Shaded by a row of trees that line the walkable streets of downtown New Bern, multigenerational families hop from restaurant to boutique to museum. As they happen upon a life-size, painted fiberglass bear — one of 30 that punctuate the downtown — children pull their bear scavenger hunt maps out of their pockets and make a triumphant check mark. There’s no denying the impact this historic mascot has on life today in New Bern. It dates back to 1710, when a group of settlers from Bern, Switzerland, founded the city, named for their country’s capital — the settlers were hunters who first encountered a bear. Its spirit lives on, illustrated by bear sculptures and the bear flags swaying gently from streetlamps, all showing that New Bern’s history is alive, embraced, and celebrated.
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Bear Town Bears: Cover your tracks as you scour shopfronts and outlying areas to find all 30 downtown fiberglass bears. Make your first stop the New Bern Visitors Center to grab a free map; then recruit your children to detect the hidden features on each bear. Part of the fun is admiring the bears’ unique designs hand-painted by local artists.
Downtown New Bern is peppered with elements that honor its past, from the life-size bears that pay tribute to its Swiss settlers to the pharmacy space-turned-soda shop where Caleb Bradham concocted Pepsi. Photography courtesy of Visit New Bern
Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola: More than just a historical marker, this Middle Street stop celebrates a beloved brand. Here, you’ll learn the story of Caleb Bradham, a local New Bern pharmacist who invented Pepsi’s original formula. Known to the locals as “Brad’s drink,” Pepsi’s earliest iteration featured ingredients like caramel, lemon oil, nutmeg, and kola nuts. As you sip a fountain Pepsi, peruse the gifts and souvenirs (need a “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drink Coke” bumper sticker?) and vintage ads.
Historic Heritage Walking Tours: Sometimes history is best absorbed while walking forward. That seems to be the case with New Bern’s self-guided walking tours. Choose from 10, which include the “Walk to Remember” tour, inspired by landmarks from Nicholas Sparks novels, the Civil War tour, and two African American Heritage tours.
Dive into New Bern’s 300 years of history aboard a guided trolley tour through downtown. Photography courtesy of Visit New Bern
New Bern Historic Trolley Tour: A 90-minute ride aboard one of New Bern’s shiny red trolleys is just enough time to hear about three centuries’ worth of history. Enjoy tales of a time when New Bern was our state’s capital, learn why it’s called the “city on wheels,” and get a general lay of the land to guide the remainder of your visit. Each tour includes an opportunity to stretch your legs at Christ Episcopal Church, the New Bern Academy Museum, and Cedar Grove Cemetery. Pre-purchase your tickets online, or buy them (first-come, first-served) from the trolley driver at 610 Pollock Street.
Explore the history and artifacts of the state’s central coastal region with touch-screens, videos, and audio exhibits at the North Carolina History Center. Photography courtesy of Visit New Bern
North Carolina History Center: Far from stuffy, Tryon Palace’s History Center is filled with family-friendly, interactive experiences. At the Pepsi Family Center’s Pepsi Portal to History, you’ll encounter New Bern as an 1835 river village and coastal port. The Turpentine Still exhibit gives you a glimpse into the turpentine and naval industries. Throughout the year, the center rotates its exhibits, offering returning visitors new experiences with each trip.
MumFest: A sure sign of fall in the second weekend in October, colorful mums are the perfect excuse to take to the streets of historic downtown New Bern and revel in the season. Look forward to a celebratory two days full of food trucks, games, and live music.
In October, New Bern draws lots visitors to its downtown with the annual MumFest and Ghostwalk. Photography courtesy of Visit New Bern
Ghostwalk: From October 24 to 26, historical characters from New Bern’s past come to life in locations across historic downtown for the annual Ghostwalk. First, characters ranging from suffragettes to prohibition wets post up in Cedar Grove cemetery to share their stories. Then, event-goers set out on the town to visit outdoor porches and select buildings. Participating churches offer affordable meals and snacks, and the New Bern Civic Theatre has a special Friday- and Saturday-night Ghostwalk show. Organizers promise it’s not spooky or haunted, so bring the whole family!
Rain or shine, runners gear up for the Trail to Tryon race in November. Photography courtesy of Visit New Bern
Trail to Tryon: On your mark, get set, go! Beginning Saturday, November, 9, walkers and runners have a chance to breeze past downtown, iconic waterfront parks, and historic New Bern in one of three events: a half marathon, 10K, and 5K.
Light Up the Season: Ring in the holidays with a full dose of cheer and community at New Bern’s annual Light Up the Season event, held the Friday after Thanksgiving. The celebration begins at Union Point Park, surrounded by glistening waters of the Neuse and Trent rivers. Revelers then head down to Bear Plaza on Middle Street for the official tree lighting ceremony. This is your chance for a visit with Santa; he’ll be at his post ’til 9 p.m.
Candlelight at Tryon Palace: Tryon Palace is an architectural wonder any time of year, but over the holidays, candlelight casts a magical glow on the colonial-era governor’s house. On the evenings of December 14 and 21, witness the Governor’s Palace, Stanly House, Dixon House, and Commission House in all their illuminated glory as costumed presenters share stories of the palace’s colonial history. A hint for visitors with children: Santa posts up behind the Commission House, so grab a cup of warmed cider to sip as your children make their requests. Visitors who stay until 9:30 p.m. are treated to a black powder fireworks display.
Franklin’s Antique Mall: This isn’t your grandmother’s antique store. At Franklin’s, you’ll discover a delightful mix of home goods, ornaments, and gifts that breathe new life into classic finds. Every nook and cranny is filled with treasures like Chinoiserie vases, vintage cookbooks, and local canned goods.
Le Petit Bisou: We dare you to make it through this children’s clothing boutique without squealing. Every item, from the smocked daisy bubbles to the knit tees appliqued with adorable dogs, is impossibly cute and softer than a baby’s bottom.
Sun Bern Beachwear: In a town where water sports take centerstage, this beachwear shop is of utmost importance. Find gear you never knew existed but now you’ll never want to live without — like the Over the Seat Towel with a rubberized backing that fits car seats and standard beach chairs.
Snap Dragon: Unique toys, games, books, and stuffed animals line the shelves of this downtown toy store. You name the passion — science, arts and crafts, puzzles — and Snap Dragon’s expert staff will fuel it with goodies made to inspire curiosity and excitement.
Michaelé at Studio M Artist in Glass & Clay: Artist Michaelé Rose Watson’s stained-glass restoration work started in the early 1970s. Today, it’s evolved into a multi-dimension art form that makes its way into residential and commercial preservation projects across town. Though she’s known for her stained glass, the artist’s clay nautical orbs featuring tiny carved marine animals in vibrant colors and textures demand up-close admiration.
Other Favorites:
PourHouse 222: From the 1920s-inspired wallpaper to the pressed-tin ceilings and elegant chandeliers, this Middle Street bar lives up to its “drinks for everyone!” tagline. Freshly muddled cocktails, craft beers on draft, domestic and imported beers, nonalcoholic beers, mocktails, and wines give even the choosiest drinker plenty to pick from.
Baker’s Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery: Home-style, comforting breakfasts abound in this cozy spot. Start the day strong with sweet and savory choices ranging from sugar-dusted French toast to homemade biscuits smothered in gravy and chicken ’n waffles served with Baker’s signature butter syrup. If you can’t linger over a sit-down breakfast, order one of their bakery treats (we recommend the massive cinnamon roll) from the counter to-go.
Enjoy the Southern burger — topped with pimento cheese, bacon, and a fried green tomato — at The Chelsea. Photography courtesy of The Chelsea
The Chelsea: It’s hard to feel anything other than happy at this sunny, upscale bistro built in 1912. Colorful overhead Tiffany-style lanterns — plus the building’s original, transom windows — shine a light on seafood, beef, and pasta entrées. Stop by for lunch or dinner; reservations are accepted for parties greater than five.
Cork Wine Bar & Bistro: Farmhouse mussels with caramelized onions, bacon, blue cheese, and white wine; fra diavolo mussels with tomato, garlic, and red chili; garlic-butter mussels: When you get three options just for the bivalve, you can only imagine the possibilities at this Bern Street bistro. Open for lunch, dinner, and brunch, Chef Mike Lynch and his wife, Brooks, want all their guests to feel at home as they relish artisanal flavors.
Bella’s Café and Catering: Anytime you need a pick-me-up, don’t miss your chance to try the Café Mocha at this downtown coffee shop. Mixed from Ghirardelli chocolate, steamed milk, and topped with whipped cream, this treat of a beverage stands on its own. But it doesn’t have to, necessarily — especially when the food options include things like gourmet pizzas, Thai-style chicken salads, and the Bear City BLT.
Other Favorites:
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This story was published on Sep 19, 2024
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