Visitors are attracted to New Bern’s southern charm, small town feel, combined with the beautiful scenery, terrific weather, and an abundance of things to do.
New Bern is a city rich in arts, history, and outdoor recreation. It’s a safe, suburban community with a population close to 30,000 residents with diverse social backgrounds. Residents range from home grown New Bernians, transplants seeking a slower pace of life, and snowbirds escaping from the cold weather.
Military members and their families homestead in New Bern because of its close proximity to Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point and Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejuene.
If you’re looking for something to do this summer, you’ll find a vast array of fun events and attractions.
Join the many art enthusiasts who are drawn to the large variety of cultural activities. Home to many artists, art shops, and galleries; visitors and residents enjoy frequent exhibits, concerts, and live theatre performances. Take in a live performance at Grover C. Fields Performing Arts Center, the Masonic Theatre, the New Bern Civic Theatre, and the North Carolina History Center at Tryon Palace. Contact the Craven Arts Council to learn more.
Step back in time by visiting numerous historical landmarks. New Bern is the Birthplace of Pepsi Cola and boasts the first: printing press, public school, and chartered fire department in North Carolina. Learn how the devastating Fire of 1922 displaced hundreds of African Americans and left a trail of flames that drastically changed New Bern’s cityscape. Visit Tryon Palace, New Bern’s Civil War Battlefield Park, the New Bern Historical Society, and the Craven County Visitors Center to find out detailed historical information.
Surrounded by water, the Trent and Neuse Rivers, Brices Creek, Catfish Lake, and the many tributaries and streams offer plenty of opportunities for boaters, fishermen, and water enthusiasts.
With the Croatan National Forest in its backyard; it’s a hot spot for outdoor lovers. Birders, campers, hikers, and hunters flock to the forest to explore the fauna and flora – especially its large population of carnivorous plants.
New Bern is also a terrific place to bike, golf, play tennis, run, and enjoy outdoor activities.
Take a self-guided or professional tour. There are many options like horse and carriage rides, helicopter/plane rides, ghost tours, river cruises, Segway tours, and trolley tours. Contact the Craven County Visitors Center for detailed information.
Enjoy the local flavors of New Bern! From down home southern cooking, quaint cafés, fine dining, International cuisine, surf and turf restaurants, to Eastern NC BBQ by Guinness World Record Holder Tommy Moore, New Bern has it all.
We have plenty of shopping opportunities! Visit the New Bern Mall to shop and attend various events throughout the year. We also have numerous shopping centers, specialty stores, and antique shops.
Visit New Bern Now’s “Community Calendar” to see an extensive list of local happenings. Send us an email or fill out the online form to submit your community annoucements!
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Wendy Card