GOOD TO THE LAST CROP

Farm-to-fork restaurant becomes destination

GREAT LIVINGMartha Stewart’s

brand brings jobs

Fishing for Compliments Good recreation options are abundant

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2012 | ImAGESKINSTON.COm

KINSTON-LENOIR COuNTy, NORTH CAROLINA

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GOOD TO THE LAST CROP

Farm-to-fork restaurant becomes destination

GREAT LIVINGMartha Stewart’s

brand brings jobs

Fishing for Compliments Good recreation options are abundant

SPONSORED by THE KINSTON-LENOIR COuNTy CHAmbER OF COmmERCE

2012 | ImAGESKINSTON.COm

KINSTON-LENOIR COuNTy, NORTH CAROLINA

®

Visually explore Kinston-Lenoir County in our online photo and video galleries

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KINSTON-LENOIR COuNTy, NORTH CAROLINA

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EDITORIAL PROjECT mANAGER mitch Kline

CONTENT DIRECTOR lisa battles

PROOFREADING mANAGER Raven Petty

CONTENT COORDINATOR Jessica WalKeR

STAFF WRITER Kevin litWin

COPy EDITOR Jill Wyatt

CONTRIbuTING WRITERS baRbaRa biehleR,

Rebecca Denton, KaRen schWaRtzman

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS lauRa GallaGheR,

Jessica manneR, Janine maRylanD,

KRis sexton, viKKi Williams

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Rachael GeRRinGeR, tayloR nunley

SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Jeff aDKins, bRian mccoRD

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS toDD bennett, antony boshieR

COLOR ImAGING TECHNICIAN alison hunteR

ExECuTIVE INTEGRATED mEDIA mANAGER suzi mcGRuDeR

AD PRODuCTION mANAGER Katie miDDenDoRf

AD TRAFFIC ASSISTANTS KRystin lemmon, PatRicia moisan

CHAIRmAN GReG thuRman

PRESIDENT/PubLISHER bob schWaRtzman

ExECuTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Ray lanGen

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ON THE COVER Photo by Jeffrey s. otto science and nature campers explore neuseway nature center’s 55 acres along the neuse River.

dePartments

4 Almanac

14 biz briefs

16 Chamber Report

17 Economic Profile

18 Image Gallery

20 Local Flavor

22 Arts & Culture

26 Health & Wellness

28 Education

31 Community Profile

32 Through the Lens

2012 EDITION | VOLumE 5

KINSTON-LENOIR COuNTy, NORTH CAROLINA

®

cOntents

Features

6 GOOD TO THE LAST CROPfarm-to-fork restaurant becomes destination

10 GREAT LIVINGmartha stewart’s brand brings jobs

24 FISHING FOR COmPLImENTSGood recreation options are abundant

22

6

5thanniversary

issue

2 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 3

bbQ for allWhat began as the hog happenin’ in the 1970s has grown

into a festival that features the largest barbecue cook off

in the state: bbQ festival on the neuse. the event, which

takes place in downtown Kinston, is sponsored by the

Kinston-lenoir county chamber of commerce. it features

artistic displays, custom cars, fireworks and, of course, plenty

of barbecue. festival-goers can also enjoy live music at the

event, with acts such as the embers and hip Pocket band

taking the stage in previous years. to learn more, visit

www.bbqfestivalontheneuse.com.

artfully historiclocated in the historic commodore barrow

house, the la Grange arts center is home

to exhibits, craft shows and art classes. the

structure, built circa 1905, was the first brick home

in la Grange and still includes many of its original

architectural details, such as a “grained” staircase.

in addition to exhibit space, the center includes a

studio for classes, as well as a clay room and kiln.

offering free admission, the center is open from

10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Wednesdays and saturdays

and on tuesdays for classes. the la Grange area

is also known for its charming, historic houses,

which are scattered throughout the town.

almanac

Welcome to Kinston- Lenoir County

Park itlocated along the neuse River,

neuseway Park is a beautiful place

to set up camp. campers can enjoy

a variety of amenities at this full

hook-up campground, including hot

showers, fire rings and picnic tables.

the 55-acre area offers 14 sites with

50-, 30- and 20-amp services that

can be rented for $10 per night,

as well as tent sites without

hook-ups that are available

for $6 per night. campers

seeking a more authentic

experience can stay in

a replicated indian

tepee, made of

canvas, which can

be rented for

$25 per night.

an introduCtion to the area’S peopLe, pLaCeS and eventS

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POPuLATION (2010 ESTImATE)Kinston: 21,677

lenoir county: 59,495

LOCATIONthe county seat of lenoir county,

Kinston is located in east-central

north carolina, approximately 75

miles east of Raleigh, the state capital.

bEGINNINGSthe community of Kingston was

established in 1759 and named for

King George iii of england. the “g”

was dropped from the name in 1794

after the american Revolution.

Kinston was incorporated in 1826.

FOR mORE INFORmATIONKinston-lenoir county

chamber of commerce

301 n. Queen st.

Kinston, nc 28501

Phone: (252) 527-1131

fax: (252) 527-1914 www.kinstonchamber.com

Kinston-lenoir county at a glance

Kinston-Lenoir

What’s Online Take a virtual tour of Kinston-Lenoir County, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at imageskinston.com.

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LENOIR

Neuse R.

Pink Hill

La GrangeKinston

Fast Factsn Kinston won an all-america City award in 2009. the national Civic League gives the awards to recognize communities that work to advance citizen democracy and good government.

n Kinston drag Strip is a quarter-mile international hot rod association-sanctioned drag strip that opened in 1960.

n Besides Kinston, the incorporated cities in Lenoir County include La Grange and pink hill.

n home to Spirit aeroSystems’ 500,000-square-foot facility, the north Carolina Global transpark is a 2,400-acre industrial/airport site near Kinston, featuring one of the longest runways on the eastern Seaboard.

n the neuseway planetarium, health and Science Museum are located in the neuseway nature park, which also offers opportunities for bird-watching.

fore!the Kinston Country Club

provides members a par-71, 18-hole, championship golf course, which was designed by ellis Maples in 1924. this private club also offers chipping and putting practice areas, as well as a tree-lined driving range. in addition, members can enjoy tournaments, inter-club matches and other social, golf-related activities, as well as professional instruction and clinics. those interested in stocking up on equipment and apparel can take advantage of the club’s pro shop, which also provides club fitting and repair services. Learn more at www.kinstoncc.com.

iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 5

FARm-TO-FORK RESTAuRANT bECOmES DESTINATION

Good to the Last Crop

stoRy by KEVIN LITWINPhotoGRaPhy by jEFFREy S. OTTO

6 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 7

The owners of Chef & the Farmer restaurant in Kinston spent a whopping $120,000

on food purchased from local farmers in 2010.

Since opening more than five years ago, owners Ben Knight and Vivian Howard say their 66-seat restaurant in the Kinston downtown district has become a dining destination for a number of reasons. The married couple admits that one of the biggest factors is their farm-to-fork philosophy, buying as much food as possible from local farmers to keep money in Kinston-Lenoir County.

“We buy produce primarily from three farms in the area – Warren Brothers Farm, Putnam Family Farms and Scott Farm Organics – and our chicken and pork comes from Rainbow Meadow Farms in Snow Hill, and a lot of our beef comes from Nooherooka Natural in Snow Hill,” says Knight, who manages Chef & the Farmer while Howard serves as executive chef.

79 of 100 DollarsKnight says the restaurant’s

menu changes often depending on what is available from the local farms, which keeps the menu fresh in both quality and variety.

“We have actually become a tourist attraction, with approximately 80 percent of our evening diners traveling at least 30 miles to get to us,” he says. “People in Kinston have really spread the word during the five years we’ve been open. I think the residents here appreciate how we give back to the community by helping local farmers.”

Knight is also proud to point out a recent Seattle-based study stating that 79 of every 100 dollars spent at farm-to-fork restaurants remain in the community, compared to about 50 of every 100 dollars spent at conventional eateries.

“I’d also like to mention that we

the Chef & the Farmer restaurant highlights the region’s culinary traditions and uses local sources of ingredients, such as the molasses-glazed salmon, country-style pole beans, and marinated cucumber and tomatoes (left).

6 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 7

are a AAA Four Diamond restaurant, of which there are only about 12 such restaurants in all of North Carolina with that distinction,” he says.

Smoked Corn RelishAs for Vivian Howard, she

got her culinary training in New York and cooked at several fine Manhattan restaurants, but she and Knight ultimately moved to Kinston in the mid-2000s because she is originally from the area.

“Our menu is vegetable heavy with a lot of f lavor, and I would describe the type of food we prepare as being nouveau Southern,” she says. “One example of my entrees is a pan-roasted red grouper with fried green tomatoes, grilled eggplant puree and a smoked corn relish. Another dinner item is a ribeye steak with chimichurri marinade and grilled summer vegetables. The restaurant uses the local ingredients that are cooked in ways where I can utilize some of my training techniques.”

Even a Wine StoreChef & the Farmer is a

dinner-only restaurant, opening at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Knight says the couple strives to provide a modern atmosphere and experience while highlighting the rich culture of North Carolina’s Coastal Plain.

“Our whole operation is housed in a converted 100-year-old mule stable, so we describe the restaurant’s ambience as both rustic and modern,” he says. “The kitchen staff also puts up preserves, pickles and jellies, and we opened a wine store. Customers are pleasantly surprised when they visit us in downtown Kinston.”

Clockwise from top left: Fried green tomatoes with fire-roasted corn salad and a smoked corn aioli; the restaurant owners opened a high-end wine and beer store next door; Warren Brothers on his farm in La Grange, where most of the restaurant’s produce comes from; Chef & the Farmer is housed in a converted 100-year-old mule stable.

8 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 9

Ag Director Wins Pinnacle Award all hail, tammy Kelly.

the director of the north carolina

cooperative extension’s lenoir county

center is also the 2011 winner of the Pinnacle

of achievement, an award presented by the

Kinston-lenoir county chamber of commerce.

the annual award recognizes a top woman

business professional in the community.

Kelly was caught by surprise when it was

announced at a Rotary club meeting that

she’d won the award.

“i said, ‘What? Why me?’” Kelly recalled.

“it was very nice to be recognized.”

among the many reasons why Kelly was

honored was her role in helping to revitalize

the lenoir county farmer’s market. the market

has been around since 1979 but had reached

a level of disinterest in recent times, so in 2010

Kelly formed an advisory board of farmers and

community members to plan ways to make

the market vital again.

“the market is right across the street from

chef & the farmer, the farm-to-fork restaurant

whose owner ben Knight was on the advisory

board,” Kelly says. “ben really encouraged

vendors to return to the market once again,

and things began to snowball from there.”

900 VISITORStoday, lenoir county farmer’s market

is open every tuesday and saturday, with 18 to 20 vendors in attendance.

“We counted 900 people visiting the market one saturday in June 2011, compared to a typical attendance of 75 or so during the slower years,” Kelly says. “We also have a full-time market manager now on-site – Pat Jenkins – who takes care of any issues that pop up.”

meanwhile, Kelly wants to point out that the lenoir county cooperative extension is also involved with a lenoir county children’s Garden, which is managed by coop extension horticulturalist Peg Dodwin along with a community group called master Gardeners. children plant and harvest on a small plot of county-owned land on east lincoln street in Kinston as part of an agricultural learning experience.

“as for myself, i’m still involved in a lot of activities, many of which are connected to lenoir county agriculture,” Kelly says. “agriculture accounts for 26 percent of the lenoir county economy, so it’s a big part of what this community is all about.”

– Kevin Litwin

8 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 9

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Inking a deal to produce a line of premium cabinets for Martha Stewart Living has allowed MasterBrand Cabinets

to more than double its previous workforce, bringing hundreds of new jobs and a much-needed economic boost to Lenoir County. MasterBrand, the Kinston manufacturer known for producing the Aristokraft cabinetry line, now builds a fashionable line of Martha Stewart Living Kitchen Cabinets sold exclusively in The Home Depot, the world’s largest chain of home improvement stores.

Since manufacturing is

the second-largest industry in Lenoir County, behind health care and social assistance, adding approximately 350 new employees to the MasterBrand workforce not only supports the industry, but boosts the local economy by bringing revenue to other Lenoir County businesses that support the factory workers.

A High-Profile Lenoir County Visit

This economic boost was emphasized by the lifestyle diva herself, when Martha Stewart toured the MasterBrand Cabinet facility. While the deal to produce

cabinets for Martha Stewart Living was clouded in secrecy until the line was unveiled in September 2010, Martha Stewart traveled to Kinston in early 2011, along with designer Kevin Starkey, to see how the cabinets were produced and to meet some of the experienced craftsmen who help build her signature line.

“It was great to see for myself that the products are of the high quality our customers expect from us and I am happy with what I saw,” Stewart revealed on her blog. “I was also very glad to have the opportunity to thank the skilled

mARTHA STEWART LINE SECuRES NEW mANuFACTuRING jObS IN KINSTON

stoRy by bARbARA bIEHLER

Martha Stewart at the MasterBrand Cabinet facility in early 2011

LivingGreat

10 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 11

men and women at MasterBrand who make these beautiful, innovative and practical cabinets.”

While Stewart’s high-profile visit to the MasterBrand facility brought plenty of attention to Kinston, Ron Cullison, general manager of the plant, was happy to note that the visit was not about the domestic guru.

“She wanted it to be about her product,” Cullison said, as reported by the Kinston Free Press. “She wanted it to be about the jobs

we created; she wanted it to be about MasterBrand.”

Stewart Tours Other Kinston businesses

Stewart also made time to visit a number of businesses before leaving Kinston, all of them just minutes away from the MasterBrand facility. On their way to the airport, Stewart and her designer Kevin Starkey stopped at Piggly Wiggly grocery store on U.S. Highway 70 East to buy

some unique Mr. Pig T-shirts, then picked up some local cuisine next door at King’s Restaurant, which also ships its signature barbecue throughout the continental U.S.

Stewart and Starkey’s next stop led them to Mother Earth Brewing, after they noticed solar panels on the building’s rooftop while driving through town. Impressed by the company’s use of green technology to produce their signature selections, Stewart and Starkey also

Wilbur King, owner of King’s restaurant, holds a picture of Martha Stewart enjoying his barbecue on a private jet after her stop in Kinston. Right: Stewart traveled to the MasterBrand Cabinet warehouse in Kinston to meet the craftsmen who build her signature line.

12 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 13

enjoyed touring the facility and seeing the striking commissioned artwork the company uses for the labels on their beer bottles.

Their final stop was Parrott Brothers Farm & Garden, a merchandiser established for years in the Kinston community. Seeds, vegetable-planting guides, garden tools, farm-themed toys and penny candy are among the many things Stewart and Starkey found in this one-of-a-kind store.

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business

Biz BriefsBuSineSSeS – Both LarGe and SMaLL – that heLp deFine

KinSton-Lenoir County’S eConoMiC CLiMate

scorecardbuSINESS AT

A GLANCE

$843 millionAnnual retail sales

$14,876Retail sales

per capita

$70 millionAnnual hotel

and food sales

3,889Total number

of firms

source: u.s. Census QuickFacts

CITIZEN OF THE yEAR

RICK HOLDER HARVEy GROuP FERTILIZERBiz: Farm suppliesBuzz: Harvey Group Fertilizer president Rick Holder was named the 2010 Citizen of the Year by the Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce. Recognized for his significant contributions to the community, including his help bringing Spirit AeroSystems to the county and support of the Golden L.E.A.F. Foundation, Holder now joins the ranks of other prestigious community members recognized annually since 1963.

AmbASSADOR OF THE yEAR

LyNDON FuLLER

Biz: NonprofitBuzz: Lyndon Fuller was named the Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce’s 2010 Ambassador of the Year. Recipients are described as representatives of the chamber who help to build and maintain its membership base, and Fuller was recognized for his enthusiasm, leadership of the Hug Patrol and work promoting the chamber.

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FOSS RECyCLING Biz: Scrap metal recyclerBuzz: As one of the leading scrap metal recyclers and brokers on the East Coast, Foss Recycling operates five centers throughout North Carolina, including one in La Grange. The business was established in 1982, and in addition to buying and recycling all types of metals, Foss Recycling also offers a range of hauling services for fast, efficient service.www.fossrecycling.com

TRAVELING AND bEyONDBiz: Travel agencyBuzz: Traveling is made easy in Kinston-Lenoir County thanks to Traveling and Beyond, a travel agency dedicated to getting residents to their destinations of choice. Agent Melanie Smith was recognized as a 2010 Certified Travel Associate and 2011 Travel Industry Executive, and assists in coordinating and organizing business travel needs.www.travelingandbeyond.com

WEST PHARmACEuTICALSBiz: Pharmaceutical manufacturerBuzz: Founded in Philadelphia in 1923, West Pharmaceuticals is a manufacturer of pharmaceutical packaging and delivery systems. The company is headquartered in Pennsylvania, but operates a plant in Kinston. The variety of products manufactured infusion and IV system components, pre-fillable syringes, cartridge components and large- and small-volume parenterals.www.westpharma.com

We carry over 600,000 custom, imprinted promotional items and serve over 450 customers throughout the United States.

Customer Appreciation Items • Golf & Sports Promotions Wedding/Party Invitations & Gifts • School Uniforms Employee Incentives & Gifts • Corporate Event Ideas

(252) 526-9862 • www.coastal-connections.com

Lenoir Committee of 100 Inc.www.kinstonchamber.com/C-100-kinston-on-the-way

FIND US ON

Please visit our online store @ www.motherearthbrewing.com

A Ribbon of Green Runs Through Every

Aspect of Mother Earth Brewing

“Come Relax in Our Peaceful Tap Room and Beer Gardens!

Add us to the list of things you rely

on every day!

ConstruCtion Mro

speCialty trade

(252) 527-8077 www.nesrentals.com

14 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 15

business

chamber reportKinSton-Lenoir County ChaMBer turnS 100

The Kinston-lenoir county chamber of

commerce looks pretty good for 100 years old.

the 700-member chamber that was formally

established in october 1911 is spending all of 2011

celebrating its 100th anniversary, culminating

with the sinking of a time capsule in early 2012.

memorabilia items are being collected and

photographed. the items themselves will be on

display in november at the county’s arts center.

the photos will be placed in the capsule, which

will go under ground at the new centennial

corner park in Kinston.

“centennial corner will be at the intersection of

heritage and King streets and will feature a seating

area, crepe myrtles, flowers and a brick walkway,”

chamber President laura lee sylvester said before

centennial corner’s dedication in october. “People

can sponsor the walkway bricks, engraved with the

names of individuals and businesses that have made

Kinston what it is today.”

as for the chamber, sylvester says it has been a

vital part of the community during its first 100 years.

“for example, the chamber took part in many of

the original infrastructure decisions for the main

roads, railroad lines and street projects,” she says.

“hats off to those businesses and individuals who

took an active interest in our organization, and there

are generations of people, families and businesses

still active in the chamber today.”

Ways that the chamber is celebrating its

anniversary in 2011 include the introduction of

a new logo, a bbQ festival on the neuse, a living

the Good life in eastern north carolina expo and

the centennial corner oct. 31 party. the chamber’s

annual membership banquet in January 2012

will also look back at the year.

“in addition, the chamber will post a

100-year timeline of Kinston-lenoir county on

our www.kinstonchamber.com website, beginning

in september,” says Jan barwick, chamber director

of events and programs.

young Professionalsthe chamber would also like to point out

that their young Professionals of lenoir county

networking group is seeking new members.

the yPlc is open to anyone ages 21 to 39 looking

to enhance their professional development,

community outreach and social networking.

several exclusive events and programs are

offered throughout the year. membership is $50

for chamber member employees and $75 for

non-members. call laura lee sylvester at

(252) 527-1131.

– Kevin Litwin

Visit the Kinston-Lenoir Chamber of Commerce website to see a 100-year timeline of the chamber. www.kinstonchamber.com

16 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 17

EDuCATION

26%associate degree

11%Bachelor’s degree

5%Graduate degree

ECONOmIC RESOuRCES

Kinston-Lenoir County

Chamber of Commerce

301 n. Queen st.

Kinston, nc 28501

(252) 527-1131

www.kinstonchamber.com

Lenoir County economic

development department

101 n. Queen st., 2nd floor

Po box 897

Kinston, nc 28502

(252) 527-1963

www.lenoiredc.com

mAjOR EmPLOyERS

Caswell Center 1,634 employees

Lenoir County public Schools 1,310 employees

Lenoir Memorial hospital 1,200 employees

electrolux home products 793 employees

associated Materials, inc. 572 employees

Lenoir County 541 employees

Lenoir Community College 520 employees

hillco Ltd 412 employees

Wal-Mart 370 employees

City of Kinston 365 employees

WORKFORCE

73%

White-Collar Jobs

27%

Blue-Collar Jobs

SALES & uSE TAx RATE

5.5%State

2.25%Local

INCOmE

$22,462per Capita income

$42,883average annual

household expenditure

TRANSPORTATION

AIRPORTS:

Kinston regional Jetport (252) 522-4929 www.jetkinston.com

raleigh-durham international airport (919) 840-0175

www.rdu.com

ECONOmIC PROFILE

buSINESS CLImATEsince 2007, the lenoir county economic Development Department

has announced more than 4,000 new local jobs and more than

$984.7 million in new investments. Whether it’s new companies

or expanding current businesses, lenoir county is definitely

“on the way.”

Restaurants

Shopping

Sightseeing

Concerts

327 N. Queen St. • Kinston, NC • (252) 522-4676

www.downtownkinston.com

Your Source for Downtown Information

408 Heritage St.Kinston, NC

252.527.8515ww

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Salon & Spa• Salon Services• Body Treatments• Massage Therapy• Waxing• Manicures/Pedicures

The Total Experience

16 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 17

image Gallery

Epoch by Andy Anyardo at the Community Council for the Arts

Photo by Jeffrey S. Otto

18 KinSton -Lenoir Count y

The Queen Street United Methodist Church in Kinston, NC.

Photo by Todd Bennett

iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 19

local flavor

million dollar biscuits? that’s

what byrd’s restaurant is

known for, and people from as far

away as apex, Garner, Goldsboro

and Raleigh stop at the landmark

Kinston eatery on their way to

the atlantic ocean beaches.

“We were named one of the

best breakfast spots in north

carolina in 2011 by Our State

magazine, and that recognition

has been bringing us customers

from many different cities and

towns,” says c.J. Jarrell, owner

of byrd’s, which first opened

in 1977. “yes, our biscuits are

amazing. our biscuit makers

are mary alice Jones and cynthia

bingham who arrive here at

4 a.m. every day to make

them from scratch.”Jarrell says all food prepared

at byrd’s is fresh.

“We’re just a tiny, nondescript

restaurant on highway 58 south

across from lenoir community

college, and we serve breakfast

and lunch every monday through

saturday,” she says. “come see

us if you’re in the neighborhood.”

try the BaKed chicKen

byrd’s is just one of many

interesting dining spots in

Kinston-lenoir county that

offer customers home-cooked

favorites. another popular

destination that has been around

even longer than byrd’s is smith’s

cafe, which first opened in 1942

as a combination grocery store

and small diner.

third-generation family

member George smith is the

current owner and chef.

“Probably our most popular

dish is the baked chicken, which

some people call roasted chicken,

and i use a mix of special

ingredients that draws customers

from miles around,” smith says.

“in fact, i don’t have a website

or facebook page but have

customers from as far away as

louisiana and mississippi who

stopped in for the baked chicken.”

smith’s cafe has six employees

and is open from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m.

monday through saturday.“home cooking is the best

cooking there is, and we’ve been cooking here a long time,” smith says. “i’m also getting ready to remodel the place, which will make the atmosphere even that much nicer.”

Better than grandma’s

other top dining spots in

Kinston include christopher’s,

southern comfort FoodreStaurantS With hoMe CooKinG are pLentiFuL

20 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 21

King’s Restaurant, Kinstonian

family Restaurant and

lovick’s café. one of the

newest places in town is

Popp’s Place, which is across

from vernon Park mall.

“We have already built up a

reputation for our secret sauce

ribs and spaghetti casserole, even

though we just opened in april

2011,” says sherrie christian,

owner of Popp’s Place with

her husband, Joel.

Popp’s is open tuesday

through saturday for breakfast,

lunch and dinner, and sundays

for lunch and dinner.

“all the ingredients on our

menu are fresh, and all breads and

desserts are made from scratch,”

christian says. “our food is just

like Grandma used to make,

and maybe even a bit better.”

– Kevin Litwin

Smith’s Cafe has been serving home cooking since 1942. Left: Fried chicken served with greens, sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, and banana pudding at popp’s place

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20 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 21

Home to a rich civil War

history, bluegrass music,

public art and more, Kinston’s

cultural scene offers a wide,

diverse range of attractions.

living histOrycivil War history comes to

life in Kinston and lenoir county,

where the first battle of Kinston

took place in 1862. two years

later, the crew of the confederate

ironclad CSS Neuse set fire to

their vessel to cover their retreat

following the 1865 battle of

Wyse fork (also called the second

battle of Kinston). the battlefields

today look much like they did

then, and the burned-out remains

of the CSS Neuse are on display.

in 2012, the opening of the

css neuse interpretive center

will position Kinston as the most

comprehensive resource for civil

War exploration and education

in north carolina. visitors will be

able to view the largest collection

of civil War naval artifacts,

including the remains of the

CSS Neuse. Just a short distance

from the interpretive center is a

full-scale replica of the gunboat,

dubbed the CSS Neuse II.

the visitor center, located on the

battlefield, makes a good starting

point for an area history tour. here,

visitors can pick up a brochure to

guide them on a 12-stop civil War

driving tour, and serious civil War

buffs can purchase a set of maps

that trace troop movements for

the battles that took place in

the region. audio cD tours are

available, and 10 north carolina

civil War trail markers highlight

significant sites.

lOOKing FOr live music?

bluegrass music is an integral

part of the culture in Kinston-

lenoir county, and folks here

have plenty of opportunities

to experience it live. a bluegrass

jam session is held the second

saturday night of each month at

lenoir community college, and the

Kinston Winter bluegrass festival

brings internationally known

bluegrass artists and crowds of

fans to Kinston each february.

the Kinston community council

for the arts is working on the

african-american heritage music

trail, an innovative project that will

highlight the deep blues and jazz

roots that run through this region.

the trail will include interactive

video and audio kiosks at dozens

of sites in eight counties. the

project’s most popular feature is

its calendar of live performances

by the trail’s living artists. Residents

and visitors alike have packed the

cca building in downtown Kinston

and other local venues for jazz

nights, benefits and other events.

heart OF the artsKinston is home to the mrs. J.s.

brody Permanent Public arts

collection, which includes the

largest collection of public art

culturally cultivated in KinstonreSidentS Can enJoy variouS art ForMS throuGhout the City

arts & culture

From left: Grainger-hill performing arts Center; the remains of the CSS Neuse

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Photo by JeffRey s. otto

22 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 23

COURTNEY MITCHELL III DDS PAGeneral Dentist

Comprehensive Family and Cosmetic Dentistry“New Patients Welcomed”

Most Insurance Accepted

522-4313 • www.high-techdentistry.com2500 N. Herritage St. • Kinston (Professional Center)

• Root Canal Therapy

• Sedation Dentistry

• Children’s Dentistry Including Orthodontics

• Oral Surgery Including Implants and Restorative

east of Raleigh. the assortment

comprises downtown murals,

sculptures, bike racks, benches

and more.

one of the murals was recently

completed in lenoir memorial

hospital, which depicts various

scenes of patients being cared for.

another mural on the south wall

of the private property bordering

spring hill and south Queen

streets depicts a scene of the

neuse River. another piece of art

for the public to enjoy is currently

being constructed in Pearson Park,

which will consist of stainless steel,

bronze and copper. the sculptural

bandstand canopy will serve as an

entertainment venue and provide

an insight to the area’s rich

african-american music heritage.

located in a renovated building

downtown, the Kinston community

council for the arts hosts changing

art exhibitions along with classes

and workshops, and it brings

world-class music and other

arts events to Kinston

throughout the year.

in the sPOtlightbuilt in 1925 as a public school,

the Grainger-hill Performing arts

center in Kinston is now a 1,131-seat

theater housed inside one of the

last remaining examples of Greek

classical Revival architecture still

standing in north carolina. a

volunteer group of concerned

alumni and friends has renovated,

restored and now manages the

auditorium. Grainger-hill’s onstage

series features concerts in a

nightclub-type setting.

the lenoir community college

Playmakers and the Kinston-lenoir

Performing arts center also

present popular live performances.

– Rebecca Denton

For more information about attractions and events in Lenoir County go to www.visitkinston.com

22 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 23

sports & Recreation

With a world-class nature center, family-friendly

hiking trails, fishing ponds, baseball tournaments, a nationally acclaimed disc-golf course, 11 bustling parks and more, Kinston is an excellent place to enjoy the great outdoors.

BacK tO natureone of the county’s top

attractions, the neuseway nature center is located on 55 acres along the scenic neuse River and features several hiking trails, stocked catfish ponds, canoes, an 18-foot wall for rock climbing, and a saltwater “touch tank” where children can feel sea urchins, starfish and other creatures. the park allows tent and Rv camping as well as picnicking, and a miniature train called big Daddy’s

express will take children and adults on a ride for a small fee. also at the park are a planetarium, a fossil dig, and a hands-on health and science museum. in addition, a huge tepee is available for rent on the banks of the neuse, with room for eight people to spend the night. for more information, visit www.neusewaypark.com.

Batter uPbaseball seems to be the

sport of choice for many Kinston residents. tournaments dedicated to the sport abound, including multiple put on by top Gun sports. the program hosts tournaments throughout the state, and has three fields in Kinston. in addition to multiple top Gun tournaments, the city offers usfa softball and babe Ruth baseball tournaments.

tee timenorth carolina has a wealth of

excellent golf venues, and Kinston is home to four of them. the city courses – falling creek Golf course, Kinston country club, bill fay Park Golf course and cutter creek Golf club – challenge golfers of all skill levels.

ready tO revaction has its place at ironclad

motorsports. located on the fairgrounds, Kinston’s most extreme event center features a monstrous motorcross track and flat dirt track for two types of racing. several televised races at the track have earned ironclad national exposure, bringing both pros and amateurs to try their hand at ironclad.

the Outdoors never looked so greatFun reCreationaL opportunitieS are eaSy to Find in KinSton

the neuseway nature Center is located along the neuse river and features hiking trails, ponds, canoes and more.

24 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 25

disc gOlFbarnet Park’s nationally

acclaimed 18-hole disc golf course winds through the woods around the scenic park, offering a great mix of wooded and open holes. an active roster of games and tournaments draws disc golf players to Kinston from around the nation. for more information, visit www.kinstondiscgolf.com.

gOne tO the dOgsthe 32-acre Rotary Dog Park,

just down the road from the neuseway nature center, features

large ponds, open areas, and walking trails for dog training and exercise.

Other Places tO Playthe Kinston-lenoir county

Parks & Recreation Department offers a wide range of athletic programs throughout the year, including soccer, football, tennis‚ basketball‚ baseball, bowling, softball‚ group exercise classes and more. Details can be found at www.kinstonrec.com.

other recreation attractions include the annual Kinston 8000:

Falling Creek golF Course 2359 Falling Creek Rd. Kinston, NC 28504 (252) 522-1828 www.fallingcreekgolf.com

kinston Country Club 1501 Country Club Dr. Kinston, NC 28504 (252) 523-2197 www.kinstoncc.com

bill Fay Park golF Course Phillips Rd. Kinston, NC 28504 (252) 939-3356

Cutter Creek golF Club 28 Nina Lake Dr. Snow Hill, NC 28580 (252) 747-4653 www.cuttercreekgolfclub.com

get Out the golf clubs and hit the links

Looking for more to do in Kinston?

Scan this QR code.

Run for the River event, an 8K race and 1-mile fun run; tull’s millpond, a 200-acre millpond that’s open to the public for fishing, kayaking and canoeing; and West Water Park, featuring five pools and a four-story water slide.

– Rebecca DentonJe

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24 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 25

health & Wellness

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Lenoir memorial Hospital

26 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 27

Home to a hospital with more

than 250 beds and a state-

of-the-art cancer center, as well

as various wellness programs and

north carolina’s oldest residential

facility serving individuals with

mental retardation, Kinston

offers top-notch health care.

a BrOad range OF services

With a medical staff of more

than 100 physicians and nearly

1,100 employees, the not-for-profit

lenoir memorial hospital in

Kinston provides residents with

the kind of quality inpatient‚

outpatient and preventative health

services typically found in much

larger cities. in addition to general

medical‚ surgical‚ obstetrical and

gynecological services‚ lenoir

memorial offers a broad range of

specialties‚ including cardiology‚

pulmonology‚ oncology‚ radiology,

urology, rheumatology, vascular

and thoracic surgery, and

a variety of laparoscopic

procedures.

the lenoir memorial sleep

center, under the management

and direction of the hospital’s

cardiopulmonary department,

has a four-bed lab that offers

an assortment of tests for

sleep disorders.

cOnvenient cancer treatment

the lenoir memorial cancer

center – located just across from

the hospital’s emergency entrance

– provides state-of-the-art

radiation treatment and support

services. the cancer center

also offers the technology to

provide image-guided radiation

therapy, which is one of the most

cutting-edge innovations in

cancer treatment.

outpatient radiation therapy

and support services, including

an on-site nutritionist and social

worker, are also available.

PreventiOn & educatiOn

lenoir memorial provides many

educational health programs‚

screenings and seminars at no

charge‚ including infant cPR

training‚ colorectal‚ skin and

prostate cancer‚ and mammogram

screenings. monthly nutrition

seminars teach healthy eating

habits. and residents are invited

to use the lenoir memorial

community Walking track

(with convenient parking, a water

fountain, fenced-in playground

and picnic tables) 24 hours a

day. more than 15 support groups

are available to the community.

heart healthylenoir memorial offers

a comprehensive cardiac

Rehabilitation Program that

provides people who have

heart disease with a medically

monitored exercise program.

the program lasts an average

of 36 sessions and meets every

monday, Wednesday and thursday.

a typical routine includes stretch

and flex exercises, aerobic

conditioning, cool-down activities,

and relaxation or education.

Quality care at an aFFOrdaBle cOst

for more than 15 years, Kinston

community health center has

been providing comprehensive

dental, medical, pediatric and

ob/Gyn services for lenoir

county’s underserved populations.

through its community outreach

program, the center also offers

transportation to and from

appointments, at-home health

assessments, health education

classes and on-site translators.

the center’s dental clinic serves

an eight-county region and

offers both preventative and

restorative dental care for kids

and adults – at affordable rates.

casWell develOPmental center

established in 1911, caswell

Developmental center in Kinston

provides residential treatment and

support services to people with

mental retardation in the eastern

part of the state. the 300-acre

campus has more than 100

buildings and is an agency of the

Department of health and human

services in the Division of mental

health, Developmental Disabilities

and substance abuse services.

services are tailored to patients’

individual needs and can include

arts and crafts classes, music

therapy, sensory stimulation

activities and off-campus

outings along with

psychological counseling.

– Rebecca Denton

caring for Kinston’s communityreSidentS enJoy quaLity Care CLoSe to hoMe

26 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 27

Students in lenoir county have

plenty of excellent education

choices, including charter schools,

private schools, traditional public

schools, an “early college” public

high school, a local community

college, and two four-year

universities just a short drive away.

higher educatiOnlenoir community college in

Kinston offers a wide range of

two-year degree programs that

allow students to move directly

into the workforce. for those

seeking a four-year degree, lcc’s

articulation agreement with the

university of north carolina

system allows a seamless

transition into all 16 universities in

the system and into most private

colleges and universities. the

college’s heritage Place was

established in 1988, and holds

research material primarily for

eastern north carolina. the center

features genealogy and local

history collections, and a

research staff available to assist.

two four-year colleges are

just a short commute away. east

carolina university in Greenville

is about 30 miles northeast of

Kinston, and north carolina state

university in Raleigh is about

75 miles northwest of the city.

PuBlic schOOlslenoir county school District

features a range of prestigious

offerings, including the

international baccalaureate

Diploma Programme at Kinston

high school, a nationally

recognized pre-engineering

program at south lenoir high

school, and cyber campuses

that provide distance learning

and video conferencing at three

high schools. each middle and

high school offers the aviD

(advancement via individual

Determination) program, which

targets students with average

grades and helps them prepare

for college. and the opportunities

are only improving. major

renovations were recently

completed at three elementary

schools – moss hill, banks

and south east.

the district is home to five high

schools, including sampson

alternative and lenoir county

early college. housed at lenoir

community college, the early

college high school aims to

graduate students in five years

with a high school diploma along

with an associate degree or two

years of transferable college

credit. the district also has eight

elementary schools, three middle

schools and a K-8 school.

charter schOOlsfounded in 1997, children’s

village academy was the first

public charter school in lenoir

county. children’s village

academy boasts small class sizes

and uses a variety of strategies

and styles to reach all students.

Kinston charter academy is

a public charter school with an

academic focus on science,

math and spanish.

Private schOOlsarendell Parrott academy

in Kinston, a K-12 college

preparatory school, draws from

a nine-county region and is the

higher educationeduCation optionS oFFer a ranGe oF exCeLLent ChoiCeS

education

28 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 29

518 Plaza Blvd. • P.O. Drawer 1475 • Kinston, NC 28503 (252) 523-5107 • Fax: (252) 523-8858

Check out available properties at:

www.perrysinc.com

Kinston and Lenoir County’s premier full-service commercial real estate company for over 50 years!

MOST PRESCRIPTIONS FILLED IN 15 MINUTES OR LESS

Our pharmacy should be your pharmacyA health care partner of Carolina Home Medical

Serving Lenoir County and Eastern North Carolina for over 25 years• We accept all major insurance plans• Citywide delivery service• Screening for drug allergies and interactions• Low discount prices

Also with locations to serve you in Trenton, Snow Hill, Smithfield, New Bern (two), Bridgeton, Cape Carteret, Jacksonville, Surf City and Greenville

KINSTON300 N. Queen St. (252) 527-6929

KINSTON1302 N. Vernon Ave.

(252) 523-6089

PINK HILL107 W. Broadway

(252) 568-3161

DISCOUNT DRUGS

www.realodrugs.com

largest independent school east

of Raleigh.

bethel christian academy in

Kinston, which serves students

in pre-K through 12th grade, is

a ministry of bethel free Will

baptist church.

nova five Points Day school

works with children 17 years old

and younger who have been

diagnosed with a mental illness,

emotional disturbance or

substance-related disorder.

tOP-nOtch child carelenoir and Greene counties

boast many top-notch child-care

facilities, with lenoir county

alone offering at least two dozen

child-care facilities with four- and

five-star ratings. the Partnership

for children of lenoir and

Greene counties is a nonprofit

organization that helps parents

find quality child care. With a

focus on kids up to age 5‚ the

state-funded organization also

provides technical assistance‚

teacher education and other

support to local child-care

centers. – Rebecca Denton

28 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 29

6039-TR12260M_TGB_Livability.indd 1 3/22/10 11:40:09 AM

Living green is making sure the air in your home is healthy for your family to breathe. Test your home for radon and build radon-resistant. It's easy. That's living healthy and green.

Just call 866-730-green or visit www.epa.gov/radon

Living greenstarts from the ground up.

30 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 31

SNAPSHOTKinston is the lenoir county seat, and is among the oldest cities

in north carolina. it is home to civil War sites and the css neuse,

an ironclad war boat.

COmmuNITy PROFILE

visit ouradvertisersCherry Energywww.cherryenergy.com

Coastal Connections Marketingwww.coastal-connections.com

Committee of 100www.lenoiredc.com/com100.html

Courtney Mitchell III DDS PAwww.high-techdentistry.com

Holiday Inn Expresswww.hiexpress.com/kinstonnc

Kinston Public Serviceswww.kinstonpublicservices.com

Kinston-Lenoir County Tourism Development Authoritywww.visitkinston.com

Lenoir Community Collegewww.lenoircc.edu

Lenoir Memorial Hospitalwww.lenoirmemorial.org

Mother Earth Brewingwww.motherearthbrewing.com

NES Rentalswww.nesrentals.com

Perry Managementwww.perrysinc.com

Pride of Kinstonwww.downtownkinston.com

Realo Discount Drug Storewww.realodrugs.com

Suddenlink Communicationswww.suddenlink.com

The Total Experience Salon & Spawww.totalexperiencekinston.com

CLImATE

lenoir county enjoys a mild

climate with an average

temperature in the mid-60s,

low humidity and a lengthy

growing season.

89°

July high temperature

31°

January Low temperature

51"

annual rain Fall (vs. national average annual rain Fall of 37")

TImE ZONE

eastern

COST OF LIVING

$38,919Median household income

$116,000Median home price

$587Median rent for a two-Bedroom apartment

HOuSEHOLD INFORmATION

AGE:

42Median resident age

26% 19 and under

42% 20-54

32% 55 and over

mARITAL STATuS:

46% Married

54% Single

ETHNICITy:

50% White

45% Black

3% hispanic

2% other

TRANSPORTATION

16 minutesMedian travel time to Work

30 KinSton -Lenoir Count y iMaGeSKinSton.CoM 31

Ad Index 1 Cherryenergy

15 CoastalConneCtions Marketing

15 CoMMitteeof100

23 CourtneyMitChelliiiDDsPa

C2 holiDayinnexPress

C3 kinstonPubliCserviCes

23 kinston-lenoirCounty tourisMDeveloPMent authority

13 lenoirCoMMunityCollege

C4 lenoirMeMorialhosPital

15 Motherearthbrewing

15 nesrentals

29 PerryManageMent

17 PriDeofkinston

29 realoDisCountDrugstore

21 suDDenlinkCoMMuniCations

17 thetotalexPerienCesalon

&sPa

through the lens

… i have had the good fortune to travel a little in the great state of

north carolina here of late. and some of those travels have taken me

down barbecue road a little ways. this is a road i love to travel and

hope it has no end.

my most interesting barbecue trip thus far was a few months ago

when i had the good fortune of spending some time in Kinston, n.c.,

home of King’s barbecue. King’s is home of the “Pig in a Puppy.”

it’s barbecue served inside an enormous hushpuppy, the size of

a small hoagie roll.

this is by far the most peculiar barbecue creation i have come

across to date. and, to be honest, it’s not half bad. this is one of

those times when being open-minded is key.

FrOm Our PhOtO BlOg: KinstOn-lenOir cOunty

PosteD by toDD bennett

more Online See more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at throughthelensjci.com.

now that you’ve experienced Kinston-lenoir county-lenoir county through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. visit throughthelensjci.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.

get the story Behind the Photo

32 KinSton -Lenoir Count y

Kinston Public services … the Home Team Advantage

Kinston Public services delivers safe

and reliable electricity to more than

12,000 residents and businesses in Kinston

and surrounding communities. Kinston

Public Services customers receive excellent,

local customer service and reliable power,

all right in their hometown. In fact, Kinston

Public Services has been recognized as a

Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) for

three consecutive years by the American

Public Power Association.

Kinston is proud to be one of more than

70 public power communities in North

Carolina. These communities own and

operate their electric systems, offering

customers excellent, local customer

service, reliable electricity and prompt

restoration after outages.

Find out more at

www.kinstonpublicservices.com

or www.ncpublicpower.com.

www.lenoirmemorial.org