New Bern, on North Carolina’s Eastern Shore, is a must-see for anybody travelling the coast. It’s a great place to spend a few days or even just a few hours since it offers so much to see and do. In New Bern, North Carolina, you’ll never run out of things to do because of the city’s beautiful architecture and charming downtown area. Your visit in New Bern is likely to be more enjoyable if you have some background knowledge of the city’s history.
The founder of New Bern, NC
Founded in 1710 by Swiss and German immigrants, the town is North Carolina’s 2nd-oldest European-populated colonial city (after Bath). The newcomers opted to call their settlement Bernberg after Christoph von Graffenried, the first baron of Bernberg, Switzerland. Ancient Germanic phrase “Bern” originally referred to a bear, and today, the bear still serves as a symbol for the city of New Bern, North Carolina.
In New Bern, look out for the bear sculptures.
Forty-five fibreglass and ceramic bears, each with a distinctive design, were constructed by the city of New Bern in honour of its 300th anniversary in 2010. There have since been twenty more bears added to the group.
Tour Tryon Palace
Going to Tryon Palace is often ranked as one of the top things to do in New Bern by visitors. If you’re looking for a good example of British Colonial architecture, Tryon Palace is a great place to start. In 1770, Governor Tryon’s family commissioned the construction of this magnificent Georgian mansion. However, the original architectural drawings were unearthed in the 1930s, and the house was re-built, restored, as well as opened to the public in 1959 after the original mansion was destroyed in a fire.
Take a moment to admire the beautiful buildings of New Bern.
One of my favourite things to do in New Bern, North Carolina, is to stroll around the neighbourhoods and take in the beautiful old houses that are on the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register of Historic Places lists around 150 sites in and around New Bern. Several different architectural styles may be seen in New Bern, including Greek revival and Georgian designs.
Walk The cemetery in Cedar Grove
Unless you have a great interest in New Bern’s history, you’re unlikely to visit the Cedar Grove Cemetery. This public cemetery was established around 1800, making it one of the area’s oldest.
The North Carolina Museum of History
The North Carolina History Center in Raleigh offers a variety of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. Historic artefacts, such as antiquities, and exhibits on the history of New Bern and the surrounding region will be on display.
Discover the History of Pepsi at the Company’s Original Headquarters.
There’s a reason Pepsi is known as the “drink of the Carolinas”: it tastes great! “Birthplace of Pepsi” may be found in New Bern, NC, and a store with that name is situated in the city centre, which is where the beverage was conceived.
Go to the centre of New Bern and spend your money!
Downtown New Bern is a great place to go shopping if you’re looking for boutiques and small businesses. Here, you’ll find a wide range of clothing stores, gift shops, and even antique shops. All are certain to discover something they like!
