When ship merchant John Harvey built his New Bern home in the 1790s, he couldn’t have imagined the wild ride the coming years would bring his building. From Harvey’s residence to Civil War military barracks to the original Craven Community College to apartments and even a restaurant and bar for a while, The Harvey has seen it all. Now it operates as an e-Boutique luxury hotel, only one of two in the state, where guests can enjoy views of the waterfront and meticulously decorated rooms, all in the heart of downtown.
“We were dropping our daughter off at camp and looking for a nearby place to stay in downtown New Bern; we wanted to be close enough to walk to the restaurants and shops,” Oliver Cross says, a recent guest visiting from Charlotte. “The melding of new and old at The Harvey was incredibly unique. To have a structure that was built in 1797 with all the technology of today was really remarkable. It felt like our own private residence.”
The Harvey, like the city of New Bern, is one of those places that has been around forever but somehow continues to feel new. For more than 300 years, New Bern has been one of North Carolina’s “must-visit” towns—George Washington, himself, was rumored to have spent a couple of wild nights here back in 1791. Today, even the most seasoned visitors can experience their most-loved places in new ways. Read on for our guide.
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Take time to explore the latest exhibits at the North Carolina History Center. Photography courtesy of Visit New Bern
Since 1959, historic Tryon Palace has been one of the most-visited homes in North Carolina. And just a block beyond the stately building and its gorgeous grounds, the 2010 North Carolina History Center continuously showcases novel ways to immerse yourself in this region’s expansive past beyond the palace. The center’s ever-changing lineup of programming and exhibits means each trip is accented by new insights into local history.
The latest exhibit, “Through Darkness to Light: Photographs Along the Underground Railroad,” shows a collection of 48 landmarks freedom-seekers might have encountered on a path from Louisiana to Canada. “The images were all captured at night, so when you go in to see it, you keep the lights out,” says Nancy Figiel, director of public affairs, who adds that under the cover of darkness, freedom-seekers traveled about 20 miles each night, moving from one secret location to the next.
Before you leave the History Center, swing by the family-favorite photo booth, where you can digitally place yourself in period clothing or backgrounds and snap a memento of a delightful afternoon.
Regional barbecue loyalties fall aside at Harry’s BBQ, where you can order platters of St. Louis-style ribs, pulled pork, and hot link sandwiches for the table. Photography courtesy of Harry's BBQ
Touting itself as “The Place to Meat,” Harry’s BBQ is a great new spot to dig in to North Carolina’s east versus west barbecue wars. In addition to traditional eastern-style barbecue, Harry’s serves an array of meats, from turkey legs and St. Louis-style ribs to wings, sausages, and pastrami.
Don’t forget to include some of the traditional sides, like mac ‘n’ cheese and braised greens, to round out any square meal.
Just a block and a half from the waterfront, The James Drinkery takes a speakeasy for a modern turn. The brainchild of New Bern’s Shaver family, the relaxed-yet-elevated space feels at once warm and inviting. In addition to an array of signature cocktails, The James regularly hosts events like yoga and live music for anyone who wants to stop in.
For an afternoon unwind, the gin-infused Reed Reviver is ready to help. Or if you’re stopping by for a nightcap, try the James’s famous Campfire S’mores Old Fashioned, complete with a toasted marshmallow and graham cracker rim.
Grab a seat on the deck at Persimmons and watch the boats pass between the Neuse and Trent rivers. Photography courtesy of Visit New Bern
A dining mainstay overlooking the Neuse River, Persimmons boasts a menu known for its fluidity. It constantly changes with the fresh, in-season ingredients sourced from the nearby fields and waters.
In New Bern, that means seafood like peel-and-eat local shrimp or jumbo crab cakes, as well as produce sourced from surrounding farms to make unparalleled salads and the famous Carolina Gold rice, grown in paddies just over the bridge. Sit outside and watch the boats come in or enjoy the sunset from the floor-to-ceiling windows that surround the restaurant.
In addition to paying homage to the bear’s role in New Bern culture, the Southpaws’ name is also a baseball term for a left-handed pitcher. photograph by Ben Lindemann Photography
As of 2024, New Bern’s historic Kafer Park welcomed the Southpaws, a summer collegiate league team. The team plays against rivals such as the Wilson Bruins, the River City Skippers, and the Tarboro River Bandits.
Kafer Park is right downtown, a three-block mosey from the waterfront, and the perfect place to grab a hot dog and relax as the innings unfold before you. Tickets and the Southpaws’ summer schedule are available online.
Catch live entertainment, movie screenings, and more at the Civic Theatre. Photography courtesy of Visit New Bern
New Bern’s Athens Theatre opened its doors in 1911 with a panoply of traveling vaudeville troupes and locally produced plays to thrill theatergoers. Known today as the Civic Theatre, the tradition of performance art continues but with an abundance of modern twists.
The diversity of can’t-miss shows at the Civic Theatre ranges from live jazz to indie films (like those for the North Carolina Film Festival), Shakespeare, musicals, and even performances from Walk-In Bathtub, New Bern’s “best (and only)” improv team. Check out their calendar and buy tickets online.
Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket to Union Point Park for the bi-weekly summer concert series. Photography courtesy of Visit New Bern
With the sea of talent in this riverside town, nobody does outdoor entertainment like New Bern. Their summer Footloose on the Neuse concert series, where bands perform at Union Point Park on Front Street, is the perfect example of a very best night outside.
The Neuse keeps gentle time behind the performance and the sky will spread wide above you. Free concerts happen bi-weekly throughout the summer — just bring a folding chair or blanket to spread on the lawn along with your favorite snacks.
Ready to experience the New Bern you haven’t seen before? Whether you’re planning a daytrip or a weekend getaway, click here to discover all the new sides to explore in this destination for North Carolina history.
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