Visit New Bern

New Bern, North Carolina’s second oldest town, was founded in 1710 by Swiss nobleman, Christoph von Graffenried, and named after his native city of Berne, Switzerland. Bern means “bear” and the “Bern Bear” symbol is seen on its flag. Throughout the city you will see many creative Bear Town Bears.

New Bern has witnessed the beginnings of Colonial America, the American Revolution and the birth of our Nation, and survived the devastation and divisiveness of the Civil War.  Occupied by Union Troops after the Battle of New Bern, New Bern became a safe haven for emancipated slaves who gathered there forming a freedman’s colony and one of the first United States Colored Troops. Many historic homes and buildings endured, and remain standing, adding authentic charm and character to the city today.

In the 19th century, the town of New Bern was a thriving strategic riverside port and center of culture and was nicknamed “The Athens of North Carolina.” Today, New Bern welcomes visitors with a unique blend of European influence, and a tradition of Southern hospitality. The town boasts a thriving main street, several museums and numerous art galleries, specialty shops and eateries. New Bern is the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola.

Nearly every month of the year is marked by a special festival or event, making New Bern an excellent year-round travel destination. 

Accommodations in New Bern range from charming B&Bs to full-service hotels. It’s vibrant downtown features an array of restaurants and eateries, from elegant dinners in restored historic buildings to down-home cooking at locals’ favorite spots.  Historic downtown New Bern is walking distant from Tryon Palace.

Attractions and Museums

Attmore-Oliver House
513 Broad Street, New Bern, NC 28560
Built in 1790 by prominent New Bernian Samuel Chapman, this historic house serves as the headquarters of the New Bern Historical Society. Although primarily offices, it has several small exhibits including Civil War memorabilia and a heritage garden. Website

Bank of the Arts
317 Middle Street, New Bern NC 28560
252-638-2577
Home of the Craven Arts Council and Gallery, this 1912 neoclassic bank building hosts temporary exhibits of fine arts, handcrafts, and traveling exhibitions.

Croatan National Forest
Ranger’s Office, 141 E. Fisher Avenue, New Bern, NC 28562
252-638-5628
A 157,000 acre national forest that offers hiking, camping, birding, boating and fishing. Home of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker and several varieties of carnivorous plants such as the Venus Flytrap.

Foscue Plantation 
Located in Pollocksville, the Foscue Plantation is a majestic reminder of a period in time more than 200 years ago. The house has been meticulously restored to its original construction in high-style antebellum décor that showcases a number of original furnishings. If you want to step back in time and find out about a fascinating tale of love and war and the strength of a Southern family, you have come to the right place. With three floors and a working basement, cemetery, garden, forest, plantation land, and the Trent River at the back of the property, there is much to see. Located about 30 minutes from New Bern, this home is available for viewing on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment. Contact (252) 224-1803 for more information.
Website

New Bern Battlefield Park
300 Battlefield Trail, New Bern, NC 28560
Site of the first Battle of New Bern, March 14, 1862. 30+ acre park owned and maintained by the New Bern Historical Society. Park contains six well-preserved Civil War fighting positions, groomed trails, a covered pavilion, and 36 interpretive panels that recount the Battle of New Bern and the impact of the Civil War. Open daily from dawn to dusk. Free of charge for self-guided tours; guided tours available by contacting the Historical Society at 252-638-8558. Website

New Bern Tours
1311 N. Craven Street, New Bern, NC 28560
800-849-7316, 252-637-7316
New Bern Tours was founded in 1997 to provide visitors the opportunity to experience the charm and beauty of Historic New Bern. With a full fleet of transportation that includes trolleys and motorcoaches we offer a truly unique way to experience the fascinating details of North Carolina’s first capital. You will get a tour specifically designed to meet your needs. We can also assist you with hotel or dinner reservations. Website

For more information about events, hotels, restaurants, and attractions, visit the New Bern Visitor Center.

For more information about local businesses, visit the New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce.

Other North Carolina Resources and Attractions

NC Department of Cultural Resources
http://www.facebook.com/pages/NorthCarolinaCulture/61815681457
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ncculture/
http://www.youtube.com/user/ncculture

NC Museum of Art
http://www.facebook.com/ncartmuseum
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ncma/
http://www.ncartmuseum.org/untitled/

Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art
http://www.seccablog.wordpress.com

State Library – Marketing
Government & Heritage Library
NC Symphony
NC Arts Council
State Archives
Highway Historical Markers
NC Museum of History
Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex
Battleship USS North Carolina
NC Transportation Museum
State Capitol
Roanoke Island Festival Park