North Carolina's 'Athens Of The South' Boasts European Charm & Panoramic River Views

Hundreds of miles east from the cozy lake town and charming waterfall hike destinations around Great Smoky Mountains National Park lies New Bern, North Carolina. Sometimes referred to as the Athens of the South thanks to its history as a waterfront hub for culture and commerce, this city of around 31,500 borrows its name from Bern, Switzerland, where the town's founder grew up. Heavily influenced by Swiss and German immigrants, New Bern invites travelers to explore a unique community full of architectural curiosities, intriguing museums, natural wonders like the expansive Neuse River, and historic sites that range from stops along the African American Heritage Trail to the birthplace of Pepsi.

Discover this gem on North Carolina's coast, where U.S. Route 17, U.S. Route 70, and N.C. Highway 55 intersect. While easily accessible via car, the town is also served by the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN), less than 10 minutes away. Alternatively, those flying in from further afield may want to consider touching down at Wilmington International Airport (ILM), about 94 miles away, or at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), 128 miles away. Both spots work well as starting points for extended North Carolina adventures, as trendy Wilmington boasts a cool vintage boardwalk and bustling Raleigh makes a fun sightseeing stop on your way out to New Bern.

With a mild climate, typically only punctuated by heavier-than-average rainfall in the summer, New Bern welcomes visitors year-round. In spring, creative souls converge for the annual Arts in April, while summer ushers in Juneteenth celebrations. In October, the town lights up for an autumnal tradition known as Mumfest. Then, in winter, end-of-year fun includes holiday-themed boats sailing across the river for the Coastal Christmas Flotilla.

As the town where pop culture hits like Pepsi and "The Notebook" came to life, New Bern treats visitors to an impressive array of things to do and landmarks to explore. Start your journey through this North Carolina community by hitting up some of the most famous local highlights. One can't-miss spot is Tryon Palace, an 18th-century Georgian wonder that served as the state's first capitol. Here, you can purchase tickets to tour the palace and its gardens, plus neighboring sites like the historic Dixon House and the North Carolina History Center and its galleries.

Afterward, walk to the Birthplace of Pepsi Cola historic site and refresh yourself with a drink while you learn about the soda brand's early days. From there, you can head out to the New Bern Firemen's Museum or Union Point Park. At the park, look forward to seeing a charming gazebo along with panoramic views of the Neuse River. When you're ready for more excitement, New Bern Battlefield Park is less than a 15-minute drive away. A pivotal point on the North Carolina Civil War Trail, this park offers both guided and self-guided tours. If you opt for a self-guided tour, make sure to download the New Bern Battlefield Park audio tour app first; it provides helpful context and interesting stories to accompany your stroll through the area.

As you wander through New Bern, also keep an eye out for the Bear Town Bears. These adorable bear statues are a kind of town mascot. To see them all, stop by the New Bern Visitors Center for a map noting different bear spots throughout town.

If you fall in love with the Neuse River while strolling through New Bern, give yourself more opportunities to take in its beauty by dining at one of the town's riverside eateries. Open for lunch and dinner, Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant pairs its seafood-centric menu with an upscale atmosphere and excellent views of the water. For breakfast, you can visit The Compass Rose at Tryon Riverfront Inn for Southern dishes like biscuits and gravy or sweet potato pancakes. Meanwhile, the Hilton's Confluence makes a nice spot to sip on drinks while watching the sunset over the river. For maximum comfort, travelers could also stay at this hotel or the nearby Tryon Riverfront Inn. That said, those willing to venture a little further from the river may enjoy a cozier experience at highly rated bed and breakfasts like The Meadows Inn or chic hotels like The Harvey.

When gazing out at the Neuse isn't enough, don't forget that several New Bern companies offer cruises and boat tours. Whether you want to kick back on a sailboat, take a guided fishing trip, or bring the whole family on a sunset cruise, New Bern has plenty of options to choose from. Prefer to make your own way on the water? Local outfitters have you covered there, too. In addition to gear rentals, providers like Surf, Wind and Fire even have handy resources that can help guide your adventures.

Nearby Croatan National Forest also has stunning waterways to explore, but the outdoor recreation opportunities don't stop there. Away from the water, hikers can hit this forest's trails to see why North Carolina is one of the absolute best states for hiking.