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

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.

We all know it is hot during the summer months in our hometown. It’s also hot with fun activities to enjoy. Here are a few recommendations to add to your calendar.

On Canvas

We love our art in New Bern! If you are new to the area or are in town visiting, be sure to check out ArtWalk on Friday, July 12. Downtown is resplendent with all the shops, galleries and restaurants welcoming you to an art block party. Make sure to stop by the Bank of the Arts on Middle Street, which is showcasing the 2024 National Juried Exhibition. For more information, click here.

On Stage

New Bern Civic Theatre is presenting two entertaining performances over the next couple of months. In July, the Teens take over with Disney’s Camp Rock: The Musical. The show centers around a summer musical camp that experiences a camp rival across the lake. You will find yourself cheering on Camp Rock, and the songs will likely last in your head long after the show is over. Performances run July 19 – 21 and July 26 – 28. For tickets, click here.

In August, one of my favorite Shakespearean plays, Twelfth Night, hits the stage. The comedic play is set for performances at the New Bern Civic Theatre. With false identities and unrequited love, this romp will surely bring on laughs. Performances run August 23 – 25 and August 30 – September 1. For details and tickets, click here.

On Mic

Footloose on the Neuse is raring with fantastic performances in July and August. First up, a Tribute to Fleetwood Mac band is set to take the stage on Friday, July 12. Next, a tribute band to the Eagles will perform on Friday, August 9. You should “Go your own way” and “take it easy” by attending both events at Union Point Park. For the complete Footloose on the Neuse lineup, click here.

For the listing of all activities and events over the summer, check out visitnewbern.com.

Thales Academy is honored to have been selected out of nearly 2000 schools and educational organizations in the nation as one of the 64 Quarterfinalists for The 2023 Yass Prize, which is considered the “Pulitzer of Education Innovation” and is designed “to find, reward, celebrate and expand best-in-class education organizations from every sector.”

The Yass Prize is a prestigious award of recognition and also grants a $1 million reward to the grand prize winner. As a Quarterfinalist, Thales Academy is a “STOP Award” (“Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding, and Permissionless”) winner and will compete to be among the organizations chosen in the Semifinal round. http://YassPrize.org.Thales Academy Founder, Mr. Bob Luddy, expresses that Thales Academy is very grateful for this honor from the Yass Prize. Josh Herring, PhD, Dean of Classical Education, says: “We are proud to showcase our unique affordable, accessible approach to a high-quality, private, classical K-12 education, and we are excited to be in the company of so many other notable, unique educational organizations for students across the nation.”

Thales Academy is set to open in West New Bern for the 2025-26 school year. See the announcement video here (Thales Academy announcement is at approximately 27:00).

Let me begin by saying I love North Carolina barbecue. I mean, I really, really love it. I grew up on this pork perfection (don’t even get me started that some actually think beef) all the way from my small hometown near Tampa, Florida. Every summer when my family would travel to see grandparents, aunts and uncles to Goldsboro, Wilson and family reunions, I would overindulge on this delicacy of Eastern Carolina. Recently, I took a road trip down the street and up north in search of the best barbecue.

Cue Quest #1 – New Bern

We have a fantastic option right here in our hometown with Smithfield’s Chicken ‘n BBQ. Since the focus of this story is of swine origin, I passed on the chicken and went straight for the pork sandwich and fries. I was pleasantly surprised at just how good this sandwich was, and the coleslaw on top made for another reason for a return visit, soon and often. Perfection score: 7, however the convenience factor gives it a bonus half point to total 7.5.

Cue Quest #2 – Ayden

If you have yet to visit this charming town just 35 miles from West New Bern, add it to your to-do list. Ayden has been called the “Capital of ‘Cue,” and it is home to Skylight Inn Barbecue, run by founder Pete Jones’ grandson, Sam Jones. Once you arrive (you will know you are in the right place if you see the replica of the U.S. Capitol building on the roof), go ahead and order the large plate, as it is only a dollar more than the small serving. Perfection score: 7.5, plus an extra point for being a restaurant where five generations of the same family have worked; total of 8.5.

Cue Quest #3 – Greenville

I had to include Parker’s Barbecue on this list, as it is what I grew up on when visiting the original location in Wilson as a youngster. Greenville, just 40 miles up the road from West New Bern, is home to three stores, so you can enjoy a satisfying meal no matter what part of town you live in or coming from. Whether you decide on the small or large plate (seriously, get the large plate), hushpuppies and coleslaw are included, along with two more sides. Perfection score: 9.5, due to overall yumminess of the ‘cue and the hushpuppies.

All three establishments are worth the calories and the miles. However, I am not done yet. So many more barbecue restaurants to try!

Fall has arrived, and that can mean only one thing. Well actually several things, as New Bern is chock full of activities lined up for October. Three of my absolutely favorite events celebrate the beautiful blooms seen throughout our hometown, mums! MumFest, MumFest Concert and MumFeast are set, so now it is just a matter of how to fit in all the fun.

The Best Fest

Mark those calendars for the weekend of October 8 and 9, when the city is in full bloom! The entire downtown is transformed into a massive floral display while you enjoy food, entertainment, arts, crafts and so much more. Last year’s MumFest drew in over 70,000 visitors, and this year it is sure to be even bigger. Stop by the mum arch at Union Point Park for a photo op, along with a trip around the mum maze.

The Music Maker

One of my favorite performers, Jimmie Allen, is the headliner for the MumFest Concert on Friday, October 14. Allen received the CMA New Artist of the Year Award, and he will be ready to show us why he won with his amazing voice and energy! The concert takes place at Lawson Creek Park, with gates opening at 4:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $25; click here to purchase.

And the Feast of It

Now that we have become spoiled with the delicious MumFeast for the past two years, thank goodness it is back again! Taking place the weekend of October 21 and 22, the “Feasting in the Streets” in Downtown New Bern will offer a meal to satisfy any and all your cravings. This year, we have the added bonus of Ghostwalk happening the same days to round out a weekend of food, fright and sights!

Mums are the word for the month, however no one is keeping mum about these fantastic events!

September brings a ton of fun to New Bern! If you are looking for a family outing, a spicy dish or a cold brew (or perhaps all three), look no further. Here are three upcoming special outings to enjoy.

Get the Chills

Is there anything better than a bag of cotton candy, followed by a corn dog? Just be sure to enjoy after the rides! These “delicacies” and more may be enjoyed at the Fall Fest at the Craven County Jaycees Fairgrounds, September 14 to 18. The fair is sure to offer a fantastic time, with rides, food, games and more. Lots of entertainment adds to the fun, so be sure to check out the schedule here.

Another Bowl of Chili

It’s been quite a long time for the Havelock Chili Festival, but it is back! The 40^th annual event takes place on Saturday, September 24, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Walter B. Jones Park. Come out for a chillaxing day of great food, music, vendors and more. The day’s activities naturally include a cook-off, with participants competing to win for the best red chili. To complement the deliciousness, you will enjoy live entertainment, a variety of vendors and more. More details are here.

I’ll Have a Chilled One

The New Bern Breakfast Rotary Club hosts the 11th Annual B/S/H/ Oktoberfest, on Saturday, September 24, 5 p.m., at Union Point Park. This is a fantastic party, complete with The Little German Band and Dancers as the main performance. Treat yourself to scrumptious German-style food and beer. I’ve been told there is a stein-holding contest, yet I have no idea what that entails. Purchase tickets here.

If these three events are any indication of what lies ahead for the fall, we will be chilling out quite a bit!

I recently had a free Saturday morning, and I thought a fantastic way to be productive over the weekend was a nice, long hike in 90-degree weather. Joking of course about the heat, I wanted to take in some fresh air and some new scenery. Less than 20 miles down the road from New Bern, we have an amazing place to take a hike and more.

Learn Something New

Croatan (pronounced crow-ah-ten) National Forest spans nearly 160,000 acres. Located in Havelock, the forest is the only coastal one along the Eastern Seaboard. I learned the name comes from the Indian tribe who lived on this land during Sir Walter Raleigh’s Lost Colony period. The sights and sounds are calmingly beautiful, with trees as far as the eye can see. Water is in every direction, as the forest borders three bodies of water. If you are a birdwatcher, this is the place to be.

Do Something Different

Last time I was here, I took one of the easier trails. On this outing, I “braved” the Patsy Pond Nature Trail so I could read up on the interpretive signage, which also allowed me views of Bogue Sound. Croatan has an abundance of recreation areas for everything a nature lover loves to do–camping, picnicking, swimming, canoeing, hiking and fishing. Or, if you simply want to park your car and set up a camp chair, you can do that also. Next time, I am coming back with a friend and her kayak!

And Something Else

I passed by someone who mentioned I had to see the pocosins. After asking that he repeat what he said three times, it was best to heed his advice and search for these so-called cool somethings. I found the Pocosin Wilderness area, and now I can check that off the list! Pocosin is an Algonquin Indian word meaning “swamp on a hill,” with Longleaf pine trees. Apparently, they are an essential habitat for the Red-cockaded Woodpecker.

Croatan National Forest is definitely worth the drive from New Bern. Tell others to take a hike, too!

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

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!

This has been a hot summer all over the country, so I thought I would spotlight three activities to enjoy in August to get your day on, in or by the water.

Day on the Water – Cliffs of the Neuse State Park

If you are looking for wide, open spaces, then this park about an hour down the road fits to a tee. In the early 1940s, Lionel Weil donated the land as he thought the natural beauty should be preserved. The Cliffs of the Neuse offers seven different walking trails, along with picnicking areas and Visitor Center with kids’ activities. The spring lake (not connected to the Neuse) is closed temporarily due to lifeguard shortage, however the river is primed for an afternoon of canoeing or kayaking. You can get a feel of the 90-foot cliff drop from the overlook, or better yet, from the river looking up!

Day in the Water – New Bern Aquatic Center

At the City of New Bern Aquatic Center, you can enjoy a day in the water or lounging beside it! With zero entries, different pool depths, interactive splash features, slides and large deck, the entire family will stay entertained all day long. If you want some major exercise, the swim lanes allow you to get in some laps. After all this activity, you may need to refuel, which is easy to do with the convenient concession stand.

Day by the Water – The Great Trent River Raft Race

It’s back! While the 2020 race was cancelled due to the pandemic, we are so ready for the return of one of New Bern’s top events on Saturday, August 28. The fun begins at 11 a.m. at Union Point Park with four different vessel-type races. I must admit my favorite is “Anything that Floats,” meaning you can use whatever materials you want and hoping it stays afloat. You are invited to get very creative, as there will be prizes for most creative rafts and most creative costumes. The Great Trent River Raft Race brings the entire town together for a day filled with fun, community spirit and entertainment.

Whether you like to boat, swim or simply spectate, you can do so along the water in New Bern!