I’ve bought antique baseball cards, scented candles, freshly-ground coffee, delicious fudge, roasted nuts, flavored popcorn, infused olive oil, dog treats, handmade soap, toys and souvenir t-shirts as gifts for my friends in New York from stores and the Farmer’s Market in Downtown New Bern.

But my favorite place to discover unusual gifts is at the North Carolina History Center adjacent to Tryon Palace.

The Museum Store at the Center offers great gifts with historic flair.

Among my fun finds at the Store have been Revolutionary War-style candy, Colonial or Suffrage cookbooks, patriotic children’s books and games, old-fashioned pickles and fruit preserves, heirloom seeds, and limited edition prints. The capable staff at the Store will also assemble and ship gift baskets on request.

And best of all, the Store’s net proceeds support Tryon Palace’s programs!