This North Carolina Landmark Is Where Pepsi Was Invented And Every Soda Fan Should Visit Once

Tucked along the banks of the Neuse River, New Bern, North Carolina is a small town packed with big history and even bigger charm. Most people know it as the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, but savvy shoppers are discovering another reason to love this coastal gem — its incredible antique scene.

From vintage treasures to one-of-a-kind collectibles, New Bern offers a shopping experience that feels like stepping back in time. Whether you’re a lifelong collector or just curious, this town has something special waiting around every corner.

The Birthplace of Pepsi Cola Store

Back in 1898, a pharmacist named Caleb Bradham mixed up a fizzy drink right here in downtown New Bern — and the world has never been the same. The Birthplace of Pepsi Cola store at 256 Middle Street is where that legendary story comes alive.

Walking through the door feels like stepping into a living museum full of nostalgia and fizzy fun.

Vintage bottles, old advertisements, and retro branding line the walls, showing how Pepsi evolved over more than a century. Visitors consistently rave about the friendly staff, who make everyone feel right at home.

You can even grab a fountain Pepsi for just a dollar — one of the best deals in town.

The store is free to enter, open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM, and Sundays from noon to 4 PM. It earns a well-deserved 4.6-star rating from over 2,300 happy visitors.

Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain Experience

There is something almost magical about sipping a cold Pepsi from a glass at the same type of counter where it was first served over 125 years ago. The soda fountain inside the Birthplace of Pepsi Cola store is a true throwback experience that visitors absolutely adore.

Reviewers call it “a trip down memory lane” — and that description could not be more fitting.

You can order a classic fountain Pepsi, Mountain Dew, or even treat yourself to a creamy Pepsi float. Fresh popcorn is also available for just two dollars, making it a perfectly affordable snack stop.

Several guests mentioned the staff went out of their way to make the visit extra special, even letting customers pose behind the bar for photos.

Whether you are a lifelong Pepsi fan or just passing through downtown, this soda fountain stop delivers a refreshingly unique slice of American pop culture history.

Pepsi Memorabilia and Museum Displays

History buffs, get ready to geek out. The museum displays inside the Pepsi store are a treasure trove of vintage Americana, featuring original fountain tools, antique Pepsi bottles, and decades worth of advertising artwork that traces the brand’s colorful evolution.

It is genuinely like walking through a time capsule of American consumer culture.

Detailed signage covers the walls and pillars throughout both the soda fountain area and the gift shop section, giving visitors plenty to read and explore. One reviewer described it perfectly: “vintage bottles, old advertisements, and historic branding that show how the drink evolved over the decades.” You could easily spend a solid hour just absorbing all the fascinating details.

Best of all, the entire museum experience is completely free to enjoy. No ticket required, no reservation needed — just show up, look around, and let the history of one of the world’s most famous beverages wash over you.

Pepsi-Themed Souvenir Gift Shop

If you love collecting unique keepsakes, the gift shop side of the Pepsi store is basically a dream come true. Shelves are packed with everything from Pepsi-branded t-shirts, sweatshirts, and socks to tumblers, puzzles, greeting cards, magnets, and even baby bibs.

Reviewers praise the wide variety and reasonable prices, making it easy to find something for everyone in the family.

One visitor noted picking up souvenirs for a grandparent who loves Pepsi, calling it “super exciting” and a genuinely heartfelt experience. The merchandise selection goes well beyond what you might expect from a small-town shop, rivaling specialty stores in much larger cities.

Signed guestbooks, novelty ornaments, and collectible signs also make for standout gift options.

Whether you are shopping for yourself or hunting for a one-of-a-kind gift, this shop delivers real antique-adjacent charm mixed with pop culture nostalgia. It is the kind of place where you never leave empty-handed.

Historic Downtown New Bern Shopping District

New Bern’s downtown district is one of those rare places that feels genuinely frozen in time — in the best possible way. Brick-lined streets wind past historic storefronts, cozy cafes, and a growing number of antique shops that draw collectors from across the Southeast.

The Pepsi store sits right in the heart of it all on Middle Street, making it the perfect anchor for a full day of exploring.

Strolling through downtown, you will find locally owned boutiques, art galleries, and vintage dealers tucked into beautifully preserved 18th and 19th century buildings. The walkable layout makes it easy to pop in and out of shops without ever needing to move your car.

Many visitors combine a Pepsi store stop with a broader downtown shopping adventure.

Reviewers consistently describe New Bern as “quaint,” “lovely,” and “charming” — and after one afternoon wandering its streets, it is easy to understand exactly why they feel that way.

Caleb Bradham’s Pharmacy Legacy

Few origin stories in American business are as fascinating as Caleb Bradham’s. In 1893, this New Bern pharmacist began experimenting with a blend of pepsin enzymes and kola nuts, creating what he originally called “Brad’s Drink” as a digestive aid.

By 1898, he had renamed it Pepsi-Cola, and a global empire was born right here in this small coastal town.

The original pharmacy building was a wooden structure that unfortunately burned down before Bradham passed away in the 1930s. The current brick building was constructed after the fire, but it carries the same spirit and historical weight as the original location.

Visitors who take the New Bern Trolley tour can even see Bradham’s stunning Greek Revival mansion, the Slover-Bradham House, built in 1848.

Learning about Bradham’s story adds incredible depth to the Pepsi store visit, turning a simple souvenir stop into a genuinely moving encounter with American entrepreneurial history.

Antique Collectibles and Vintage Pepsi Bottles

For antique lovers, the vintage Pepsi bottles on display inside the store are worth the visit alone. Each bottle represents a different chapter in the brand’s long history, and seeing them lined up together tells a surprisingly rich visual story about American design and consumer culture.

Collectors frequently note that the store’s artifacts rival what you might find in a dedicated antiques gallery.

One reviewer who picked up a glass bottle Pepsi called it a highlight of their entire trip, appreciating the tangible connection to a product that has existed for well over a century. The antique soda fountain tools on display are equally impressive, offering a rare glimpse into how drinks were prepared and served before modern convenience took over.

Mixing history with hands-on shopping, the Pepsi store blurs the line between museum and antique shop in a way that feels completely natural and deeply satisfying for curious visitors of all ages.

Family-Friendly Stop on the Way to the Outer Banks

Road trips to the Outer Banks just got a whole lot more interesting. New Bern sits right along the route many families travel heading toward North Carolina’s famous barrier islands, making the Pepsi store a natural and crowd-pleasing detour.

One reviewer called it “a must-visit on the way to the Outer Banks, full of fun souvenirs and super friendly staff.”

Kids love the soda fountain, the popcorn, and the colorful merchandise, while adults appreciate the history and the nostalgic atmosphere. Staff members have been known to run outside to snap family photos and invite visitors behind the counter for pictures — the kind of personal touches that turn a quick stop into a lasting memory.

The store’s free admission makes it an easy yes for budget-conscious families. Parking is manageable in downtown New Bern, and the whole experience typically takes between 30 minutes and an hour depending on how long you linger.

Affordable Treats and Snacks at the Soda Counter

When was the last time you got a large fountain drink for just one dollar? At the Pepsi store in New Bern, that is exactly what awaits you.

Grab a classic Pepsi, a refreshing Mountain Dew, or a creamy ice cream float at prices that feel like they belong to another era — because in many ways, they do.

Fresh popcorn for two dollars rounds out the snack menu, giving visitors a satisfying treat to munch while exploring the museum displays and gift shop. Multiple reviewers specifically mention the popcorn as a highlight, with one calling it simply “yummy.” The combination of cheap eats and fascinating history makes this one of the most satisfying value stops in all of North Carolina.

Sitting at the vintage counter with a cold Pepsi in hand, surrounded by decades of brand history, is the kind of simple pleasure that reminds you why small-town travel experiences are so hard to beat.

Friendly and Welcoming Staff Experience

Ask almost any visitor what they remember most about the Pepsi store, and the answer is surprisingly consistent — the people. Review after review highlights the staff as exceptionally kind, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic about sharing the store’s history.

One family even had a staff member sprint outside after them to make sure they got a proper group photo in front of the building.

A school group of 35 students visited and reported that the team was “extremely kind, informational, and accommodating” — no small feat when managing a crowd of excited kids. Another reviewer fell in love with a staff member’s patriotic red, white, and blue fingernails, a small but memorable detail that captures the warmth of the place.

Great customer service transforms a good attraction into an unforgettable one. At the Birthplace of Pepsi Cola, the staff clearly understands that personal connection is just as important as the history on the walls.

New Bern Trolley Tour and Local History

The Pepsi store is just the beginning of New Bern’s rich historical story. The New Bern Trolley Tour takes visitors past some of the town’s most impressive landmarks, including the Slover-Bradham House — the stunning Greek Revival mansion where Pepsi inventor Caleb Bradham once lived.

Built in 1848, the house is a breathtaking reminder of New Bern’s prosperous past.

New Bern is actually one of North Carolina’s oldest towns, founded in 1710 by Swiss and German settlers. Its streets are lined with antebellum architecture, colonial-era churches, and historic markers that make every block feel like a page out of an American history textbook.

Pairing a trolley tour with a visit to the Pepsi store creates a full, deeply satisfying day of exploration.

For antique shoppers, understanding the town’s layered history adds meaningful context to every vintage item they discover, turning casual browsing into a genuinely enriching cultural experience worth savoring.

Pepsi Store as a Hidden Gem Worth Discovering

“This is such a hidden gem!” wrote one reviewer, and that sentiment echoes across hundreds of visitor experiences. Despite being tied to one of the most recognized brands on the planet, the Pepsi store in New Bern manages to feel intimate, personal, and wonderfully off the beaten path.

It is the kind of place you stumble upon and immediately want to tell your friends about.

Located at 256 Middle Street, the store blends seamlessly into New Bern’s charming downtown streetscape, making it easy to miss if you are not looking. But those who find it are rewarded with a genuinely unique experience that combines history, nostalgia, and small-town hospitality in equal measure.

Visitors sign a guestbook, browse collectibles, and leave feeling connected to something larger than themselves.

For travelers who love discovering places with real stories behind them, the Birthplace of Pepsi Cola is exactly the kind of stop that makes a road trip truly memorable and worth every mile.

Planning Your Visit to the Pepsi Store in New Bern

Ready to plan your own trip? The Birthplace of Pepsi Cola store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM and Sundays from noon to 4 PM, giving you plenty of scheduling flexibility.

Admission is completely free, so the only thing you need to budget for is souvenirs and snacks — both of which are very reasonably priced.

The store is located at 256 Middle Street in downtown New Bern, right in the heart of the walkable shopping and dining district. Parking is available nearby, and the area is easy to navigate on foot.

You can reach the store directly at 252-636-5898 or visit pepsistore.com for more information before your trip.

Plan to spend at least 30 to 60 minutes exploring the museum displays, soda fountain, and gift shop. Combining the Pepsi store with New Bern’s antique shops and local restaurants makes for a perfectly well-rounded day trip that history lovers and casual tourists alike will thoroughly enjoy.