Pickle Parlor is Worth The Trip

If you're staying in Goldsboro and looking for something a little different to do go to Mount Olive and visit the Pickle Parlor.

It's only about 15 minutes from our furnished rentals, and even if you wouldn't consider yourself a pickle person, you'll have fun here.

The Pickle Parlor is the official downtown home of Mt. Olive Pickle Company's pickle-themed shopping and tasting experience. And when I say pickle-themed, it’s pickle everything.

Try something a little different.

Start with the Pickles

You can try the featured varieties before deciding what you want to take home, which is especially fun when you come across something you've never seen at your usually grocery store.

You'll find all kinds of Mt. Olive pickle varieties, along with other pickled foods and specialty items. If you've ever walked through the pickle aisle at the grocery store and thought, "I wonder what else they make?"—this is the place to find out.

And then there's the pickle soda.

I tried it, and honestly, I expected it to be much more salty and briny than it actually was. It was surprisingly sweet. Is it going to replace your favorite soft drink? Probably not. Is it worth trying simply because you're standing in the Pickle Parlor drinking pickle soda? Absolutely.

Pickle merch for any occasion. Shirts, golf balls, dog collars, you name it.

More Than Pickles

The Pickle Parlor is a pretty serious gift shop, too.

Of course, you can buy jars of Mt. Olive pickles, but the shelves are packed with pickle-themed merchandise. Some of it is practical, some of it is adorable, and some of it is just plain ridiculous—in the best possible way.

You'll find Mt. Olive-branded merchandise alongside pickle-themed gifts and novelty items. There are shirts, hats, toys, ornaments, accessories and plenty of things that will make you stop and say, "Who knew there was a market for pickle merchandise?"

And if you're shopping for someone who already owns everything, a pickle-themed gift is at least going to give them something to talk about.

It's the kind of place where you walk in thinking you'll be there for 15 minutes and then realize you've been wandering around looking at pickle stuff for much longer than expected.

The history room has a timeline and a video you can listen to while reading.

Don't Skip the History Room

Here's the part that makes the Pickle Parlor more than just a really fun gift shop.

There's a dedicated history room where you can learn about the history of Mt. Olive Pickle Company. The space includes historical photographs, artifacts and other pieces from the company's history, along with a video about the company and its pickle-making story.

Mt. Olive Pickle Company has been part of the Mount Olive community since 1926, so there's actually quite a bit of history behind that little green jar you probably have sitting in your refrigerator right now.

I especially liked seeing some of the older jars and historical items. It gives you a much better appreciation for just how much the company has grown—and how important it has been to the town.

Make an Afternoon of It

Here's how I would do it if you're staying in Goldsboro:

Head over to Mount Olive, spend some time at the Pickle Parlor, grab lunch or an early dinner at a local restaurant, and then stop by R & R Brewing for a beer.

R & R Brewing is right in historic downtown Mount Olive and has a taproom and beer garden, making it an easy addition to a Mount Olive afternoon.

And if you're feeling especially adventurous, you may even find a pickle-inspired beer on the menu. Because apparently, once you're in Mount Olive, there is no reason to stop at pickle soda.

So… Is the Pickle Parlor Worth Visiting?

I'd say yes—and not just if you love pickles.

That's actually what I liked about it. You don't have to be obsessed with pickles for this to be a fun little outing.

And if you are a pickle person? Well, you may want to plan financially.

Sometimes the best travel experiences aren't the big attractions, they're the places you didn't know existed until someone local told you, "You have to go check this place out."