Visitors who want to take in a fantastically performed local show while admiring one of New Bern's many historical gems should make a date to attend a production staged by the New Bern Civic Theatre. With a role of a lifetime as one of Craven County's most distinctive artistic resources, the nearly 50-year-old theater group is overwhelmingly enjoyed by local performers, artists, and patrons alike.
Large groups, including corporate organizations and conferences, will find plenty of room in the exceptionally accommodating and scenic New Bern-Craven County Convention Center and Visitors Bureau. The sprawling riverfront complex, located in the heart of the charming downtown on Front Street, boasts expansive facilities that can easily accommodate even the largest group gatherings and events.
Visitors to New Bern's historic downtown are advised to take a break from the shopping, antiquing and dining, and enjoy a comfortable seat and a great view at the scenic and newly revitalized, Union Point Park.
The Neuse River Recreation Area is an inviting rustic vacation destination for seasoned campers and newcomers alike, with an equally alluring location that's just steps away from the miles-wide Neuse River, and just a few miles away from New Bern, Morehead City, and the beaches of the Crystal Coast. Ideal for visitors who want to get back to nature while enjoying a day on the shore, this recreation area can please beach-goers, swimmers, nature fans, birders, anglers, and virtually every outdoor lover in between.
The New Bern Fire Department began as a fraternal organization and was originally called the "Atlantic Hook & Ladder Company," and was the first chartered fire department in the state of North Carolina. This original company became inactive during the Civil War when many of its volunteers were fighting for the Confederate Army, and noting a need for local firefighters, invading Union forces who had infiltrated and then settled in New Bern during the latter portion of the war, set up a rival company in 1865, the "New Bern Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1." The two companies remained in service well after the Civil War ended, but the initial rivalry between north and south originating companies never dissipated. Both companies would try to "out-do" each other with station equipment upgrades, and both companies regularly competed against each other in state-wide firefighting competitions. (Incidentally, both performed exceedingly well, perhaps due in no small part in an effort to out-do the other rival.)
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 Jarvis Mansion is a small and hard-to-find bed and breakfast located along a quiet portion of New Bern's main Pollock Street, just a block or so away from the scenic waterfront. The historic two-story white home, built around the turn of the 20th century, is part of a series of historic residences that line this street, many of which are converted B&Bs and other lodgings for visitors with a love of historic, romantic, and all-together relaxing accommodations.
The impressively grand Tryon Palace is easily one of New Bern's most famous local attractions. With a central location on the outer edges of downtown, and bordering acres of riverfront, this historical recreation of a late 1700s governor's palace caters to visitors with a variety of tastes, from local history to exceptional gardens. Charming and altogether opulent from the gated entryway to the formal hedges and historic homes that border the property, a trip to Tryon Palace is a full immersion into the opulent lifestyle of North Carolina's original movers and shakers.
The Attmore-Oliver House is a unique destination on a historic Downtown New Bern walking tour, and is a stately 1790 home that has been transformed into a small museum, as well as the home base of the New Bern Historical Society administrative offices.
A tempting spot for both art lovers and history buffs, the Bank of the Arts is an eye-catching site in downtown New Bern that’s as renowned for its impressive façade as it is for its wealth of ever-changing attractions and activities.
Bear Towne Escape Room offers three fun, themed escape room experiences in New Bern. Bear Towne's escape rooms are perfect for family, friends, corporate team building and date nights. The more your team communicates and works together, the closer you get to escaping! Sessions last 60 minutes ans don't require any special knowledge. Just bring your creative, out-of-the-box thinking and teamwork.
Beer lovers will find they have a home away from home when they take a trip to Brütopia – a cool little shop and tavern that features a wealth of local, regional, and worldly brews on tap. With an assortment of brews that are always changing, and a fun interior that makes it easy to relax and toast the day, Brütopia will be a favorite stop for New Bern explorers who want to unwind after a busy afternoon of touring the many Inner Banks attractions.
Situated in the heart of the downtown New Bern region, the Cedar Grove Cemetery is a local landmark that’s a popular spot on many historical or even ghost-themed walking tours that wind through the downtown streets.
Creekside Park is the largest park in the town of New Bern, and it’s situated close to the local airport, just off of US Highway 70. The park extends for 11 acres and since opening in 1997, is one of the most popular destinations for a myriad of both youth and adult sporting events.
Well known as New Bern’s family bike shop since 1977, Flythe's Bike Shop is the place to go for any and all biking needs in the Inner Bikes region and beyond. From perusing the shop’s line of top cycling equipment and gear, to signing up for one of Flythe's Bike Shop’s weekly rides, there’s a host of adventures and good times waiting at this local New Bern landmark.
Located just east of the heart of the downtown region, Fort Totten Park is a small public park in a primarily residential area that has a healthy helping of things to do for visitors of all varieties.
Mariners don’t have to venture very far from the waterfront to find everything they’ll need for a relaxed stay in the heart of New Bern, thanks to the conveniently located Galley Stores & Marina. A full service marina and gourmet food and beverage shop that includes everything from the basics to the decadent, this enticing little store is a great place to explore for visiting mariners and everyday downtown explorers alike.
Glenburnie Park is a scenic public park that’s located just northeast of the heart of Downtown New Bern. Tucked along the Neuse River in a primarily residential section of town, the park is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike who want to enjoy a wild and natural day by the water.
The Greenwood Cemetery may be an often overlooked landmark in the historic town of New Bern, but it’s a unique and historic destination that has a collection of stories all its own.
The John Wright Stanly House is a unique stop along a historic New Bern exploration, and is a stately 1780s home that was designed by the same architect who created Tryon Palace, found just a block or two away.
New Bern’s youngest visitors will have an amazing time discovering all the ways to have fun at Kidsville – one of the most enticing attractions within the expansive Seth West Parrot Park.
Latham Whitehurst Nature Park is one of the newest parks in Craven County, and was first opened to visitors and locals alike in 2011. Located in a quiet eastern section of the town of New Bern, the park is a popular destination for wildlife fans of all varieties, including hikers, kayakers, birdwatchers, fishermen, and everyone in between.
Located just four blocks away from Tryon Palace in the heart of Historic Downtown New Bern, the New Bern Academy Museum presents a unique peek into the often tumultuous history of this small North Carolina town.
Visitors of all ages can celebrate the local arts scene and discover their own creative side at the wholly unique New Bern Arts & Wellness Center. Striving to be an oasis for folks who want to explore both their creative potential and overall wellness of the body of mind, the New Bern Arts & Wellness Center offers a collection of classes, programs, and even artworks for sale to entice visitors and locals alike to join in the fun.
Located on the outskirts of the historic downtown area, the New Bern Battlefield Park is a unique destination that served as the site of one of the largest battles in the Craven County area during the Civil War.
Visitors exploring downtown New Bern can’t help but notice the impressive City hall which looms over the city landscape. This unmistakable landmark, which still serves as the home of local government offices, has a unique story and history which is worthy of exploration.
From swaths of decadent or eye-catching material to finish up a fashion forward project, to unique classes and events that will get anyone in a creative state of mind, the centrally located New Bern Fabric Center certainly has a lot to offer that goes above and well beyond fabric basics. Established in 1974 and serving visitors and locals alike ever since, this beloved fabric and craft shop has everything under the sun to create something unique, gorgeous, and absolutely memorable.
The North Carolina History Center, which is part of the extensive Tryon Palace, is a new 65 million dollar complex which transports visitors back in time to explore New Bern’s more than 300 years of local history.
New Bern is one of coastal North Carolina’s many towns that is arguably best explored from an on-the-water perspective, and adventurous visitors and locals can find everything they need for an upcoming excursion at Stand Up Outfitters. Situated just a shell’s throw away from the water, and offering a host of equipment, rentals, and lessons, there’s no adventure too great or too small for the pros at this popular and all-encompassing watersports store.
Explore the scenic waters of natural New Bern with an adventure that is orchestrated by Stillwater Kayaks. Located at the beautiful Northwest Creek marina, which is next to The Resort at Fairfield Harbor, this adventure company provides unforgettable kayaking experiences for visitors and locals alike, and provides a unique new way to explore the Inner Banks, inside and out.
Spend a rainy or relaxing day in New Bern exploring a creative side with a visit to the downtown area’s favorite destination for creative minds. The Accidental Artist is a chic little pottery studio that allows patrons of all ages and artistic abilities to create their own masterpiece, and take home a wholly unique and personalized reminder of their New Bern getaway.
Visitors on the hunt for a unique activity that everyone in the party will adore can unleash their inner artist at Wine and Design -a unique destination where creativity and delicious sips go hand in hand. A great spot for small parties as well as special events, Wine and Design is a fun destination where patrons can create their own masterpiece while enjoying a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere in the heart of New Bern.