Lawson Creek Park is an active destination that's suitable for nature lovers and outdoors fans of all genres. Encompassing a massive 140 acre site surrounded by the waters of Lawson Creek and Trent River, this park is a perfectly scenic locale that feels worlds away from the rest of Eastern North Carolina, but still has ample amenities to keep its more active visitors hard at play.
The scene at Lawson Creek Park is an eclectic collection of all things Inner Banks, both natural and cultural, all mixed together in a sprawling, waterfront location. Water lovers, nature lovers, and families of all ages will feel perfectly at home here, and will find an activity or two to keep them well entertained.
Perfect for water lovers, the park itself is surrounded by river waters in all directions, and is basically a "mini-peninsula" with small parcels of land jetting out from the edges of New Bern's downtown. As a result, there are plenty of ways to launch into the open river waters and enjoy the terrain. The park features two boat launches, ideal for both kayaks and skiffs, in addition to two fishing piers, including one that is handicap friendly. From these popular piers, fishermen can reel in small mouth bass, mullets, sunfish, sheapshead, and other freshwater / brackish water species, as well as enjoy some great hand crabbing conditions.
A waterfront boardwalk also runs along the perimeter, eventually leading visitors out to a nature trail through a scenic wooded area, which eventually meanders back to the main entrance. Scenic and leisurely, the waterfront boardwalk has become a favorite strolling spot for New Bern locals and longtime visitors.
Nature lovers will want to take a trek to the grassy areas bordering a centrally located marshland, (which is basically the aforementioned boardwalk / nature trail which circles this undeveloped parcel of land, and presents some great bird watching opportunities), and then veer right to enjoy a more rustic nature trail along Jack's Island.
The Jack's Island section of the park is a small parcel of natural terrain, bordered by the Trent River on three sides, and which features a wide variety of native species in a wild but concentrated region. Here, visitors will spot flowering and fragrant Mimosa trees, Trumpet Creeper vines, Pepper vine, Honeysuckle, and wild Hibiscus. Local species include Northern Cardinals, Red-winged Blackbirds, Mockingbirds and Ruby-throated Hummingbird, in addition to several migrating species that find a temporary residence in the fall, winter and spring months. The nature trail here circles through the area, and eventually presents visitors with a fantastic view of New Bern's historic downtown across the open waters of Lawsons Creek.
Of course, there are ample opportunities for visitors to enjoy the park without getting lost in the natural setting. Close to the main gate, which is guarded by a vibrant Blue Angel Grumman F-11 Tiger airplane, a relatively new attraction,visitors will find restroom facilities, two soccer fields, and two expansive covered picnic shelters which can be used for quick lunches or for larger group reservations with advanced notice and reservations. An additional picnic area is located on site, in addition to several grilling facilities throughout the park, (including a spot on Jack's Island), making afternoon or evening family barbecues a breeze. Interested parties should call the New Bern Parks Department at 252 639-2901 for more information on reserving picnic areas for group outings, or securing any region of the park for a special event.
Ample parking is located close to the entrance, and there are a number of handicap friendly facilities, including the fishing pier and a portion of the extensive walking trail. Open from sunrise until sunset to the public, the park is easy to access and is located along US 70, just west of historic Tryon Palace.
Nature lovers who want to dive into an extensive trail that covers the marshlands, maritime forests, and native species of the Inner Banks, in addition to fishermen and kayakers who want an easy launch to the open water, will feel right at home at the Lawson Creek Park. Expansive enough to constitute a nature preserve, but with plenty of amenities to keep any outdoor lover entertained, Lawson Creek Park is a fantastic New Bern local landmark that promises hours of fun and recreation in a postcard-worthy natural setting.
The waterfront world of Beaufort, Morehead City, the Shackleford Banks, and everything in between is at a mariner’s fingertips when they launch from the Newport River Pier and Ramp. Located directly on the water in between Morehead City and Beaufort, this sprawling launch site is a popular destination for visiting and local mariners alike.
There’s much more than meets the eye in Morehead City. Though the town is known in most beach-going circles as the place to shop and dine before hitting the sand, Morehead City also has a treasure trove of attractions and activities that will make visitors want to linger and explore. From exciting live theater shows to secretive deserted islands that are hidden in plain sight, visitors will want to make sure they check out these “must see” attractions and things to do that put Morehead City on the vacationer’s map.
Unwind and savor fun in the sun at Emerald Isle beaches with the whole family at this comfortable 3BR(plus additional room)/2.5BA bungalow that is just a short 10-12 min. walk to the beach. Located on a peaceful side street of the island, this simply decorated beach vacation rental is great for modest groups who want a peaceful hideaway that is within walking/cycling distance of beaches, eateries, stores and even an ice cream shop.~ 1600 sq ft of living space across 3 levels. This classic beach bungalow is located on a peaceful street in Emerald Isle. The home has everything you need to appreciate a classic beach vacation. Totally equipped kitchen, full-size washer/dryer, screened porch with TV, 2 open decks with porch furnishings, gas grille. You will also be within walking or cycling distance to the beach (about 12 mins.), Emerald Woods (sound side park with kayak launch, picnic area, and bathrooms), eateries, and stores.GROUND LEVEL - Half bath, Second living room that can be used as a 4th bedroom and features a sleeper couch. Generous laundry room with a treadmill and clothes drying rack, ideal place to store your beach stuff. The garage and golf cart is for owner use only but guests are welcome to use the garage for entry to the ground level. Interior stairs lead up to the kitchen/living area.FIRST FLOORING - Full kitchen for cooking family meals and a modest pantry. Breakfast bar with two bar stools. Dining room table with four chairs. Open airy living room with plenty of seating and flat-screen TV. Bedroom 1: Master bedroom with a Queen bed, full bathroom (shower only), and sizable closet. Screened porch with a flat-screen TV for calming and open deck with seating and gas grille.SECOND FLOORING - Stairs lead up from the living room. Shared full bathroom (shower/tub). Bedroom 2: Queen bed and private open balcony and a few chairs for relaxing. Bedroom 3: 2 Single beds and a closet with a few modest kiddo toys guests are welcome to use. We just ask that you return them to that room/closet.OUTSIDE: Enclosed outside shower for rinsing off sandy toes and beach equipment. There is also a Ring security camera on the exterior of the garage facing the driveway and street for guest security.Access to the home is via the screened porch on the left side of the home, with a lock box hanging to the left of the entry door.
- Emerald Isle
- 3 Bedrooms
- 3 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 8