One of many oldest cities in North Carolina and the state’s first capital, New Bern is the right family-friendly vacation spot for a mixture of historical past, nature, and nice meals in a one-of-a-kind setting. It’s simple so as to add onto a household street journey, solely two hours from the capital of Raleigh and the seaside city of Wilmington.
And it has some distinctive claims to fame, together with the Eighteen Nineties drugstore the place Pepsi was invented, greater than 80 life-size bear sculptures, and, maybe most luxurious, the sprawling, staggeringly grand Tryon Palace.
You may follow its walkable waterfront downtown or discover the remainder of town, its waterways, and the 157,000-acre Croatan Nationwide Forest. I gained’t cowl all the things on this article, however contemplate these the must-do experiences if you go to New Bern.
On the Water
You may’t go to New Bern and never get on the water. Located on the confluence of two rivers, New Bern has water in its blood, so to talk. Paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, fishing, and extra — there are dozens of the way to expertise the New Bern waters, however for households, a guided cruise is an ideal match. It’s entertaining, academic, and handy. Simply present up, and your captain takes care of the remainder.
E book a two-hour cruise with Anchors Up Marine Options to discover the highly effective Neuse River, the smaller Trent River, and even Brices Creek. On our tour, Capt. Matthew Gotz, a USCG Grasp, was a wealth of data. We realized what a Neuse River mustache is, noticed turtles and different wildlife, admired the multimillion-dollar waterfront houses, and heard the story of the primary registered nurse in America and her little-known connection to “Brad’s Drink.”
The 22-foot lined boat comfortably seats as much as six folks and may simply be enclosed if the climate is a bit crisp. Youngsters 8 and up will in all probability like this most, however all ages are welcome. You may reserve all the boat to your group or save a seat on one in all their excursions. They do three excursions every day: morning, afternoon, and sundown. Seize gorgeous images of sunset on the wetlands, or select the morning choice to see the river at its most peaceable. Convey snacks to take pleasure in on the journey.
As a New Bern native, your captain is aware of all in regards to the metropolis and its waterways, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. One perk of renting the entire boat is that the tour might be tailor-made to your pursuits, whether or not it’s historical past, wildlife, boats, or simply chatting with mates as you hearken to music.
Professional tip: The binoculars onboard are nice for birdwatching — you may spot blue jays, ospreys, belted kingfishers, cardinals, and extra — however additionally they hold youngsters entertained.
On the City
One factor you’ll want to learn about New Bern: bears. I’m not speaking in regards to the wildlife. I’m speaking about the truth that New Bern was named for the capital of Switzerland, whose heraldic beast is the bear, which can also be on the New Bern coat of arms.
And throughout city. Sure, there are greater than 80 fiberglass bears in New Bern. Discovering them is sort of a scavenger hunt, excellent for youths, however you may obtain the map or choose one up on the guests middle for a cheat sheet.
There are bears in entrance of a number of retailers downtown. In the event you see a dapper-looking bear in a inexperienced vest, you’re at Mitchell {Hardware}. Go inside. This old-timey normal retailer, relationship again to 1898, sells all the things from birdhouses to barbecue sauce to boating provides and is an attraction all its personal.
Across the nook is one other historic landmark, The Birthplace of Pepsi. That is the precise place the place a New Bern pharmacist invented the drink in 1898. It’s full of artifacts like Pepsi lunch bins, Pepsi Santas, and Pepsi bottles from locations like Turkey and Thailand. Browse Pepsi merch, order Pepsi floats and popcorn on the soda store, and admire the mural of a mid-century hillbilly consuming Mountain Dew.
However in the event you actually need to get out in town, take a swing (or a number of dozen) at Beary The Hatchet. This axe-throwing venue makes for a enjoyable night time out. You may throw not solely axes but in addition ninja stars, knives, and shovels. And anybody can learn the way — your axe coach gives you ideas. It’s not about energy as a lot as approach.
Meaning it’s an awesome household exercise. They welcome youngsters as younger as 10 (generally youthful in case your little one is powerful sufficient and in a position to observe the foundations), and youths will find it irresistible. Somebody in your group doesn’t need to play? They will spectate without spending a dime. That’s additionally enjoyable — although there’s nothing like the fun of hitting your first bullseye. Adrenaline rush! My shot under as proof I made it.
Make a reservation to avoid wasting your slot, particularly on the weekend, although they do take walk-ins. Additionally they have drinks and snacks in addition to close-toed sneakers for hire in the event you forgot yours.
Tip: Searching for a deal? Go on “Broke Axe Mondays” when an hour of axe throwing is 40% off.
On the Palace
In the event you can road-trip to a palace, you go. That’s the rule. No less than, it’s in our home, and so the monumental Tryon Palace with its sprawling 16 acres of gardens impressed our go to to New Bern.
Tryon Palace is a three-in-one attraction. There are the historic buildings, together with the mansion, a number of gardens, and the 60,000-square-foot North Carolina Historical past Heart.
You may discover at your personal tempo, aside from the palace which requires a timed tour. As you’ll study out of your information, wearing interval apparel, the unique Tryon Palace was inbuilt 1770 because the official dwelling of the royal colonial governor, however it burned to the bottom in 1798. What you see now’s a recreation, faithfully restored from historic data and excavations.
Gov. William Tryon wasn’t common for his “palace,” financed largely by taxes and unnecessarily extravagant, the townspeople thought. It’s actually lavish immediately. You may go to the duplicate ballroom the place George Washington danced and see the cutting-edge (for again then) fashionable kitchen the place they nonetheless prepare dinner meals similar to within the 18th century.
Different issues you may’t miss at Tryon Palace:
- A guided tour of Dixon Home, a rich service provider’s dwelling from the early 1830s
- The Pepsi Household Heart within the museum, that includes hands-on actions the place youngsters can journey again in time to the 18th and nineteenth centuries
- The stables, all that continues to be of the unique palace
- The palace gardens with their formal clipped hedges, statuary, and scenic allées
- Varied yard gardens of historic houses, like these by the Stanly Home, boasting heirloom camellias, brick paths lined with boxwood, two summer time homes, and a fountain with water lilies
Suffice it to say, there’s lots to do right here. Plan a minimum of three hours, although you may squeeze it into two in the event you don’t spend too lengthy within the gardens and museum.
The place To Eat in New Bern
You may’t go fallacious with something in downtown New Bern, however to get you began, listed here are some recommendations for every meal plus a snack.
Breakfast
Baker’s Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery is common as you’ll discover on the weekend in the event you present up throughout prime brunch hours. They do lunch too, however they’re most well-known for his or her breakfast, significantly the cinnamon rolls, baked contemporary every day, and Butter Syrup, which they ship everywhere in the nation.
You’ve acquired all the same old egg-centric entrees, whether or not you need it as a sandwich, omelet, or platter, plus Southern classics like nation fried steak, hen and waffles, and biscuits slathered in gravy. A number of objects might be ordered à la carte, so you will get a smaller entree and add on sides to create your personal breakfast as I did, particularly useful for households who could have mild eaters. (The “Twigs & Berries” yogurt with berries and granola is a good lighter selection.)
The service is pleasant and quick, and the setting is shiny and family-friendly. This hearty meal will kick off your day proper!
Tip: Save room for the pastries or plan to come back again. They’ve a pastry case full of scrumptious muffins, cookies, and extra.
Lunch
You’ll in all probability spend a lot of 1 morning or afternoon at Tryon Palace, so consuming on-site is a pleasant break within the center. Lawson’s On The Creek has a primo location contained in the North Carolina Historical past Heart and proper on the waterfront.
They concentrate on soups, salads, and sandwiches and likewise serve desserts, North Carolina craft beer, and wine. Youngsters can be pleased to see acquainted favorites like scorching canines, PB&J, and grilled cheese whereas adults can tease their palettes with Reubens, shrimp salad, and the soup of the day, which runs the gamut from turkey broccoli chowder to borscht.
Our server was great, and despite the fact that we selected to eat inside, I slipped out to their patio and may vouch for the views.
Dinner
It’s onerous to choose one spotlight of our journey, however food-wise, it must be Morgan’s Tavern & Grill. Their steakburgers (you’ll discover I didn’t say hamburgers) are scrumptious, constituted of a mix of chuck roast, quick rib, and beef brisket, all floor and cooked to order. Get the amazingly creamy macaroni and cheese as your facet, and this dinner can’t be beat.
Possibly it was the complimentary honey-drizzled croissants that set the best temper, however all the things right here is sweet. On the lighter facet, there are salads, soups, and seafood. Want pasta, pork chops, tacos, or slow-roasted ribs? They’ve acquired that and extra. Morgan’s Tavern favors native produce and meat, and the menu modifications seasonally, however with a lot selection, the entire household can discover one thing they love.
You may sit outdoors on the patio with heaters and followers to accommodate the climate or cozy up inside surrounded by the unique brick partitions of this circa 1911 constructing, decked with artwork, lanterns, and interval decor. Snap a photograph with the bear statue inside for an opportunity to win free meals. Your server has the news.
Don’t skip dessert, even when simply to ogle the platter of choices.
Espresso and Snack
Smoothies and frappes, Italian sodas and cappuccinos — there are drink choices galore for youths and adults at Bella’s Cafe & Catering. Additionally they serve breakfast and lunch fare in the event you want a heartier “snack.” I can personally advocate the gyro.
Costs are affordable, and so they also have a youngsters menu. Whereas we didn’t strive the baked items, I’ll say they regarded good.
The ambiance right here is so peaceable. You’ll need to linger over your cup, and why not? With Wi-Fi, woodsy and heat decor, comfortable seating, and a chill playlist, that is what good vibes are all about.
The place To Keep
Since all the things is so walkable (we walked to every of the points of interest and eating places listed above), it is best to undoubtedly keep downtown.
The Courtyard Riverfront New Bern was precisely what we would have liked. Overlooking the Neuse River and proper within the historic district, it had all of the facilities we love in a Marriott lodge, like a 24/7 health middle, a fridge within the room, and the out of doors pool.
They’ve a bistro on-site, however the stroll to meals downtown is really easy, you may as properly stroll over a couple of blocks. The up to date foyer with free Wi-Fi is a pleasant place to chill out, and the rooms are comfy. Households can make the most of couch beds for youths to increase their house.
Don’t miss your picture with Captain Black Bear’d, proper on the entrance to the Courtyard parking zone.
You’ll need to plan to spend a pair nights in New Bern on your loved ones street journey, though you may squeeze the highlights into two days in the event you’re tight on time.
In any case, you may at all times return for extra on one other go to. New Bern is the form of place that (you’ll pardon the pun) bears visiting once more — and once more.