Every month of the year, I fall in love with New Bern even more. As we enter the “shady” side of the 2020s (2026), here are three of my top reasons why our town is my favorite.

Riverfront Revelry

New Bern is ideally situated at the convergence of two rivers, Trent and Neuse. Situated where the two rivers meet is the unofficial community hub for the town, Union Point Park. The park is the site for many events and activities, including Footloose of the Neuse, Mumfest and The Great Trent River Raft Race. On the off chance an event isn’t going on, the park is the perfect place to meet a friend for a walk, enjoy a family picnic or take in the waterfront’s beauty. Be sure to take time to read the dedication bricks along the way, and check out the Red Spider Lily sculpture in front of the Convention Center!

Bear with Us

Dr. Paw Bear stands tall in front of a dentist office in downtown New Bern.

Did you know New Bern was named after Bern, Switzerland, and that the word translates to bears? Our hometown prides itself by promoting the Bern connection with over 90 themed bears situated throughout the town. With fantastic names such as Flag Bearer at City Hall and Captain Black Bear’d at the Courtyard by Marriott, the creativity is “beary” amazing! You can find one of the fiberglass bears in our destination community, appropriately named Welcome Home Bear, at Comet West New Bern apartments! If you’re looking for a fun scavenger hunt type of activity, pick up a map of the bear locations at the Cub House Visitor Center or click here.

It’s History

Throughout New Bern’s downtown, you will often be reminded of its 300-plus years of history. Beautiful Victorian, Italianate, Greek Revival, Federalist and Georgian architecture showcase some of the most exquisite homes and buildings. For more information and a self-guided walking tour, click here. If you want to enjoy a stay in a historic home, check into one of the charming bed-and-breakfasts located in downtown. I even refer to Pollock Street as the BnB row, with Aerie, Hanna House, Benjamin Ellis House and The Jarvis at 220.

While these are just three reasons I love New Bern, there are so many more. Why don’t you set a date to spend some time in the town that’s known as the place where it all comes together? In my opinion, that’s being a little humble!

It’s November, and that can mean only one thing… the spectacular holiday season is here in New Bern! Our hometown is known for its Beary Merry Christmas, with music, shows, shopping, movies, and of course, Santa. Here are a few recommendations for family activities to enjoy during this magical time of year.

O Christmas Tree

The holiday season officially kicks off on Friday, November 28, at the annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting in Union Point Park! Once the tree is lit at 5:45 p.m., stay for the parade down Middle Street, block party and arrival of Santa Claus. With food trucks, music and more, this is a wonderful way to welcome in the season with family and friends.

Run, Run, Rudolph

Whether you are participating in the Fourth Annual Trail to Tryon, presented by Weyerhaeuser, or cheering the runners on, this year’s race is sure to be the best one yet! While the past three races have been held on or near Veteran’s Day, this year’s race takes place on December 6 to take advantage of the holiday splendor of New Bern. You still have time to register for the holiday half-marathon, 10k or 5k races. After the post-race celebration, head over to the Downtown Christmas Parade along George Street to Pollock Street. The fun continues later at 5:30 p.m. with the 41st Annual Coastal Christmas Flotilla at Union Point Park.

Silver Bells

One of my favorite New Bern traditions occurs on Friday, December 12, 6 – 8 p.m. The Live Window Display showcases the creative minds of our local shops, as the windows are transformed into spectacular stories of the holidays. Bring out the entire family for an evening of window shopping while taking in the sights of the season. Grab dinner either before or after your stroll, or enjoy some delicious treats at Bear City Fudge or Cow Café.

These activities are just a few of the holiday happenings in New Bern. To be sure to enjoy all these delights (and more) to have a classic time, check out Visit New Bern.

Fall in New Bern is a spectacular time of year to fall in love with our hometown. There is a bounty of activities and special events, including these two favorites.

The Mum Maze is A-Maize-ing

The mum arch has become the signature location for selfies and family photographs.

Get ready for our hometown to bloom with color! On Saturday and Sunday, October 11 and 12, the MumFest arch and mum maze are back with another year of food, mums, live entertainment, arts, crafts and more (did I mention mums already?). The festival boasted over 75,000 attendees last year, and the attendance is expected to be even higher this year. Over 45 food vendors will be on hand, so be sure to come with an appetite. The kids’ zone includes a fossil dig, petting zoo and special activities for your little ones. If you want to get in some exercise in addition to walking around the fest, sign up for the Mumosa 5K and One-Mile Fun Run, presented by New Bern Parks and Recreation. The course begins and ends at Union Point Park. Better yet, you can enjoy a free “Mumosa” afterward! Sign up here.

Do You Be-leaf in Ghosts?

Now in its 35^th year, Ghostwalk offers the entire family some good, ghostly fun. Each year’s experience is different from the past, as new ghosts seem to pop up in New Bern’s past and historic sites. The event is set for October 23 – 25, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Guides will lead you through stops at Cedar Grove cemetery to hear exciting stories based on real characters and events. Afterward, you go at your own pace, with historical spirits sharing their tales on porches and in select buildings in downtown New Bern. If you get ghoulishly hungry, local churches are selling budget-friendly meals for Ghostwalk visitors. For more information, click here.

Fall is an amazing time to enjoy the sights and sounds of New Bern. You “autumn” get here as soon as you can! Check out visitnewbern.com for a complete list of activities.

When the temperature heats up in New Bern, you know it’s time to have a summer full of fun! Here are some ideas to enjoy the longer days with lots of sizzlin’ excitement.

Sizzlin’ Idea #1

Footloose on the Neuse finishes up its concert series with three incredible rock tribute bands.

If you are a 70s and 80s rock-and-roll aficionado, you are going to be in dreamland over the next several weeks. That’s because the Footloose on the Neuse concert series has saved some of the best for last, with tribute bands of our favorite rock groups taking the stage at Union Point Park. First up is Tell Me Lies, a Fleetwood Mac Experience, on Friday, July 18. The next month, On the Border, an Eagles tribute band, performs on Friday, August 8. The series wraps up on Friday, August 29, with Rev On, a Foreigner Experience. Each performance begins at 7:30 p.m., and admission is free. Be sure to bring your portable chairs or blanket. Food and beverages are available for purchase.

Sizzlin’ Idea #2

When you need a break from the heat, why not take in a play in an air-conditioned theatre? Running the last two weekends in July, Around the World in 80 Days will be performed at New Bern Civic Theatre. The Jules Verne classic is set in the 1870s and tells the story of Phileas Fogg’s trip around the world to win a bet. The play is performed by the Saax Bradbury Teen Players, and tickets begin from $15; details here. Then over the first two weekends in August, Death of a Salesman is being performed by the RiverTowne Players. Set in the 50s, Arthur Miller’s famous play tells the story of traveling salesman Willy Loman as he deals with strained relationships in his family and career. The play runs Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased here.

Sizzlin’ Idea #3

Looking for a relaxing day to take in a movie, or three (or more)? The Seventh Annual North Carolina Film Festival is set for Saturday, August 2, beginning at 10 a.m. at New Bern Civic Theatre. An all-day pass of $25 grants you access for a day of local, national and international short films. Tickets may be purchased here.

These are just a few ideas to enjoy the plethora of summer activities in our favorite hometown. For more ideas, check out visitnewbern.com.

Summer is just around the corner, and New Bern is set for a jam-packed schedule of activities and events. Here are three of our cool favorites to celebrate the season.

Cool Favorite #1

Don’t Stop Believin… Footloose on the Neuse is back for another outstanding round of performances! The concert series kicks off Memorial Day Weekend on Friday, May 23, with the Journey tribute band, Trial by Fire. The band takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. at Union Point Park, and admission is free. Be sure to bring your own lawn chairs or blanket; Any Way You Want It. For the complete Footloose on the Neuse lineup, including The Stranger, a tribute band to Billy Joel, click here.

Cool Favorite #2

If you can float it, you can race it! The Great Trent River Raft Race sets “sail” on June 7.

Summertime can mean many things to our hometown, however one event always seems to stand out (or hopefully stand up to the water). The Great Trent River Raft Race is set for Saturday, June 7, so you need to be set to have an absolute blast! A variety of races, from classic to peddle to paddle, challenge fun-loving participants to build the vessel to win. The category of “anything that floats” always brings out the most amazing creations. In addition to the races, you will enjoy food, games, live entertainment and family-friendly fun. For all the details, click the race’s Facebook page here.

Cool Favorite #3

Culture, history, classical music. Is there a more beautiful listening experience? On Thursday, June 12, Tryon Palace is the backdrop for the North Carolina Symphony performance of Beethoven’s Fifth. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are free! Make sure to bring along your friends and family, along with your own lawn chairs.

There is so much more to enjoy over the warmer months in New Bern. Be sure to check out Visit New Bern for a complete list of activities and events!

The month of April in our hometown presents a splendid display of springtime activities. With the longer daylight, warmer weather and an extensive city calendar, here are a few events coming up that are sure to get you out and about.

Paint the Town (or Anything Else You Want)

Now this is a cool event! Open Easels is a show for artists 18 years old and up who are not currently represented in public spaces. The show takes place on Friday and Saturday, April 11 and 12, at the Harrison Center (Christ Church). Each artist can display two pieces of original, two-dimensional art. Entries will be priced for sale by the artist, and registration ends March 28. For details, click here.

Bring your little bunnies to the Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 12, at Lawson Creek Park.

Be on the Hunt

With Easter coming up, you can be sure to find a good egg hunt (or two)! The annual Easter Egg Hunt is set for Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m., at Lawson Creek Park. Kids aged one to 12 will have different hunt starts. For the older kiddos, come out to the Twilight Egg Hunt on Thursday, April 17, 7:45 p.m., at Glenburnie Park. Be sure to bring a basket or other container to collect the goodies, along with a flashlight for the Twilight hunt. Both events are free to participate, compliments of the New Bern Parks and Recreation Department.

Take the Stage

One of the most enjoyable shows of the year is back! The New Bern Follies for 2025 takes place on Saturday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m. at the New Bern Civic Theatre. With a nostalgic nod to the years of Vaudeville, all kinds of acts will take the stage, whether it be singing, dancing, comedy and more. I have been to this show in years past, and I must say it is a night full of surprises and pure entertainment. Tickets begin at just $24; click here to purchase.

There is a load of fun in store for you and your family over the 30 days in April. It’s full “spring” ahead in New Bern!

By Caramia Valentin, The Sun Journal

February 3, 2025

Representatives from the Craven County Tourism Development Authority, Tryon Palace and Weyerhaeuser presented a $5,000 check from the Trail to Tryon proceeds to the American Legion Post 539 in New Bern.

The 2024 Trail to Tryon Race on Nov. 9 attracted around 460 participants who traveled through New Bern in a half marathon, 10K or 5K, said Seth Plank, a portfolio analyst for Weyerhaeuser.

Since its inception in 2022, Weyerhaeuser has been the presenting sponsor for the race, along with many other sponsors.

Melissa Riggle, executive director for the TDA, said partners like Weyerhaeuser contributed to the success of Trail to Tryon.

“We’ve had great partners with Weyerhaeuser and Tryon Palace and all of our other sponsors, Chad Sittig Insurance Agency, Trader Construction,” Riggle said. “It has just really come to be this great annual event, so in our third year, we are super proud to present proceeds to our beneficiaries, who have been doing great work in this region for our local veterans.

“We want to do everything we can to support them, and we’re so proud that this can do that year after year.”

American Legion Commander Liz Hartman and American Legion representative Dave Nelson were at Tryon Palace recently to receive the check on behalf of the organization.

Hartman said funds from Trail to Tryon help the American Legion provide financial assistance to veterans in the form of rent payments, car payments and grocery gift cards. Additionally, the funds help send area children to Americanism programs to learn about the United States Constitution and American history.

“I think a lot of times when you see these checks, you think it’s just money, but I want everyone to realize that the $5,000, that’s essentially from Weyerhaeuser, it’s literally changing lives in the community,” Hartman said, during the presentation. “For the American Legion, this isn’t just money, this is people’s lives that Weyerhaeuser has changed.”

Plank was involved in Trail to Tryon as a participant in the first two years but volunteered to help on race day and speak at the start of the race. 

“The event was great, and I was happy to help,” Plank said. “On behalf of Weyerhaeuser, it’s been a great honor to be the presenting sponsor and help out the last few years.”

This year, Trail to Tryon is scheduled for Dec. 6 in New Bern. Riggle said the new festive date offers a run experience coupled with the holiday festivities New Bern has to offer.

Participants can choose between a half marathon, 10K or 5K. The half marathon costs $65 to enter, the 10K costs $45 and the 5K costs $30.

The new year seems to be the perfect time to think about what we love about New Bern. Here are three of my favorite things that offer the best of our spectacular hometown.

Favorite Thing #1 – Downtown

Middle Street in New Bern’s Downtown is Picture-Perfect.

Streetscapes and storefronts that resemble a Hallmark town? In our downtown, you will feel like someone from the big city coming back to his/her hometown without the hassle of being cast in the latest movie. Quaint cafes, art galleries, locally owned shops and sweet (store) sensations await you here. Be sure to check out Baker’s Kitchen, Bear City Fudge, Next Chapter Books and Art, Cypress Hall, Mitchell Hardware and so many more wonderful spaces and places to explore.

Favorite Thing #2 – Town Bears

North Carolina is known for its bears (the real kind), yet New Bern is most known for its friendly bears (the plaster kind). Over 90 bears are out of hibernation around the area, each themed to compliment the bear’s sponsor. From “Greenzly” at Union Point Park to “Flag Bearer” at City Hall to one of the newest bears, “Welcome Home Bear” at Comet West New Bern Apartments, these creatures are fun to hunt down. For a complete list and map of locations, you can pick up one in person at the Cub House Visitor Center or click here.

Favorite Thing #3 – Town Events

You may first think of New Bern as a friendly, lovely and charming town, all of which are true. However, our town’s true colors beautifully show during the plethora of events we enjoy throughout the year. An array of offerings, including Plein Air Art Festival, Footloose on the Neuse Summer Concert Series, MumFest and Beary Merry Christmas are just some of our signature annual events. Add in the monthly ArtWalk, July Fourth Celebration and Halloween festivities, and your calendar is packed before you know it. Check out Visit New Bern’s website for an up-to-date list of activities.

In New Bern, your list of favorite things may likely include at least one of the above-mentioned. However, there is so much to choose from, the “few” should be changed to “many” things!

Ho, ho, ho! The holiday season is upon us, and New Bern is the place for a Beary Merry Christmas! If you enjoy celebrating the magic of the season, you will find it in our hometown, with music, movies, snow, shopping and gallons of hot cocoa! While there are lots of activities and events for you and your family to enjoy, here are a few of my all-time favorites.

Light Up the Park

Once your Thanksgiving meal has settled, it’s time to come on down to the annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, November 29! The block party begins at 4 p.m. on Middle Street, with a DJ, games, axe throwing, aerial circus performances, crafts, face painting and more. The tree lighting takes place at Union Point Park at 5:45 p.m., with Santa arriving soon after. The party continues with entertainment until 8:30 p.m. This is a wonderful way to kick off the holidays.

The Live Window Displays are a must-see this (and every) holiday season!

Light Up the Scene

On Friday, December 13, the windows come alive! New Bern’s Live Window Display takes place 6 – 8 p.m. Will it be a repeat for 2023’s first-place winner Twice as Nice? Bring out the entire family for an evening of window shopping while enjoying the sights of the season. Grab dinner either before or after your stroll at New Bern’s extensive restaurant offerings, including Morgan’s Tavern, Captain Ratty’s or Cypress Hall.

Light Up the Town

The splendor of the season continues throughout December. On Thursday evenings, stores will be open late, so you have extra time to find that special gift, all with festive entertainment. Visits with Santa provide the perfect opportunity to capture memories of your child’s wish list. Santa’s House is a magical place to see where the “Red One” lives this time of year. Definitely do not miss the chance for a carriage ride to enjoy the twinkling, colorful lights!

The holiday season is truly enchanting in New Bern. Be sure to enjoy all these delights (and more) that we have to light up your life! For more information, check out Visit New Bern.