Put ramekins on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-35 minutes, until puffed and golden. Remove from oven, and let stand for 5 minutes. With a flexible spatula, remove strata to
How many times have I driven by Tarboro, barreling along Route 64 toward my destination? One hundred times, 250? An eastern North Carolina native, I know Tarboro’s location like a
How many times have I driven by Tarboro, barreling along Route 64 toward my destination? One hundred times, 250? An eastern North Carolina native, I know Tarboro’s location like a
How many times have I driven by Tarboro, barreling along Route 64 toward my destination? One hundred times, 250? An eastern North Carolina native, I know Tarboro’s location like a familiar corner in a dark house — west of Williamston, east of Rocky Mount — yet only recently did I stop, deeply intrigued by writer Katie Schanze’s exploration of the circa-1760 Town Common and sprawling historic district (click here to read it). Still, I was unprepared for the scale of splendid architecture that consumed this tiny, Edgecombe County town. The beautifully restored Antebellum, Victorian, and colonial homes went on for blocks — more than my dog and I could cover in a walk (and that’s saying something). And the friendly Main Street! People said “hello” when you entered shops, and restaurant diners routinely waved “hey!” and gave hugs and handshakes to familiar faces entering the eateries. It’s well worth a detour, and even more worthy of a day trip. Here’s what to check out:
Originally 50 acres, Tarboro Town Common bridges the downtown’s commercial district and historic residential neighborhood. photograph by Charles Harris
Stroll
Town Common
Spanning 15 acres and approximately four blocks, this grassy expanse is the second-oldest legislated town common in the country, outside of Boston. Peppered with granite statues, park benches, and the Wyatt Fountain — surrounded by a small flower bed — the common is bordered by elegant old homes, willing you to stroll the perimeter of as much of the green as possible.
More than 150 years after it was built, Calvary Episcopal Church has many of the original furnishings, including its altar and chairs used by the bishop and deacon. photograph by Charles Harris
Walking Tour of Downtown
Tarboro’s historic district covers 364 homes, buildings, and churches in a 45-block area. It’d be a feat to traverse it all on foot in a day, but you can easily get your fill of strolling around Main Street — Park Avenue, Baker Street, Bridgers Street, St. David Street, and St. Andrew Street are just a few to get you started — before you hop in the car and crisscross the grid of blocks. Along the route, swing by the eucalyptus-green Blount Bridgers House, the historic churches on the southeast side of downtown, and the Cotton Press, in addition to the stately residential homes.
Calvary Episcopal Church
With a towering steeple and intricate stained-glass windows, you shouldn’t miss this striking gothic church, built in 1867. Many of the original furnishings and structures in the chancel still remain. Even if you just stick to the surrounding grounds (it occupies an entire block) you can explore the churchyard on foot, following landscaped paths that lead under oaks, pines, and crape myrtles to the cemetery and brick cloister.
Shop
Select a custom bouquet from Social Secretary. photograph by kirin_photo/iStock/Getty Images Plus
The Social Secretary
This gift shop meets florist inside the center on 409 North Main Street specializes in niche, playful accessories, home decor, and luxury sundries to enhance your home entertaining and gift-giving. Thumb through the Southern cookbooks and treat yourself to a scented candle, lotion, or hand soap. Need a touch of color? Select your favorite blooms and arrange them into a custom bouquet.
Berry & Bud
Find your next outfit at this men’s and women’s boutique. From sundresses for a dressy occasion to trendy accessories like Brackish bowties, colors and textures pop in this Main Street space.
August Georges
From the chic streets of Georgetown to Tarboro’s Main Street, this elevated shop for home decor and furnishings can help you refresh a room or reimagine your home into an elegant, French countryside-inspired space. Originally opened in Washington, D.C.,, August Georges also served clientele in Virginia before opening in Tarboro in 2021. Owner Deborah Winsor travels throughout the country and Europe, sourcing inspiration that she brings back to her Edgecombe County showroom.
Eat
On the Square
A lunch bistro by day and upscale restaurant by night with a menu that changes every few days based on what’s in season, this Tarboro mainstay is the product of Inez and Stephen Ribustello’s years spent working in New York City’s restaurant scene. The lunch menu features an array of creative and satisfying sandwiches (go for the hot roast beef with caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, and provolone cheese), plus salads and sides. Come dinner, regional vegetables and proteins shine, and the fish entrée is a favorite. Adjacent to the bar is a wine cellar complete with bottles you can order to pair with your dinner or purchase to take home.
Abrams Restaurant
If you’re craving Southern comfort food, Abrams is the answer. Open from breakfast to dinner, you can get a plate loaded with pulled pork barbecue, fried chicken, and an assortment of classic vegetable sides, plus some crispy hush puppies. Don’t miss the cheese biscuit stuffed with hoop cheese that puddles out when you cut into the middle.
Church Street Tap & Deli
I didn’t make it to Church Street Tap & Deli when I visited Tarboro but I will be stopping by the next time I pass through. Open for breakfast and lunch, you can take your pick of sandwiches, categorized by protein — egg, turkey, pork, chicken, or beef — paired with a brew from the beer taps on the wall. Don’t miss out on a side of broccoli salad — a customer favorite. Note that Church Street Tap & Deli is located underneath Tarboro Coffee House, down the steps from the Main Street entrance (an elevator is also located at the back of the coffee house).
Drink
Taps on Main
Calling itself a “modern sports bar,” Taps on Main sits squarely between the “food” and “drink” categories. Notably fun is the wall of 40 self-serve taps, which allows you to create a custom beer flight or stick to a pint of your favorite pour. There’s also a whiskey wall — no, it’s not self-serve, but the bar staff can help guide you to whichever bourbon, scotch, rye, or other whiskey might suit your palate. When hunger strikes, turn to the robust menu of inventive bar snacks, handhelds, and various iterations of mac ’n’ cheese.
Sip your pint of Tarboro Brewing Company beer in the taproom or, if the weather’s nice, enjoy it on the patio. photograph by LauriPatterson/E+/Getty Images Plus
Tarboro Brewing Company
Tarboro’s very own craft brewery produces more than a dozen different flagship and seasonal beers, from IPAs to lagers to Belgian-style brews. While you can find their beers throughout the Carolinas, swing by the brewery and taproom on Main Street, housed inside a former Chevrolet dealership. The open space overlooks the street and has a spacious patio that can be used during the warmer months. Throughout the week, TBC hosts different food vendors and community events that you can learn more about on their social media page.
Tarboro Coffee House
Every town needs a community coffee shop and Tarboro takes it one step further with an accompanying ice cream counter (because a hit of sugar with your caffeine is always a good idea), plus a menu of breakfast and lunchtime sandwiches. Order a Mexicana — a winter-warming blend of drip coffee with hot cocoa and a little cinnamon — and take a seat by the windows that wrap around the front corner to overlook Main and Church streets.
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In Edgecombe County, the country’s second-oldest remaining town common is the gateway to its sprawling historic district. Travel these acres and blocks on a reflective trip through time.