Historical Place Archives - West New Bern

Fun Times for Family Time

Jackie B — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 19:26:01 +0000

New Bern has so much to see and do for all ages. Whether you want to take in some salt air, learn more about history or increase the laughter ratio, it is a done deal close by! Here are three recommendations of activities over the course of the weekend of July 15-17 for the entire family to enjoy.

Family Time #1 – Friday

Fort Macon State Park is a short drive from New Bern.

This time together requires a car ride for 36 miles; perhaps you play “I spy” on the way! The journey takes you to Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach, at the tip of Bogue Banks. The fort is restored from the Civil War era, with tons of interesting history within five walls of brick and stone. Twenty-six rooms, nature trails and more will keep your pirate lovers and history buffs well-entertained. For more information about Atlantic Beach, click here.

Family Time #2 – Saturday

If you read this blog series often, you know I love visiting Tryon Palace. On Saturday, July 16, we have the added bonus of giveaways and family activities while exploring the galleries and gardens. Puppet shows, tours of the Pepsi Portal to History and Revolutionary War soldier reenactments make for an entertaining day. While the palace and gardens are simply spectacular on their own, this special day creates additional excitement about the first state capitol building’s heritage. More details here.

Family Time #3 – Sunday

If you are like me and remember the colorful story of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, be sure to catch the performance of Willy Wonka Jr. at the New Bern Civic Theatre. Roald Dahl’s fantasy adventure is brought to life with some slight differences from the movie. The premise remains the same, in that candy manufacturer Willy Wonka stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his yummy candy bars. From there, magical chaos ensues. Performances are July 15-17 and 22-24. Tickets may be purchased here.

Time with your family may not always be perfect, but it is indeed special. These three activities will definitely make the time also memorable!

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Relive the Past

Jackie B — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 18:23:45 +0000

New Bern is rich with history, having been founded in 1710 and serving as the state’s first capital. In April, we have the opportunity to relive some of New Bern’s past while appreciating what those before us experienced. Here are three upcoming events to enjoy, no matter what your age.

Relive the Past #1 – Tour Historical Homes

You are in for a treat on April 8 and 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 2022 Heritage Homes Tour gains you access into historical homes in the downtown area, ranging from 19th century to renovated residences. Each home represents the amazing architecture of New Bern’s history and its future. But wait; there’s more! This same weekend, your ticket also allows you free admission to the Tryon Palace Gardens. There, you will enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of a variety of blooms, from tulips to irises to roses. Get tickets here.

Your child can experience what it was like for kids back in Colonial times on April 9.

Relive the Past #2 – Play Dress Up

At Tryon Palace that same weekend, your kids can experience how youngsters would have dressed and lived during the time of George Washington and Governor Tryon in Colonial America. “Colonial for a Day” takes place on Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Designed for those seven to 10 years (with an accompanying adult), participants will don 18th century attire, learn more what children’s chores were like and partake in some of the crafts they would have been expected to know. Call 252-639-3524 to reserve a spot.

Relive the Past #3 – Duel to the Finish

The real story behind one of New Bern’s most compelling historic stories is now brought to life. John Stanly accused Richard Dobbs Spaight of misdeeds and more, culminating in a duel to the finish. This historic tale will be brought to life through original dialogue and music, from the signing of the Constitution to the dispute that would lead these bitter rivals to a fight on the field of honor. “Honour, The Musical” is presented by the North Carolina History Theater in partnership with Craven Community College and New Bern Historical Society. Performances run the last two weekends at the college’s Orringer Hall. Tickets available here.

With New Bern’s prominence in North Carolina’s and the country’s history, you can relive the past now and in the future!

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A Love Letter to New Bern

Jackie B — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 19:46:06 +0000

To those of you who have read my posts over the last few years, it is obvious I really, really like New Bern. I just completed the longest trip there (a total of eight days), and I can now go on the record that I am having a downright love affair with this wonderful town. The reasons are too many to include in one post, so get ready to read all about my top 12 in this and two future posts.

New Bern’s historic downtown is the epitome of Main Street, U.S.A.

Love #1 – The Downtown

You cannot get more basic than the name of the middle of downtown, Middle Street. Add in a perimeter of streets in each direction, and you have everything from quaint cafes to delicious restaurants to bridal shops to specialty stores. Speaking of cafes…

Love #2 – Coffee and Sweets

New Bern boasts more than enough cafes to go around, however they all seem to be consistently busy with tourists and locals alike. I am a little partial to Bear City Fudge, if for nothing else it has birthday cake fudge and it has bear in its name. Baker’s Kitchen, Cow Café, Bella’s Café and Crema Brew are all worth a stop.

Perhaps the best shop to pick up Sparks’ latest novel, “The Wish.”

Love #3 – Local Bookstore

When you want to physically hold a book, New Bern has a special store that caters to those seeking local authors. I can already picture New Bern’s own Nicholas Sparks popping in to say “Hi.” And, with the name of “Next Chapter Books and Art,” you just know the shop’s backstory is captivating.

New Bern’s “Cub House” and “Welcome Bear” greet visitors to town.

Love #4 – The Bears

Oh, how New Bern takes branding to a new stratosphere with its bears. These aren’t real ones (even though there are a few of those around in the woods); they are of the plaster variety. With well over 60 themed bears scattered throughout the town, it is easy to become infatuated with these creatures. You can pick up a map of the bear locations at the Cub House Visitor Center.

I look forward to sharing more of my New Bern loves in the future. If you happen to visit beforehand, I’m sure you will discover a few loves of your own!

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Three Sweet Spots

Jackie B — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 20:42:53 +0000

On my most recent visit to New Bern, I had a free afternoon, which offered the perfect opportunity to explore the historic downtown. Here are three sweet spots along my route.

Inside this door awaits yumminess!

Sweet Spot #1 – Bear City Fudge Company

My first sweet spot stop was to fuel up for my afternoon of discovery. I headed over to Bear City Fudge Company, my go-to source for fudge, ice cream and all kinds of treats. I left with a few slabs of deliciousness, perhaps overindulging a bit. The dark-chocolate-caramel-sea-salt fudge is quite simply, pure happiness. Bear City Fudge Company is located just off Middle Street in the courtyard, and it receives high marks (albeit calories) on my list. Go now!

Sweet Spot #2 – New Bern Historical Society

If you want to delve into New Bern’s storied past, the best place to do so is at the New Bern Historical Society. With my fudge in hand, I walked down Middle to Broad Street to the building rumored to have a friendly ghost or two. Once you step inside this home of history, you are transported to a time long ago. The New Bern Historical Society presents displays of furniture, clothing, fine china and silver of the 18^th and 19^th centuries. I was greeted by Curator Jim Hodges, who is basically an encyclopedia of the town’s history and prominent figures. Jim has what appears to be an endless file system of letters, notes and photographs that would impress even the most renowned historian. Jim also presents lunch-and-learn sessions to spread the word about New Bern’s enticing years of the past.

The Unity Project.

Sweet Spot #3 – The Unity Project

As I left the Historical Society, I noticed down the street a familiar piece of artwork. The last time I saw The Unity Project, it was not quite finished. The piece serves as a symbol of harmony and a link between uptown and downtown New Bern. It was constructed and painted by several youth and volunteer organizations in the area. It made my day to see the completed sculpture in person, and even better was to look up and see the New Bern water tower looming in the distance. For more details about The Unity Project, click here.

As I walked back to my hotel room, I thought about these three sweet wonders of New Bern. There is so much more to discover, and I intend to do so. With some additional chocolate, of course!

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Everything Really Does Come Together Here – Part Three

Jackie B — Sat, 20 Jun 2020 21:01:52 +0000

In the last two blog posts, I have spotlighted how New Bern has adapted during coronavirus. From the Craven County schools to our favorite restaurants to helping out charitable organizations, New Bern residents truly come together. Here are three “normal for now” activities to enjoy:

The Grass is Green

Tryon Palace’s gardens are a must-see anytime you visit New Bern. Every season brings a different collection of blooms.

While the Governor’s Palace remains closed, the Tryon Palace Gardens are open and seem even more majestic than before. I had previously heard the gardens were the plan of a landscape architect or horticulturist at the time of Governor Tryon inhabiting the palace. On my most recent visit, that story was just that, a story. The gardens were actually created when the buildings were restored in the late 1950s. Other cool things Tryon Palace is doing include Facebook Live presentations with guest speakers and behind-the-scenes at the costume shop.

Fun on Screen

One of New Bern’s summer favorites is Movies at Union Point Park. Since we can’t gather in this manner right now, leave it to the City of New Bern to get creative. Started a couple of weeks ago, movies can be enjoyed at Lawsons Creek Park in the form of a drive-in theatre. With classics such as Grease and Wizard of Oz, the movies are shown every other weekend. At only five dollars per carload, there’s no reason for anyone to hide in the trunk. (Reference to my youth.)

Scene to Be Seen

Like many holidays, July Fourth seems to be just a little bit more special in New Bern. While the festivities are not what has been experienced in years past, the City of New Bern is presenting the Fireworks Display at Lawsons Creek Park, 9:15 p.m. You will need to be in or around your car, and space is limited. As an alternative, you can watch the live display on the City’s Facebook page.

Times have definitely changed over these last few months. Yet, one thing remains the same. Residents in this historical place know how to live in the present.

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Road Trip to Raleigh – Part Three: Making History

Jackie B — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 21:09:31 +0000

I had just a few hours left in Raleigh, and I had a couple of stops left on my agenda. Having spent the morning touring the Capitol Building and the Museum of Natural Sciences, I had worked up quite an appetite.

Just Add Gravy

Oh my gosh! How can such a simple dish taste so decadent?

A New Bern friend provided a top recommendation for lunch, a restaurant named Gravy. Was this to be a homestyle cooking café? Once I came upon the restaurant, I realized gravy referred to homemade pasta sauce.

Gravy is everything you desire in an Italian restaurant. Aromas of garlic, fresh bread and seasoning filled the air. As plate after plate passed by, I wondered if the spaghetti and meatballs I ordered was too basic. Once my plate of pure heaven arrived, that thought quickly disappeared. It was delicioso! A pound may have been gained in one hour, but it was well worth it.

Just One More Museum

My last stop was to visit the North Carolina Museum of History. With my parents being native Tar Heels, I felt it was my duty to learn more about our favorite state. Since time was limited, I focused on one main exhibit, “The Story of North Carolina.”

The North Carolina Museum of History provides the opportunity to experience our state’s memorable moments.

As you enter, you feel as if you are on the Carousel of Progress ride at Disney World. As you go from one century to the next, you learn more about the state through antiques, artifacts, informative narratives and hands-on activities.

Three displays stood out in the exhibit. One, Blackbeard was a real person. I thought his story stemmed from legend. Apparently, his ship wrecked off the North Carolina coast, and several things were recovered, including a cannon. Two, I saw the next best thing to being in Kitty Hawk. The exhibit offers a life-size replica of the 1903 Wright Brothers’ “plane” used in the first flight. Three, and perhaps the most impactful, was the replica of the 1960 Woolworth lunch counter sit-in during the Civil Rights Movement.

In addition to the Museum of Natural Sciences and Museum of History, Raleigh boasts several other museums, including ones for contemporary art and kids. While Raleigh may be the second city to house the state capitol building, it’s the first for museums to call home.

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A Trip Forward Back in Time

Jackie B — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 20:31:06 +0000

In all my travels when I choose to venture outside New Bern, one place I had yet to visit was Kinston. With the new year comes new places to see, so I headed west on U.S. Highway 70 just 35 miles down the road. The drive to Kinston is an easy one, and one that I am glad I did. Who would have thought a city with a population of only 21,000 people could be filled with such expansive history?

Fire!

Caswell #1 Fire Station Museum features a pumper from 1922.

First up was the Caswell #1 Fire Station Museum. This historic place is named after North Carolina’s first governor, Richard Caswell. The fire station was built in 1895 after a disastrous fire destroyed much of the downtown area. A 1922 LaFrance Pumper is the focus of the museum, along with a collection of helmets, nozzles, ladders, fire extinguishers and more from over the last 100+ years.

Harmony Awaits

Next up was Harmony Hall, the last standing landmark home in Kinston. The house, built in 1772, served as a residence to prominent historical figures of Lenoir County. During the Revolutionary period, it was owned by Governor Caswell (there’s that name again). The house was also the site of a Civil War hospital and public library. Last restored in 1984, the house is a must-see if you are anywhere near Kinston.

Up with the Ship

My last stop was the CSS Neuse II and Civil War Interpretive Center. The vessel is the world’s only full-size replica of a Confederate Ironclad. During the Civil War, it was sunk to avoid capture. It was recovered in the 1960s, and the found artifacts are on display at the center. If you are a Civil War buff, this place is definitely worth the time.

There are many more historical places in Kinston to take a step back in time. All you have to do is take the time!

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