North Carolina's 'Athens Of The South' Boasts European Charm & Panoramic River Views
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 thanks to its as a waterfront hub for culture and commerce, this city of borrows its name from , 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 curiosities, intriguing , natural wonders like the expansive , and historic sites that range from stops along the to .
Discover this gem on . While easily accessible via car, the town is also served by the ), less than away. Alternatively, those in from further afield may want to consider touching down at Wilmington International Airport (ILM), about miles away, or at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), miles away. Both spots work well as starting points for extended North Carolina adventures, as trendy Wilmington boasts a cool vintage boardwalk and bustling .
With a typically only punctuated by , New Bern welcomes visitors year-round. In , 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 . Then, in winter, end-of-year fun includes holiday-themed boats sailing across the river for the Coastal Christmas Flotilla.
Find historic landmarks, museums, and more in New Bern
As the town where pop culture hits like " 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 , an 18th-century Georgian wonder that served as the . Here, you can purchase 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, to the and refresh yourself with a drink while you learn about the soda brand's early days. From there, you can head out to the or Union Point Park. At the park, look forward to seeing a charming gazebo along with panoramic views of the Neuse . When you're ready for more excitement, New Bern Battlefield Park is less than a . A pivotal point on the , 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 . 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.
Eat, play, and stay along New Bern's Neuse River
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. pairs its seafood-centric menu with an upscale atmosphere and . For breakfast, you can visit Compass Rose at Tryon Riverfront Inn for like biscuits and gravy or sweet potato pancakes. Meanwhile, the Confluence makes a nice spot to sip on drinks while watching the over the river. For maximum comfort, travelers could also stay at this hotel or the Tryon Riverfront Inn. That said, those willing to venture a little further from the river may enjoy a cozier experience at bed and breakfasts like or chic hotels .
When gazing out at the Neuse isn't enough, don't forget that several New Bern companies offer and boat tours. Whether you want to kick back on a sailboat, take a guided fishing trip, or bring the whole family on a cruise, New Bern has plenty of options to choose from. Prefer to make your own way on the water? have you covered there, too. In addition to gear rentals, providers like even have handy resources that can help guide your adventures.
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.