Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola New Bern
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Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola New Bern

4.6
·2k reviews·New Bern, United States

Discover the birthplace of an iconic soda! Explore vintage memorabilia and taste a fresh fountain Pepsi at Caleb Bradham's original pharmacy.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal

CrowdLow
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Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola New Bern

Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola New Bern

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the birthplace of an iconic soda! Explore vintage memorabilia and taste a fresh fountain Pepsi at Caleb Bradham's original pharmacy.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"A refreshing blast from the past in a beautiful little town!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Taste the Original!

Don't miss trying a fountain Pepsi or a float – it's the authentic taste of history! :soda:

Friendly Staff

The staff are incredibly kind and share fascinating stories about Pepsi's origins. :people_hugging:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 2,210 reviews

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Original Pharmacy Setting

Original Pharmacy Setting

Inside the historic pharmacy

Step back in time to where it all began. See the original pharmacy setting where Caleb Bradham first concocted Pepsi-Cola.

Vintage Pepsi Memorabilia

Vintage Pepsi Memorabilia

Display cases

A nostalgic journey through Pepsi's past with vintage bottles, ads, and branding. A true treat for soda history fans.

Freshly Poured Pepsi

Freshly Poured Pepsi

Soda fountain

Taste the original! Enjoy a fountain Pepsi or a classic Pepsi float made with syrup and carbonated water.

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Pepsi's Humble Beginnings

Discover the fascinating history of Pepsi-Cola at its original birthplace. Learn about Caleb Bradham's invention and the evolution of this iconic brand. A must-visit for soda enthusiasts and history buffs alike!

New Bern's Charm

Beyond Pepsi, New Bern offers historic architecture and a charming downtown. Explore local shops and eateries after your visit to the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola for a complete New Bern experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Experience the soda fountain
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

The original Pepsi Store in New Bern.

That place is the world's smallest museum. Beautiful town, with some great restaurants, but they really should upgrade that place.

Taste the Original!

Don't miss trying a fountain Pepsi or a float – it's the authentic taste of history! :soda: Reddit

Friendly Staff

The staff are incredibly kind and share fascinating stories about Pepsi's origins. :people_hugging: Reddit

reddit.com

New Bern

Heading to New Bern for family vacation in July. Any “must-do’s”? We will be taking a day trip to the outer banks and a day trip to Harkers Island while we are there. Any ideas or restaurants welcome!

reddit.com

Day trip to New Bern from Raleigh

My lady and I are thinking about taking a day trip to New Bern from Raleigh this Saturday. Could y'all offer some recommendations for things to do and places to eat/drink? The main purpose of the trip is to check out the Tryon Palace, since we've never been and because we like…

Great Souvenirs

Grab unique Pepsi-themed merchandise at reasonable prices. 🎁

Free Admission

Enjoy this historical gem without any entry fee! :moneywithwings:

reddit.com

Pepsi only???

Hello. My friends and I are coming on vacation this July. We are planning to visit the Pepsi museum, but not sure what else there is to do. We heard there are no happy hours for drinks in North Carolina? Is this true? If so does it apply to food? We enjoy a good Applebees happy…

Tips

from all over the internet

Taste the Original!

Don't miss trying a fountain Pepsi or a float – it's the authentic taste of history! :soda: Reddit

Friendly Staff

The staff are incredibly kind and share fascinating stories about Pepsi's origins. :people_hugging: Reddit

Great Souvenirs

Grab unique Pepsi-themed merchandise at reasonable prices. 🎁

Free Admission

Enjoy this historical gem without any entry fee! :moneywithwings:

Photo Ops Galore

Perfect spot for photos, especially if you're a big Pepsi fan! :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola for its historical charm, friendly staff, and the unique experience of tasting a fountain Pepsi. It's described as a delightful, free attraction that offers a nostalgic trip and a refreshing beverage. Some visitors initially expected a more extensive museum, but found the intimate setting and personal touch to be a significant part of its appeal.

"Had such a lovely visit to this little store! My son is a huge Pepsi fan and showed up rocking his awesome Pepsi socks! The staff noticed his socks right away! The fountain was down when we entered, however they were working hard on it and had it up and running before we left. Staff was unbelievably kind and helpful! Allowed us to go behind the bar and take our picture and even ran outside after us to make sure we got a family picture out front! Great merch too! Loved it!"

Lindz LlamaMama

"Birthplace of Pepsi Cola is a nice small museum, fountain Pepsi, Pepsi floats. My only complaint is I was expecting Pepsi made the old fashioned way with syrup & carbonated water, so I settled for a Pepsi Ice cream float. This place is definitely a must visit when I’m Newbern."

Phillip Petty

"If you’re ever in New Bern, NC, make sure you carve out time to visit the Birthplace of Pepsi – it’s an absolute gem! This little historic spot is full of charm and fascinating stories. You’re immediately welcomed by a warm and friendly staff, who share all sorts of amazing facts about how Pepsi-Cola got its start back in 1898 right here in a pharmacy by Caleb Bradham.

The displays of old Pepsi memorabilia are a nostalgic treat – vintage bottles, old advertisements, and historic branding that show how the drink evolved over the decades. It’s like walking through a time capsule of American pop culture!

It’s a must-stop for any history buff, soda fan, or anyone just looking for something unique and fun to do in the heart of downtown New Bern. The whole experience is free to visit, and it gives you such a fun and personal connection to a brand that’s known all around the world.

Highly recommend stopping by – it’s a refreshing blast from the past in a beautiful little town!"

Anil Singh

What People Like

Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Authentic fountain Pepsi taste
Nostalgic memorabilia displays

What People Dislike

Smaller than expected museum

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola is located in downtown New Bern, NC. It's easily accessible by car and parking is generally available on nearby streets. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk from other downtown attractions. Reddit

While the historic nature of the building may present some challenges, the staff are known for being accommodating. It's best to call ahead to confirm specific accessibility details. Reddit

Operating hours can vary, so it's always a good idea to check their official website or social media pages before your visit to confirm current opening times. Reddit

Absolutely! The Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola is centrally located in downtown New Bern, making it easy to explore historic sites, shops, and restaurants nearby. Reddit

Downtown New Bern is quite walkable. Using a GPS or a local map will help you pinpoint the exact location, which is often near other historic buildings and shops. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola is generally free! It's a wonderful opportunity to experience a piece of history without any cost. Reddit

The Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola is a free attraction, allowing everyone to learn about the history of this iconic beverage. Reddit

While there aren't formal tours, the staff are very knowledgeable and happy to share information about Pepsi's history. You can often engage in conversations to learn more. Reddit

Keep an eye on their social media or local event listings for any special happenings. The staff are known to be engaging and might offer insights beyond the standard displays. Reddit

Take your time to explore the memorabilia, chat with the staff, and definitely try a fountain Pepsi or a float from the soda fountain for an authentic taste. Reddit

🎫 🥤 Onsite Experience

You'll find displays of vintage Pepsi memorabilia, learn about its inventor Caleb Bradham, and can enjoy a freshly made fountain Pepsi or an ice cream float. The staff are very friendly and informative. Reddit

Yes, you can purchase fountain Pepsi drinks and delicious Pepsi floats. They also offer a selection of Pepsi-themed souvenirs and merchandise. Reddit

Absolutely! A Pepsi ice cream float is a popular treat and a must-try for many visitors. It's made with the original syrup and carbonated water. Reddit

You can find a variety of Pepsi-branded items, including clothing, mugs, and other collectibles. It's a great place to pick up a unique memento. Reddit

Yes, it's a very photogenic spot, especially for Pepsi enthusiasts. The vintage displays and the soda fountain offer great opportunities for memorable pictures. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola serves Pepsi, most restaurants in New Bern offer a variety of beverage options, not exclusively Pepsi. You'll find other sodas and drinks available. Reddit

The primary focus is on Pepsi drinks and floats. While some visitors mention popcorn, it's not a full-service restaurant. You'll find plenty of dining options in the surrounding downtown area. Reddit

Downtown New Bern has a great selection of restaurants, from casual cafes to more formal dining. You can find various cuisines to suit your taste. Reddit

North Carolina does have regulations regarding alcohol sales, which can affect happy hour specials. However, many establishments offer drink specials at different times. It's best to check with individual restaurants. Reddit

New Bern boasts a vibrant food scene with many local eateries offering delicious Southern cuisine and other specialties. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The vintage memorabilia displays, the iconic Pepsi logo, and the soda fountain area are prime spots for photos. Don't forget to capture the historic pharmacy setting itself! Reddit

Yes, photography is generally welcomed inside the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola. It's a great place to capture memories of this unique historical site. Reddit

There are usually no strict restrictions, but always be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography if it might be disruptive. Reddit

Many visitors enjoy taking photos with the vintage Pepsi bottles, old advertisements, and of course, their freshly poured Pepsi or float. Family photos out front are also popular. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a unique historical site that offers great photo opportunities, especially for those who appreciate pop culture and brand history. Reddit

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