New Bern, NC

Founded in 1710, New Bern is the second-oldest town in the state of North Carolina and is known for its many historic landmarks. The birthplace of Pepsi and home to a 157,000-acre national forest, New Bern is a popular tourist destination for people seeking cultural stimulation or just plain fun. The city's population is around 24,000.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

This city of New Bern is known not only as a tourist spot but also as a quiet place both for retirees and for young families seeking to raise their children in a low-key environment. Many who live in New Bern own their own homes, but in recent years, more and more apartment complexes and other rental units have been developed. The Marine Corps Air Station in nearby Cherry Point has also boosted the rental market of New Bern.

The Ghent Historic District, covering approximately 14 blocks, offers numerous examples of the historic architectural styles popular in the early part of the 20th century.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

New Bern has more than 35 individual landmarks included in the National Register of Historic Places, and the city's economy is heavily linked to the tourists who come to visit the multiple historical landmarks and museums. As a result of the tourist trade, the economy of New Bern tends to be stronger in the summer months.

The city is also known for its antique stores, specialty shops, and boutiques.

FOR VISITORS

• One of the most well-known attractions in New Bern is the Birthplace of Pepsi. In 1898, at a local pharmacy, Caleb Bradham invented "Brad's Drink," which would later become the popular cola. Here, visitors can enjoy Pepsi-Cola at an impressively re-created soda fountain.
• Carolina Carriage & Tours offers a daytime tour of the downtown historic district and an evening drive through the coastal town by a horse-drawn carriage.
• A trip to New Bern would not be complete without a Heritage Tour. There is an assortment of walking tours to help visitors experience the history of North Carolina and New Bern. The tours are divided into four categories: Churches & Cemeteries, Civil War, African-American Heritage, and Historic Homes.
• Located within the Havelock Tourist Center is the USMC Aviation Exhibit, which revolves around the rich history of Marine Corps aviation. The exhibit includes displays of restored aircraft, photographs, scale models, and artifacts.
• The Fireman's Museum displays a vast collection of pre-20th century firefighting equipment, along with Civil War relics, rare historic photographs, and even a mount of an old fire horse who died during the call of duty.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• The Bank of the Arts is housed in a former bank and is a vital cultural and architectural experience. The Bank has multiple exhibits, including paintings, photographs, and sculptures.
• The New Bern Civic Theatre presents a variety of dramatic presentations, musicals, plays, performances in sign language, and comedies.
• The Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens boasts extensive and elaborate gardens and a restored 18th-century mansion that was once the home of Royal Governor William Tryon.

EVENTS

• The New Bern Carolina Coastal Railroaders Train Show includes layouts and exhibits of various trains, including working trains and the popular toy train Thomas the Tank Engine.
• The MCAS Cherry Point Air Show is the state's largest air show and features the most advanced examples of military aviation. Here, people can see aerobatic stunt planes, the Skyhawks skydiving team, and the Canadian Snowbird jet team, among other attractions.
• The Taste of Coastal Carolina allows visitors to sample dishes from restaurants in New Bern and nearby areas. There is also a cooking competition, known as the Culinary Combat, between two area chefs.

EDUCATION

New Bern has three colleges within its city limits, including Craven Community College, which is known for its nursing (ADN) degree as well as its allied health and computer science programs.

FAMILY FUN

The city's proximity to the Crystal Coast makes water sports like wind-surfing, fishing, and kayaking popular. Boating, biking, trail-walking, and range shooting are also available.