth a return trip JUST for this dessert!
On the black walls are paintings…large color-in-your-face canvases. And, as it turns out, they are all the work of Ben, Vivian’s husband. We happened to have a chance to meet and talk to him. Take a look at some of his paintings as represented by City Art Gallery in Greenville, N.C. and
Art Source Gallery in Raleigh, N.C.
If you do go to the restaurant, you will want to spend the night nearby. As it happens, just down the block is
The O’Neil Hotel
The hotel had been a bank, and yes, you can walk right into the main vault and make yourself some coffee or tea!

The ceiling in the lobby.

The former tellers’ windows in the main lobby.
This, from the hotel’s website, says it all!
We requested a corner room on the third floor; I highly recommend you ask for this one too! It was superb. Really, it may be one of the nicest hotel rooms we have ever stayed in: spacious, quiet, very tastefully furnished, perfect, comfortable bed, and oh so light and bright.

Yes! Windows that open!!
It was the perfect one night getaway. We will be returning to Kinston for sure!
We enjoy watching The Chef and the Farmer on PBS. Your meal sounds wonderful. I’m afraid with my restricted diet, I would not be able to eat there. No photos of the inside of the restaurant? The hotel you stayed at looks very cool. Amazing how Kinston has become a destination!
Claudia recently posted…What I’m Reading
Claudia: I took a few pics of my food, but that’s always hard to do! Between the dark and blurry I thought it best not to post them! And no, I couldn’t really take any of the artwork: just was not appropriate. It does amaze me that such a small town has become SO important. And, must watch the show more often as I’ve only seen it once or twice!
What a great mini-getaway, Libby. Wish I had know about this place when my husband and I visited North Carolina last year. Still, we had a great time i our cabin in the Smokeys.
Akkk…why do we always notice the errors just AFTER the comment has been published? That should read “had known” and “in our cabin.”
Sue Burpee recently posted…Twiddling Our Thumbs… The Time Between Planning and Leaving on a Big Trip
Ok, got your corrections! Yes, the coast down here has SO many great places. We’re off to SC in March and I will report back. But YOUR trip: well, have a wonderful time and I look forward to seeing and hearing all about it!!! Safe travels, Sue.
FUN TO SKIP AWAY……………..A BEAUTIFUL SHARE!
LA CONTESSA recently posted…BALLERINA~MOM~BLOGGER
Yes, it was the perfect getaway if only for one night!!
Looks like a great trip. I gave many copies of Vivian’s new cookbook, Deep Run Roots, for Christmas gifts and, yes, I got myself one too:^)
Marian St.Clair recently posted…Beauty of the Beech
Ok, I’ll have to go buy one for myself!! And watch the TV show more often….
Hi Libby, I’ve never been, but it looks like a gorgeous place to visit. Loving the light and shadows in the barn!
I’m always intrigued by old buildings that have been repurposed – this one seems delightful, and that room looks ultra spacious! Sounds like you had a great getaway.
Cyndi Murdoch recently posted…Just Breathe
What a fab place to stay! This is my favourite sort of hotel, places that have real atmosphere in their own right. Looks like they made a super job of the refurb too.
rusty duck recently posted…5.30 a.m.
I dream for a such holiday! :)