New Bern Historic Downtown
Settled in 1710, New Bern is the 2nd oldest city in North Carolina. The thriving, bustling, and picturesque downtown is a combination of historic preservation, revitalization, renewal, and innovation. The beautiful downtown features historic homes, buildings, and churches, art galleries, first class restaurants, coffee houses, speciality shops, hotels, charming Bed & Breakfasts and Historic Inns, marinas, a state of the art Convention Center, civic theatres, numerous cultural events, a farmers market, museums, wine tastings, and most importantly, friendly and caring people!
Boarded by both the Neuse and Trent Rivers, New Bern is virtually a boaters dream! A 2013 BoatUS Magazine Article named New Bern among its "10 Great Boating Towns!". In 2010, the American Planning Association included downtown New Bern's Middle Street on its list of "Top Ten Streets in America". In 2021, Southern Living named New Bern as one of "The South's Best Small Towns 2021" and also published an article about New Bern entitled "This Pretty Little North Carolina Town Stood Up to Some Mighty Big Weather"!
No matter what you are enjoying in Downtown Historic New Bern, whether you are touring Tryon Palace, taking a Trolley Ride through town, sipping coffee after a great meal at a sidewalk cafe, strolling along the river, attending an outdoor concert at Union Point Park's Riverside Gazebo, or just relaxing in Bear Plaza, you will certainly enjoy life in New Bern while taking in all that this Historic City, on the water, has to offer!
Tryon Palace and gardens during Mum Fest!
New Bern City Hall and Riverfront Convention Center
