Visit New BernNew Bern, North Carolina, is home to a rich colonial history, as well as incredible restaurants, fun on the water, and family-friendly events year-round.
New Bern, North Carolina
Looking for a place that offers compelling Civil War history and plenty else to interest your not-so-history-inclined travel mates? One such spot is New Bern, North Carolina, where in 1862 Union and Confederate forces fought a pivotal battle for control of the Outer Banks.
To complement that landmark status, New Bern offers a rich colonial story, incredible restaurants, opportunities to get on the water, and family-friendly events throughout the year. We called on Drew Gruber, executive director of Civil War Trails, Inc., a nonprofit that has worked extensively in the area, to create an itinerary for a three-day visit.
Fast Facts
- Named after: Bern, Switzerland, home of its settlers’ patron, Christoph von Graffenried, 1st Baron of Bernberg
- Founded: 1710
- Elevation: 13 feet
- Population: 32,326 (2023)
DAY 1
MORNING
It’s never a bad idea to start with a stop at the local visitor center, and New Bern has a good one (visitnewbern.com, 800-437-5767) located at 316 Front Street. Here you’ll get expert advice to further refine your explorations based on the weather, special events, and tour times—and a handy map of the area.
Visit New BernTryon Place
Turn left and head toward Union Point Park (210 E. Front Street), where a Civil War Trails sign will provide an overview of the city’s strategic wartime importance—a good base of knowledge for exploring other historic sites and stories in and around town. Take a right onto the riverwalk toward the convention center and modern marina, enjoying the sights and sounds of the Neuse and Trent rivers as you make your way to the North Carolina History Center at Tryon Palace (252-639-3500) located at 529 S. Front Street. This state-of-the-art museum has tons of exhibits that tell New Bern’s story since its founding in 1710. You can tour the historic palace, the restored home of the state’s colonial governor William Tryon (1764–1771) and his family. Budget at least two hours here.
AFTERNOON
Visit New BernLawson’s on the Creek
For lunch, look no farther than nearby Lawson’s On The Creek (252-631-1718), with its diverse menu and great vista of the Trent River. After your meal, walk to the Jones House at 231 Eden Street, just across from the entrance to Tryon Palace. Here a Civil War Trails marker tells the murky story of Confederate spy Emeline Pigott, who was held here after her arrest for smuggling.
A half block away, at 303 George Street, is the John Wright Stanly House, Brigadier General Ambrose Burnside’s temporary headquarters during the Union occupation of the town. It later served as a convent for the Catholic Sisters of Mercy, who provided medical aid to sick and wounded soldiers in nearby military hospitals.
Three short blocks away is the St. Peter AME Zion Church at 615 Queen Street, where another Trails sign recalls the tenacity of African-American Union soldier William Henry Singleton, who helped raise a regiment of U.S. Colored Troops from New Bern’s population of formerly enslaved men.
After taking in that story make a right on Johnston Street, another on Metcalf Street, and then a left to 511 Broad Street and the headquarters of the New Bern Historical Society (252-683-8558). The society owns and maintains the New Bern Battlefield Park; in addition to its exhibits, be sure to ask about a self-guided tour brochure for your battlefield visit tomorrow. (Guided tours need to be arranged three or more days in advance, so plan accordingly.)
NIGHT
New Bern is a great dining town and, since you’re already on the water, you might like the menu at Persimmons Waterfront (252-514-0033) at 100 Pollock Street, which offers fresh seafood and more. For more casual fare that might please younger families and beer lovers, check out Poppy’s Bites & Barrels (252-288-5814), located a few blocks away on Pollock. If you’ve not already checked into your hotel for the evening, now’s the time. New Bern offers a variety of chain accommodations along the rivers as well as a number of great bed and breakfasts. The town’s tourism website VisitNewBern.com lists options for any budget.
Visit New BernPersimmons Waterfront
Day 2
MORNING
Breakfast lovers, get yourself as quickly as possible to the fabulous Baker’s Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery (252-637-0304) at 227 Middle Street, where my colleagues and I have been known to eat more than once a day when we’re here. Well-fed and interested in a quick detour before hitting the battlefield? Head left to the intersection of Middle and Pollock and The Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola (252-636-5898).
New Bern Historical Society (New Bern Battlefield Park)New Bern Battlefield Park
Then, if Civil War history is your main course, head south of downtown, about 10 minutes by car, to New Bern Battlefield Park (252-638-8558). The park at 300 Battlefield Trail consists of just over 30 acres in the core of the historic battlefield; the self-guided tour map (or your—remember!—prearranged tour guide) will help you explore the preserved site, which includes useful interpretive signs and preserved original earthworks. Be sure to wear supportive walking or hiking shoes and plan to spend over an hour on the self-guided tour—or even more time with a historical society guide.
AFTERNOON
The battlefield trek has probably re-awakened your appetite. For lunch, hop back in the car and head for Harry’s BBQ (252-631-2672) at 243 Craven Street. Afterward, consider inspecting the amazing landscape that surrounds New Bern.
If you are traveling with kids or adventurous companions, the brief drive south to Croatan National Forest is worth it. The forest’s 160,000 acres of incredible woods, estuaries, and swamps offer one of the most beautiful landscapes to behold and explore by foot, bike, or kayak. Or book a guided tour on the water with one of several local companies. If you have children to entertain, enjoy a “Bear Tracks Hunt” for some of the many hand-painted, life-size fiberglass bears scattered about town (a related map is available for free at the visitor center).
Visit New BernBear Tracks Hunt
NIGHT
For dinner, try Baxter’s 1892 (252-253-6340) at 323 Pollock Street. Billed as a classic cocktail restaurant, it offers good food and an upbeat vibe—the perfect way to end your last night in beautiful New Bern. Or there is family-friendly Brewery 99 (252-259-6393) at 1030 Pollock Street, which has more than just good beer, and regularly hosts food trucks and live music.
Day 3
MORNING
It’s departure day, and after packing the car and packing in breakfast at a spot that’s piqued your interest, maybe ladle on some more Civil War history? Make the scenic, hourlong drive south on Route 70 to Fort Macon State Park (252-247-3100). The fully restored fort—which Burnside’s Union force took possession of about six weeks after the fall of New Bern—hosts guided tours, costumed interpreters, and various programs throughout the year. Plan to spend the morning.
AFTERNOON & EXIT
If you’re up for one final stop, make the 15-minute drive to beautiful downtown Beaufort and lunch at Clawson’s Restaurant and Pub (252-728-2133) on Front Street, where you can savor the “fresh catch” of the day. Not ready to hit the road? Walk around the corner to the Beaufort Historic Site (252-728-5225) to see what special events may be happening in town—or even consider taking a double-decker bus tour of the historic district.
Related topics: food and drink
