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Settled in 1710 by Swiss immigrants, New Bern, the second-oldest colonial town in North Carolina, was named after Bern, the capital of Switzerland. New Bern, surround on three sides by the water of the Neuse River, connected to the Pamlico Sound, is a coastal town integrated with nearby noteworthy mainland cities, perfect for a weekend getaway. Sail in and stay a while, or dock for the day at one of the marinas in town.
New Bern, North Carolina and other cities in the Coastal Plains have unique things to see and do. With several guided tours around town, start by seeing all the New Bern painted bear statues. A short time in this charming town will reveal why famous author Nicholas Sparks used New Bern as the backdrop to several of his beloved books. Remember, slow down, and create fun and joy where ever you go!
Historic Downtown – Best visited on Friday or Saturday nights, historic downtown New Bern closes the streets for expanded outdoor street dining, music, festivals, and art shows. COVID affected a few of the stores, but overall, the downtown is bustling on weekend nights. There are many apparel and gift stores that have special gifts and home goods.
Unity Project – Discover the love and compassion of the Unity Project art installation.
Union Point Park – Stroll Union Point Park, or settle down with a good book, as the water laps the boardwalk. Union Point Park is just a quiet green space near the water. There isn’t anything exceptional about it, but the simplicity and proximity to the water makes it lovely.
Trolley Tour – The Trolley Tour provides a 90-minute guided tour through the history of New Bern, highlighting its beautiful architectural charm.
Aquaventures Boat Charters – Set sail for the Bahamas on an extended charter or take in a sunset sail and dinner in New Bern, Aquaventures takes care of the details.
Tryon Palace – Governed by Britain in the 1700s, the Tryon Palace was home to the Royal Governor. Feel like royalty walking through the 16-acre gardens. Step back to the 1700s as your costumed tour guide educates you about this history of the Palace and be sure to see the museum exhibits.
Made In North Carolina – Looking for unique gifts from your North Carolina vacation? Look no further than Made in North Carolina! This store sells over 1000 high-quality products made by 80+ local artisans including food, home goods, bath and spa, pet items and more.
Walk to Remember – This town has so much charm, it’s easy to see why Nicholas Sparks, author of A Bend in the Road, The Wedding and The Notebook, chose New Bern to be the backdrop of these famous novels. The Walk to Remember is a self-guided tour of the landmarks represented in the novels.
Croatan National Forest – “The only true coastal forest of the east,” this 157,000-acre forest is nationally recognized. Bears, deer, and alligators call the Croatan Forest home. Enjoy mountain biking, hiking, and water recreation.
Rent Bikes – Rent a cruiser from Flythe’s Bike Shop and cruise through historic downtown.
In Down East North Carolina owners and chefs have created restaurants with unrivaled culinary creativity and diverse dishes providing local tobacco farmers with the need for alternate crops creating an infusion in an at-risk community.
The Chelsea – One of the best restaurants I’ve ever eaten at. The Chelsea captured my heart and my taste buds. This upscale bistro is known for the innovative creations with fresh seafood and premium cuts of meat.
Chef & The Farmer – With a different menu each night, the Chef & The Farmer brings local fresh ingredients to the farm table with an inspirational creative creation of new dishes and a new perspective on old ones. Chef & The Farmer, the brainchild of Vivian Howard, chef, author, and TV host, is upscale southern dining in the small farm town of Kinston, NC, created to help transition tobacco farmers into food farmers. If it’s on the menu, I highly recommend the spicy farmarita, the lasagna, brussel sprout gratin, and bread pudding. The lasagna taught me a valuable lesson. My whole life I’ve seen lasagna cooked one way, with slight variations, that included stacks of sauce, meat or vegetables, and noodles. But what makes Vivian Howard such a food genius is that her lasagna had no sauce, was more of a compact puff pastry and was simply exquisite.
The Country Biscuit – Veteran owned, The Country Biscuit, is known as “the original biscuit of New Bern”.
Find your serenity and reconnect with the scenic and expansive spaces in New Bern and nearby towns like Trenton and Kinston North Carolina. Take a trip back to the 1960s, see if the chicken crosses the road, or kayak through a marshland to peaceful dreams.
Wallace Meadows Farm Guest House – Centrally located in the Coastal Plains, Wallace Meadows Farm Guest is one of my all-time favorite Airbnbs. Rich and Tisha are amazing and kind hosts. The property is set on 40 acres with cows, chickens, and a donkey. I spent my days feeding the donkey, petting cows, walking the 1-mile trail around the farm, sitting under the pergola, or swinging on the swing watching the sunset. The inside of the house is just as amazing as the outside. This guest house has two bedrooms, expansive views from the master bedroom and living room, comfortable furniture, a well-appointed kitchen, and is one of the cleanest Airbnbs we’ve ever stayed in. If you are ready to breathe in fresh air, feel the peace and serenity of open spaces, and settle into the quiet spaces within, the Wallace Meadows Farm Guest House will heal you, provide respite and joy. We stayed here for a month and drove throughout the east side of North Carolina.
Salty Sweet Retreat- Waterfront Condo – Located in New Bern, with stunning floor-to-ceiling waterfront views, the Salty Sweet Retreat Waterfront Condo, is beautifully decorated, and offers pools and kayaks for outdoor fun.
Mother Earth Motor Lodge – Located in Kinston, NC, about 45 minutes from New Bern, the 1960s are in full swing, in this swanky Motor Lodge resort, including (some for a fee) put-put golf, table tennis, continental breakfast, bike rentals, and an afternoon reception of popcorn and cookies, and lemonade. Check out Mother Earth Brewing craft beer and spirits created by partners and father- and-son-in-law Trent Mooring and Stephen Hill, out the shared passion of doing what makes you happy.
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The birthplace of Pepsi, this Swiss inspired coastal town has unparalleled food and accommodations, and a street-party atmosphere on weekend nights.
Things to Do – Tryon Palace – Governed by Britain in the 1700s, the Tryon Palace was home to the Royal Governor. Step back to the 1700s as your costumed tour guide educates you about this history of the Palace, including how the lifestyle was made possible by the enslavement of others, including child labor. Be sure to see the museum exhibits and walk through the 16-acre gardens.
Food – The Chelsea – The Chelsea, an upscale bistro, resides in the first building used by Pepsi inventor Caleb Bradham, built in 1912, preserving the original floor and ceiling. The Chelsea captured my heart and my taste buds. Known for their Famous Cream of Crab soup, Southern Barbecued Shrimp and Grits, and Paella Pisotto. To really enjoy these dishes, don’t talk, just taste. Feel the ingredients dance with your taste buds!
Accommodations – Wallace Meadows Farm Guest House – Approximately a 30-minute drive from New Bern, Wallace Meadows Farm Guest House, located in Trenton, NC, is one of my all-time favorite Airbnbs. Rich and Tisha are amazing and kind hosts. The property is set on 40 acres with cows, chickens, and a donkey. I spent my days feeding the donkey, petting cows, walking the 1-mile trail around the farm, sitting under the pergola, or swinging on the swing watching the sunset. The inside of the house is just as amazing as the outside. This guest house has two bedrooms, expansive views from the master bedroom and living room, comfortable furniture, a well-appointed kitchen, and is one of the cleanest Airbnbs we’ve ever stayed in. If you are ready to breathe in fresh air, feel the peace and serenity of open spaces, and settle into the quiet spaces within, the Wallace Meadows Farm Guest House will heal you, provide respite and joy. We stayed here for a month and drove throughout the east side of North Carolina.
Alise’s Favorites and Suggestions –
There is plenty of parking in New Bern, NC and most of it is free. Look for public parking signs. Just remember they close downtown roads on weekend nights (Friday and Saturday).
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These items will make your travels memorable.
December 5, 2021
The information provided through this website is for informational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any illness or disease. It is not professionaladvice, nor is it intended to create any type of relationship between us. You should not act on any of the information on this website without seeking professional legal, financial, medical, mental health, travel,or other professionaladvice or care. All subscribers that havejoinedthrough a request for information initiated by the subscriber have the opportunity to opt-out at any time. We are a part of multiple affiliate sales networks; we may be compensated if you (the consumer) choose to utilize the links located throughout ourcontent andour website.By accessing or using this website, you agree to abide by the Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Affiliate Policy. Content may not bereproduced in any form.
