Business Details
30 Years
experience
Your Garden Oasis & Event Destination in Newport, NC
Carolina Home & Garden was founded in 1996 by Brian and Stephanie Watson, who transformed a local garden shop into a multifaceted destination rooted in family values and community engagement. Over nearly three decades, we have expanded our offerings to include a boutique garden center, event venues, a vintage-themed cafe and bar, and interactive entertainment spaces while maintaining our commitment to horticultural excellence. Our team, including third-generation member Logan Watson, specializes in creating immersive experiences that blend nature, nostalgia, and hospitality.Following Hurricane Florence, we demonstrated resilience by repurposing storm-damaged materials to construct our signature Sunroom venue, showcasing our dedication to sustainability and innovation. With Brian's hands-on approach to operations and Stephanie's oversight of sister venues, we maintain the authenticity of a family-run business while serving as a gathering place for diverse audiences across Eastern North Carolina.
Services
Garden Center
Event Venues
Cafe & Bar
Vintage Arcade
Animal Exhibits
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1996 with three generations actively involved
- Unique venues built using reclaimed materials from Hurricane Florence
- Combines horticultural expertise with entertainment and event planning
- Hosts community-focused activities for all age groups
- Features 20+ vintage arcade games and exotic animal exhibits
Services
Garden Center
Our 28-acre garden center offers premium plants, mulch, pottery, and landscaping supplies. Expert staff provides horticultural guidance for residential and commercial projects. We emphasize sustainable practices and locally sourced products.
Event Venues
We host events from 25 to 300 guests across multiple venues including the tropical-themed Sunroom. Services include venue setup, coordination, and access to on-site amenities like catering and entertainment options.
Vintage Arcade
Over 20 classic arcade and pinball machines available for public play and private tournaments. The collection includes Emerald Isle originals and rare 1980s titles. Machines operate on token system with hourly rate options.
Cafe & Bar
Serving specialty coffees, botanical cocktails, and light meals daily. The menu features local food truck collaborations and seasonal offerings. Vintage decor includes antique furnishings and nature-inspired artwork.
Animal Exhibits
Interactive animal experiences with alpacas, goats, doves, and exotic birds. Educational programs available for school groups. Exhibits include koi ponds and feeding stations for hands-on visitor engagement.
People
Brian Watson
Founder & Operator
Brian established Carolina Home & Garden in 1996 after growing up in Emerald Isle's first grocery store and arcade. He oversees daily operations, maintains facilities, and manages venue reconstruction projects like the post-Hurricane Florence Sunroom.
Stephanie Watson
Co-Founder
Stephanie co-founded the business with Brian in 1996. She manages sister venues including the Watson House Gardens and Palo Alto Plantation. She contributes to design elements and community outreach initiatives.
Logan Watson
Event Director
Logan joined the family business in 2015, launching the boutique and later directing entertainment programming. She co-created the Sunroom venue and manages event coordination teams for weddings and private functions.
Questions
What types of events can be hosted at Carolina Home & Garden?
We accommodate weddings, corporate events, and private parties for 25-300 guests across multiple venues including our tropical Sunroom and outdoor garden spaces.
Are there family-friendly activities available?
Yes! We offer vintage arcade games, animal exhibits with alpacas and goats, koi feeding stations, and seasonal events suitable for all ages.
What makes your venue unique for special events?
Our venues combine natural beauty with reclaimed materials from Hurricane Florence, vintage decor, and on-site entertainment options for distinctive event experiences.
Do you offer food and beverage services?
Our cafe provides coffee, cocktails, and light meals daily. We partner with local food trucks and offer catering packages for events with advance arrangements.
Can I visit just to explore the gardens and arcade?
Absolutely! General admission is free during operating hours. The garden center, arcade, and animal exhibits are open to the public with no reservation required.
Reviews (3)
Claire Stoddard-Garlick
Jul 21, 2018
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What a treasure! This place is fantastic and the Thursday night music and food trucks are awesome! Will be making this a regular hangout!
Catherine Wilson
Aug 19, 2017
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It was 'ladies' night out for us. Myself, my daughter and her friends. A comfortable setting. A garden center with tables set around a gold fish pond with constant water flowing. A food truck that serves limited, but favorable choices of food (fish tacos seemed to be the favorite). Not over priced. Snacks for sale too. Thurs night, so there was live entertainment. They served alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.
I don't drink and the girls like a glass of wine, so it catered to all with pleasant scenary and atmosphere instead of a closed-in tavern. Family oriented. Since I don't go to bars, this was a good place to be with the girls and not feel out of place. Plants for sale. Gift shop with numerous unique items. Different nights they have different events available. The only unfavorable thing I saw was that the items in the gift shop were very costly.
I don't drink and the girls like a glass of wine, so it catered to all with pleasant scenary and atmosphere instead of a closed-in tavern. Family oriented. Since I don't go to bars, this was a good place to be with the girls and not feel out of place. Plants for sale. Gift shop with numerous unique items. Different nights they have different events available. The only unfavorable thing I saw was that the items in the gift shop were very costly.
Patsy Mahood
Nov 05, 2016
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This is a great place. Not only do they have lots of plants and garden supplies but the shop has an eclectic array of merchandise. The owners and staff are the best-friendly and very helpful and provided us with homemade soup and other goodies. The patio is beautiful and a lovely place to relax for an evening with live music which so far has been stellar
