Overview
Kinston is the seat of Lenoir County in North Carolina's Coastal Plain.
6 sights · 1 things to do · 1 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Kinston
CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center
All about the CSS Neuse ironclad that, after being lit afire by the Confederates and sunk in the Neuse River in 1865 to avoid capture, has had its hull and artifacts salvaged and put on display in this building.
CSS Neuse II
A replica of the vessel on display in a parkway along the Neuse where this ironclad sank.
Governor Caswell Memorial
On this site you'll find exhibits pertaining to the first governor of North Carolina and Revolutionary War hero, Richard Caswell.
Harmony Hall
This was Governor Caswell's home, only viewable from outside.
First Battle of Kinston Civil War Battlefield Park
Not a whole lot to see here other than some interpretive signs, but it's where the Union expedition from New Bern routed the Confederacy in late 1862.
Wyse Fork Battlefield Monument
An even smaller monument, but this was a more significant battle in that a Union victory here in 1865 by combined forces over Braxton Bragg's resulted in the Confederate's abandoning the area along with their ironclad Ne…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 33°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Sep and Aug. (climate data from nearby North Carolina Coastal Plain)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PGV Pitt-Greenville Airport, Greenville — 28 mi away. Directions
- OAJ Albert J Ellis Airport, Richlands — 31 mi away. Directions
- RDU Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Raleigh/Durham — 80 mi away (major hub). Directions
Kinston is on US 70 about midway between Goldsboro and New Bern. The only form of public transportation to speak of really is Greyhound which stops at Lunch Box at 522 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center, CSS Neuse II, Neuseway Nature Park
- Lunch Chef & the Farmer
- Afternoon Harmony Hall, First Battle of Kinston Civil War Battlefield Park
Day 2
- Morning Wyse Fork Battlefield Monument
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Though a bit down on its luck, Kinston is a moderate-sized town and has a rather intriguing background for its size. For starters, the first governor of North Carolina, a Revolutionary War hero, had his home here. And in Civil War times, Kinston saw two notable engagements between the two sides. Moreover, it's where one of the Confederacy's ironclads, the CSS Neuse, was scuttled to avoid capture, and where the Confederacy was eager to hang deserters - nice.
The cotton and textile industry was big in Kinston for much of the 19th and 20th centuries, and for a while DuPont made its presence as well. Since then, diversification and stagnation have occurred; however, a number of personalities have bloomed here, including the musical brothers and former James Brown band members Maceo and Melvin Parker, and Vivian Howard with her show A Chef's Life from PBS.
Get in
Kinston is on US 70 about midway between Goldsboro and New Bern. The only form of public transportation to speak of really is Greyhound which stops at Lunch Box at 522 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
See
See Wyse Fork Battlefield Monument
An even smaller monument, but this was a more significant battle in that a Union victory here in 1865 by combined forces over Braxton Bragg's resulted in the Confederate's abandoning the area along with their ironclad Neuse, in addition to being one in a number of factors leading up to Confederate General Joseph Johnston's surrender a month later.
Do
- Go to a Minor League Down East Wood Ducks game at Grainger Stadium, or attend the town farmer's market.
Eat
Eat Chef & the Farmer
Vivian Howard's popularized restaurant from the PBS show A Chef's Life.
Sleep
You can also camp at the Neuseway Nature Park and be close to the animals.
Nearby
Goldsboro
City / town · 10 listings · 23 mi away
Greenville
City / town · 17 listings · 26 mi away
New Bern
City / town · 31 listings · 31 mi away
Princeton
City / town · 35 mi away
Washington
City / town · 13 listings · 36 mi away
Jacksonville
City / town · 13 listings · 37 mi away
Wilson
City / town · 4 listings · 37 mi away
Tarboro
City / town · 4 listings · 43 mi away
My experience
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