Feel the Bern

Blast to New Bern for memorable eats, drinks and experiences. 

What do you get when you combine enthralling NC history, delish ’tails and tastes, and charming waterfront vibes? New Bern, natch. Our state’s second-oldest city not only packs historical prestige, it flaunts inaugural soda beginnings (hey, Pepsi!), elevated experiences along the Neuse River, and oodles of eateries fit for all palates and preferences—from Southern classics to globally inspired fare. 

Only a hop, skip and jump away (read: a ~two-hour commute), “the Athens of the South” offers families, couples or pals the perfect destination to pop in for a quick daytrip—or book a weekend at one of its beloved bed-and-brekky spots. Ready to go with the flow?

DO

Tryon Palace
“A queen is never late. Everyone else is simply early.” Channel your inner Mia Thermopolis with a jaunt through the former headquarters of the Royal Governor William Tryon while admiring the Georgian-style architecture and peaceful palace gardens. And they said we’ll never be royals… tryonpalace.org

The Birthplace of Pepsi
Ready to get fizzical? Belly up to the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola for a simply poppin’ beverage history walking tour. Plus, discover how the OG recipe of what is now known as Pepsi was concocted by local pharmacist Caleb Bradham. History never tasted so good! pepsistore.com

Union Point Park
Park it at the recently revamped 6-acre outdoor oasis where the Neuse and Trent rivers meet to delight in sprawling grassy lawns and tables, benches, and grills fit for an enjoyable afternoon with friends or fam (picnic, anyone?). And don your water legs via boat-launch sites ideal for small crafts like kayaks and canoes—or look out for live tunes by the gazebo. How picturesque! visitnewbern.com

EAT

Cypress Hall Kitchen + Bar
“Opening the mouths and minds of locals and tourists alike,” this uberpopular Metro-style sup spot invites you in with its creative atmosphere feat. high ceilings, brick walls and elevated design elements—then delivers delicious palatable plates of Eastern NC cuisine chock-full of fresh seasonal ingredients. cypresshallrestaurant.com

Persimmons Restaurant
Elegance meets relaxation at this locally owned waterfront gem where you can grab a seat in the inviting downstairs dining room, nestle in at the private upstairs area, or brave the cold for a breath of fresh air by the river. Find executive chef David Rodriguez riffing on classic Southern faves alongside a lineup of fresh farm-to-table fare—think sweet corn and pimento hushpuppies, charred octopus and NC crabcake. Bon appetit! persimmonsrestaurant.net

The Chelsea
Merging modern elements with old-fashioned appeal, this upscale sup spot serves a scad of seafood, burgers, pastas and salads amid bistro-style surroundings—or a quiet meal upstairs overlooking the streets of New Bern. Dinner with a view? Say less. No matter your vantage point, the classic American dishes promise to delight for lunch, dinner or dessert. thechelsea.com

DRINK

Baxter’s 1892
It’s giving Gatsby… Take a step back in time by entering this classic cocktail bar situated in downtown’s historic Baxter Building flaunting the highly sought-after jazz club vibes of the Roaring ’20s. Translation: good libations and good vibrations. Settle into a seat at the bar to observe the talented ’tenders as they whip up creative concoctions, and when hunger strikes, nosh on a tapa or two. How ’bout it, doll? baxters1892.com

Harry’s Blind Tiger
Ready to earn your stripes at New Bern’s first speakeasy? Sister spot to Cypress Hall Kitchen + Bar, the new downtown go-to opened its doors earlier this year—and has been offering guests an inviting ambiance via an array of tropical greenery, natural light and a lighthearted welcoming feel. With local culinary legend Ashley Moser behind the biz, the food menu leans Italian (pastas, pizzas, etc.), with beer, wine and a lineup of cocktails for pairing. harrysblindtiger.com

Nautical Star Coffee
Feeling nauti? Fuel your caffeine addiction with specialty sips (we’ll take an order of the ole Razzle Dazzle, please!) via a must-visit veteran-owned shop aiming to blend up the “greatest cup of coffee possible.” Beyond a good quality-driven cuppa, grab a serving of frozen custard or a milkshake, a pastry, or a glass of beer/wine. Cool beans! nauticalstarcoffee.com

STAY

Photo by John Angelo, courtesy of The Aerie

The Aerie
Book a stay at this circa-1882 Italianate Victorian-style residence boasting elegance, along with a healthy dose of R&R. The bed-and-breakfast features eight unique guest rooms; a private bathroom (we see you, XL whirlpool bathtub!); and ops for an in-room massage, flower deliveries and a romance package. You’ll be living in luxury no doubt… aerienc.com

Resort at Fairfield Harbor
In search of homey accommodations that come with an array of on-site activities? Reserve a private villa and take advantage of this Eastern NC resort’s fitness room; indoor/outdoor pool and Jacuzzi; tennis, basketball and volleyball courts; golf; pingpong; bike rentals and more. NTM water lovers can head out for an afternoon of fishing or enjoying the blue views. Home away from home: found. ncrmg.com

Benjamin Ellis House
Make your way to this swoonworthy restored home “where historic charm and modern comfort meet.” Just a four-block walk from Tryon Palace, this charming, quaint B&B’s primo locale lets you easily choose between play and stay (kick back and relax with bath amenities, smart TVs and internet access) all best bookended with a morning cuppa and nightcap on the serene front porch. benjaminellishouse.com