As our magical City of New Bern and State of North Carolina continue through the reopening phases from COVID, I definitely feel spotlighting the community itself is worth another post. After all, the community spirit is a major reason why New Bern is the perfect place to call home.

Our Restaurants

If you ask the locals around here what they missed most during the pandemic shutdown, you are likely to receive “restaurants” as the answer. With limited capacity status, New Bern establishments are taking dining outdoors on weekend evenings. Be sure to check out the latest street and sidewalk cafes, and make those reservations early. Also, the New Bern Chamber of Commerce continues to keep us in the know through the New Bern Eats Facebook page.

Our Parks and Recreation

New Bern’s Parks and Recreation Department is our go-to source for fun every summer, and this year is no exception. Opening May 30 is the George Street Splash Pad for kids of all ages. To get into the swing of things, head over to the newly renovated tennis and pickleball courts at Seth West Parrott Park. Of course, the Riverwalk is always the place to be for scenery and to be seen.

Our Schools

While its 53^rd Commencement was postponed due to COVID, Craven Community College students will have their graduation day celebrated in style with a special drive-through ceremony at the New Bern campus on Saturday, June 27. New Bern High School is being very creative with its graduation ceremony. Each graduate will be taped receiving their diploma in early June, with the ability to view the ceremony in its entirety on June 13. Of course, no one can forget the news coverage of West Craven High School Principal Tabari Wallace delivering 220 yard signs to the 2020 graduates.

As we progress through the COVID pandemic and return to the “new normal,” I have become even more aware of New Bern’s spirit. You have likely heard or read “We’re all in this together” on news, ads and social media. In New Bern, we have all been in this together. For years.