Consistently named one of the top retirement destinations in North Carolina and the Southeast, New Bern offers a perfect blend of historic charm, mild coastal climate, affordable living, and active community lifestyle. Active Living & Waterfront Communities Retirees in New Bern choose from a wide variety of neighborhoods tailored to active living: River Bend: A […]
With its brackish waters, tidal creeks, and expansive river basins, New Bern is a premier destination for coastal anglers. Recreational fishing in the Neuse and Trent Rivers is a cherished local tradition rooted in environmental stewardship and sustainable conservation. Seasonal Species Runs & Fishing Spots Anglers can target a variety of game fish depending on […]
Positioned at the scenic junction of the Neuse and Trent Rivers, New Bern possesses a rich maritime legacy that stretches back over three centuries. From colonial trading schooners to modern yachts, sailing and boating remain central to the cityās identity, attracting nautical enthusiasts from across North America. Navigating the Neuse River & Pamlico Sound The […]
For outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, Lawson Creek Park serves as New Bernās premier eco-tourism hub. Spanning over 130 acres along the calm waters of the Trent River, this sprawling waterfront park offers easy water access, boardwalk nature trails, boat launches, and prime wildlife viewing opportunities. Paddling & Kayaking the Trent River With its gentle […]
For lovers of drama, music, and live performance, the cultural pulse of Eastern North Carolina beats at the New Bern Civic Theatre (NBCT). Housed in the historic Athens Theatre at 414 Pollock Streetāa landmark venue dating back to 1911āNBCT delivers a year-round lineup of Broadway musicals, classic plays, comedy shows, and youth theater productions. Cornerstone […]
One of the most charming and interactive ways to explore historic downtown New Bern is by following the Bear Town Bears Public Art Trail. Scattered throughout the downtown waterfront, boutique shopping districts, and municipal parks, these hand-painted, life-sized fiberglass bear statues celebrate New Bernās Swiss heritageānamed after Bern, Switzerland, where “Bern” means bear. The Bear […]
On December 1, 1922, disaster struck New Bern when a catastrophic fire ignited in a lumberyard along the Neuse River. Driven by gale-force winds, the blaze swept across the city, consuming over 40 city blocks, destroying more than 1,000 homes, and leaving 3,200 residents homeless in a single afternoon. It remains one of the worst […]
Long before Swiss and German immigrants established the town of New Bern in 1710, the fertile confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers was home to thriving Native American communities. For thousands of years, indigenous peoples utilized these coastal waterways for trade, agriculture, hunting, and seasonal settlement, shaping the ecological and cultural landscape of Eastern […]