10 Free Things to do in New Bern That You Shouldn't Miss

June 4, 2021 Hana Mouser

New Bern /ˈnuːbərn/ is a city in Craven County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2010 census it had a population of 29,524, which had risen to an estimated 30,242 as of 2013. It is the county seat of Craven County and the principal city of the New Bern Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Restaurants in New Bern

317 Pollock St, New Bern, NC 28560-4944 +1 252-633-4369 http://www.carolinacreations.com
Excellent
78%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 124 reviews

Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Gallery

When no ordinary gift will do, visit Carolina Creations. We're part art gallery, part contemporary gift shop. We represent a vast selection of American hand crafted pottery, jewelry, glass, wood, paintings and gifts by local, regional and nationally known artists. For 24 years we've showcased art you'll love and use -- every day. We're open seven days a week. Come find out how easy it is to fall in love.

Reviewed By lindariesch

Carolina Creations has beautiful and unusual gifts, especially when you are looking for an elegant, one-of-a-kind wedding or special event present. The local artists are so diverse. I can always find a special keepsake or gift, and the staff are so helpful. It's my favorite shop downtown New Bern.

2. Mitchell Hardware

215 Craven St, New Bern, NC 28560-2153 +1 252-638-4261 http://Www.mitchellhardwareonline.com
Excellent
88%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 257 reviews

Mitchell Hardware

Reviewed By lyndaw909

This most unique hardware store is over 150 years old, and it has absolutely EVERYTHING! It was quite an adventure exploring the many nooks and crannies. The selections were endless, practical and unusual as well! We loved it!

3. Creekside Park

1821 Old Airport Rd, New Bern, NC 28562-9453 http://cravencounty.recdesk.com/recdeskportal/PublicParksFacilities/CreeksidePark/tabid/2167/Default.aspx
Excellent
76%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 17 reviews

Creekside Park

Reviewed By RussellW145 - North Carolina, United States

Our family has been enjoying Creekside park for 15 years, from when our children were little and played on the playgrounds to when they ran cross country, and played baseball for their schools. It's a large park, and a wide variety of activities can be enjoyed here. Locals schools play their team games here, including baseball, soccer, and cross country running. There are also tennis courts, disc golf, and docks for small boats on the river. Private parties may reserve covered picnic areas for functions. Multiple playing fields, and many playgrounds with a wide variety of pieces of equipment. Restrooms at the beginning, middle, and end of the park. Water bubblers. Spacious for walking. Great for all ages, and pets. Hours are posted at the entrance.

4. Isaac Taylor Garden

228 Craven St, New Bern, NC 28560-2152 +1 252-649-1712 [email protected] http://www.itaylorgarden.com
Excellent
50%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 24 reviews

Isaac Taylor Garden

Premiere Event Venue in the Historic District of Downtown New Bern. Reserve the beautiful outdoor garden for weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, corporate functions, private parties or ticketed fundraisers. The urban mansion was built in 1792 for Isaac Taylor, a successful merchant and plantation owner. A Carolinian wrought iron gate welcomes visitors to the garden.

5. Bear City Fudge Company

236C Middle St We are located in Bear Plaza with the bears between Surf Wind & Fire and Juliette's Boutique, New Bern, NC 28560-2142 +1 252-636-1360 http://www.bearcityfudge.com
Excellent
68%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 68 reviews

Bear City Fudge Company

6. New Bern Historical Society Civil War Battlefield Park

300 Battlefield Trail, New Bern, NC 28560-4803 +1 252-638-8558 [email protected] http://newbernhistorical.org/battlefield-park/
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 55 reviews

New Bern Historical Society Civil War Battlefield Park

The New Bern Civil War Battlefield Park, site of the Battle of New Bern, is comprised of over 30 acres in near pristine condition, unmarked by development or agriculture. The “redans” or fighting positions remain as they were a century and a half ago. You can literally walk in the footsteps of young Confederate and Union soldiers who were here on that fateful day: March 14, 1862. The Gateway Plaza leads to a unique 24 foot diameter color ground map and signage that provides an overview of the battle and a starting point for tours. Around the Visitors Center and along the battlefield trails are arrayed 36 informative and well-designed interpretive panels that tell the Battle of New Bern and the impact of the Civil War in great detail. The Visitors Center Pavilion is handicap accessible; the trails leading to the redans are gravel and mulch. The Park, which is unstaffed, is open dawn to dusk 365 days a year. Guided tours by volunteer Battlefield Guides are available for only $5 per person and can be arranged by calling the New Bern Historical Society at 252.638.8558 (preferably at least 48 hrs in advance if possible). Only 5 miles from historic downtown New Bern, the battlefield is a perfect spot for history buffs, nature lovers, families, and dog walkers.

Reviewed By sunsetbeachgal - Ocean Isle Beach, United States

If you are a Civil war buff, as we are, this site is a hidden gem. Although there is no visitor center, there are a number of very good plaques that tell the story of the battle of New Bern and the human story of slavery in this area. There are well marked hiking/walking trails where you can visualize what took place in the battle. We are so glad we incorporated a visit into our New Bern touring.

7. New Berne Antiques and Collectibles

1000 Cemetery Rd, New Bern, NC 28562-8321 +1 252-637-0206 http://www.new-berne-antiques-and-collectibles.com/
Excellent
70%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 20 reviews

New Berne Antiques and Collectibles

Reviewed By ibeasavage - Chincoteague Island, United States

We stopped by the store after spending a day touring. My sister and I both made purchases. They had a great supply of collectible glass ware. I would go again when I go back.

8. Kidsville Playground

1225 Pinetree Dr Seth West Parrott Park, New Bern, NC 28562-4403 +1 252-636-4000 http://www.newbern-nc.org/departments/parks-recreation/seth-west-parrott-park
Excellent
66%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 44 reviews

Kidsville Playground

Reviewed By SarahS233 - Spring Hill, United States

The kids LOVED this playground, so much to do for all ages of kids - enough for little ones to do up to the tweens who still enjoy monkey bars and swings. The castle, different climbing elements, tire swing, slides, see-saw, sand digging pit, too much to name, but all the equipment was extremely safe. Happened upon this park as we were passing through town, if we lived closer we would be there often!

9. New Bern Academy Museum

508 New St, New Bern, NC 28560-4820 +1 252-639-3524 http://www.tryonpalace.org/new-bern-academy-museum
Excellent
56%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 16 reviews

New Bern Academy Museum

Reviewed By ourgrandpasattic - Kyle, United States

I had been to New Bern for over four years and had never had even one person tell me about this Awesome Museum! It was a walk back into time for me as the first floor was filled with architecture and photos of homes built in each style. It was amazing to see the old school desks that students sat at when this was the very first state school in North Carolina. The school served as a hospital during the Civil War and you could almost feel the soldiers watching you. Uniforms, drum from the Battle of New Bern, shells, artifacts, and oh, the photos of the soldiers!! This is now my "Happy Place". Where I go to reflect, be still, learn, enjoy history at it's best. There is no fee for this place. How can they do that? Open on Friday's, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12:30-4:30. This is a total MUST SEE while enjoying New Bern, North Carolina!

10. Brewery99

417 Broad St Ste F, New Bern, NC 28560-4900 +1 252-259-6393 http://www.brewery99.com/
Excellent
76%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 21 reviews

Brewery99

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.