NEW BERN, NC: WEEKEND GETAWAY TRAVEL GUIDE
We stayed in New Bern for the weekend when we visited the art interior designer Charlotte Lucas selected for this year’s Southern Living Idea House in Oriental, North Carolina. We’ve been going to the beach nearby for years, but I’d only been to New Bern once or twice. I love a charming small town, and this one is one of the best!
BEFORE YOU GO TO NEW BERN & GENERAL ADVICE
First of all, everyone we met in New Bern was so NICE. Maybe it’s because they aren’t stressed out with too much traffic and enjoy plenty of time on the water? It’s a beautiful waterfront town along the Neuse River with historic churches and plenty to do. And it’s so well-manicured and CLEAN. The word ‘Bern’ means ‘bear,’ and there are bear statues all over town, each with its own dress and personality.
WHERE TO STAY IN NEW BERN
There are many bed and breakfasts in New Bern, and if you are looking for a romantic getaway, one of those would be a good choice. I was traveling with my family, so we stayed at the Doubletree with a view of the Neuse river. The location was perfect as we could walk everywhere and still enjoy the water views.
MUSIC & COCKTAILS
- Blackbeard’s Triple Play Restaurant and Bar had live music from the 80s and 90s on their back patio. A nice treat for a summer evening.
- Tonic Parlor. The entrance is like a secret entrance at the back door and upstairs from the Nautical Star Coffee & Bakery. Designed like an old apothecary, they offer craft cocktails and house-made syrups. They also have a curated selection of ingredients from North Carolina distilleries, breweries, and wineries. We sat at the bar, watched the mixologists do their magic, and enjoyed the live band.
SHOPPING
- My favorite shop in New Bern is The Last Detail. It has a beautifully curated selection of art, coffee table books, home decor, and furniture. And you know these are all of my favorite things! The store owner took the time to stay open a few minutes late because we arrived at closing time. She also told me stories about the artists and their work. I enjoyed hearing about the work of Vicki Vitale andt her gorgeous detailed miniature art.
- I love a good bookstore, and The Next Chapter: Books & Art will be on my list the next time I visit because I missed it until after closing.
- Surf, Wind, & Fire offers an interesting and unique assortment of outdoor gear and clothing. Their flagship store is in the heart of New Bern. The Surfing Pig Tap Room is right in the store, because they believe shopping is more fun with a drink in hand. I agree.
WHAT TO DO IN NEW BERN
- Visit Tryon Palace, the first permanent capitol of the colony of North Carolina and a former governor’s mansion. This New Bern institution offer tours, hosts special events, and has extensive gardens.
- Beautiful Union Point Park has a nice setup with a beautiful gazebo, picnic tables, grills, fishing piers, and two boat launches. They often have live music too. We walked along the water and enjoyed the view.
- New Bern is the birthplace of Pepsi, so be sure and stop in the historic Pepsi Store downtown. I drank one out of a glass bottle, just like when I was a kid.
- Lawson’s Creek Park has a boardwalk, fishing piers, and places to launch a boat or kayak.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
- Bellas Cafe & Catering. I walked through downtown New Bern to Bella’s every morning for a good cup of coffee and a cozy setting.
- Cypress Hall Restaurant. Order the famous strawberry cake. I had hoped to eat dinner here after it came highly recommended, but alas, they were fully booked. We did enjoy a cocktail at the bar and a slice of their famous strawberry cake. So famous it was featured in Our State Magazine. It lived up to the hype.
- The Chelsea Restaurant & Catering. Classic and cozy.
- Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant. Sit on the patio. Beautiful water views and good seafood. We enjoyed the fried green tomatoes with beer cheese and their craft cocktails.
- MJ’s Raw Bar. You MUST have the soft-shelled crab bloody mary. MJ’s was recommended to us by New Bern locals, and it did not disappoint. We also loved the crab pretzel appetizer, and the crab cakes are delicious. Yes, we ate three forms of crab at brunch. And a dozen raw oysters.
New Bern is an excellent weekend getaway if you like water, music, art, and food. Hmm…all of my favorites…
Want to read more Getaway Guides or see my post about the Southern Living Idea House? See artwork inspired by the water of the North Carolina coast?
