Location: New Bern
Top Things to do in New Bern
- 1. North Carolina History Center - Tryon Palace
- 2. New Bern Fireman's Museum
- 3. Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Gallery
- 4. Bear City Fudge Company
- 5. New Bern Historical Society Civil War Battlefield Park
- 6. New Bern Farmers Market
- 7. Kidsville Playground
- 8. New Bern Riverfront Convention Center
- 9. Fine Art at Baxters
- 10. New Bern Civic Theatre
The 10 Best Things to Do in New Bern, United States
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
1. North Carolina History Center - Tryon Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 758 reviews
Colonial Governors ruled, legislators debated, patriots gathered and George Washington danced. At Tryon Palace, where British rule once flourished, American independence took root and the state of North Carolina was born. Here you can still experience the adventure of North Carolina’s earliest beginnings and a living history like no other. Guided tours, live re-enactments and conversations with costumed interpreters from centuries past bring history to life in vivid detail at the Governor’s Palace, Gardens and Historic Homes. And, at the new high-tech North Carolina History Center, interactive games and hands-on exhibits delight visitors young and old. Whether you’re exploring one of our riverside gardens or sharpening your skills as a quilter, printer, ship’s captain or blacksmith, there are endless opportunities for making cherished family memories at Tryon Palace.
Reviewed By D2958ZXgarym - King, United States
Chartered in 1712, New Bern is North Carolina’s second oldest city. Steeped in history, the town is home to Tryon Palace, an impressive recreation of the original government house built during the last years of North Carolina’s colonial period. For many years, the colonial capital moved around from town to town. Finally, due largely to New Bern’s growing influence and importance as a trading center, Royal Governor William Tryon decided that this town was the proper location for a permanent capital. In 1767, construction began on an imposing two-story building designed by famed English architect John Hawks. Completed in 1770, it was regarded as one of the most beautiful public buildings in America. Many of the North Carolinians who had to pay for the cost of its construction weren’t so enthusiastic, however, derisively dubbing the building “Tryon’s Palace.”
Despite the criticism of some, it served as both residence and seat of government during Tryon’s last months as governor – he left to assume the same position in New York – and for his successor. Josiah Martin served as North Carolina’s last Royal Governor during the turbulent years of 1771-1776. In spite of its original splendor, the “palace” fell into disrepair in the years following the Revolutionary War, especially after Raleigh was established as the state capital in 1790. The main building was destroyed by fire in 1798.
It was not until 1949 that serious efforts were begun to reconstruct the town’s most famous building. After a decade of painstaking work, Tryon Palace opened to the public in 1959. It easily ranks as a “must-see” Tarheel attraction. Guided tours take visitors through first and second floor rooms as well as the basement. As impressive as the reconstructed building is, the tremendous number of artifacts assembled – furnishings, books, personal effects – is equally astounding.
At their leisure, visitors can enjoy the gardens at the rear of the palace, overlooking the Trent River. In addition to the mansion and gardens, the Tryon Palace complex includes the John Wright Stanly House, circa 1780; the Dixon-Stevenson House, circa 1826-1833; and the Robert Hay House, circa 1805. Another building operated by Tryon Palace is The New Bern Academy Museum. Built in 1766 as a school for both boys and girls, it was the first public school in North Carolina. Today it houses four permanent exhibits focusing on New Bern’s colonial history, architecture, role during the Civil War, and education.
2. New Bern Fireman's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Attraction featuring antique fire engines used in the 1922 fire that destroyed one-third of the city.
Reviewed By Clare P - New Bern, North Carolina
We visited one sweltering hot afternoon to get into the air conditioning! What a treat. The docents are very knowledgeable and can give you lots of background information to share.
3. Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 100 reviews
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 Beverly W - Raleigh, North Carolina
During a visit to New Bern we enjoyed browsing in this store which offers items created by local or regional artists along with an interesting and unique selection of merchandise. The staff were unfailingly courteous, offering assistance if needed but then allowing unhurried browsing. I couldn't resist a ceramic piece by a local artist featuring a favorite scripture verse. A staff member asked if I'd like it wrapped as a gift having heard my comment about what a great gift this would be for a relative. She carefully packaged and wrapped the item and offered a bag to make carrying it easier. Great customer service!
4. Bear City Fudge Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By OBXLOKAL - Manteo, North Carolina
After a great lunch and strolling the streets of New Bern, what is next??? Chocolate fudge!!! delicious, many varieties and they'll happily let you have a small sample...then it's all over, have to have some to take home. It was a little chilly outside so...MoreThanks for visiting us and the nice complimant. We look forward to your next visit and having your try the awesome ice cream!
5. New Bern Historical Society Civil War Battlefield Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
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 Julie M - United States
I didn't think a walk could be so educational and enjoyable. The Historical Society has thought of everything. Clean, well groomed trails, picnic tables and bathrooms for families and multiple historic placards along the trails You feel like you can actually 'see' the battle. Well done, very well done!!
6. New Bern Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By Dana S - New Bern, North Carolina
There's a wide variety of homemade crafts and goodies to find here. A nice place to spend a Saturday morning.
7. Kidsville Playground
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By mpheadley - Franklinville, NJ
Brings back memories of our local park growing up. Actual wood! Sure to inspire kids' imaginations. Unfortunately it's doing what wood does and slowly splintering. But pieces can be replaced and all these new plastic and metal common playgrounds that can be found everywhere cannot replace unique playgrounds like this one.
8. New Bern Riverfront Convention Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By Luvsdsea - Newport, NC
Let's start with the positives: I attended a concert (Under The Streetlamp) and the acoustics were superb! The area where they set up hundreds of chairs for the viewers was plenty spacious so that people weren't tripping over each other getting to and from their seats. There are a couple of negatives but they only seemed like potential problems after all was said and done. First, the floor is flat so if someone tall sits in your line of view, you wouldn't be able to see. Fortunately, that wasn't a problem for me this time. However, if the stage had been higher, it probably wouldn't have been a problem for anyone. I wasn't overjoyed with the way they handled their ticket sales and asked people to pick up their tickets at 5 for a show that wasn't to start until 7. The line was all the way out to the street so we went ahead and had our dinner before we picked up our tickets to make sure we would have time to eat at all. Fortunately, when we returned to choose seats, there were still a few left in a good area. The parking is a bit bizarre and we had to park over on the next street because there are signs saying that parking in the lot is only for handicapped or the most expensive seats, which were unavailable to us by the time I bought tickets. Of course, I have no idea how much of the planning is attributable to the Convention Center so perhaps my gripes are directed wrongly. I must say that the building is exceptionally beautiful and clean and I'm positive that it would be grand for just about any occasion. Don't miss the chance to go there if there's an event that intrigues you!
9. Fine Art at Baxters
Overall Ratings
5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Virginia G - New Bern, North Carolina
Local artists let space upstairs in the gallery so if you time it right, you can see artists at work. I have bought a number of affordable pieces in this gallery including art glass and pottery. Explore the drawers and see what treasures are in the fixtures left behind from the previous jewelry store. It is a fun place to visit.
10. New Bern Civic Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By henrocking - NC
My wife and I went here for Valentine's Day to see the play "Simply Simone". It is about the life of singer, Nina Simone. This play was outstanding and the cast did a very good job. I teared-up several times during the play..one was when MLK was assassinated and she sang the "King of Love is Dead". The other was when she found out she had cancer and sung "Take Me to The Water". The last song a rendition of "Here Comes the Sunshine." was just a feel good song that made me misty-eyed again. The cast was very talented and I would recommend anyone to see this play before its run ends. My only issue was the dusty stage and steps, please clean them up. We plan on going to New Bern Civic Theatre on a regular basis now, because we just enjoyed ours selves and the cast for this play received a Standing Ovation of a production well done and put on. I have told a lot of my friends about this one.
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