New Bern Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
county seat of Craven County, North Carolina, United States
About New Bern
New Bern was founded in 1710 by Swiss and German adventurers led by Baron Christoph von Graffenried from Bern, Switzerland. The coat of arms of the Swiss city included a bear, which lead to the New Bern city mascot being a bear. Bears are a recurring motif within the city - from names of businesses, to statues found throughout, to the "Bear City" nickname for the city itself. Royal Governor William Tryon made New Bern the colonial capital. His restored 18th-century capitol and residence, Tryon Palace, dominates a thirteen-acre garden complex that includes several historical landmarks in the heart of the city. A major port and trading center in the 1800s, New Bern was captured and occupied by the Union Army after a fierce battle on March 14, 1862. In 1898, the pharmacist Caleb Bradham inven
Top Attractions in New Bern
Explore the best things to see and do in New Bern:
- ★AtOmic Cycles
- ★Bank of the Arts
- ★Birthplace of Pepsi
- ★Down East Folk Arts Society
- ★Ghosts of New Bern
- ★Latham Whitehurst Nature Park
- ★New Bern Civic Theatre
- ★New Bern Fireman's Museum
Where to Eat in New Bern
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Captain Ratty's
- 🍴Cow Cafe
- 🍴Cypress Hall
- 🍴El Cerro Grande
- 🍴Morgan's Tavern
- 🍴Outback Steakhouse
Where to Stay in New Bern
- 🏨Antebellum Meadows Inn B&B
- 🏨Courtyard New Bern
- 🏨DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New Bern Riverfront
- 🏨Hampton Inn
New Bern Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 10 sections including: