Historical and Cultural Activities:
- Tryon Palace: Immerse yourself in 18th-century life at Tryon Palace, the first governor’s palace built in the United States. Explore the restored buildings, gardens, and exhibits, and learn about North Carolina’s colonial history.
- North Carolina History Center: Discover the rich history of North Carolina at the North Carolina History Center. The museum features exhibits on everything from Native American culture to the Civil War.
- Through the Looking Glass: “A Journey with the Storytellers”: This special exhibit celebrating the 100th anniversary of the New Bern Historical Society runs through January 8, 2024. It features stories and artifacts from the history of New Bern and Craven County.
- Ghost Walk: Take a spooky ghost walk through the historic streets of New Bern and hear tales of pirates, haunted houses, and other local legends.
Outdoor Activities:
- Croatan National Forest: Hike or bike through the beautiful Croatan National Forest, located just outside of New Bern. The forest offers miles of trails, scenic overlooks, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Go kayaking or canoeing: Explore the Neuse River and its tributaries by kayak or canoe. There are several outfitters in New Bern that offer rentals and guided tours.
- Fishing: New Bern is a great place to go fishing for bass, catfish, and other species. You can fish from the pier at Union Point Park, or hire a charter boat for a deep-sea fishing trip.
- Ice skating: Enjoy some winter fun at the outdoor ice skating rink at Union Point Park. This is a great activity for families and groups of friends.
Events:
- Wine and Brine Seafood Festival: This annual festival celebrates the bounty of the North Carolina coast with fresh seafood, local wines, and live music. It takes place on January 19, 2024.
- East Coast Shag Classic: This dance competition attracts shag dancers from all over the country. It takes place from January 25-28, 2024.
- Fayetteville Marksmen Hockey Games: Catch a game of professional hockey at the Fayetteville Marksmen’s home ice rink. Games are played on several dates throughout January.
Bonus:
- Take a cooking class: Learn how to make some traditional North Carolina dishes, such as Brunswick stew or Cheerwine cake.
- Go shopping: Browse the shops and boutiques in downtown New Bern for unique souvenirs and gifts.
- Enjoy the local food scene: Sample the delicious seafood, barbecue, and other Southern cuisine that New Bern has to offer.
Weather:
The weather in New Bern in January is typically mild, with average highs in the mid-50s Fahrenheit and lows in the mid-30s. However, it can occasionally get quite cold, with temperatures in the teens or even below freezing. Be sure to pack accordingly and check the forecast before your trip.
I hope this gives you some ideas for what to do in New Bern in January!
Additional Tips:
- To get the most out of your trip, consider purchasing a New Bern Trolley Pass. This pass gives you unlimited rides on the trolley, which is a great way to get around the city.
- If you’re interested in learning more about the history of New Bern, consider taking a guided walking tour.
- Be sure to check the websites and social media pages of the attractions and events you’re interested in for the latest information and updates.
I hope you have a wonderful time in New Bern!
