Insider guides by journalists who live there
Historic Downtown New Bern: Vivid past, vibrant present
Since 1710, Downtown New Bern has played an important role in North Carolina's history and culture
Downtown New Bern is a model of downtown revitalization: a vibrant collection of shops, restaurants, history and art museums, a community theatre, and more. Spend an afternoon checking out blocks of restaurants, art galleries and coffee shops, all within walking distance of Union Point where the Trent River empties into the mile-wide Neuse River.
The downtown area was first settled by Europeans starting in 1710, and up through the Civil War, New Bern was one of the most prominent, most populated cities in North Carolina. As the city grew, businesses began moving from downtown and it fell into decline until the mid-1980s, when Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corp. was created to turn things around. Today, Historic Downtown New Bern is cited as a Main Street success story.
Union Point is a great meeting and sightseeing spot because you can stand at the edge of where the rivers come together and look out at the wide expanse of water. Plus, if you follow the winding path around the river’s edge, it leads you by the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center, New Bern Grand Marina, all the way to the North Carolina History Center.
The museum is an intentional anachronism. Built using modern architecture, it uses technology like audio, video and touchscreen graphics to explain history and describe artifacts. While you’re at the museum, you’ll want to stop by Lawson’s Landing, a restaurant on the river side of the museum which provides spectacular views of the water as well as three meals a day. Lawson’s Landing is well known for its chicken salad, mac and cheese, and sweet potato casserole.
While you’re down that way, stop by
New Bern Farmer’s Market, open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. With indoor and outdoor stalls, Farmer's Market offers items ranging from produce and fresh-baked goods, to hand-made jewelry and artwork, to banners and flags.
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Dining
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Baker's KitchenList Item 1
Serving breakfast and lunch daily, and dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings. Middle Street in Historic Downtown New Bern.
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The ChelseaList Item 2
Upscale American dining in a family-friendly atmosphere at the corner of Middle and Broad streets in Historic Downtown New Bern.
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The Grill at ProhibitionList Item 3
Drinks, desserts, and dining in a casual, comfortable environment on Craven Street in Historic Downtown New Bern.
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Morgan's Tavern & GrillList Item 4
A Craven Street destination with an extensive lunch and dinner menu and full-service bar. Open for lunch and dinner daily except Sundays and Mondays.
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Persimmons Waterfront
New Bern’s only restaurant on the banks of the Neuse River, Persimmons features an elegant setting with a mouth-watering menu.
Lodging
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Benjamin Ellis Bed & BreakfastList Item 1
Elegance, comfort, and modern amenities in one of Downtown New Bern’s more historically significant buildings. Feature article coming soon. Pollock Street in Historic Downtown New Bern.
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Meadows Bed & BreakfastList Item 2
Charming comfort an easy walk from the center of Historic Downtown New Bern and Union Point on the Neuse River. Pollock Street in Historic Downtown New Bern.
Cultural Arts
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New Bern Civic TheatreList Item 1
New Bern’s first-class community theatre, New Bern Civic Theatre is located in Historic Downtown New Bern in the Athens Theatre building, named for when New Bern was called the Athens of the South.
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Tryon PalaceList Item 2
A centerpiece of New Bern since 1770, Tryon Palace was the last colonial capitol and first state capital of North Carolina. Beautiful gardens surround this historic site, with the N.C. History Museum and other buildings and features.
Shopping
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Mitchell HardwareList Item 1
A huge selection of hardware, home improvement, gardening, and other supplies, with all sorts of surprises. Craven Street in Historic Downtown New Bern.
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Nautical WheelersList Item 2
Clothing and regional products that will have you browsing for hours. Corner of Craven Street and South Front Street in Historic Downtown New Bern.
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Peacock's PlumeList Item 4
Upscale boutique with personal service you don’t often see these days. Craven Street in Historic Downtown New Bern.
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Red Shoe GalleryList Item 3
Handmade clothing and accessories made from natural fibers and dyes. Craven Street in Historic Downtown New Bern.
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Small Batch Gallery + Goods
Just what it says: small batches of distinctive products, lovingly arranged to take out or deliver. Craven Street in Historic Downtown New Bern.
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Twice As Nice Boutique
Everything from casual wear to ballroom gowns at prices that will have you coming back. Craven Street in Historic Downtown New Bern.
This section is managed by New Bern Post, New Bern, NC
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