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

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!

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

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!

With 2022 now in full swing, we are well on our way to the next major holiday event: Valentine’s Day. For those blissfully in love, it is another opportunity to celebrate. For those who are unattached, it can be a reminder of being just that–single. Regardless of your relationship status, here are three ways to enjoy the holiday with lots of heart emojis:

Valentine Stop #1 – “Bearly” There

If you want to fall more in love with New Bern, simply walk around to check out the ceramic and plaster bears scattered around town. The Bear Town Bears (Bern is German for bear) truly illustrate the community pride in New Bern. What I love most is how each bear has a special theme tie-in to the business it represents. From “Flag Bearer” at City Hall to “Harvest Bear” at the Farmer’s Market, you can barely pass a street corner without coming across a bear. I am not going to call out any favorites, as they all deserve “a-paws.”

Valentine Stop #2 – Appetizer Crawl

With all the craft brew places in town, you can surely enjoy a beer crawl. In New Bern, you can also enjoy an appetizer crawl. With too many restaurants to list here, I must give a special shout-out to three eateries with one-of-a-kind appetizers. First, the candied bacon at Beer Army is so incredibly scrumptious, you will stop in and order even when not hungry. A stop at Captain Ratty’s means orders of cannonball shrimp and fried green tomatoes are a given. Cap off this fried deliciousness with an order (or two) of Persimmons’ sweet corn and pimento hushpuppies. You will be full of love for your very full stomach after this crawl. No hangover, but you may be in a food coma.

Valentine Stop #3 – Will My Heart Go On?

New Bern Civic Theatre, you had me at the title, “The Last Five Years.” This musical is about two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. What makes it so creative is the show is told from two perspectives: Jamie’s story is told chronologically, while Cathy’s version is told in reverse. The characters meet only once, at their wedding. I am so excited about seeing this intriguing format, and who can pass up the opportunity to witness true love that spans years? You have the option of three performances the weekend of February 11. Get your tickets here.