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City in North Carolina, United States
Photo: via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
New Bern is a city of 31,000 people (2020) in the coastal region of the state of North Carolina. New Bern has three historic districts with homes, stores, and churches dating as far back as the early 18th century.
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Home of the Craven County Arts Council, the Bank of the Arts is an art gallery in an old bank building. The Arts Council sponsors performances, festivals and other events and is a good starting place to find out what there is to do in the area.
In 1898 Caleb Bradham invented Pepsi Cola in his pharmacy at this location. Enjoy a Pepsi at a recreation of the original soda fountain.
A museum with fire fighting equipment and other historical items. The New Bern Fire Department has an unusual history of rivalry between the Atlantic Hook and Ladder Company and the Button Company; vestiges of this good-natured rivalry continue to this day.
A reproduction of Governor Tryon's mansion. New Bern was the capitol city of the Colony of North Carolina before the Revolutionary War. The original palace burned at the end of the 18th century. The Palace that stands today was rebuilt on the original site with North Carolina state funds during the 1950s. There are tours, special events, lectures and re-enactments.
A waterfront park at the "union point" of two rivers, the Trent River and the Neuse River. With a boardwalk, gazebo, boat ramp, and small beach area. Duck food dispenser is located next to water to feed ducks.
Paint your own pottery. Choose a pottery item and paint it. The staff will coat it with a clear glaze, fire it and you can pick it up 4 days later.
The Down East Folk Arts Society sponsors folk music concerts and dances at the Trent River Coffee Co., 208 Craven Street, New Bern and the Clawson's Restaurant, 425 Front Street, Beaufort.
A one-hour walking tour of downtown historic New Bern. Learn about strange occurrences and unusual happenings, including paranormal investigations, and ghosts that haunt many of New Bern’s homes and buildings. Based on the book, Ghosts of New Bern by Joseph and Joyce O'Callahan.
The New Bern Civic Theatre performs 6 to 8 plays and musicals each year in the historic Athens Theatre. Also has summer movie nights.
Amateur theatre group performs a variety of musicals, plays and activities for kids around the year.
A 90-minute trolley tour through the New Bern historic district narrated by a professional guide.
The 133 acres that the park spans offers a popular destination for wildlife fans and hikers. There are many benches and a few viewing areas along the trails, and descriptions of the flora and fauna that one might expect to see at vantage points within the park. A 2000 ft boardwalk that goes over Broad Creek offers a good view of the creek and the wild life that thrives in the area.
Mexican restaurant with surprisingly cheap beer and margaritas.
A well-established dining institution with an innovative menu. It is rather expensive, yet very good.
A landmark in New Bern. A great lunch place, fun for the kids, with ice cream and fountain drinks.
One of the better eating establishments in uptown New Bern, featuring upscale buffets. It has a wonderful Sunday brunch each week from 11:30am - 3:00pm.
A fine dining restaurant located in downtown New Bern. Excellent for families. Has a variety of beers on tap and an extensive wine list. Has covered, outdoor seating.
Locally considered the best chain dining establishment around. Make reservations well prior to when you intend to go; business is fast and waits can be over two hours.
This bar is in the basement of the inn of the same name. Although the bar is small, it has a comfortable atmosphere. This is the bar where the locals like to go.
Has two main bars. Both are good hangout places during the weekends. One bar features dance music and the other bar is a classic tavern. During the summer months, the Sheraton is famous for its "Deck Parties" on Fridays and Sundays from 6-10 pm. Friday deck parties usually feature rock, pop, and blues live music. Sunday's usually feature jazz.
A great place to play billiards. Milligan's features a large bar with several beverages on tap in addition to eight pool tables. Some nights, there is also live music.
One of the best values in town. Has pet-friendly rooms.
Located on one of the prime pieces of real estate in town.
Bed & Breakfast Inn
An Antebellum Inn Built in 1847 as a private residence, renovated in 1900 and again in 1980 as the first B&B in New Bern. There are 7 rooms with a full breakfast each morning. Off street parking behind the Inn. Park your car and walk to all the Historic downtown restaurants, shops, two riverfronts and the Tryon Palace & Gardens/NC History Center.
Fudge, chocolates and candy.
Fine art and contemporary crafts
Antiques, buy and sell.
Toy store.
Upscale consignment boutique with quality clothing.
Generally, those who come to New Bern come in from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) via rental car or through the local airport, Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN), with flights on Delta and American…
Read in the guideThe downtown shopping district is walkable. Elsewhere in town a car is necessary. There is no public transportation and taxis are rare and expensive.
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New Bern · Regional · EWN
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