New Bern, North Carolina

Latham-Whitehurst Nature Park is a public nature park located in a quiet eastern section of the town of New Bern and is a popular destination for recreational activities and outdoor adventures, ranging from hiking, biking, and kayaking to fishing and birdwatching. The park boasts a wealth of amenities, including a 2,000-foot boardwalk that winds its way through the park and offers lovely views of wild Broad Creek, an on-site dock with a fishing area, and a canoe and kayak launch. There are more than 16 miles of hiking and biking trails, picnic shelters with tables and benches, and spectacular natural scenery along the banks of Broad Creek.

1095 Broad Creek Rd, New Bern, NC 28560, Phone: 252-636-6606

The New Bern Academy Museum is dedicated to the history of New Bern and features an array of outstanding exhibits that tell the rich story of the city. Located in a historic building that was once a schoolhouse dating back to 1809 in the heart of New Bern’s historic residential district, the New Bern Academy Museum served as a hospital during the Civil War and later became a school where classes were given until 1971. Today, the New Bern Academy Museum houses four significant exhibitions that are managed by the staff from the nearby Tryon Palace, including Face to Face: Civil War Sketches & Stories, the Architecture Exhibit, the Civil War Military Occupation Exhibit, and the History of Education Exhibit.

508 New St, New Bern, NC 28560, Phone: 252-639-3524

If you are traveling with kids:

The New Bern Farmers Market is a weekly farmers market that sells a variety of fresh produce, fruit and vegetables, freshly baked bread and sweet treats, handmade arts and crafts, and other specialty items. Established in 1984, the New Bern Farmers Market consists of a diverse group of vendor-members and offers a creative outlet for artisans and producers in the region, who gather to sell their wares ranging from fresh eggs, dairy products, and grass-fed beef to handmade clothing, artworks, and fresh flowers. The New Bern Farmers Market is the only year-round farmers market in the area.

421 S Front St, New Bern, NC 28560, Phone: 252-633-0043

The New Bern Firemen's Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of firefighting in New Bern. Established in 1955, the museum tells the story of the oldest fire company in the state and houses an array of hands-on exhibits and an impressive collection of authentic memorabilia.

The museum highlights the history of the Atlantic Hook & Ladder Company and the New Bern Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1 and offers a fascinating insight into the Great Fire of 1922, which destroyed more than 1,000 buildings, leaving much of the city in ruins.

420 Broad St, New Bern, NC 28560, Phone: 252-636-4087

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Shackleford Banks Shelling & Wild Horse Expedition offers eco-tours of the pristine Shackleford Banks, the 9-mile-long southernmost barrier island of the Cape Lookout National Seashore, which is home to the famous wild horses of Shackleford Banks. The free-roaming herd of horses is thought to have descended from Spanish horses that were shipwrecked here over 400 years ago and continue to survive as one of the last isolated groups of wild horses in the United States. The beautiful barrier island on which the horses live is an ecological jewel of natural beauty and wind-shaped dunes, which naturalist guides lead visitors around, sharing their knowledge of and passion for the remote islands.

600 Front St, Beaufort, NC 28516, 252-838-1167, Phone: 252-504-2628

Banx Watersports (formerly Stand Up Outfitters) is a paddler-powered SUP specialty shop that offers a variety of stand-up paddling equipment to buy and rent, along with lessons, workshops, events, and tours. Banx Watersports is based on the banks of Lawson Creek with a premier waterfront location and easy access to the Neuse and Trent Rivers and blackwater, downwind, and flatwater paddling. Stand Up Outfitters also houses a SUP club with storage facilities for members, a SIC Maui Glide Center, and a fully stocked retail center for stand-up paddling, surfing, skating, and kayaking equipment.

1305 Country Club Rd, New Bern, NC 28562, Phone: 252-638-3000

Visitors to New Bern in North Carolina can look forward to visiting the place where one of America’s favorite beverages originated. When you visit the Pepsi Store, you can stand on the very spot where Caleb Bradham originally invented Pepsi Cola (then called Brad’s Drink) in his pharmacy in 1898.

The attraction is now owned and operated by Minges Bottling Group who takes great pride in welcoming visitors to come and learn all about the history of Pepsi Cola and other world-famous drinks. After your tour of the birthplace you can enjoy a classic soda-fountain Pepsi and browse all the interesting stock in the store.

Birthplace of Pepsi Cola, 256 Middle Street, New Bern, NC 28560, 252 636 5898

Tryon Palace, also known as the Governor's Palace, is an historic building that was once the administrative headquarters and official residence of the colonial governors of North Carolina in the 18th century. Today, the building is known as Tryon Palace and is renowned for being North Carolina’s first permanent state capitol. Surrounded by 16 acres of beautifully manicured gardens and grounds, it represents three centuries of landscape and gardening heritage, which can be seen by visitors on guided tours. Tryon Palace is a state historic site and the magnificent building, annexes, and gardens can be explored Monday through Sunday throughout the year.

529 S Front St, New Bern, NC 28562, Phone: 800-767-1560

Owned and maintained by the New Bern Historical Society, the New Bern Civil War Battlefield Park stands on the site of the Civil War Battle of New Bern, which took place on March 14 1862. The site has been preserved in pristine condition and even the original redans (fighting positions) remain in place. The park covers around 30 acres and contains 36 interpretive panels where visitors can learn about the historic battle. To help you get your bearings there is a self-guided tour brochure and a large ground map and signage which give an overview of the battle. Guided tours can be arranged if you apply in advance of your visit.

300 Battlefield Trail, New Bern, NC 28560, 252 638 8558