New Bern
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Understand
New Bern was founded in 1710 by Swiss and German adventurers led by Baron Christoph von Graffenried from Bern, Switzerland. Royal Governor William Tryon made New Bern the colonial capital. His restored 18th-century capitol and residence, Tryon Palace, dominates a thirteen-acre garden complex that includes several historical landmarks in the heart of the city.
A major port and trading center in the 1800s, New Bern was captured and occupied by the Union Army after a fierce battle on March 14, 1862. New Bern has three historic districts with homes, stores, and churches dating as far back as the early 18th century. In 1898, the pharmacist Caleb Bradham invented Pepsi Cola in his pharmacy at the intersection Middle and Pollock Street. The building still exists.
A major port and trading center in the 1800s, New Bern was captured and occupied by the Union Army after a fierce battle on March 14, 1862. New Bern has three historic districts with homes, stores, and churches dating as far back as the early 18th century. In 1898, the pharmacist Caleb Bradham invented Pepsi Cola in his pharmacy at the intersection Middle and Pollock Street. The building still exists.
Get in
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 Airlines. I-40 and I-95 are interstate highways that run relatively close to New Bern, which is located on US Highway 70, NC 17, and US Highway 17.
Bus service is provided by Greyhound. Buses stop at 4010 Martin Luther King Blvd, nowhere near downtown, so you'll have to figure out some way to get into town from the bus stop.
Bus service is provided by Greyhound. Buses stop at 4010 Martin Luther King Blvd, nowhere near downtown, so you'll have to figure out some way to get into town from the bus stop.
Get around
The downtown shopping district is walkable. Elsewhere in town a car is necessary. There is no public transportation and taxis are rare and expensive.
See
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phone: +1 252 638-2577address: 317 Middle StHome 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.
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phone: +1 252 636-5898address: 256 Middle StreetIn 1898 Caleb Bradham invented Pepsi Cola in his pharmacy at this location. Enjoy a Pepsi at a recreation of the original soda fountain.
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phone: +1 252 636-4087address: 408 Hancock StreetA 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.
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Tryon Palace and North Carolina History Center
phone: +1 252 639-3500address: 529 South Front StreetA 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.
Do
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phone: +1 252 634-3411address: 219-A Craven StreetPaint 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.
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phone: +1 252 633-2242address: 504 South Front StreetBicycle rental and sales.
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phone: +1 252 633-6444address: 1410 Spencer AvenueThe 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.
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phone: +1 252 571-4766address: Buy tickets at Bynum's Drug Store, 240 Middle Street, or phone to order tickets by credit card.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.
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phone: +1 252 634-9057address: 414 Pollock StreetThe New Bern Civic Theatre performs 6 to 8 plays and musicals each year in the historic Athens Theatre. Also has summer movie nights.
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phone: +1 252 633-3318address: Performing at the Masonic Theatre, 514 Hancock Street, New Bern, NC 28560Amateur theatre group performs a variety of musicals, plays and activities for kids around the year.
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phone: +1 252 637-7316address: 333 Middle StreetA 90-minute trolley tour through the New Bern historic district narrated by a professional guide.
Buy
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Bear City Fudge Company
phone: +1 252 636-1360address: 236C Middle SteetFudge, chocolates and candy. -
phone: +1 252 633-4369address: 317 Pollack StreetFine art and contemporary crafts
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phone: +1 252 634-9002address: 323 Pollack StreetFine art gallery.
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Fraser's Wine and Cheese Gourmet Shoppe
phone: +1 252 634-2580address: 210 Middle StreetWine, cheese and other gourmet foods. -
Poor Charlie's Flea Market and Antiques
phone: +1 252 638-2798address: 208 Hancock StreetAntiques, buy and sell. -
Snapdragon Toy Store
phone: +1 252 514-6770address: 214 Middle StreetToy store. -
phone: +1 252 633-4432address: 224 Craven StreetUpscale consignment boutique with quality clothing.
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phone: +1 252 514-2681address: 602 Pollack StreetSupplies for knitting, weaving, cross-stitch, etc. Also has classes and individual instruction.
Eat
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phone: +1 252 633-2088address: 202 Middle StreetA great seafood restaurant located in downtown New Bern. The food is moderately priced, and you get a great deal. If you like, you can eat on the roof overlooking the river.
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phone: +1 252 638-8938address: 2503 Dr Martin Luther King Jr BlvdMexican restaurant with surprisingly cheap beer and margaritas.
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phone: +1 252 637-5469address: 335 Middle StreetA well-established dining institution with an innovative menu. It is rather expensive, yet very good.
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phone: +1 252 672-9269address: 319 Middle StreetA landmark in New Bern. A great lunch place, fun for the kids, with ice cream and fountain drinks.
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phone: +1 252 633-0262address: 2303 Neuse BoulevardOne 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.
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phone: +1 252 636-2430address: 235 Craven StreetA fine dining restaurant located in downtown New Bern. Excellent for families. Has a variety of beers on tap and an extensive wine list.
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phone: +1 252 672-9394address: 111 Howell RoadLocally 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.
Drink
Harvey's MansionThis bar is located 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.
The HiltonHas 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.
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Mickey Milligan's
address: Trent RoadA 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. Trent River Coffee CompanyA café with a classic coffee house atmosphere. It's located in downtown New Bern on Craven Street. Also, TRCC sometimes schedules gigs for live performances and movie screenings. Check the website for dates for movie screenings and live music. This coffee house also has free internet.
Sleep
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phone: +1 252 637-2111address: 200 Hotel DriveOne of the best values in town.
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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New Bern Riverfront
phone: +1 252 638-3585address: 100 Middle Street -
Days Inn
phone: +1 252 672-0222address: 925 Broad StreetCentral location, conveniently located. -
phone: +1 252 636-0022address: 218 East Front StreetLocated on one of the prime pieces of real estate in town.
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phone: +1 252-634-1776address: 212 Pollock StAn Antebellum Inn Built in 1847 as a private residence, renovated in 1900 and again in 1980 as the first B&B in New Bern. We offer 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. Rooms: